You've booked your date! Now comes the fun part: bringing it to life. Find our approved caterers, trusted vendor recommendations, venue details, policies, and answers to the questions that tend to come up along the way.
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Approved Caterers
The following full-service caterers have worked with us on several occasions, and they have each proven to provide a quality product to their customers. While selecting a caterer for your event, please choose from the list below.
Weddings + Private Events
Absolutely Perfect Catering
Be My Guest
Bowl of Cherries*
Copper Kitchen
Ken’s Creative Kitchen*
Main & Market
Mission BBQ
Palate Pleasers*
Zeffert and Gold Catering
*one-day liquor license is needed – more info below
Meetings + Private Events
While selecting a caterer for your event, please choose from the list below or from the above Wedding list.
Absolutely Perfect Catering
Bayside Bull
Mission BBQ
Saucy Salamander
Santoni’s
Catering Policies
You must choose a caterer from our approved caterer listing above. Our catering list has been carefully chosen due to their knowledge of our facilities and their service to prior clients, as well as their adherence to our sustainability efforts. All caterers listed are full-service and will handle setup, cleanup, and will coordinate your rental items.
Sustainability Efforts
As a non-profit organization committed to the preservation of the Chesapeake Bay, we have implemented a ban on all single-use plastic serving ware at our events.
The use of Styrofoam, plastic water bottles, plastic cups, cutlery, straws, and plates is strictly prohibited for all events. We require the use of china, glassware, or compostable serving ware as alternatives to plastic.
Rentals & Décor
Linens, chairs, and serveware must be rented and coordinated through your chosen caterer. You are welcome to bring in your own décor or rent additional décor items such as specialty furniture from a 3rd party rental company not coordinated by your caterer. All rentals must be delivered and picked up the same day as your event.
Alcohol
You're welcome to provide your own alcohol. It must be served by a certified bartender (no self-serve stations) and we recommend hiring your caterer as your bartending service. Your alcohol should be delivered when your caterer arrives, and any leftovers are your responsibility and must be removed from the property.
Plan ahead! We recommend having two large vehicles to take home leftover alcohol, florals and personal décor.
One-Day Liquor License
Depending on your caterer, Anne Arundel County may require a One-Day Liquor License through the Anne Arundel County Board of Liquor License Commissioners. Confirm with your caterer if they do not have a SCAT license; you are required to procure a one-day liquor license. It is a simple form that can be filled out online with the link below:
Preferred Vendors
These are the photographers, florists, planners, and creative partners we love working with — pros who know this property and consistently deliver. They're recommendations, not requirements, so reach out to any of them directly to check availability for your date.
PHOTOGRAPHERS »
Videographers »
DJs & Bands »
Florists »
Planners & Coordinators »
Transportation »
Rentals & Décor »
Invitations & Attire »
Cakes & Sweets »
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Venue Logistics
From venue access and included tables to parking, rehearsals, pets, boat arrivals, and rain plans, here’s everything you need to know about the logistics of hosting your wedding at Philip Merrill Environmental Center.
YOUR VENUE ACCESS
Your rental includes 8 hours of venue access. One additional hour can be added for $500 (9 hours total).
SETUP
2 HOURS
EVENT
5 HOURS
CLEANUP
1 HOUR
Per Anne Arundel County’s noise ordinance, all music must end by 10:00pm. Events may run until 10:00pm, with cleanup taking place from 10:00–11:00pm.
TABLES
Banquet tables are included in your rental. Below is our equipment list. Additional tables needed would be rented through your caterer.
TABLE TYPE
QUANTITY
60” round dining (SEATS 8–10)
14
6’ rectangular
10
8’ rectangular
2
36” round high top
6
THE WEDDING SUITE
The wedding suite will be available for your use during the 8 hour venue access. This space is designed for changing attire, serving as a staging area before the ceremony, and providing a secure location to store your personal belongings during the event. The wedding suite has access to two private single stall restrooms.
PARKING
We have a total of 125 parking spaces available. Cars may be left overnight but must be picked up the next morning, out of consideration for the next event. Please don't leave valuables in cars overnight, as we can't guarantee their safety.
PET POLICY
We adore your furry friends—bring them along for the ceremony and cocktail hour on the lawn! Please note that animals are allowed on the beach and grounds only.
BOAT & DOCK POLICY
Couples or guests may arrive or depart by boat. Our dock is 125 feet, and boats utilized must have no more than a 2-foot draw. Please also consider low tide and how it coincides with your event timing.
REHEARSAL
A one-hour beach rehearsal is included with your venue rental. Rehearsal times are confirmed at your final walkthrough, 30 days before your event, once our event calendar is finalized. If another event is scheduled the day before, we’ll offer alternative times.
You may choose to rehearse after our operating business hours, but keep in mind the building will not be accessible and CBF staff do not assist with rehearsals.
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu
8:30am – 5:00pm
FRIDAY
8:30am – 12:00pm
Sat & Sun
Closed
TENT & WEATHER PLAN
Our tented deck has side panels that can be closed for inclement weather, including rain, wind, or cold temperatures. Please confirm with the Wedding Manager whether you’d like the tent sides open or closed by 9:00am Friday for a weekend wedding, or by 9:00am the day of a weekday event.
Tent sides cannot be opened or closed once your event begins, including during active rain, lightning, or high winds. It can take up to two hours to open or close all sides and requires a ladder + clear access around the deck. Because of this, decisions on the tent sides should be made proactively – not reactively! We'll build your weather plan together at your walkthrough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access the wedding suite early?
When can I schedule my rehearsal?
My vendor needs more time for setup — can they arrive early?
Can cars be left on the property overnight?
The wedding suite is available during your 8-hour venue booking. The venue opens two hours before the start of your event for set up. If you'd like earlier access to the wedding suite, you can add an additional setup hour for $500.
Can I access the wedding suite early?
When can I schedule my rehearsal?
My vendor needs more time for setup — can they arrive early?
Can cars be left on the property overnight?
Your one-hour beach rehearsal is scheduled at your final walkthrough, 30 days before your event. If there's a wedding the day before yours, we'll arrange your rehearsal around their rental time or on an alternate day.
Can I access the wedding suite early?
When can I schedule my rehearsal?
My vendor needs more time for setup — can they arrive early?
Can cars be left on the property overnight?
While the building is only accessible during your 8-hour booking, we do allow access to our property all day. Vendors may access the beach, lawn, and deck for early set up. If a vendor needs more time inside, you can purchase an additional hour for $500.
Can I access the wedding suite early?
When can I schedule my rehearsal?
My vendor needs more time for setup — can they arrive early?
Can cars be left on the property overnight?
Yes. Cars may be left overnight but must be picked up the following morning so they do not interfere with the next event. Please do not leave valuables in any vehicle left on the property.