Cornish Maine Wedding Photographer // Oceanfront Wedding Venues
Let me first start by saying that this list if HUGE. I only went back the last 4 years of weddings that I have shot and my list was already too long. There was no way that I was going to go all the way back to the beginning of my wedding photography career. This blog would never end! So, obviously I’m missing a ton of venues, but these are some of the more memorable ones that I have shot at over the few years.
Bay Mist Ferry - When I think oceanfront venue, I can’t help but think, “why not get married on a boat in the actual ocean?” I understand that this type of wedding is for the more adventurous couple, but that doesn’t make it any less “oceanfront”.
This wedding was a few years back now, but it was one of my more memorable ones. Steph and Andy got married on the Bay Mist Ferry. They originally were just looking for a venue with ocean views, but fell in love with the idea of getting married on the ocean. It was an incredible experience. They had set up the ceremony site right in the middle of the boat. The ferry slowly made it’s way from the port in Portland to Peaks Island where we had dinner. We all boarded the boat again and they had turned the main part of the boat into the reception area. It slowly circled shore until the end of the reception. They capped off the night with a sparkler exit. It really doesn’t get more oceanfront then that!
Black Point Inn - I may be a little biased about the Black Point Inn since I got married there in 2009. I personally picked this venue not only because it was on the water but because they also provided lodging for all of my guests and pretty much provided everything that I needed to have my wedding. The food, cake and decor were amazing! I just hired a few vendors and was good to go. I am super lazy and can admit it. I give a lot of credit to my couples that plan every last detail. I just don’t have it in me! I have shot there a few times over the past few years and I still love this venue. So if you are looking for super classy, New England style Inn that provides lodging for your guests this may be your venue.
North 43 Bistro - North 43 Bistro is a much more modern venue compared to the first two. It sits right at the ocean’s edge in Portland. The pier gave me many photo opportunities. It was even perfectly situated to give me the best sunset pictures! Matt & Melissa had their ceremony out on the bistro’s deck over looking the ocean. The reception was held inside, which was nice because it was HOT! Air conditioning was definitely a bonus! As a wedding photographer I get used to shooting in all types of weather, but it certainly helps if the venue has heat or air conditioning! For such a small space it fit a lot of people and didn’t even feel cramped in the slightest. The meal was also extraordinary! I love it when I get fed well at weddings. Can you tell?! They finished their evening with a LED balloon exit. This was first for me! Followed by more pictures on that cool pier at night with some of the LED balloons! So if you are looking for a venue for your micro wedding (these are very popular now!) this may be it!
Fort Williams - Now I can’t make a list of my favorite oceanside wedding locations without mentioning Fort Williams. I shoot here more than any other location. I’ve shot maternity, family, and engagement pictures here, as well as weddings. Fort Williams has multiple places that couples can rent for ceremonies.
I enjoy shooting at Fort Williams for the variety of places to shoot at there. The Children’s Garden does not disappoint year round. Multiple fields and trails sit on the 90 acres of land. Then, obviously, there’s the beach and lighthouse.
Unfortunately, at least the weddings that I have shot there, I believe that Fort Williams only caters to small weddings and its mostly a DIY deal. But its is still beautiful nonetheless.
Earning honorable mentions worth noting are the Harpswell Inn (it has a great little island that if the tide is right can be walked out to), Newagen Seaside Inn, The Camden Public Library and Amphitheater. This blog can really go on forever. There are so many oceanside wedding venues in Maine, after all there are 3,468 miles of coastline (counting all the inlets and bays). I can and probably will rewrite this blog in 5 years with a completely different list. In the meantime, this is all I got!