Thinking of all of the sponsor alumni family wedding receptions I have attended over the years, as well as rehearsal dinners as “family,” plus other corporate dinner events, Comm Week family parties and private events, notes below.
If this is Friday of a football weekend in Annapolis, book yesterday. Reunion classes book company dinners, former teammates do events, etc., plus all the other Fall Wedding People, years in advance.
- The Naval Academy Club. So convenient, just walk next door, nice spaces which can accommodate larger groups, decent food, routine event for them. They also have a venue over at the Navy golf course, and can do events in interesting spots around the Yard.
Naval Academy Club
www.navalacademyclub.com
- USNA Alumni Assn Ogle Hall, though they are selling it and eventually moving to a new center at a re-purposed area of the Yard. Beautiful historic mansion, former colonial governor’s home, Lafayette-danced-here vibe. They use caterers who are the best in Annapolis.
- N* Room or Ackerman Tower of Lacrosse Hall of Fame venues at the stadium via Naval Academy Athletic Assn. Big to small spaces, usual top Annapolis caterers, fun venue, easy parking and access. The N* Room has great team photos from years past to go look at. You could try to find
@NavyHoops
Facility Rentals
navysports.com
- Severn Grove Inn across the river from USNA. Beautiful view, excellent food, private room. Typically where DH has his reunion company dinner.
- Fleet Reserve Association in DTA (downtown Annapolis), near the waterfront Marriott. They have a great harbor view location.
- The waterfront Marriott, of course.
- Many restaurants in DTA (Main St. And Dock St. area) have private event/dining rooms and are used to wedding events, Comm Week parties and reunion events. Look at: Middleton Tavern, O’Brien’s, and there are many more, you’ll have to break out Yelp and work your way up and down the street and review websites.
- The bigger hotels and restaurants on West St. between Church Circle and Spa Circle.
- Restaurants in Eastport area. Carroll Creek, Blackwall Hitch, others.
- Annapolis Maritime Museum in Eastport. Great place for a function. You have to use a caterer.
- Harry Browne’s on State Circle. Nice event room. We hosted inlaws’ 50th anniversary dinner there for a large family group. We have also been there for other events and regular dinners. Classic Annapolitan restaurant.
- Reynolds Tavern on Church Circle. Colonial inn venue. We have been to some lovely events there.
- Yellowfin on the South River. River views, easy parking, good food.
- Crowne Plaza Hotel near Annapolis Mall (“Westfield Shoppingtown Annapolis”). If guests are staying there, very convenient venue. Ditto Doubletree Hotel. Easy parking and access, expected hotel catering. Not particularly Annapolitan.
That’s off top of head.
Top caterers often seen at USNA Alumni, USNA Athletic Assn, and the starred ones whom we have also used at our house. Their event planners will know all of the cool places to host an event.
*Main & Market
*Bayside Catering
Bo Brooks
O’Leary’s
*Palate Pleasers
Try the Annapolis Visitor Center for activity ideas. Many weddings we have attended here just put a link to that on their wedding website page.
Lastly, especially on a home football weekend, include parking logistics and walking on uneven brick sidewalks in your planning. Some places are difficult to access.
