George Peabody Library Wedding: Designing For A Historical Venue
Confession: I only heard of the George Peabody Library last year.
I know, right? I moved to Maryland in 2016, so where have I been? Looking for romance and refinement in DC, neglecting everything Baltimore, thinking there was nothing there for nerdy book lovers and art seekers like me.
Little did I know, George Peabody Library weddings were actually a thing. And they’re a marvelous thing at that!
@jackiesteelephoto
A “Hidden” Gem in Baltimore
Just 40 minutes away from my neighborhood (LOL it’s actually a little over an hour in traffic) is one of the top 10 most beautiful libraries in the US, by Lonely Planet. Condé Nest Traveler even named it on their list of the most beautiful libraries in the world!
I was thrilled to be asked to design a custom wedding invitation suite! And to be inspired, I had to see this architectural wonder for myself.
@jackiesteelephoto
So what is it actually like? Is it really a big deal? Will your wedding guests know it’s a big deal? Will they care? Will they be as excited as you to celebrate in this place? Let’s go over some logistics, the cost, and designing for a George Peabody Library wedding, so you can decide if it’s right venue for you and your partner’s once-in-a-lifetime event.
The Space
Visiting the George Peabody Library for the first time, I was speechless. I’m not an architect, but as a print designer and illustrator who has been fortunate enough to explore Renaissance architecture in Europe, consider me impressed.
You don’t have to be a book lover either to appreciate the beauty. Even if you ignore the surrounding 300,000 books, your eyes land on the black and white checkered floor, and immediately trail upward to a vast skylight casting a certain glow about the room. The ample natural light plays nicely with the gold accented patterns of all 5 floors of the library.
@jackiesteelephoto
For couples looking for that wow factor, this is it. In fact, I immediately texted my husband our vow renewal plans. Thank you, Peabody library architect Edmund G Lind!
Designing For The Wedding
Since the library makes for an intricate design backdrop, you can get away with minimal decor and understated wedding attire. A strong pop of color adds a twist to the traditional black, white, and gold palette. Red, for example, can be one that adds some drama:
@jackiesteelephoto @jackiesteelephoto
You can even play with different shades of green to add an organic touch:
@jackiesteelephoto
@jackiesteelephoto
For your guests who have never set foot (or seen photos) inside the majestic George Peabody Library, I put a lot of effort on designing that first touch point–your wedding invitations.
@jackiesteelephoto
In this particular design, the first thing you see when you open the envelope is the library’s checkered floor.
Followed by a detailed illustration of the arches veiling the main invitation.
@the11amcreative
Breaking the red wax seal makes for a special opening experience. Like I’ve been invited to the Queen’s secret ball!
Aesthetics aside, your invitations also have to be practical. A QR code disguised in the back the RSVP response card and details card conveniently links to your wedding website, making guest management easy peasy.
The Logistics
Aside from being a gorgeous indoor space that protects you from unpredictable Maryland weather, the George Peabody Library features an adjacent exhibit gallery useful for cocktail hour or guest hangout during the venue flip from ceremony to reception.
@the11amcreative
Importantly, there are well maintained restrooms with multiple stalls. Truly the unsung hero for wedding guest experience!
Weddings take place in the library on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 5pm to midnight. There is space for 170 seated guests and a dancefloor. There is no kitchen on site, so you will have to work with one of their approved caterers. This is directly taken from their website, which has a very detailed FAQ section on events.
@jackiesteelephoto
The Cost
It costs $11,000 to host a wedding at the George Peabody Library in 2025, according to their website. As of writing, there are only 2 saturdays left for the year. Check out their availability here, or better yet, contact them directly.
Pushing to 2026 will cost you $11,500. The fee includes 5 hours of party time and rental for basic tables and chairs. You get 4 hours to set up beforehand, and 1.5 hours for breakdown at the end of the night. If you need to extend, the fee is $1,000 per hour.
@jackiesteelephoto
What about food and beverage? Catering is exclusive to their preferred list, and per their website, starts at about $200 per person. The caterer also has to buy and serve the liquor.
As a foodie, and fan of the DC Costco liquor aisle, this is definitely an inconvenience, but I can understand their selectiveness. They have a lot of policies and rules to protect the space. Like no smoking or open flames… because, you know, 300,000 books.
@jackiesteelephoto
The Must-Haves
Definitely hire a planner or coordinator because of the limited setup and break down hours. This is something you do not want to DIY even if you had more time.
Honestly, even if you have family or friends willing to help, it’s not a good idea. How do I know? My husband, our friends, and I cleaned up decorations and prepared the rentals for pick-up the day after our wedding while we were tired and hungover. 10/10 would NOT recommend.
@jackiesteelephoto
Don’t forget about parking arrangements. Like most areas in downtown Baltimore, parking is limited. There’s a garage close by, but encouraging ride shares is better if guests will be drinking. Contact the event staff for more help on this.
The Nice-to-Haves
An after party at a close by hotel is a way to keep the celebration going past library hours. It’s a chance for you to let loose and get unhinged, particularly if you’re not a fan the library’s strict rules (e.g. no shots, no beer kegs).
Thankfully, there are many hotels within walking distance. You can also go the extra mile by hiring shuttles. Your guests will thank you for saving their fancy shoes from Baltimore’s cobblestone streets!
@jackiesteelephoto
Lastly, after going through all that planning and logistics, wouldn’t it be nice if your guests actually show up AND dress up? This is where custom wedding invitations drum up excitement, and convey formality.
@jackiesteelephoto
Don’t get me wrong, digital invitations ARE great, especially for baby showers or a Superbowl party! They just don’t have the same impact as receiving something fancy that you can touch and feel.
Fancy invitations = Fancy event.
Plus, our modern culture has trained us to love getting something exciting in the mail (thanks, Amazon!).
Regardless, your closest people will show up for you on your wedding day, no doubt. But for the rest of them? Maybe they are feeling some sort of wedding guest fatigue after the Covid wedding boom. Why not hype them up?
Let’s be honest, generic invitation templates with janky printing won’t catapult your wedding to the top of their FOMO list.
@jackiesteelephoto
So, George Peabody Library Wedding, Yay or Nay?
I hope I have given you useful points to consider when planning a wedding at the George Peabody Library. I personally think it’s a stunning venue that looks and feels indulgent. It makes for gorgeous, timeless photos, with the convenience of being in the city.
Share your opinions in comments section below! Be nice.
Also, if you like the way I designed these invitations, it would be my honor to work on yours. Explore my services, or reach out today and let’s talk party!
Stationery designer and calligrapher in DC, with a background in healthcare, she knows how to listen actively, work collaboratively, meet tight deadlines, and value transparent communication.
She approaches your love story and family dynamics with openness, understanding, and a passion to see more of the world and its beings. Culture and travel are huge inspirations for her art, as she is extremely fortunate to experience various destinations and traditions all over the world.
As a hopeless romantic who found her soulmate, she is genuinely a fan of love and marriage, and will cheer you on as you navigate one of the biggest celebrations of your lifetime!
