Ocean Pines offers three unique locations for weddings, parties and other events

(Oct. 2, 2020) Most Ocean Pines homeowners and residents are familiar with what the Yacht Club and Beach Club have to offer in terms of events, as each features a unique setting and picturesque waterfront views. 

With the recent opening of the new Golf Clubhouse, there’s now a third choice for weddings, banquets, private parties and more. 

The Matt Ortt Companies, which oversees food and beverage operations and special events at the Yacht Club and Beach Club, has brought its management expertise to the community’s newest venue, set in the heart of the community at the Ocean Pines Golf Club. 

Opened this spring, the Clubhouse offers attractive views of both nearby waterways, and of the Eastern Shore’s only Robert Trent Jones-designed golf course. 

Lia Isel, events manager for the Matt Ortt Companies, said the facility’s modest size is ideal for smaller parties and was the inspiration for a new all-inclusive “tiny weddings” package available exclusively at the Clubhouse. 

“The Clubhouse is a great space to have your rehearsal dinner, or even your birthday party,” Isel said. “I think a majority of people are familiar with the Yacht Club, but what we’re also very excited about are all the additional types of events we can now offer at the Clubhouse.” 

As Ocean Pines’ flagship venue, the Yacht Club continues to be a favorite location for weddings and other special events. Perhaps best known for its one-of-a-kind view of the Isle of Wight Bay, Matt Ortt Companies cofounder Ralph DeAngelus said the Yacht Club is even more dazzling at night, thanks to the twinkling skyline of nearby Ocean City. 

“It’s a million-dollar view. When people walk into the second-story banquet hall and look out over the balcony, it just sells itself,” added Lewis Sherman, who serves as the Matt Ortt Companies’ director of operations. 

Events at the Yacht Club can range from big, bold galas in the upstairs banquet room, to rehearsal dinners in the downstairs restaurant, and even small, cozy events in the downstairs lounge bar. 

“We have done anything and everything at the Yacht Club, from a baby shower and a celebration of life, to a 250-person wedding on the big patio overlooking the water,” Isel said. “We can also host several events at once. We’ve had a wedding upstairs with 200 people, a dinner party or a rehearsal dinner downstairs, and another 30-40 people for a smaller event at our cozy lounge bar.” 

For those looking for a more casual setting, DeAngelus recommends the Beach Club, which is perfect for a barefoot wedding in the sand with the iconic backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean. The venue is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day. 

Although being able to offer three distinct venues, each with a unique setting, is appealing to clients, an even bigger advantage is the added flexibility the Ortt Companies now has in booking events. 

“I think the exciting thing for the Clubhouse is that it’s a second outlet for us. So many times, we’ve had to say ‘no’ to people because that date is booked already. Now, we can say, ‘Let me take you two minutes from here and show you what we’ve got,’” DeAngelus said. “It's a great second option and another gorgeous view.” 

Isel said it’s always best to book in advance, with the calendar filling up quickly all the way into 2022. However, having the new Clubhouse also means the Ortt Companies can now handle many last-minute requests. 

“The sooner the better, but even if it’s the last minute, call us! That's the beauty of having three really unique places to host everything from large weddings, to small and intimate parties,” Isel said. “Whether you need to book a year in advance or for something that just popped up next week, we can accommodate you.” 

For information on bookings, visit www.opyachtclub.com/banquets or email Isel at [email protected].