6 Small Wedding Venues in Southern Maine to Host your Micro Wedding
If you're dreaming of a small and intimate wedding in Southern Maine, I've got you covered. When my husband and I first set out to plan our wedding with just our immediate family - 12 guests - we found it to be a struggle searching for venues that actually catered to smaller weddings. It took quite a bit of research, frustration, and patience to find options that felt viable and special enough to celebrate our wedding day. So, I’ve put together a list of some of our favorites to save you some time [and energy!] so you can focus on what’s really important - curating and enjoying one of the best days of your life!
Planning a micro wedding doesn't mean sacrificing style or ambiance. In fact, it opens up a world of possibilities for truly unique and personal celebrations. So, let's explore six beautiful small wedding venue ideas that will set the stage for your perfect day.
Top Micro Wedding Venues in Southern Maine
The View at Pepperrell Cove
Location: Kittery Point, ME
Now, I’m definitely biased, but my husband and I chose The View at Pepperrell Cove, for our intimate wedding and my-oh-my it was the perfect venue for our day.
For couples looking for a blend of historic charm, incredible food, and waterfront views, The View at Pepperrell Cove is an ideal choice. Located in the quaint town of Kittery Point, ME, this venue offers panoramic views of the Piscataqua River and the Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse. You have the option to buy-out the neighboring space to exchange your vows overlooking the water, with sailboats gliding by and the sun setting in the distance, or you can cozy up in front of the beautiful fireplace indoors. Following the ceremony, celebrate with a cozy reception in the ballroom, where large windows frame the water and the setting sun creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. If you’re looking for a venue that boasts incredible - and I mean INCREDIBLE food - and that encompasses the essence of coastal Maine, you should definitely check out The View at Pepperrell Cove.
Things to love about The View:
THE VIEW of course
The freaking food!
The fact that they treated our wedding day like a wedding day! They honestly cared. Shoutout to Donna and Eides for making our day perfect.
The cozy fireplace
The restaurant that we go back to often and remember our day
Earth at Hidden Pond
Location: Kennebunkport, ME
Nestled amongst the trees in Kennebunkport, ME, Earth at Hidden Pond is a dreamy oasis for those that love the outdoors. This earthy-rustic venue offers a quaint outdoor space surrounded by towering trees and lush gardens. Picture saying your vows under a natural arbor, with the sounds of birds chirping and a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves. After the ceremony, guests can enjoy an intimate, and delicious five-course meal, complete with “farm-to-fork” cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Earth at Hidden Pond promises an enchanting experience immersed in the beauty of Maine's natural landscape. As the title of this paragraph suggests, Earth is part of the Hidden Pond resort, one of Maine’s award-winning luxury resorts — if that doesn’t sell you, perhaps use it as an excuse to plan a weekend away to fall in love with the whole resort for your future nuptials.
Things to love about Hidden Pond:
On-site resort and spa
Farm-to-fork cuisine
Enveloped in nature
Quaint, yet luxurious
Viewpoint Hotel
Location: York, ME
Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean in York, ME, The Viewpoint Hotel offers breathtaking views for your micro wedding. Imagine exchanging vows on a private terrace with your people with Nubble Lighthouse in the background, saltwater in the air and the lull of waves in the background. The intimate setting of Viewpoint Hotel lends itself perfectly to small ceremonies, allowing you to create intimate memories with your closest friends and family. When my husband and I toured this space, we were stunned by the beautiful exclusive view of the lighthouse. There wasn’t an option on-site at the time for our intimate dinner with 12 guests, but we did have the option of enjoying a cocktail hour on the property before moving to a local restaurant like Walkers Maine or Nick’s Steakhouse for a special dinner.
Things to love about Viewpoint:
Exclusive view of the beautiful Nubble Lighthouse
Sailcloth tent for larger events
You can choose to Include an on-site cocktail hour following your secluded ceremony before departing for a dinner reservation
On-site accommodations
Scotland Fields
Location: York, ME
If you’re looking for more of a rustic vibe for your day, tucked away in York, ME, Scotland Fields is a hidden gem for couples seeking a tranquil and secluded wedding venue. This charming farm offers a rustic barn nestled among acres with a bit of a countryside feel, providing a serene setting for an intimate celebration. Exchange your vows in a meadow overlooking York River and afterward, gather with your loved ones for a relaxed reception in the barn, where exposed wooden beams and twinkling string lights create a cozy ambiance. Scotland Fields offers a beautiful backdrop for couples who want to escape the hustle and bustle and create memories in a peaceful countryside setting. You get to stay on-site making accommodations easy for you and your guests to spend an entire weekend celebrating together.
Things to love about Scotland Fields:
Rustic, relaxed, and tranquil environment
Ability to rent the entire property for you and your guests for the whole weekend
Offers the beauty of meadow scenery and river views
Property exudes charm
Dockside
Location: York, ME
Adding to the coastal charm of Southern Maine, Dockside in York offers a warm and welcoming waterfront setting for your micro wedding. With stunning views of the York River and the iconic Wiggly Bridge, this venue exudes a relaxed vibe that's perfect for a more intimate celebration. Picture yourself exchanging vows on the dockside terrace, surrounded by loved ones, with the gentle waves and scent of the salty sea in the air. Afterward, gather in the waterfront banquet room for a cozy reception, where panoramic windows frame the beauty of Southern Maine. Dockside in York, Maine provides the ideal backdrop for couples seeking a laid-back and picturesque setting for their small wedding celebration.
Things to love about Dockside:
Coastal, waterfront setting
On-site accommodations
On-site restaurant
Laid-back vibe
Flexible and secluded grounds
Airbnb or VRBO
Location: Everywhere (be sure to read all restrictions, terms & conditions)
One of the biggest benefits of planning a small, intimate wedding, is that oftentimes you’re not narrowed into meeting high minimum spends or staying within a certain structure of the day. There are so many amazing properties on rental websites like Airbnb and VRBO that allow you to host your small guest list of close friends and family with perhaps a privately catered dinner or a food truck or even a lobster bake! The options are literally endless when you make your own rules.
Things to love about using an Airbnb or VRBO:
Flexibility! You really have the option to make your wedding exactly what you want it to be without having to meet venue standards or minimums
Sleep, rest, get ready, and celebrate all in one place
More time with your people
Unique options
At the end of the day, Southern Maine has so much to offer — between coastal water views to lush gardens and rustic farms. These small wedding venues that cater to couples seeking a smaller, more intimate day are definitely worth checking out if you’re considering Southern Maine for your wedding experience.There's a perfect venue waiting to bring your dreams to life. So, embrace the beauty of a micro wedding and let these incredible venues set the stage for your unforgettable day.
Cheers lovebirds! Planning just got a whole lot easier.
In the thick of it? Check out my 2024 Wedding Planning Survival Guide.