KKACC_Weddings&EventsPublication_2024-2025

Weddings & Events Go Kennebunks

Let us help you dream

Laura Dolce Executive Director

Kennebunk

Kennebunkport Arundel Chamber of Commerce

FFirst of all, congratulations!

So many options in the Kennebunks

Whether you’re planning your dream wedding or some other event, you couldn’t have picked a better setting than the Kennebunks, or a better time than 2024-25. That’s because you have in your hands our inaugural Wedding & Events guide, and we designed it to help you navigate planning for your special day.

We may be biased, but we don’t think you’ll find a more ideal place for your perfect event!

That’s because the Kennebunks have it all: historic ocean resorts with sweeping views to antique barns to private estates to eclectic sites ranging from a working theatre to a 100-year-

old tea room and more. Your perfect plan could include a rehearsal dinner lobster bake on the beach, bride and groom arriving by boat, antique cars and trolleys to transport guests, local favorites like lobster, blueberries and whoopie pies on the menu or anything else you can dream of.

So let us help you dream. Use this guide as a resource and call us at the Chamber at (207) 967-0857 for any questions, ideas or advice. We can connect you with just the right locations and vendors to make your dream a reality.

Laura Dolce Executive Director

We don’t know of a better place to plan your picture-perfect wedding!

Cover photo by Cait Bourgault Photography

Photo by Kelsey Regan

Weddings with a view

Want ‘Classic Maine’? We can help you find that!

YYou’ve decided to get married in the Kennebunks and now you have to start planning. Fortunately, we’ve asked our local experts just what to expect, what’s hot, what’s not and what you can do to make your wedding here special.

Wedding planner Audrey Zahares of Azalea Events said the most popular month for weddings in the Kennebunks is September.

“The first two weekends after Labor Day,” she said, adding that last year’s rainy June might have scared some people off. The previous year’s weather can affect the next year’s planning, she said.

And fortunately the Kennbunks have a wide variety of venue options, from resorts with sweeping sea views to more modest halls.

But Zahares said while many people imagine a grand wedding on a beach, the reality is usually far different.

“You have to worry about parking and there’s no rain plan for the beach,” she said.

But regardless of where they get married, most couples want one thing.

“A lot want ocean views,” she said. “People want that view!”

One place known for its views is the Breakwater Inn and Spa, where Director of Sales Mathew Havrilla said trends are shifting.

“Untraditional is the new traditional!” he said.

For example, big cake ceremonies have given way to private cake cuttings, two small cakes or cookie and milk combos or even a doughnut wall.

“Hand-helds are a big thing,” Havrilla said. “Whoopie pies, cupcakes, dessert bars. People don’t want to sit down.”

“For a while there were a lot of dessert buffets,” said Peggy Liversidge, owner of Kitchen Chicks Catering. “Now we’re seeing smaller cakes to cut. It’s more economical than a buffet.”

And while custom cocktails are always an option, Havrilla said couples today are often going a more inclusive route.

“There are a lot of mocktails – true mocktails,” Havrilla said, which are just as creative as craft cocktails and accessible to all.

He said the traditional champagne toast, with champagne or prosecco waiting at each place setting, is also out.

“People will toast with anything.”

But if they’re drinking, chances are it’s not with what they used to in the past.

“It used to be vodka, 3-1,” Liversidge said. “Now it’s tequila. A spicy margarita, though an aperol spritz is popular, too.”

Gina Sawtelle, owner of Above & Beyond Catering, said while Palomas are popular, her clients have different ideas.

Photo by Leah’s Lens

Photo by Chris Becker

Photo by Eric McCallister

You can’t beat the

Breakwater Inn & Spa

view from this Kennebunkport inn

IIf you’re looking to have a quintessential Maine wedding with the best view around, look no further than the Breakwater Inn and Spa.

Located directly on the Kennebunk River where it meets the ocean, the Breakwater is a blend of new and old, with its main building built some time in the 1800s, but with all the modern amenities. And couples having a wedding at the Breakwater will be able to make the most out of both, as the staff’s attention will be on them at all times.

