Most Popular Wedding Venues in Southern Maine
If you are in the early stages of planning your picturesque Maine Wedding, these are the top Southern Maine wedding venues you should check out. I have hand selected my favorite Southern Maine wedding venues based on how well they photograph and properties that offer it all: ceremony, reception & lodging. Maine has so much to offer from gorgeous coastlines, rustic barns, farms & gardens, lakes and plenty of gorgeous historical locations with vast views of the ocean.
I find myself so lucky to live and photograph weddings in an area with so much beauty and a wide variety of gorgeous Maine wedding venues. There is something special & unique for everyone within a 1 hour drive from Portland, Maine and/or Boston, Massachusetts. Let’s get stated!
Best Seaside Maine Wedding Venues
Maine is a top destination wedding state because of our beautiful coastline for sure. I am so lucky to travel throughout Southern Maine each weekend to document gorgeous coastal weddings at some of the most beautiful ocean front wedding venues rich in history and gorgeous settings. It was hard to narrow down to my top 6 favorite coastal wedding venues but here it goes.
Viewpoint Hotel | York, Maine:
Viewpoint Hotel is one of my favorite coastal wedding venues to photograph. The ceremony site offers a panoramic ocean views with the historic Nubble Lighthouse in the background with beautifully landscaped lawns & gardens. This property features 9 luxury oceanview suites, an ocean-front terrace patio, heated pool and is truly one of the most magical locations on the East Coast. If you are looking for a Maine venue that offers luxury accommodations, a stunning ceremony site, amazing planning services and a tented wedding than look no further. Check out the following weddings & elopements at Viewpoint Inn:
Viewpoint Hotel Wedding of Jennifer & Michael
Viewpoint Hotel Wedding of Tiana & CJ
Viewpoint Hotel Wedding of Hailey & Michael
Viewpoint Hotel Wedding of Caroline & Alec
Viewpoint Hotel Wedding of Alice & Nick
Cliff House | Cape Neddick, Maine
Cliff House resort is an unrivalled setting for a luxury Maine wedding. This Maine wedding venue offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and other events. The Atlantic Ballroom offers stunning views of the ocean and coast beneath a gorgeous vaulted beamed ceiling. Wedding photography out on the cliffs is truly breathtaking. Cliff House can accommodate both small and large weddings and offers several rooms to meet your needs. They also offer a gorgeous spot on the North lawn overlooking the ocean and cliffs to say your vows. Everything you need is right on the property and if you are looking for a venue that truly offers a unique Maine experience this one might be for you. Check out the following links for wedding Cliff House wedding photography: Elizabeth & Tim, Jenny & Brian , Carley & Sean, J&B’s Winter engagement photography, & Julianne & Nick’s Cliff House Wedding,
York Golf & Tennis Club | York, Maine
York Golf & Tennis Club offers turn of the century elegance with spectacular views of the York River. The clubhouse can accommodate a maximum of 200 guests for a plated dinner or stations. You may also choose an outdoor ceremony featuring picturesque views for the ideal backdrop. Wedding photos out on this 18 hole course overlooking the York River at sunset are to die for. This property is rich in history & charm for sure. An elegant yet casual setting with so many options for beautiful photography locations might be your perfect match. Check out the following links to wedding photography at York Golf & Tennis Club: Franny & Blake, Sara & Scott, Francesca & Ryan, Sara & Luke
Black Point Inn | Scarborough, Maine
This historic 1878 Maine oceanfront hotel located on Prouts Neck is one of the most beautiful settings along Maine’s rocky coastline. The Inn is situated on pristine landscaped property surrounded by water and beaches on three sides and offers 25 guest rooms & suites. The Inn has been extensively renovated over the years while maintaining the character, history, and traditions of this historic property. Everything you need is right on the property including plenty of guests rooms, restaurant, stunning ceremony site and a beautiful indoor wedding reception area full of natural light. Guests will be wowed by all this property has to offer and your wedding photos will be stunning!! Check out the following link to a Black Point Inn Wedding: Jenna & Harry’s Black Point Inn Wedding Photography
