10 Reasons Maine is a Top Destination Wedding Location
Tie the Knot in Vacationland and Make Memories You’ll Treasure Forever
Breathtaking coastlines. Four unforgettable seasons. Expert local support.
Maine offers something increasingly rare for couples looking to get married in this day in age: space to breathe, unforgettable scenery, and weddings that feel deeply personal. From rocky coastlines and historic lighthouses to candlelit barns and snowy mountaintop escapes, getting married in Maine isn’t just about the ceremony— it’s about creating an experience you and your guests will remember for years to come. Whether you’re planning a full destination wedding or an intimate elopement, Maine makes it easy to create a wedding that’s memorable, authentic, and effortlessly beautiful.
Pictured: Couple at Wedding In Front of Boat, Photo Credit: Emilie Inc.
1 | Wedding Venues for Every Couple’s Style
Maine’s distinct regions that offer a variety of wedding venues is one of its biggest strengths. Couples can choose between everything from coastal inns overlooking the Atlantic, to restored barns nestled among the pines, to mountaintop retreats, to lakeside resorts, to historic buildings in Portland’s Old Port and so much more. Whether you’re envisioning a black-tie affair, a barefoot beach ceremony, or a relaxed weekend celebration in the heart of Portland, Maine offers a venue that fits your vision.
Pictured: Couple Laughing Holding Lobster, Photo Credit: Emilie Inc.
2 | Maine’s Food Scene Goes Far Beyond Lobster
While Maine lobster is iconic (and delicious), the state’s wedding cuisine extends far beyond a single dish. Portland, Maine was named Bon Appétit’s 2018 “Restaurant City of the Year” and has also been recognized by Travel + Leisure as one of the best food cities in the U.S. Maine weddings are known for farm-to-table menus, fresh seafood, and locally sourced ingredients, allowing couples to design seasonal menus with ingredients that are at the height of their flavor. These thoughtful meals are often paired with Maine-made craft beer, cider, and spirits, and with Maine ranking second in the nation for craft breweries per capita in 2024, the bar offerings can be just as memorable as the food.
Pictured: Bride Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Photo Credit: Emilie Inc.
3 | Turn Your Wedding Into a Full Weekend Experience
Your wedding is more than a single day— Maine weddings naturally unfold into a full weekend of shared experiences. Friends and family can explore our vibrant local arts scene, take a scenic boat ride on Casco Bay, enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking or skiing, or relax along miles of pristine coastline. By planning a few group activities, you can turn your wedding weekend into a collection of meaningful Maine memories made with those you love most.
Pictured: Winter Wedding Couple, Photo Credit: Grace and Ben @novaefilmandphoto
4 | Maine is Beautiful in Every Season
Choose the time of year that fits your vision. With four distinct and dramatic seasons, Maine offers a beautiful setting whether you’re dreaming of saying “I do” under the summer sun or celebrating amid a winter wonderland. Summer brings ocean breezes and long daylight, which is perfect for island escapes, while Fall offers vibrant foliage and crisp air, well-suited for cozy barn settings. Winter has the quiet beauty of falling snow and mountains dusted in white, great for a cozy lodge venue with ski trails just steps away, or even a venue along the snow-dusted beaches of the coast. Spring brings vibrant purple lupines, soft sunlight, and a peaceful ambiance with fewer crowds, perfect for both city and outdoor venues. No matter the season, Maine provides venues full of atmosphere and unforgettable natural beauty.
Pictured: Couple on Boat, Photo Credit: Casco Bay Custom Charters
5 | The Ocean is always nearby
Maine has 3,500 miles of stunning coastline, including bays and coves, along with over 2,000 coastal islands ready for you and your guests to explore. Take a charter out on Casco Bay to view the iconic Portland Head Light and discover hidden coves and private islands. Maine’s coastline also offers breathtaking settings for weddings by the water, and Portland’s coastal island venues provide a rare balance of remote enough to feel immersed in nature, yet close to the energy and convenience of the city. Lighthouses, rocky shorelines, sailboats, and sweeping ocean views create incredible photo opportunities at every turn, making oceanfront venues a stunning backdrop for your wedding photos.
Pictured: Engagement in Front of Portland Head Lighthouse, Photo Credit: Sravya Khasnavees
6 | Photo spots around every corner
Lighthouses, historic downtown streets, charming coastal towns, and dramatic rocky cliffs make Maine a photographer’s dream. Around every corner, you’ll find opportunities for timeless wedding photos that capture both your love and the state’s natural beauty. Snap the perfect bridal party photo at a local lighthouse, or stroll through Downtown Portland and round out your wedding album with candids in front of murals and sculptures tucked into the city’s small parks and public squares.
Pictured: Walking Down the Aisle on Casablanca Cruises, Photo Credit: Rachel Epperly
7 | arrive in style
In Maine, even the journey to your wedding can be part of the celebration. Couples can make a memorable entrance by boat or sailboat, horse-drawn carriage, limousine, helicopter, or classic car, while guests might travel by ferry to an island venue, scenic trolley through town, or chartered bus through Maine’s beautiful forested landscapes. In a state with as diverse of landscapes as Maine, anything is possible. These thoughtful transportation details don’t just move people from place to place — they become part of the experience and a memorable way to explore Maine with your loved ones.
Group of Women Holding Beers, Photo Credit: Bethany and Dan Photography
8 | Your guests will fall in love with maine
What’s not to love? Food trucks and outdoor dining line the streets in Summer. Craft beer flows around every corner. Public art is sprinkled across the region— modern murals mixing effortlessly with historic statues. Friends and family can enjoy Maine’s world-class cuisine, craft breweries, arts scene, beaches, and access to outdoor adventures. It’s an atmosphere perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties, couple’s showers, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches.
Pictured: Cunningham Farm Events, Photo Credit: Chris Bennett Photography
9 | Expert Local vendors + Services
For a small city, we’ve got big connections. You’ll find experienced local experts— from boutique caterers and wedding planners to photographers and full-service floral teams— ready to elevate and organize every detail of your day. This local expertise ensures a smooth planning process and helps bring your vision to life, creating a celebration that feels personal and is beautifully executed.
Pictured: Couple Walking Across Fore Street, Photo Credit: Maine Office of Tourism
10 | Free wedding planning services
With Visit Portland’s team of local experts ready to give you free personalized support, planning a destination wedding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Visit Portland offers complimentary wedding planning assistance to help you discover venues across Maine that fit your style, budget, and guest count, connect you to a variety of trusted local Maine vendors, and help plan seasonal details and suggested itineraries. One call and we’ll help coordinate it all! With no cost or obligation, this personalized support makes planning your Maine wedding simple and stress-free.
“Choosing the right Maine venue was really important to us—thank you [Visit Portland] for helping us find a venue with gorgeous waterfront scenery that is actually within our budget—we’re thrilled!”
— CHRISTINE REYNOLDS-LEMIEUX
Plan Smarter with Free Local Wedding Support
