5 New England Destinations for Your Dream Wedding
Embrace Romance and Coastal Elegance on the East Coast
Greater Portland, Maine and Beyond
Dreaming of a wedding that captures the essence of New England? Maine has over 3,000 miles of rocky coast and offers the perfect setting for a wedding that you and your guests will cherish and remember forever. From the mountains to the lakes to the sandy beaches—you can easily find your ideal wedding backdrop. Imagine the crisp sea air, the gentle lapping of waves, and the iconic lighthouses along the rugged coastline as you celebrate your love.
Whether you’re envisioning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Portland, Maine, and its surrounding area towns offer a diverse array of venues that bring the best of New England’s scenic beauty to your big day. Let’s explore five captivating destinations for your dream New England wedding.
LAY OF THE LAND | PORTLAND NEIGHBORHOODS | AREA TOWNS | REGIONS OF MAINE
1 | Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine, isn’t just a city; it’s a vibrant mix of urban sophistication and coastal charm. Here you can wander through the historic Old Port with its cobblestone streets and brick buildings and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Portland is just a few miles long and easily walkable between venues and to our bustling working waterfront. Watch the fishing boats drift in and out of the harbor with your bridal party before the big day. Or take the rehearsal dinner downtown for a front row seat of all the action. Our city by the sea is full of downtown venues and accommodations to elevate your stay, from historic architecture to modern marvels.
Picture this: a ceremony in one of the city’s hidden gardens or a reception in a chic downtown venue where the sounds of the harbor provide a soothing backdrop. From the city’s dynamic art scene to its top-notch foodie scene and catering services, Portland is the perfect hub for couples who want the best of both worlds—a city wedding with easy access to nature and the sea.
2 | Cape Elizabeth & South Portland
Just a short drive from the city’s hustle and bustle, Cape Elizabeth and South Portland offer a serene escape where the coast’s natural beauty takes center stage. Cape Elizabeth is home to some of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses, including the Portland Head Light, Maine’s oldest lighthouse, standing tall against the backdrop of sailboats and stand-up paddleboards and kayaks.
Imagine exchanging vows with this majestic lighthouse as your witness, followed by a reception at a venue like the luxurious Inn by the Sea, where the beach is never far away and the sea breezes and scenic views go on for miles. South Portland offers its own charm, with Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse providing a picturesque setting for wedding photos and a reminder of Maine’s seafaring heritage. Have your guests stay steps from the landmark at the McKernan Inn. A beautiful accommodation ran by students on the Southern Maine Community College campus, a relaxing getaway for you and your guests to stay after a wedding reception or event. These towns offer a tranquil retreat with the added romance of the sea, perfect for a couple looking to blend elegance with nature.
3 | Casco Bay Islands
If the idea of a secluded, island wedding sounds like paradise, then the Casco Bay Islands are calling your name. Just a ferry ride away from Portland by our year-round commuter ferry Casco Bay Lines these islands are a world unto themselves—quiet, peaceful, and breathtakingly beautiful. Hop aboard a short ferry ride to explore as a daytrip during your wedding weekend or choose one a wedding venue and spend every minute of your big day on island time.
On Great Diamond Island, venues like Diamonds Edge Restaurant offer a rustic charm that’s perfect for a relaxed and intimate wedding. Chebeague Island Inn provides a timeless, classic setting with sweeping views of the bay, making it ideal for those who want to infuse their celebration with a touch of nostalgia. For the ultimate Maine experience, consider a lobster bake on the beach at Island Lobster Co. on Peaks Island. It’s a quintessentially New England way to celebrate, surrounded by the natural beauty of Casco Bay.
4 | Freeport
Known primarily for its shopping, Freeport offers much more than just a retail paradise—it’s a destination that combines rustic charm with a spirit of adventure. Set against a backdrop of both forest and ocean, Freeport’s venues offer a cozy, intimate atmosphere for your wedding. With annual events like Freeport Fall Festival and Sparkle Weekend around the holidays there is always something fun to bring the whole squad out for.
For those looking to add a touch of excitement to their wedding weekend, the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School offers activities like kayaking or paddleboarding, giving your guests a chance to experience Maine’s great outdoors firsthand. Freeport is a place where you can mix the thrill of adventure with the comfort of a warm and welcoming venue, making it an excellent choice for a wedding that’s both unique and memorable.
5 | Scarborough, Maine
Scarborough, just a short drive south of Portland, offers a landscape where the sea meets the marsh, creating a serene and captivating environment for your wedding. Scarborough’s expansive marshlands are home to a variety of wildlife, providing a peaceful backdrop that’s perfect for nature lovers.
The town’s beaches, including the quaint and quiet Higgins Beach, offer a more intimate setting for a seaside wedding. At the historic Higgins Beach Inn, you can celebrate in a cozy venue that captures the essence of coastal New England, with the sound of waves providing a soothing soundtrack to your special day. Whether you’re drawn to the idea of a marshland ceremony or a beachside reception, Scarborough offers a tranquil escape where nature’s beauty takes center stage.
Your New England Wedding Journey Begins Here
Planning a wedding in the Greater Portland region is more than just picking a venue—it’s about creating an experience that captures the heart and soul of New England. Whether you choose the bustling city of Portland, the serene shores of Cape Elizabeth, the secluded Casco Bay Islands, the adventurous spirit of Freeport, or the natural beauty of Scarborough, each location offers something unique and special for your big day.
And while the scenery is undeniably stunning, it’s the memories you’ll create—sailing on a schooner, toasting with loved ones over a lobster bake, or dancing under the stars—that will truly make your wedding unforgettable. So take a deep breath, feel the salt air on your skin, and know that your dream New England wedding is just a decision away.
