Venue Recommendations

jmob1923

Hey girls! I'm a Boston Knottie looking for recommendations for a small (under 35 people) venue for a wedding the second weekend in September. I'd love something by the water but am completely open. I've been hitting my head against a wall doing research and all I can find is big venues for 100+ people. We have a small, budget friendly, laid back wedding in mind and would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks in advance!

jessicabessica

What is your budget and what part of Maine?  For < 35 people, have you considered restaurants that have a private room? 

chrispygal

We are getting married at Skiesta.  Not exactly budget because we are renting a house, but it's also our honeymoon and people are staying with us.  There is also the Glen House (both are up in Bethel/Newry - mountain country) which is beautiful as well.  Our caterer is local and awesome, and it's very much so a laid back type of atmosphere.  Happy planning!   

jessicabessica

Chrispygal's post reminded me...there's a property in Northport that I just suggested to someone else on this board.  http://www.mountnseainn.com/ It's a house with maybe 16 bedrooms, and they set up a tent (they have one, so it's included in the price) on the premises.  Nice piece of property, the house has a rustic feel, and water views.  You can go with any caterer, I think, but the one they recommend (I think it's the caretaker's sister) has a restaurant nearby that seems very laidback. 

mel4101

I am getting married the second weekend in September too, at the Maine 5th Regiment Museum on Peaks Island.  The second weekend Saturday is taken, obviously , but if you were looking for another weekend in September (or a Friday or Sunday), it is an amazing venue for a smaller wedding.  It is a yellow victorian house with a huge wrap around porch right on the open atlantic with views of the cliffs of the neighboring islands.  The inside has panoramic views and a great dancing room of all dark wood and painted glass.  The rental price for the whole day is extremely reasonable, and they do weddings of up to 100 people.  I found online a link to pictures taken there of a wedding last year of just 24 people, and it looks like it was great!  Here is the link: http://www.applyingblush.com/maine_wedding_photographer/maine-weddings/peaks-island-megan-and-brady/. All of the views are exactly what it looks like from the location.  If you want anymore information, send me a message.   Good look!

jpickering8

Salt Water Grill in South Portland has an upstairs private function room on the water!  Good luck!

LHB2011

I second the suggestion of looking at restaurants.
There is High Mountain Hall in Camden, but that might be a bit big (their max is 100 people).  That's sort of near the water.
I think Grace restaurant in Portland has smaller rooms too if you don't want to go as far North as Camden.  Maybe Harbor View at Jones Landing, though they might be booked for that weekend by now.  As you've probaby figured out, that's a popular weekend this year :-)

jessicabessica

Depending on whether or not you care about privacy, you could look into state and city parks.  We are having a welcome dinner at Winslow Park in Freeport.  They have 2 covered structures with picnic tables, i think one is for 150 people and one is for 50 people.  Winslow Park is really pretty with water on multiple sides.  We are having the food catered by Finest Kind catering, which we've found to be pretty reasonable, at least for bbq food, and she says she's catered in that park before.  

Dolly1

Try researching Inns.  The Kennebunkport Inn is really nice.  I have been to a few events and they  have all been lovely.