Top 20 Questions

After many years hosting at Herrington on the Bay, we're very attuned to your needs. To help things go smoothly, we've answered some of the most common questions here:

Can I bring my own liquor, beer, wine and/or champagne?
Since Herrington on the Bay owns and is responsible for the liquor license for the property, we cannot allow guests to bring their own liquor, beer, wine or spirits of any kind.

May I bring my own food, linens or other rental items?
Herrington on the Bay is a full-service caterer and we must provide all food, linens, and other services on our properties. We do so at the best value possible for our clients.

Are deposits refundable?
Once you have reserved our services and property for your event, we no longer offer the date or location to other guests. Therefore, we may not resell the date if your event is cancelled, and cannot refund your deposit.

Is a gratuity included in the labor cost?
The labor cost is not a gratuity. It is used to pay wages to our staff. Many of our clients do give tips for our outstanding service. Therefore, any voluntary tips that you choose to offer in addition to the labor costs are greatly appreciated.

In the cost summary, it appears as though labor costs are taxed. Is this correct?
Yes. Maryland state law requires that any labor cost applied to catered parties for 12 or more guests must be taxes at the 6% Maryland state tax rate.

What if I plan an outdoor ceremony and it rains?
Rest assured that Herrington on the Bay provides a rain plan for your ceremony. We can quickly relocate your wedding inside to the facility that you have reserved for your reception at no extra cost.

Is electricity available at the Polynesian Bridal Lawn?
Yes, there is power within 25 feet of the lawn and is available for podiums, musicians, and other ceremony needs.

What options are available to make our wedding day especially memorable?
Herrington on the Bay permits each couple to provide their own unique floral arrangements, decorations, and entertainment. Ask us for a list of preferred vendors for ideas. We can also provide options such as fireworks, horse and carriage rides, gourmet chocolate displays and ice sculptures, to name a few. Tell us your dreams, and we will do our best to make them come true!

What time can we begin decorating the facility for our wedding?
Herrington guarantees one hour prior to the contracted event time for any outside deliveries and/or decorations and set-up.

How many guests can be seated in the Island Room of the Historic Yacht Club (entrance level)?
We can accommodate 100 guests in the downstairs of the yacht club (Island Room).

How many guests can be seated in the Chesapeake Room of the Historic Yacht Club (upper level)?
We can accommodate 150 guests in the upstairs of the yacht club (Chesapeake Room).

How many guests can be seated in the Paradise Ballroom (outside tent facility)?
We can accommodate 300 guests in the Paradise Ballroom.

Will there enough parking for all my wedding guests?
Yes, we have ample free parking whether your event is located at the Historic Yacht Club or the Paradise Ballroom. Ask us about valet parking options for your guests as well.

What will the Herrington staff wear at my wedding?
Our wedding uniform for the staff is sleek and contemporary. Black tuxedo pants, black button down shirt, black tie and apron.

May I have my wedding rehearsal on the Polynesian Bridal Lawn?
Herrington will endeavor to make accommodations for you to rehearse on the Polynesian Bridal Lawn or Herring Bay Bridal Garden. For even greater convenience, also ask about hosting your rehearsal dinner at Herrington on the Bay as well.

Who supplies the ceremony chairs on the Polynesian Bridal Lawn?
Herrington on the Bay furnishes white bistro chairs for wedding ceremonies. These chairs will be sparkling clean for your wedding 30 minutes prior to the ceremony.

What happens to any leftover food?
Herrington on the Bay Catering is a licensed food service facility, and the Anne Arundel County Health Department requires that all food be handled only by our professional staff. Any leftover food must be properly disposed at Herrington on the Bay, so there are no doggie bags.

Does Herrington provide a wedding ceremony coordinator?
A wedding ceremony coordinator can be arranged with one of our preferred vendors, but is not included in the cost estimates unless specifically requested. Couples are also welcome to contract with their own ceremony coordinator.

How will guests find my wedding at Herrington on the Bay?
We can provide reproducible directions to our facility to you. Directions can also be found on our web site, and we also suggest that guests seek Google, MapQuest, or GPS directions. Our physical address is included, below.