Thomas & Stefania's Beautiful Maryland Wedding at The Elkridge Furnace Inn


Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you my recent experience capturing a wedding at the captivating Elkridge Furnace Inn in Elkridge, Maryland.


The Elkridge Furnace Inn boasts a venue that is nothing short of a dream - especially their venue, the Garden House. Hidden away in its own world, the Garden House offers a serene, secluded ceremony area encircled by whispering pines. It's as if nature itself conspired to give couples a private paradise. Beyond the ceremony area, there's a perfectly climate-controlled tent poised for receptions, where memories are made and shared. But what genuinely warmed my photographer’s heart was the Garden House building itself. Featuring ample rooms spread across multiple levels, it's ingeniously designed to keep the bridal party separate, building the anticipation and magic before that emotion-charged first look.

Elegant engagement ring displayed with white roses and gray wedding stationery.
Rose gold wedding rings with a sparkling diamond solitaire engagement ring on a light gray surface.
Elegant white rose boutonniere with green foliage on a marble surface.
White wedding dress hanging on wooden rustic pergola in garden setting.
Elegant white wedding gown suspended from wooden garden arbor surrounded by lush greenery.
White bridal bouquet with roses and eucalyptus next to strappy wedding sandals on leather couch.
Wedding dress fitting with attendants helping adjust the elegant white gown.
Groomsmen in gray suits toasting with drinks at wedding celebration.
Luxurious floral centerpiece in gold vase with table number at wedding reception.
Diamond engagement ring nestled in cream rose petals with green foliage.
Elegant white wedding cake decorated with pink roses and eucalyptus on crystal cake stand.
Brick exterior of a historic building with green shutters and orange doors creates a classic architectural backdrop.
Black and white photograph of a traditional brick building with elegant architectural details.
Garden wedding ceremony setting with lush greenery and natural sunlight filtering through trees.
Outdoor wedding ceremony venue with white chairs arranged in rows along a stone pathway.

Thomas & Stefania


Now, onto our lovely couple, Thomas and Stefania. Their energy, their joy, and their deep connection made every click of the camera worth it. They, along with their fantastic bridal party, were a dream to work with. Their first look? Well, the Garden House's ceremony area couldn’t have been more perfect for that intimate moment.


Elegant garden pathway surrounded by mature trees and manicured landscaping.
Stone pathway winding through a lush summer garden with green foliage.
Intimate garden setting with dappled sunlight filtering through leafy trees.
Romantic garden moment captured on a stone pathway surrounded by summer greenery.
Stone pathway through a garden with elegant landscaping and natural lighting.
Long flowing veils create dramatic effect against garden pathway backdrop.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a brick pathway surrounded by lush greenery and white chairs.
Wedding couple poses together on a garden path with white chairs and trees in the background.
Close-up romantic moment between newlyweds under a flowing white veil.
Intimate wedding portrait showing tender moment between bride and groom.
Elegant wedding couple poses on brick pathway with white floral bouquet.
Newlyweds share candid moments while holding white and green bouquet in outdoor garden setting.
Wedding couple embraces on stone pathway with white chairs visible in background.
Candid wedding moments captured on brick pathway with natural garden backdrop.
Elegant wedding portraits on brick pathway with lush summer garden setting.

"I Do"


Set against the backdrop of this stunning location, the ceremony became an intimate gathering, with 75 cherished friends and family in attendance. The Garden House, with its unique blend of nature and architectural grace, provided a serene setting that echoed the couple's genuine love for each other. Sunlight filtered through the whispering pines, casting dappled light on the attendees, while a soft breeze carried the scent of fresh flowers, enhancing the romantic ambiance.


As the ceremony unfolded, every detail seemed to be in harmony with the next. The vows exchanged were heartfelt. Stefania's elegant gown flowed with her every movement, complemented by Thomas's sharp suit, together they looked the very picture of marital bliss. The laughter and shared moments between the couple and their loved ones made it evident that this was not just a union of two souls, but the coming together of two families. With Mother Nature on their side, the weather was kind – a perfect balance of sun and breeze, making it an idyllic day for such a beautiful event at the Garden House.

