When planning a wedding, one of the most important factors to consider is the cost of the venue. If you’re dreaming of a waterfront wedding with breathtaking views and elegant indoor spaces, Lighthouse Sound in Bishopville, Maryland, may be the perfect choice. This article breaks down the costs, facilities, and essential information you need to know about hosting your wedding at Lighthouse Sound.
About Lighthouse Sound
Lighthouse Sound is a premier wedding venue located just minutes from Ocean City, Maryland. Known for its stunning views of the Assawoman Bay and lush golf course surroundings, the venue offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and refined elegance.
Couples who choose Lighthouse Sound can enjoy both indoor and outdoor event spaces, making it ideal for any season. Whether you dream of a waterfront ceremony at sunset or a glamorous reception in an elegant ballroom, Lighthouse Sound can bring your vision to life.
The venue’s professional event team ensures every detail is handled with care, providing a seamless experience from the planning stages through your big day.
Venue Details and Cost Overview
| Venue Name | Lighthouse Sound |
|---|---|
| Location | 12723 St Martins Neck Rd #1, Bishopville, MD 21813, United States |
| Contact Number | 410-641-2700 |
| Starting Price | From $5,000 per event |
| Guest Capacity | Up to 200 guests |
| Awards | Wedding Wire Couples Choice Awards 2015, 2020, 2025 |
| Website | https://lighthousesound.com/ |
| Not Available | |
| [email protected] | |
| Facilities | Ceremony Area, Private Bridal Suites, Outdoor & Indoor Spaces, Elegant Ballroom, Cherry Wood Dance Floor, White/Ivory Linens, Wireless Internet |
Location and Accessibility
Lighthouse Sound is situated in the charming coastal town of Bishopville, Maryland. Conveniently located just across the bay from Ocean City, it offers the perfect balance of tranquility and proximity to popular accommodations and attractions.
Out-of-town guests will appreciate the nearby hotels, vacation rentals, and beachside resorts, making it easy for them to turn your wedding into a mini-vacation. With scenic views, ample parking, and easy access from major highways, Lighthouse Sound is a highly accessible and desirable venue for destination weddings.
Factors Influencing Lighthouse Sound Weddings Cost
When planning a wedding at Lighthouse Sound, understanding the various factors that influence the total cost is crucial for creating a realistic budget. While the venue itself offers stunning views, flexible spaces, and exceptional service, there are several cost elements to consider that can significantly impact your overall expenses. Below, we break down the primary factors affecting Lighthouse Sound wedding costs and why each plays an important role in your budget.
1. Guest Count and Seating Arrangements
The number of guests is often the single largest determinant of your wedding budget. More guests mean more seating, food, drinks, and decor all of which add up quickly. At Lighthouse Sound, the maximum guest capacity is 200, so you have the flexibility to host both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations.
The per-guest cost includes catering, bar packages, and sometimes rentals like chairs, tableware, and linens. Keeping your guest list small can significantly lower these expenses while still ensuring an elegant and memorable celebration.
2. Wedding Date and Season
The time of year and day of the week you choose for your wedding will also affect the price. Weddings during peak season (late spring through early fall) tend to come with higher venue fees, especially for popular Saturdays. These months align with Maryland’s best weather, making outdoor ceremonies and receptions more desirable.
If you’re open to off-peak dates, such as winter months or weekdays, Lighthouse Sound may offer discounted rates. These off-season deals can save you thousands without compromising the beauty and quality of your event.
3. Indoor vs. Outdoor Event Spaces
At Lighthouse Sound, couples can choose from multiple ceremony and reception areas, including an elegant ballroom, outdoor patio, and waterfront ceremony space. Depending on your preferences, booking both indoor and outdoor spaces may come with additional setup costs.
Outdoor weddings may also require contingency plans like tent rentals, especially if there’s a chance of inclement weather. These extra arrangements contribute to higher overall costs.
4. Catering and Beverage Packages
Lighthouse Sound offers in-house catering, which simplifies your planning but also becomes a major line item in your budget. Pricing is typically charged per guest, ranging from casual buffet service to multi-course plated dinners.
Beverage packages are customizable, with options for open bars, limited bars, or specialty cocktails. The final cost will depend on your guest count, package selection, and drink preferences. Premium liquor, craft cocktails, and signature drink stations will cost more than basic beer and wine packages.
5. Custom Decor and Personalization
Lighthouse Sound’s natural beauty means you don’t need to overdo the decor, but many couples still choose to personalize their space with floral installations, specialty linens, custom signage, and statement lighting. These enhancements can quickly add thousands to your overall cost.
Additionally, unique rentals like photo booths, lounge furniture, or elaborate dessert stations contribute to both atmosphere and expenses.
6. Entertainment and Audio-Visual Services
Whether you hire a live band, DJ, or string quartet, entertainment is another cost factor. Prices vary widely depending on the performers’ experience and the length of their performance.
