Historic Howard County Wedding Venue

Historic Oakland Manor is a Columbia, Howard County, Maryland wedding venue offering historic elegance, secluded gardens, and flexible indoor and outdoor celebrations for up to 180 guests. Built in 1811, this beautifully preserved manor sits among wooded grounds in the heart of Columbia, giving couples the charm of a country estate without leaving the city.

A Little History. A Lot of Romance.

The manor blends Federal, Greek Revival, and Colonial Revival architecture with inviting gathering spaces, a covered veranda, and a stone-walled garden. Couples can exchange vows beneath a magnolia tree, host cocktails overlooking the grounds, and celebrate in an elegant ballroom or beneath a spacious reception tent.

It's historic without feeling overly formal, with enough flexibility to make the celebration entirely your own.

Event Spaces & Capacity

The manor can accommodate up to 180 guests when seating is distributed across multiple rooms. The tent provides a more unified reception setting for larger celebrations.

• Main Ballroom — Up to 80 guests seated. Four glass doors fill the room with natural light and open onto the covered veranda. The adjoining foyer and library offer additional space for dancing, cocktails, or food stations.

• Back Patio Tent — Up to 180 guests. A seasonal tent on the landscaped rear patio accommodates larger wedding receptions, with room for dinner and dancing.

• Bishop's Garden — Up to 80 ceremony guests. A secluded, stone-walled garden beside the manor, featuring a beautiful magnolia tree for outdoor ceremonies.

• Covered Veranda — Up to 32 seated or 50 for cocktails. Overlooking the wooded grounds, this enclosed, covered space is ideal for cocktail hour, desserts, or additional seating.

• Magnolia Room — Up to 64 guests seated. Located upstairs, this light-filled room features five large windows and additional space for smaller gatherings.

• Library & Foyer — Flexible gathering spaces. Perfect for a cocktail bar, appetizers, photo booth, or mingling between wedding events.

Catering: Your Menu, Your Way

Whether you're envisioning an elegant plated dinner, a family-style celebration, or a menu reflecting your cultural traditions, you can bring in the caterer that best suits your wedding.

The venue provides a commercial warming kitchen with refrigeration, a convection oven, and an ice machine. Indoor tables and chairs with setup are included, along with an on-site facility assistant.

Why Couples Love Historic Oakland Manor

• A Garden Ceremony With Character: Bishop's Garden offers an intimate setting surrounded by stone walls and greenery, with a magnolia tree adding natural beauty.

• Freedom to Personalize: Choose your own caterer, entertainment, and décor instead of working within a predetermined wedding package.

• Indoor & Outdoor Flexibility: Move between the ballroom, veranda, gardens, and seasonal tent to create a celebration that fits your guest list.

• Historic Architecture: The 1811 manor brings genuine history and architectural character to wedding portraits and celebrations.

• Thoughtful Amenities: A private getting-ready lounge, complimentary rehearsal time, indoor tables and chairs, and free on-site parking help simplify planning.

• A Hidden Retreat in Columbia: Wooded surroundings create a peaceful estate atmosphere just minutes from the conveniences of downtown Columbia.

Ready to explore Historic Oakland Manor? Inquire to learn more about wedding dates, event spaces, and planning your celebration.