Turf Valley Resort, found just outside Old Ellicott City in Maryland, is a location rich in history and modern luxuries. Its story begins as part of Charles Carroll’s Doughoregan Manor and later evolved into a thoroughbred farm. The 1960s witnessed its transformation into the Turf Valley Country Club, and in 1978, Nick and Mary Mangione turned it into the stunning resort it is today. Over the years, this once modest clubhouse has expanded to include first-class hotel accommodations and a top-rated restaurant in 1988, followed by the addition of The Spa at Turf Valley Resort in 1997.
Today, Turf Valley Resort covers a whopping 1,000 acres of scenic beauty in the Baltimore-Washington corridor of Central Maryland. This prime location is less than 40 miles from Washington, DC, and only 20 miles from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The resort offers a wide range of amenities, including two championship golf courses, an outdoor pool, a spa, an onsite restaurant, and various leisure activities. The resort also boasts a variety of rooms, including suites and a bridal suite, with features such as private bathrooms, a dining area, and a private balcony. Moreover, the resort is pet-friendly and offers free high-speed internet and parking.
When it comes to event photography, particularly weddings, Turf Valley Resort stands out for several reasons. The resort is a well-known destination for beautiful weddings and intimate celebrations, with options for romantic outdoor ceremonies as well as elegant indoor receptions. Its venues offer unique layouts that can accommodate a wide range of wedding styles, featuring grand entrances, private bar and cocktail areas, dance floors, and outdoor access. Additionally, the resort provides all-inclusive wedding packages that cover catering needs, and it offers the convenience of hosting all wedding-related activities in one location. For those looking to make a weekend event out of their wedding, the resort’s amenities, including the spa, golf course, and pools, can provide entertainment for guests.
Despite the many advantages, there are potential limitations to consider when choosing Turf Valley Resort as a location for photography. Its popularity as a wedding and event venue could mean high demand and potentially limited availability, especially during peak wedding season. Furthermore, although the resort offers numerous amenities, it may not be suited to those seeking a more urban or minimalist backdrop for their photos.
Turf Valley Resort, although a great location for portraits, does not have any formal mechanism for hosting portrait sessions outside of a formalized event. That said, if you plan to host a small party, such as a family reunion or even simply have dinner reservations in their restaurant, the venue is generally amenable to sharing their picturesque spaces for family and other portraits, provided they do not impede the enjoyment of the venue for other guests.