Some couples also choose to rent extra sound equipment, especially if they have live musicians playing during both the ceremony and reception. Lighthouse Sound offers basic wireless internet and sound equipment, but advanced setups often require external vendors.
7. Service Fees, Taxes, and Gratuities
Finally, don’t forget the hidden costs. Many venues, including Lighthouse Sound, apply service fees (typically 18-22%), taxes, and gratuities on top of your base costs. These charges apply to catering, bar service, and sometimes rentals — adding a substantial percentage to your final bill.
Breakdown of Lighthouse Sound Expenses
Here’s a general estimate of what you can expect to spend for a wedding at Lighthouse Sound. Prices vary based on your preferences, guest count, and customization.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Venue Rental Fee | Starting at $5,000 per event |
| Catering (per guest) | $75 – $150 |
| Beverage Packages | $30 – $60 per guest |
| Ceremony Setup | $500 – $1,500 |
| Linens and Tableware | Included (basic) / $500+ (upgrades) |
| Dance Floor | Included |
| Bridal Suite Access | Included |
| Outdoor Ceremony Space | Included |
| Decor & Floral | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Photography & Videography | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| Entertainment (DJ/Band) | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Miscellaneous Fees | $500 – $2,000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $20,000 – $50,000 |
Tips for Budgeting and Saving on Lighthouse Sound Weddings
Planning your dream wedding at Lighthouse Sound doesn’t have to mean overspending. With careful planning and strategic choices, you can host a beautiful celebration while keeping your finances under control. Below are practical and effective tips to help you budget smartly and maximize your investment.
1. Consider Off-Peak Dates and Times
If you have flexibility in your wedding date, you can save significantly by booking during Lighthouse Sound’s off-peak season or opting for a weekday wedding. Not only are venue fees lower, but many vendors also offer discounted rates during these less popular times.
Daytime weddings, like brunch receptions, can also be more affordable than evening events, especially for catering and bar services.
2. Trim the Guest List
Reducing your guest count directly lowers your food, drink, and rental costs. Smaller weddings allow for more personalized details, such as upgraded menus, specialty drinks, and elaborate floral arrangements — all without exceeding your budget.
A guest list of 100-125 guests strikes a great balance between intimacy and celebration at Lighthouse Sound.
3. Maximize Included Amenities
Lighthouse Sound offers a variety of included amenities, such as ceremony areas, bridal suites, basic linens, tables, chairs, and dance floors. Take full advantage of these to avoid renting from third-party vendors.
Ask the venue coordinator if there are package deals that combine these amenities with catering or bar services for added savings.
4. Embrace Simple, Elegant Decor
With its waterfront views, manicured golf course, and elegant architecture, Lighthouse Sound is naturally beautiful. You can minimize decor expenses by enhancing the venue’s existing charm with:
- Seasonal flowers
- Minimalistic table settings
- Elegant candles or lanterns
- Local greenery and florals
Natural beauty means less need for over-the-top decorations, saving both money and setup time.
5. Bundle Services for Discounts
Some vendors offer discounts if you book multiple services through them. For example, a photographer and videographer package or a DJ and lighting bundle can cost less than booking each separately.
Check if Lighthouse Sound has preferred vendor partnerships with special rates for couples using their venue.
6. Skip Unnecessary Extras
While it’s tempting to add every trendy feature, such as luxury welcome bags, elaborate seating charts, or specialty cocktail stations, these can inflate your budget quickly. Focus on the essentials food, drink, entertainment, and memorable guest experiences.
7. Use Local Vendors
Choosing local florists, bakeries, and photographers can save on travel fees and delivery charges. Lighthouse Sound is close to Ocean City, so there’s no shortage of talented vendors within a short drive.
8. Track Your Spending and Prioritize
Create a detailed budget spreadsheet that tracks every cost from venue fees to tips. Prioritize what matters most to you whether it’s a gourmet menu, live music, or breathtaking floral arrangements and allocate funds accordingly.
By focusing on your top priorities and cutting back on less important areas, you’ll achieve a wedding that reflects your vision while staying within budget.
Budget Estimate Summary for Lighthouse Sound Weddings
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a sample budget for a 100-guest wedding at Lighthouse Sound.
| Expense Category | Estimated Cost for 100 Guests |
|---|---|
| Venue Rental Fee | $5,000 |
| Catering | $10,000 |
| Beverage Package | $4,000 |
| Ceremony Setup | $1,000 |
| Decor & Floral | $4,500 |
| Photography & Video | $5,000 |
| Entertainment | $2,000 |
| Miscellaneous Fees | $1,500 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $33,000 |
Final Thoughts
Lighthouse Sound offers an exceptional setting for couples seeking a scenic and elegant wedding venue near Ocean City. With its flexible spaces, comprehensive amenities, and top-notch service, it’s no wonder Lighthouse Sound has earned prestigious awards and glowing reviews from past couples.
By understanding the costs, planning strategically, and leveraging the natural beauty of the venue, you can create a stunning wedding that fits your budget. Whether you envision a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Lighthouse Sound provides the perfect backdrop for your special day.