Planning a Maine Wedding

Maine has become one of the premier wedding destinations in the country. Couples are drawn to its authentic beauty—the crash of the Atlantic, the quiet of the North Woods, and the charm of its historic villages.

Whether you are planning a black-tie affair at a coastal resort or a barefoot ceremony on a beach, Maine offers a backdrop that feels effortless and timeless.

Choosing Your Region

Maine is huge. The “vibe” of your wedding will depend heavily on where you choose to host it. For specific venue ideas, check out our list of Dream Wedding Venues.

1. The Southern Coast (York, Ogunquit, Kennebunkport)

The Vibe: Classic, upscale, accessible. Why here: It’s the easiest region for guests to reach (close to Boston/Portland airports). It has the highest concentration of luxury hotels, sandy beaches, and professional vendors. Perfect for: Large weddings, ballroom receptions, beach ceremonies.

2. Greater Portland & Casco Bay

The Vibe: Foodie, urban-chic, island romance. Why here: Your guests will love staying in Portland. You can get married in a brick warehouse in the Old Port or take a ferry to Peaks Island for a ceremony overlooking the bay. Perfect for: Modern couples, food lovers, island hoppers.

3. Midcoast (Boothbay, Camden, Rockland)

The Vibe: Quintessential maritime Maine. Why here: This is the land of spruce trees, rocky harbors, and windjammers. It feels more “remote” than the south but still has plenty of amenities. Perfect for: Nautical themes, garden weddings (Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens), lighthouse backdrops.

4. The Mountains & Lakes (Rangeley, Moosehead, Bethel)

The Vibe: Rustic, adventurous, intimate. Why here: If you want a backdrop of towering peaks or a ceremony on a dock, head inland. Ski resorts like Sunday River and Sugarloaf offer spectacular mountaintop ceremonies (chairlift rides included). Perfect for: Barn weddings, winter weddings, adventurous couples.

The Seasons

Summer (July - August)

Pros: Best weather (warm days, cool nights), everything is open, vibrant atmosphere.
Cons: Peak prices, crowded towns, accommodation minimums for guests.
Note: Fog is common on the coast in June and July.

Fall (September - October)

Pros: Stunning foliage, fewer crowds (after Labor Day), crisp air, lower humidity.
Cons: It gets dark earlier, nights can be cold.
Note: October is arguably the most popular month for Maine weddings now. Book early.

Spring (May - June)

Pros: Lower prices, lush green landscapes, lupine season (June).
Cons: Black flies (inland), unpredictable rain, still chilly on the water.

Winter (November - March)

Pros: Cozy atmosphere, snow-covered landscapes, significantly lower venue fees.
Cons: Travel can be risky due to storms, many coastal businesses are closed.

Legal Requirements (Getting the License)

Getting legally married in Maine is relatively straightforward.

Where to Apply:
- Residents: Apply at the town office where you live.
- Non-Residents: You can apply in any Maine town office. Most couples apply in the town where they are getting married.
Timing: There is no waiting period. You can get your license and get married the same day. The license is valid for 90 days.
Witnesses: You need two witnesses (other than the officiant) to sign the license during the ceremony.
Officiants: Maine allows Judges, Lawyers (Bar members), Justices of the Peace, and Ordained Ministers to perform ceremonies.

Pro Tips for Maine Weddings

Book Accommodations Early: Hotel blocks fill up fast, especially in small coastal towns. Advise your guests to book 6-9 months out.
Embrace the Weather: If you are getting married outside, have a Plan B. Maine weather turns on a dime. Tent heaters are a must for September/October evenings.
Local Food: Skip the generic catering. Serve mini lobster rolls, oysters on the half shell, and Whoopie Pies instead of cake.
The “Rustic” Reality: Barn weddings are beautiful, but check for AC (summer) and heating (fall). Maine barns can get very hot and very cold.

Vendor Considerations

Maine’s wedding industry has grown significantly, but it remains smaller than Boston or New York. Plan accordingly:

Photographers: Maine has exceptional wedding photographers who know the light and landscapes. Book 12-18 months out for top talent.
Caterers: Many venues have preferred caterers or in-house options. For remote locations, logistics can be challenging—discuss delivery and setup carefully.
Florists: Local florists can source Maine-grown flowers in season. Wildflower arrangements fit the vibe better than formal roses.
Musicians: From string quartets to folk bands, Maine has talented local musicians. A local band playing sea shanties or folk songs adds authenticity.

The Guest Experience

A Maine wedding is often a destination event for out-of-state guests. Make it memorable:

Welcome Bags: Include local treats (Moxie, whoopie pies, blueberry jam) and a map of local attractions.
Activities: Suggest hiking, kayaking, or lighthouse visits for guests arriving early. Many guests will extend their trip into a Maine vacation.
Transportation: For remote venues, arrange shuttle buses from hotels. Maine’s winding roads and limited Uber service can strand guests.
Weather Backup: Always have a Plan B for outdoor ceremonies. A beautiful tent or indoor space saves the day when fog or rain rolls in.

Why Maine?

Couples choose Maine because it offers something hard to find elsewhere: genuine, unspoiled beauty that doesn’t feel manufactured or overly precious. The coast looks the way it has for centuries. The barns are actually old. The lobster is actually fresh. In a world of Instagram-perfect destinations, Maine’s authenticity stands out.

Your guests will remember the fog lifting to reveal the harbor, the sound of waves during your vows, the taste of local oysters at the reception. They’ll remember the feeling of being somewhere real, somewhere beautiful, somewhere that made your wedding more than just a party.

From the cliffs of Bar Harbor to the docks of Sebago Lake, a Maine wedding is an experience your guests will talk about for years—and a beginning you’ll treasure forever.

Budget Considerations

Maine weddings can range from modest to extravagant. Some honest budgeting insights:

Peak season premium: July and August command top prices everywhere. September weekdays can be 30-50% less.
Location matters: Southern coast and Midcoast venues cost more than inland or Downeast options.
Guest count: Smaller venues force intimacy; larger venues require filling space. Choose based on realistic guest counts.
DIY opportunities: Maine’s culture embraces authenticity. Farmers market flowers, local bakery cakes, and family-style meals can save money while feeling more genuine.

The Timeline

A realistic planning timeline for a Maine wedding:

12-18 months out: Book venue and photographer. These book earliest, especially for peak dates.

9-12 months out: Book caterer, band/DJ, and officiant. Reserve guest room blocks.

6-9 months out: Send save-the-dates. Book florist and other vendors.

3-6 months out: Menu tastings, dress fittings, send invitations.

1-3 months out: Final vendor meetings, marriage license, rehearsal planning.

Making It Uniquely Maine

The best Maine weddings embrace what makes Maine special rather than fighting it:

Lobster bake: Swap the formal reception for a beachside or lawn lobster bake.
Sunrise ceremony: Cadillac Mountain in Acadia offers the first sunrise in America—and an unforgettable wedding moment.
Boat arrival: Arrive at your venue by windjammer, lobster boat, or canoe.
Local everything: Maine beer, Maine cheese, Maine-made favors—Maine’s artisan economy provides endless options.

The couples who embrace Maine’s quirks—the fog that might roll in, the mosquitoes at dusk, the casual dress code—tend to have the most joyful weddings. When you stop fighting for perfection and start celebrating the place, Maine delivers magic that no destination wedding in a generic resort can match.