Sandaway Suites & Beach
Sandaway Suites: Waterfront & Private Beach Hotel
Chesapeake Bay Wedding, Maryland Wedding
Service area
Holds ceremonies and receptions
About this venue
Ben Gibson
GENERAL MANAGER
Sandaway Suites & Beach: Your Private Waterfront Estate -
Host your dream wedding at Sandaway Suites & Beach, a historic waterfront boutique hotel and exclusive wedding venue nestled on the private shores of Oxford, MD. Now led by the third generation of the family business, Ben and Santy Gibson, Sandaway offers an intimate and secluded setting where your "I do" is whispered between the water and the trees. Oxford served as a filming location for the movie 'Failure to Launch.' In 2026, we are celebrating the 20th anniversary of the film's release—it's the perfect spot for a 'cinematic' waterfront wedding! Full 2026/2027 Wedding Packages & Pricing available on our website.
Nestled on 2.5 acres of manicured grounds, Sandaway offers a rare blend of Victorian charm and an unobstructed Chesapeake Bay shoreline. We believe your wedding should be more than a day—it should be a getaway. To ensure total privacy, we offer two distinct, transparently priced ways to celebrate:
1. The Sunset Ceremony Package (Up to 50 Guests)
Designed for effortless elegance, this package offers a beautifully timed window on our new Waterfront Garden Terrace with limited beach access. Meticulously scheduled for the "Golden Hour," this option includes a 4-Hour Private Photo Pass, granting the happy couple exclusive access to our entire grounds—including the iconic Weeping Beech and the romantic sunset afterglow—for high-value photography.
2. Full Property Venue Buyout (Up to 150 Guests)
Experience the luxury of your own personal resort. Secure exclusive use of our entire estate, private beach, and all 18 guest rooms (accommodating 38 overnight guests). Our "Guest-Funded" model allows your family and friends to satisfy the lodging guarantee by booking their rooms directly, significantly reducing your out-of-pocket venue investment.
Weekend Buyouts: 2-night minimum; perfect for tented receptions and multi-day celebrations.
Midweek "Natural Canopy" Buyout: A 1-night intimate option designed for open-air celebrations beneath our historic shade trees.
✨ EXCLUSIVE 2026 BUYOUT WINDOWS:
We have protected these prime dates for 100% private estate takeovers. No outside guests—just your inner circle on our 2.5-acre shore.
Sept 1–9: Labor Day "Double-Header" (Fri-Sat or Sun-Mon)
Sept 29 – Oct 5: Early Autumn Serenity
Oct 7–11: Peak Foliage & Golden Hour
Secure your date with a simple $1k/day retainer that applies directly to your Venue Fee.
The Sandaway Legacy -
Sandaway Suites & Beach is an award-winning TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice destination. With over 55 years of family-owned hospitality, our backdrop is so breathtaking it has been featured in The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, and Frommer's. Located just a 5-minute stroll from downtown Oxford’s historic charm, we provide a "no wedding crashers" guarantee and a seamless, family-led planning experience.
Now booking for 2026 and 2027. Discover the magic of a Chesapeake sunset at Sandaway.
Woman-owned Business
55+ years in business
Speaks Chinese, English, Indonesian
Meet the team
Ben Gibson
General Manager
Meet the Hosts: Ben & Santy
"A 3rd Generation Legacy of Love on the Chesapeake"
For Ben, Sandaway Suites & Beach isn’t just a business—it’s home. Growing up amidst the salt air and historic charm of Oxford, Ben learned the art of hospitality firsthand from his family, who have welcomed guests to this 2.5-acre waterfront estate for over 55 years.
Today, Ben and his wife, Santy, are proud to lead Sandaway into its third generation. Together, they bring a fresh, modern energy to the property while honoring the timeless traditions that make the Eastern Shore so special. For Ben and Santy, there is nothing more rewarding than sharing their "backyard"—the private beach, the towering trees, and those legendary Tred Avon River sunsets—with couples starting their own family legacies.
When you plan your wedding at Sandaway, you aren't just booking a venue; you’re being welcomed into a family tradition. Ben and Santy are dedicated to ensuring that every "Sunset Ceremony" and "Full Property Buyout" is handled with the same care and warmth that has defined Sandaway for over half a century.
Reviews
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5/10/26
Stayed here after the Spring Annapolis to Oxford Sailing Race. The Chesapeake Bay served up fiesty conditions for the race, and the lovely room and shower at the hotel were perfect for post-race relaxation. “Ben Gibson” welcomed me to the hotel...
, & the service his staff provided was excellent with a coffee & breakfast snack basket for a wake-up call. Well done.
4/19/26
We came down to Oxford last year and were very impressed with the town. We met Ben who gave us a great tour of the Sandaway resort. This weekend we booked a room at the resort with a great view of the waterway that surrounds Oxford. We could no...
t have been happier with our stay, for once again we had the pleasure of meeting Ben the caretaker of the facility. He went out of his way to make sure that our stay was as good as it could possibly be. We loved our stay and will be back again.
5/01/26
I went to Sandaway because my oldest raved about the property and staff. My experience at the property and staff did not disappoint. My room was cleaned by Sherie who did a great job and every morning Keke delivered hot coffee/tea and a bag of ...
goodies to my door to start my day. There was even some fresh mint in the bag which I thought was a nice touch and greatly needed since I was experiencing some digestive issues. The caretaker Ben, even ordered my dinner via door dash since I did not have an account. If you are looking for a quiet, beautiful and friendly spot to unwind and get away from it all, this is the place for you. When you come, please remember to generously tip the staff since the property does not charge a service fee.
5/22/26
Absolutely magical stay at Sandaway Suites & Beach! From the moment we arrived, everything felt peaceful, elegant, and incredibly welcoming. The waterfront views are breathtaking — especially at sunset — and the private beach creates such a rel...
axing, exclusive atmosphere.
The suites are beautifully designed: spacious, spotless, cozy, and full of charm. You can truly feel the attention to detail in every corner. Waking up to the sound of the water and enjoying coffee with that view was unforgettable.
The staff were exceptional — warm, attentive, and genuinely caring, making the entire experience feel personal and luxurious at the same time.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway, a peaceful retreat, or simply a beautiful escape from the busy world, Sandaway is a hidden gem. One of the most charming and memorable places we’ve stayed. We will absolutely be back!
5/04/26
What a beautiful building and amazing location! This is a gem of a place to stay. Rooms are clean and furnished very nicely. The historic home has an interesting history along with the surrounding area. It was a important port for the Briti...
sh in the early part of our country. The service is very friendly and caring and is very open about sharing some of the history of the area. The views from the property are wonderful and the sunset is even more amazing. You can walk into town for yummy ice cream and explore the few shops and stores in town.
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Sandaway Suites & Beach
Ben Gibson
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General Manager
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