Inn By The Sea | Cape Elizabeth, Maine
Inn By The Sea offers gorgeous ocean views and pristine gardens that make the perfect backdrop for your luxury Maine wedding or elopement. This charming Maine wedding venue can accommodate an intimate party of two or a wedding of up to 175 guests. Crescent Beach is just a boardwalk away from the event space and makes for the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. The guest rooms & suites are completely updated and this property offers so many wonderful accommodations. the boardwalk heading out to the beach is amazing and a great spot for wedding photos. This is a super cool property to explore and really offers it all. Check out the following link to an Inn By The Sea Wedding: Michelle & Andrew
York Harbor Reading Room | York, Maine
York Harbor Reading Room is a private club (yes, you must be a member or friends of a member to get married here) offering stunning waterfront views of York Harbor Beach. This beautiful Southern Maine wedding venue can accommodate up to 130 guests and offers an elegant space with hardwood features and fireplaces. Sunset photos out on York Harbor Beach are a must at this gorgeous venue. This property does not offer lodging but York Harbor Inn is just across the street and there are many wonderful hotels & Inns just up the road on Long Sands Beach. Check out Victoria & Sam’s York Harbor Wedding & Shelby & Alex’s York Harbor Reading Room Wedding Photography.
Nonantum Resort | Kennebunkport, Maine
Nonantum Resort offers it all from 109 beautiful guest rooms, an amazing culinary experience, and a stunning waterfront backdrop including a lighthouse at the end of the lawn. This property can accommodate 300 guests under an outdoor tent or in a beautiful ballroom with water views. It’s so amazing to have so many options as well as a beautiful waterfront ceremony site. Jill & Wes’s seaside wedding at Nonantum was full of so many beautiful moment sand details. Click HERE to feather wedding photos.
Best Rustic Barn Wedding Venues in Southern Maine
Rustic barn weddings have been ever so popular in recent years and there are so many gorgeous ones to choose form all over the state of Maine. I am going to focus on the Southern Maine barns that offer more of a luxury vibe and are simply stunning for wedding photography and an easy drive form Portland Maine and Boston Massachusetts. Here are 8 of my top favorite Maine wedding barns!
Scotland Fields | York, Maine
Scotland Fields is new to the Southern Maine wedding world and situated on 26 picturesque acres along the York River. This gorgeous wedding venue offers panoramic views of tidal marshlands, rolling fields, woods and preserve. Scotland Fields includes two newly renovated, historic homes (a 1732 farmhouse and a 1908 craftsman bungalow), a multi-level rustic Maine wedding barn, and gorgeous views of the sunset. You can rent out the entire property form a Thursday to a Monday and host everything from a welcome diner, rehearsal diner, wedding day and farewell brunch. The rustic barn will accommodate up to 160 for seated dinner, with an option for a tent in the field alongside the barn to accommodate larger parties. To view a recent wedding at Scotland Fields please click on the following links: Rachel & William, Anne & David
The Barn At Flanagan Farm | Buxton, Maine
The Barn at Flanagan Farm offers a magnificent barn setting on sixty-six acres designed to take advantage of Maine’s four seasons. This 19th-century barn and farmhouse have experienced a beautiful restoration and renovation and can accommodate 250 guests and sleep up to 12 people. The Barn at Flanagan Farm offers an unforgettable backdrop to host your Maine barn wedding and the secluded wooded sanctuary is the perfect place to say your I do’s. You can host your wedding in the 900 square foot English barn or in a tent overlooking the apple trees and beautiful fields and your guest will love roasting marshmallows over the fire pit. The Farmhouse is a wedding photographers dream offering gorgeous natural light and some of the prettiest and amazingly decorated rooms. This property makes for some truly unique wedding photography and offers a casual & fun yet sophisticated vibe. Check out Evelyn & Jason’s Barn at Flanagan Farm wedding photography.
