Vows Aboard a 1935 Ketch: Intimate Sailboat Weddings on Chesapeake Bay

SAINT MICHAELS SAILING FIELD GUIDE

Vows Aboard a 1935 Ketch: Intimate Sailboat Weddings on Chesapeake Bay

Private, two-hour wedding and elopement ceremonies aboard the historic 1935 ketch Lady Patty, departing from St. Michaels, MD—designed for intimate celebrations with sweeping Chesapeake Bay and Miles River views.

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Vows Aboard a 1935 Ketch: Intimate Sailboat Weddings on Chesapeake Bay.

Duration
2 hours
Location
Saint Michaels
Operator
St. Michaels Sailing Charters
Category
Sailing
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Say “I do” on a historic sailboat amid the calm water and open skies of the Chesapeake. St. Michaels Sailing Charters runs private ceremonies aboard the 1935 ketch Lady Patty, offering personalized, small-scale weddings and elopements that trade crowded venues for peaceful harbor passages and Miles River views.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE CEREMONY

Officiant Included, Ceremonies Tailored to You

Packages include an officiant and a ceremony that can be shaped from traditional to alternative, allowing couples to keep the focus on a personal, stress‑free exchange of vows.

THE BOAT

Historic 1935 Ketch, Lady Patty

Weddings take place aboard Lady Patty, a private, historic ketch that sails from the waterfront of St. Michaels—an intimate platform for a ceremony away from crowds and conventional venues.

THE VIEW

Under‑Sail Harbor and Miles River Vistas

Couples exchange vows with the harbor or Miles River as a backdrop—an uncluttered, scenic setting that emphasizes quiet water, open sky, and shoreline light.

What the day feels like

What the Ceremony Feels Like

The experience is compact and deliberate: board at the St. Michaels waterfront, cruise a short distance under sail to a quiet stretch of water, conduct a personalized ceremony with an included officiant, and return—two hours organized to minimize stress and maximize the intimacy of the moment.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this ceremony is best suited for.

1
Couples seeking an intimate ceremonyIdeal: the format prioritizes privacy and personalization for small groups and elopements within the vessel’s capacity limits.
2
Elopement‑focused travelersIdeal: designed specifically for simple, under‑sail elopements or small wedding ceremonies without the logistics of a traditional venue.
3
Couples with large guest listsNot ideal: the sailboat experience is limited to small parties and does not accommodate large receptions or many guests.
4
Guests with mobility considerationsConsiderations apply: vessel space and boarding may limit accessibility for larger groups—confirm details with the operator given the 13‑person capacity.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

Ceremonies run approximately two hours.

What to Bring

Operator guidance on attire or gear is not specified here; contact St. Michaels Sailing Charters for recommendations and any event‑specific requirements.

Logistics & Booking

Boarding is from Harbour Inn, 101 N. Harbor Rd, St. Michaels. Boat wedding packages start at $1,445 and the vessel accommodates a maximum of 13 people—confirm final pricing and guest counts with the operator.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the ceremony cruise?

The experience is approximately two hours long.

Where do we board Lady Patty?

Boarding is at the Harbour Inn, 101 N. Harbor Rd, St. Michaels, MD.

How many guests can attend?

The vessel accommodates a maximum of 13 people.

Is an officiant included?

Yes—an officiant is included as part of the wedding packages.

What styles of ceremony are offered?

Ceremonies are personalized and can range from traditional to alternative formats for intimate weddings or elopements.

How much do boat wedding packages start at?

Boat wedding packages start at $1,445.