Row of white chairs set up outdoors for wedding ceremony with guests seated.
Wedding guests walking along a stone path surrounded by green trees and grass.
Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs arranged in rows on a stone path.
Outdoor wedding venue with rows of white chairs arranged along a stone path surrounded by trees.
Wedding ceremony guests seated outdoors in white chairs surrounded by lush greenery and stone walls.
Wedding party members stand beneath a white floral arch during an outdoor ceremony.
A flowing white wedding veil against a backdrop of lush garden greenery.
A black and white photo of an outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on both sides of a stone path.
A garden wedding ceremony setup with white chairs and floral arch surrounded by tall trees.
An elegant outdoor wedding ceremony with white floral arch and guests seated on folding chairs.
A wedding ceremony kiss under an arch decorated with cascading white flowers.
A romantic wedding moment under cascading white floral decorations on a stone patio.
Wedding ceremony recessional on a stone pathway with guests seated on white chairs.
An outdoor wedding ceremony with guests seated on white chairs along a brick pathway.
Wedding celebration outdoors on a sunny day with guests mingling.

A Maryland Reception to Remember


Then came the highlight of the evening: the couple's first dance. Thomas and Stefania moved across the floor in a dance that can only be described as choreographed love. Every step, turn, and glance they shared was a testament to their journey and love. The crescendo of their performance was a dip, reminiscent of classic romance films, leaving everyone in awe and setting a magical tone for the rest of the evening.


The Elkridge Furnace Inn, known for its culinary excellence, ensured that the night wasn't just a feast for the eyes but also for the palate. Guests were treated to an array of delectable dishes that showcased the team's prowess in the kitchen. As the evening progressed, the infectious energy of music beckoned all to the dance floor. While some guests leaned into cozy conversations over coffee and decadent desserts, others surrendered to the rhythm, dancing with abandon and creating memories that would be cherished forever.

Wedding reception venue with wooden dance floor and white tent setup filled with guests.
Sequence of dance moves on a wooden floor under a white tent during a wedding celebration.
Wedding celebration under a white tent with guests dancing on a polished floor.
Dynamic dance sequence showing low dips and spins on a polished reception floor.
Couple sharing an intimate dance moment on a parquet floor at their wedding reception.
Curved ceiling venue decorated with string lights creating a warm ambiance.
Wedding venue interior with arched windows and romantic string light decorations.
Wedding celebration with guests dancing under warm string lights in an indoor venue.
DJ booth setup at a wedding reception with arched windows and ambient lighting.
Black and white photo of a romantic first dance at a wedding reception under twinkling lights.
Wedding guestbook spread with floral decorations and handwritten messages.
Wedding reception dance party with guests in teal dresses on the dance floor.
Wedding reception dance floor filled with guests enjoying themselves under string lights.
Wedding couple sharing a romantic dance moment under twinkling lights at their reception.
Newlyweds cutting their elegant white wedding cake decorated with eucalyptus leaves.

Elkridge Furnace Inn Venue Pricing & Details


One of the key elements in orchestrating your dream wedding lies in the selection of your vendors. While The Elkridge Furnace Inn offers a comprehensive suite of services such as bar service, catering, cake, furnishings, and linens, it's essential to partner with the right professionals. We can recommend a list of top-notch DJ's, florists, live bands, and other specialists to bring your wedding vision to life.


Benson Park Photography commits to capturing the essence of your special day. Reach out to understand more about our unparalleled photography offerings and to gauge if we're the right fit for you.


Regarding the venues, the Garden House, perfect for a more intimate gatherings, comes at a base price of $350 and $1000 for coordination. Reception venue costs at either of their locations are seasonal, ranging from $2000 to $5000.

The comprehensive cost per guest averages at $150 or more, encompassing all charges including the house bar, staff, cake, furnishings, linens, china, glassware, silverware, planning, and catering.


The Garden House stands out as an idyllic setting for those envisioning a whimsical forest wedding, accommodating up to 70 guests. With its permanent tent structure, the venue assures a consistently elegant ambiance with its flooring, chandeliers, and climate-controlled environment, ensuring a seamless celebration.

Professional photographer in dark suit with camera gear working at outdoor event.
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