Wells Reserve at Laudholm | Wells, Maine
This restored saltwater farm named Laudholm offers an incredible backdrop for your Maine wedding including a rustic barn, walking trails, stunning views and 2250 acres of protected lands that can accommodate up to 250 wedding guests. This property is unique for sure as it offers views of Wells Bay. If you have your heart set on beach photography it’s an easy 10 to 15 minute walk down to the water. They also have an option to have your wedding ceremony site for smaller gatherings in front of the boardwalk overlooking the beach.
Josias River Farm | Cape Neddick, Maine
Josias River Farm is a classic 250-year-old Maine farm situated on 20 scenic acres of forests, open fields and pastures. An apple orchard, original stone walls, rail fences and gorgeous perennial beds surround an antique cape and rustic Maine barn. This property offers a beautiful open field for any size tent, and a beautiful barn for cocktails, dancing and intimate dinners. I love this space for so many reasons and if you love goats you’re in luck! These cute little critters can be seen roaming around and entertaining guests from their fenced in area. When it comes to accommodations, you have so many wonderful choices that are just minutes away from Josias River Farm. Check out Emily & Evan’s Josias River Farm wedding photography and Stefi & Micha.
Beach Ridge Barn | Scarborough, Maine
Beech Ridge Barn is rustic yet luxurious Southern Maine wedding venue with multiple ceremony sites and a Barn that can accommodate up to 250 guests. There are plenty of gorgeous apple trees and beautiful gardens filled with fresh flowers that they sell at their farm stand. This property also offers a farmhouse and guest house each with 5 bedrooms to accommodate family & friends. The expansive 1800’s barn has been restored to all of its glory with many windows to allow for natural light and a huge open air post and beam porch that faces the pond and property. There is also a brand new beautiful patio for ceremonies, tents, cocktail hour or fun.
Cunningham Farm | New Gloucester, Maine
Cunningham Farm is a historic 1877 Maine Estate with modern day touches sure to make your guests swoon. This property offers 90+ acres of land that includes three event barns, a farmhouse, a pond, a river, a brook, rock walls, and a tree farm complete with a white farm fence to make for the perfect wedding photos. The options are endless. This insanely gorgeous property offers the most beautiful backdrop to host your perfect Maine wedding and can accommodate up to 250 guests. There is a beautiful outdoor ceremony site and an option to have your wedding ceremony in one of the 3 barns barns in case of inclement weather.
The Barn On Walnut Hill | North Yarmouth, Maine
The Barn On Walnut Hill is a private four acre estate that offers an intimate setting to host your Southern Maine barn wedding. This wedding venue has so much to offer including custom-designed gardens, a 19th-century barn and farmhouse (sleeps 12) that have been meticulously restored and renovated, a granite patio for an outdoor cocktail reception, and a secluded wooded sanctuary ceremony site. Check out Emily & Yate’s Barn At Walnut Hill Wedding Photography.
Hardy Farm | Fryeburg, Maine
Situated near the scenic White Mountains in Fryeburg, Maine, Hardy Farm is the perfect venue for couples looking for a unique and versatile destination wedding in Maine. Comprehensive packages include every amenity and accommodation needed to bring your wedding vision to life. The historic New England farmhouse, a beautifully renovated white-washed wedding barn, a secluded woodland chapel, a graceful 103’ sailcloth tent (available from May through October), and stunning seasonal flower gardens with stone patios and a fire pit provide an enchanting setting that exceeds expectations.
Best Garden Wedding Venues in Southern Maine
There is so much to love about garden weddings especially in the spring and summer months. Mother nature has already done much of the job and there are so many wonderful ideas for ceremony and reception decor. Here are a few of my favorite Garden wedding venues in Southern Maine:
Hamilton House Gardens | South Berwick, Maine
This exquisite 1785 estate features the most glorious gardens, lawns & meadows overlooking Salmon Falls River. The Hamilton House gardens can accommodate up to 150 guests and offers two unique and beautiful locations for your wedding ceremony. The garden wedding ceremony showcases the beautifully maintained garden with its striking trellis & water fountain, while the river view wedding ceremony takes advantage of the property’s stunning view of the Salmon Falls River. This property is really a show stopper and guests will be wowed as they explore the expansive gardens, fields and walking trails along the river. Check out Adrienne & Mac’s garden inspired wedding at Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine:
Arrowheads Estate | Cape Neddick, Maine
Arrowheads Estate is a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse with expansive lawns and historic gardens, nestled on four scenic acres. This property used to be the site of a famous restaurant and was recently purchased to be used solely as a wedding & event space. First Hill is open year round and offers garden side tented weddings for up to 200 guests and micro weddings in the modern rustic farmhouse for up to 50 guests.