BREAKWATER INN & SPA

127 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (207) 967-5333

Director of Sales: mhavrilla@ thebreakwaterinn.com www.breakwaterinnmaine. com/events/weddings-socialevents/

“We do only one event per weekend, so they’re the focus,” said Director of Sales Mathew Havrilla. “They are our only couple, so it’s stress-free.”

The Breakwater can host weddings from small elopements up to 150 people under a tent on the back lawn, with its sweeping views out to the Atlantic. But it also has unique spaces for welcome and rehearsal dinners of up to 60, lobster bakes, after parties, farewell brunches and more. And in case of bad weather, Stripers restaurant is a beautiful backup.

For a tented wedding there is a 20-room buy-out with a two-night minimum. That generally isn’t a problem for couples.

“There’s an intimacy to the space,” Havrilla said of the 35-room property. “Folks keep people on-site.”

And while couples will need to rent a tent if they want a big lawn wedding, the Breakwater does have chairs, round tables, four white farm tables, cutlery, plates, stemware and linens all included in their packages.

There’s also a driftwood arbor for on-site ceremonies for just the right coastal feel.

That feeling carries into the inn itself, with its soothing blues and clean whites, custom clean scent developed along with Sea Love Candles and found in candles and reed diffusers throughout, and coastal furniture.

“It’s an immersive coastal Maine experience,” Havrilla said. And each wedding couple also gets to experience what he calls the “best-kept secret in Kennebunkport”: the 1,000 square foot cottage suspended over the Kennebunk River. With floor to ceiling windows, a full kitchen, living room and bedroom, it’s a spectacular place to start to any marriage and to unwind after your coastal Maine wedding.

Photo by LAD Photography

Photo by LAD Photography

Photo by LAD Photography

Wedding Guide of the Kennebunks

BEAUTY SERVICES

BEAUTY SERVICES

Breakwater Inn & Spa

127 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (207) 967-5333

thebreakwaterinn.com

Clippers Salon

37 Western Ave., Kennebunk (207) 967-3308

clippers-salon.com

‘‘Where Hair Meets Art’’ - Full service hair, makeup and natural nails.

The Fifth Om

5 Nasons Court, Kennebunk (207) 502-8033

thefifthom.com

A place for conscious beauty. Holistic skincare, facials, permanent hair reduction, massage, energy medicine and more.

Mainely Mobile Massage

Serving York County (207) 450-3265

mainelymobilemassage.com

Luxury mobile massage therapy services.

Nolihala Massage

153 Port Road, Kennebunk (207) 213-1072

nolihalamassage.com

Therapeutic massage therapy.

River’s Edge Spa & Salon, Inc

83 Portland Road, Kennebunk (207) 985-3400

riversedgespaandsalon.com

Whether visiting our indulgent salon or tranquil spa, a memorable experience awaits!

Spa Voyage

21 Western Ave., #21H1, Kennebunk (207) 313-9114

spa.voyage

CATERING

CATERING

Above & Beyond Catering

49 Shaw’s Ridge Road, Sanford (207) 459-4351

aboveandbeyondcatering.net

We truly go above and beyond to make sure your event is special and a very memorable one!

Cape Porpoise Kitchen

1 Mills Road, Kennebunkport (207) 967-1150

capeporpoisekitchen.com

Gourmet deli and cafe, wine/cheese shop, prepared foods, breakfast, lunch, dinner to go and catering.

Duffy’s Tavern & Grill

4 Main St., Kennebunk (207) 985-0050

duffysmaine.com

American comfort food for all occasions. Variety of catering packages for every event.

Rustic Taps and Catering

Vintage trucks serve up craft cocktails, pizza

RRustic Taps is all about providing a memorable catering experience that reflects your style and ambiance, with high-quality food and beverages served with rustic elegance.

