Are you and your fiance planning a wedding in the Boston area, but keep finding yourself dreaming of a sweet and quiet coastal celebration instead? Then you might want to hop in the car with your sweetheart and head to the southern coast of Maine; Where we know you’ll have absolutely no trouble finding an epic waterfront location along this romantic, dramatic and rugged shoreline. 

So whether you are thinking of an iconic cliffside resort, a small family owned in, or a private club on the beach, we’ve put together a short list – in 3 parts – of truly wow-worthy coastal wedding venues. And, the best part is that they’re all within a 2-hour drive from Boston! Incredible!

And now, without further ado, here’s part 1 in our 3 part series on Coastal Wedding Venues near Boston!

Nonantum Resort, Kennebunkport, ME

If you are looking for a historic waterfront destination that is highlighted by a classic Maine lighthouse, and is only 90 short  minutes from Boston, you’d be in luck!  The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport Maine boasts ballroom weddings for up to 175 guests, or lawn receptions under a spacious peaked tent for up to 350 guests!  Also on site, is an ample supply of cute and cozy overnight lodgings for guests, as well as fabulous on-site amenities like three delicious restaurants, a marina, and scenic boat tours. Imagine having your first dance while the sun sets over the Atlantic right behind you?! Dreamy, right?!

Jones Landing, Portland, ME

Jones Landing is a sweet Peak island retreat just a short 15-minute ferry ride from Portland’s Old Port, meaning that your guests can enjoy sweeping views of Casco Bay as they are escorted by a spacious Casco Bay Line ferry from Portland to Peaks Island. Then, upon arrival, guests will only have to walk a short distance to Jones Landing, where your wedding celebration begins!  And, speaking of celebration, wedding ceremonies are often held on the venue’s side lawn down by the water, and receptions taking place on the covered waterfront deck overlooking the sparkling, boat-filled harbor.

Chebeague Island Inn, Chebeague Island, ME

A visit to Chebeague Island feels like going back to a simpler time. A time when Resorts, Inns and hotels were dotted all along Maine’s coast. And, the Chebeague Island Inn (Established in the 1880’s) is one of the few originals that remain. Chebeague Island is, in fact, the largest island in Casco Bay, and is currently home to 400 year-round residents, many whose families have been here for generations as well as many generational summer families.

As a nod to their history they have thoughtfully restored the Inn – instead of changing its character –  to recapture its classic historical beauty and special place in the island community. The Inn boasts 21 boutique hotel rooms, beautiful wedding ceremonies in the perennial garden, tented receptions with the Atlantic as your backdrop, and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres on the wrap-around porch, and a ton of other on-site amenities. 

Please stay tuned for parts 2 and 3 in the coming weeks, where we’ll delve even further into Coastal wedding venue gems near Boston, and all that they have to offer!