Marinade Farm | Wisscasset, Maine
Marianmade Farm is a working flower and lavender farm & premier wedding venue located on the banks of the Sheepscot River. The Farm offers a waterfront ceremony site, a timber frame Lavender Drying House for your reception of up to 140 people, and acres of natural beauty to create the perfect backdrop for your wedding weekend. With a tent rental the property can accommodate 200+.
Intimate Southern Maine Wedding Venues
With Micro Weddings being the new trend I thought it would be helpful to list a few of my favorite wedding venues that specialize in smaller more intimate weddings. While all of these incredible Maine wedding venues can accommodate intimate weddings, these select few can not accommodate larger more traditional weddings.
Beachmere Inn | Ogunquit, Maine
Beachmere Inn is located on the rocky coastline of the Marginal Way with breathtaking ocean views. The Inn offers luxury suites, a gorgeous ocean view lawn for the perfect outdoor ceremony, and a tented wedding reception can accommodate up to 80 guests. A rotunda provides a unique outdoor space for your cocktail hour, complete with a fire pit, and bistro lighting. This property is simply stunning and makes for the perfect wedding weekend. Check out a few of my favorite weddings at Beachmere Inn: Jessica & Jake, Jill & Mike,
Hidden Pond | Kennebunkport, Maine
Tucked away in 60 acres of Maine woods Hidden Pond is truly a one of a kind Maine experience offering everything from luxury accommodations, farm to table restaurant, and the most pristine backdrop for your Maine wedding. Hidden Pond can host mid-sized weddings of 80 people and offers luxe event barn featuring tall ceilings and a wall of windows overlooking the birch forest, an outdoor patio, a meticulous manicured lawn and adjacent wedding garden. The space is truly magical and what better way to spend a wedding weekend than with your loved ones in this captivating setting.
Lakeside Wedding Venues in Southern Maine
Have you dreamed about having a waterfront wedding but want something less traditional and private than a beach wedding? There is something so magical & serene about lakeside weddings. If your inspired by nature and rustic touches than perhaps a lakeside wedding is perfect for you. Here are just a few of my favorite lakeside weddings in Southern Maine:
Migis Lodge | South Casco, Maine
Migis Lodge is a Maine wedding destination experience set on 135 acres of pristine pine forests with sweeping Sebago Lake views. Arrive to your ceremony in a 1947 Chris Craft and exchange vows under a canopy of pine trees while enjoying the lake & mountain backdrop. The rustic lakeside lodge accommodates up to 180 weddings guests and offers 35 guest cottages, dining, 2 gorgeous ceremony sites, several docks, magical sunsets, and a bonfire out on the front terrace to end your evening. This property is expansive so be ready to walk and explore. Check out Kara & Chris’s wedding photography at Migis Lodge.
Rockcraft Lodge | East Sebago, Maine
Rockcraft Lodge is an elegant turn-of-the-century Maine estate with 800 feet of lake frontage on Sebago. The Lodge has been brilliantly restored to retain it’s old charm while offering all conveniences to today’s world. The grounds feature a private beach, 70-foot dock, floating dock for swimming, outdoor patio with fire pit, and a large front lawn to host the perfect wedding of up to 200 guests. This property is the perfect lakefront wedding venue that guest will surely rave about.
If you have any questions or would like to know my thoughts on a particular Southern Maine Wedding venue please feel free to reach out at Casey Durgin Photography