Weddingbee boards

We're planning to get married somewhere on the coast (shocker, I know), preferably between Bath and Rye, NH. Our original idea was to get married on the coast up in Washington County, then we were focused on the coast in Lincoln or Waldo County, and now we've "settled" on the southern coast since a lot people are coming from Massachusetts.

Our energy has been dedicated to finding a location that's right on the water, that will allow for outside catering (Mr. Obraustin is a cook in a local restaurant and wants to have high participation in the food aspect of the wedding), and that has an outdoor area available for games (like croquet, not football ). It's been really hard to find locations that fit all of our criteria.

Does anybody have any suggestions for locations or search tips?

And, Gloss, what about you?

We're getting married at Harbor View @ Jones Landing on Peaks Island. I'm really excited about it and all of our guests will have to travel by ferry to get to the island so i'm a little nervous about the logistics but I think it'll be great.

 Confession: I have yet to see the venue. I've seen it in pictures and I was there many years ago, but I can't remember anything about it. I was just offered a new job this week, so it's not looking like I'll be able to go in April to check stuff out, so I'll just have to trust that it'll be nice. How can you go wrong with getting married on the water in Maine! 

 The toughest part so far was that the hotels in Portland aren't cheap! The best rate I was able to secure was $179 at the Eastland. it's definitely more expensive than I pictured, but what are ya gonna do? If people would rather stay outside of Portland, then by all means, they're welcome to. 

 I've been following your planning Miss Gloss and look forward to more tips!

PS. are you using those galvanized pails that were on your inspiration board? I think we're using pails, but I'm having a hard time finding the right style (French) and size (11") with a single handle, not the two small ones on the side. Any suggestions? 

I'm a little late to respond, but I am getting married on the coast too.  We are getting married in Camden at the amphitheater by the library and we are having our reception at the Whitehall Inn.  I am a little nervous because when I went to look at the inn they were closed for the season.  I am hopeful that everything will be great!  I am planning from Burlington, Vermont so that has been a little challenging, but I can always go home to visit and meet with vendors in person.  

Hi all,

  We are getting married in Camden in September and as you all have commented there are very few reception options especially if one wants to have a water view and are planning something small (40ish) and already have a caterer.  I am still looking! wish me luck!

btw seaglass the camden ampitheater is a lovely spot for the ceremony!  

@gertie:  I am really excited about the amphitheater.  I don't remember the details, as my fiancee called, but the Cider Barn was a really interesting place that I liked the looks of, but was too small for us.  Camden just happened to work for us so I didn't look at too many other places here.  Let me know what you end up doing!

Our wedding will be held in Oakland, ME on 11 Sept 10.  The wedding location (ceremony & reception) is Alden Camps -- an 'American Plan' resort situated along a lake. After Labor Day, the Camp allows for events such as weddings to be held on their property.

I'm planning my Maine wedding from southern New Jersey.  My family's been vacationing near Belgrade Lakes since my mom was young and that tradition has continued through the generations -- hence my complete and utter love for the state. My parents, along with several other family members, now spend their summers in ME and my brother/sister-in-law live there year-round.  Since I have quite a few folks who will be near my wedding site in the months leading up to it, we hope to have a decent amount of help orchestrating our laid-back, DIY-focused shindig.

We're having our reception at the Cliff Side Lodge in Poland.  It is a post and beam two story lodge with a stone fireplace.  You rent it for the entire weekend and it sleeps 25.  It is on a large pond. We wanted to get married at our camp on Moosehead but the travel was to much for the elderly and out state guest.  So this is the closest we could get.  Its beautiful.  They only do weddings from Labor day until the last weekend in Oct.  

Hi there,

This is for the people that are looking for Maine venues. I Do Spas is Maine's first traveling day spa & beauty. Offering on site hair, make-up, manicures, pedicures, massages, and facials. With a staff of 12 for large and small events. Providing everything even robes and slippers. They come right to you. www.idospas.com

We're getting married in 79 days (holy crap) at Blue Sky restaurant on York Beach. Finalizing the menu has taken more work than I expected, but the staff has been really great and the staff at the Atlantic House has been really amazing as well. It's not a long drive from Boston, but since we don't have a car it does make it a little more difficult/expensive to get everything done, which I wasn't expecting. It will all be worth it.... it will all be worth it....