Don’t let the fact that their vintage bar trucks and pizza ovens are mobile fool you. This is a catering company that provides top-shelf service, creative beverage options, and pizzas with appetizers and desserts leaving you craving more!

“The clients who hire us don’t want a plated meal served at the table,” said owner Jess Golden. “They want an interactive experience. Their guests come up to the truck and see the wood-fired pizza oven. People are in awe looking at the vintage trucks along with the handmade live-edge bar tops that rest on aged wine or bourbon barrels.”

The nostalgia of the 30s, 40s, and 50s trucks has people talking about what they remember about that time or just how cool it is that we have repurposed the truck into what it is today!

Golden said everything they serve is fresh, and most produce is organic – much grown locally at Bumbleroot Farm in Windham or on their own Rustic Farm in Gorham. That includes the farm-fresh salads and crudite. Their pizzas can be simple cheese with their house-made sauce or clients can try more sophisticated combinations. They offer many toppings such as their own house-smoked BBQ brisket, caramelized onions, fresh mozzarella cheese, imported prosciutto, pesto, and don’t forget about the spectacular pepperoni.

“A lot of love goes into our pizza,” said Dave Golden, owner and Jess’s husband.

Just as much care goes into creating the spectacular charcuterie boards that wow guests.

“We’re supporting our local specialty stores and farms by sourcing specialty cheeses, unique crackers, fresh-baked baguettes, preserves, honey and fruit, just to name a few,” he said.

That same care goes into stocking the bar trucks and airstream bar.

“We provide both draft beer and wine in our initial package and a full bar with a variety of top-shelf spirits, some from local distilleries. We focus on local breweries first,” said Jess Golden, adding that they carry just about any beer distributed in Maine as well as ciders and seltzers on tap. “We also create signature cocktails, something more elegant.”

She said the most popular drink is their blueberry vodka lemonade, made with fresh Maine blueberries, organic lemonade, blueberry vodka, and organic garnishes from the garden.

“Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh,” she said. While the focus is on the thin-crust artisan pizza (their super-fast pizza ovens can feed 125 people in 45 minutes), if the client wants their guests to taste a little of Maine, they offer an oyster bar with oysters harvested locally, lobster rolls and lobster skewers.

Rustic Taps has experienced staff that put on great weddings, they are also popular for rehearsal dinners, parties, and corporate events. Since their catering vehicles are mobile, they can work at any number of venues, both outdoors and indoors, throughout southern Maine.

“We always do a site walk at any new facility, private or public,” said Dave Golden. There are so many great providers of food and beverage here in Maine, but when you want to make a memorable impression by serving great food and beverages, Rustic Taps wants to help create that relaxed atmosphere that caters to the social fun and excitement at your next celebration.

For information, check out rustictaps.com.

Planning the perfect honeymoon

YYour wedding day is important. But do you know which day is equally as important? The day you leave for your honeymoon!

To get you started on just the right trip, we asked Eric Hrubant, the founder and CEO of CIRE Travel, for what’s hot, what’s trending and what couples should keep in mind:

Looking ahead, what do you think the hot honeymoon spots will be for 24/25 and beyond?

Eric: Japan is HOT this year! New Zealand is also popping. Bali is always a top honeymoon choice and continues to be popular. African safari destinations are also always in the top 3 as well. The far-flung destinations are good picks for honeymoons since that’s one of the times you can take two full weeks to travel and enjoy.

Are more couples doing a mini moon and then a big honeymoon at a better time?

Eric: Mini-moons were definitely a thing during the pandemic but now couples are mostly just going for one, big trip. One caveat is for couples who get married during a month where their preferred honeymoon destination is in its peak season. That’s where we see couples taking a mini-moon getaway to relax after the busy pace of the wedding, followed by a delayed full honeymoon a few months later. For example, if you get married in the height of summer, you may want to delay your honeymoon trip to Greece or Italy until September or October to avoid peak tourist season.

When should couples start thinking about planning their honeymoon - lead time, seasons, etc.

Eric: We recommend starting to think about your honeymoon 1-2 years in advance, if you can. If you’re planning an exotic trip like a safari or multi-country trip, the more time you have to plan the better.

How should they determine where to go — super relaxing, active, etc.

Eric: Talk with a Travel Advisor! (I have a recommendation…) Having a professional talk to the happy couple is a must. We like to start with how people want to FEEL on their honeymoon, over where specifically they want to go. Some want full relaxation at a fly and flop beach resort, while others want exploration and adventure. And some want both! We love planning “contrasting honeymoons.” The city glitz and glamour of Dubai followed by a luxe, over-water bungalow in the Maldives. Or the excitement and adventure of an African safari, followed by some beachy bliss in Mauritius.

Name three places people should consider but probably haven’t.

Eric: Argentina: Amazing food, wine, culture. You can combine Buenos Aires and Mendoza. And if you wanted to add on a beach, spend some extra days in Uruguay!

Portugal: Not such a surprising recommendation but combine time on the mainland in Lisbon and Porto with time in the Azores, an archipelago of nine dreamy islands.

Maine: What better place to honeymoon than right here in Vacationland?! A meandering road trip through our beautiful state stopping for great meals, views and adventures along the way.

What kind of budget should a couple set aside?

Eric: A travel budget is such a personal and individual decision. It’s like asking how much you should spend on your wedding. It’s really about priorities. Some of our clients want to stay at 5-star hotels. Other clients want to go to Michelin starred restaurants. Some want to fly first class. Talk about what’s important to you and your partner for your honeymoon and start there. Our luxury honeymoon clients tend to have budgets of $1,000 per day, not including airfare. But you can definitely plan an amazing honeymoon for less.

What kind of “extras” are cool to add?

Eric: Definitely add at least one splurge because, if not on your honeymoon, then when?! Do the scenic flight. Arrange the private beachfront dinner. Hire a crewed yacht for a day. Reserve a couples massage. This is the time to celebrate! Some couples are even adding these extras to their wedding registries.

Photo courtesy of CIRE Travel

Tea Room at Johnson Hall

Step back into time at this elegant yet whimsical Wells property

TThe Tea Room at the Johnson Hall Museum in Wells is for the modern, discerning couple looking for an unusual, elegant, historic setting for their wedding.

The historic tea room dates back to the roaring ’20’s and once hosted President Franklin Delano Roosevelt back when lobster dinners were $1.50.

THE TEA ROOM AT JOHNSON HALL MUSEUM

Entering the property, you drive between the columns that once graced Union Station in Portland, Maine. Walk up the circular driveway and onto the porch, framed with white columns, open the door and then step back in time…

2713 Post Road, Wells, Maine (207) 985-0015

Johnsonhallmuseum.com

johnsonhallmuseum@gmail.com

Antique furniture lines the walls in the anteroom, with sculptures and multiple framed paintings adding to the rich, layered feel.

Inside the main tea room brass chandeliers glow golden overhead, casement clocks tick away precious moments and vintage China platters are on display along the tops of the walls. A music box plays the Wedding March and a player piano graces the room.

The grounds themselves add to the ambience, with an historic cottage serving as a lovely bridal dressing area, a vintage train station and oneroom school house, statuary and more. There is a ceremony site and area designated for tents and plenty of room for parking.

The historic tea room can accommodate up to 130 guests with a dance floor and around 180 guests without the dance floor: a tented outdoor wedding can accommodate up to 200 people. Private functions and

corporate events are also welcome.

Round tables and Chivari chairs are available in the tea room, all part of the wedding packages which start at $8,000 for a single day or $12,000 for a full weekend rental.

The full weekend allows for a rehearsal and welcome dinner, setup time, the wedding and reception, and a farewell brunch, if desired.

Johnson Hall Museum is surrounded by land owned by the Rachel Carson Wildlife Preserve, and so it is serene and private with lovely green trees in the spring and summer and beautiful fall colors in late September and October. The quaint vintage buildings on the property provide the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.

There is a state of the art kitchen on-site and couples may bring their caterers along with licensed bar service for the wedding of their dreams. They should also bring their appreciation of the whimsical and the unusual, to enjoy a setting as unique as they are.

Above & Beyond Catering

On site or offsite catering, plus a new modern farmhouse in Sanford

BBig things are happening for Above & Beyond Catering!

Not only will owner Gina Sawtelle and her crew continue to cater spectacular weddings and events in the coming year, but later this fall she’ll debut a spectacular new wedding venue or her property as well.

The style she’s going for is “modern farmhouse,” Sawtelle said. “It’s not rustic, not a barn.”

While it will have barn-style doors, they will be modern. The new facility will seat more than 100 for any type of event and have all the right touches: tables and chairs, vintage China collected over the years, gold or silver flatware, black, white or vintage plates.

“It’s the next natural extension for my

ABOVE & BEYOND CATERING

49 Shaws Ridge Road, Sanford (207) 459-4351

aboveandbeyondcatering.net gina@aboveandbeyondcatering.net

business,” Sawtelle said.

And for bigger gatherings, Sawtelle has the perfect site for a tent: a huge meadow with a rock wall, mature trees and plenty of space for her adorable Gin Tin, her mobile bar.

At the original house on the property, where Sawtelle and her crew cook up something delicious almost daily, there’s also a beautiful bridal suite – the perfect spot for a bride and her attendants to relax and get ready for her big day.

But Sawtelle said she’s not just doing wedding dinners these days. More and more she’s doing welcome dinners, farewell breakfasts – even charcuterie for guests’ hotels. And she’s happy to do it all.

Sawtelle is grateful, too, for the community’s support. She wasn’t sure

how her business would survive during Covid, but then an idea came to her: Offer homemade meals for pick-up each week. And so the idea for her pop-up dinners came to life – and really took off, and continues weekly fall through spring.

And Sawtelle wants the community to know she will still be there for them – onsite, offsite, as a caterer and bar service or as a one-stop shop for weddings – something she’ll be doing with her new venue.

“We are their event planner, we get their cakes, invitations, timelines, officiant,” she said. “We can line everything up. A lot of people come in very overwhelmed. I hate that the wedding industry make clients scared and overwhelmed.”

But that’s where Sawtelle shines – helping people figure out what’s important to them and making it happen, whether it’s sticking to a certain budget or making a certain type of food. So many people requested barbecue, in fact, that Sawtelle introduced Southern Flare, a line of catering that offers good oldfashioned comfort food.

Wedding Guide of the Kennebunks

Kitchen Chicks Catering

41 Water St., Kennebunk (207) 985-0252

kitchenchicks.com

Full-service catering/event management, weddings, corporate, social, lobster bakes and BBQ. Food for every occasion.

Musette

2 Pier Road, Kennebunkport (207) 204-0707

musettebyjc.com

The Port Box Company

Kennebunkport (207) 468-6650

theportbox.com

Luxury portable charcuterie boxes, curated artisanal cheeses and charcuterie made daily and delivered to your door.

Rustic Taps & Catering

186 Brackett Road, Unit 1, Gorham (207) 776-8991

rustictaps.com

Vintage beer truck and mobile bar services along with a variety of catering options ideal for weddings, events and festivals.

Smoke BBQ

58 York St., Kennebunk (207) 502-7311

smokebbq.me

Serving regional BBQ classics smoked in a 100% wood fired smoker. 16 beers on tap. Everything is made from scratch.

DESSERTS / SPECIALTY CAKES

DESSERTS / SPECIALTY CAKES

Auntie’s House Bakery & Gift Shop

155 Port Road, Kennebunk (207) 204-0338

whoopieballs.com

Home of the Whoopie Ball! Cookies, cakes, chocolates and more. New: waffles with delectable fillings.

Gemini Cakes

158 Downing Road, Arundel (207) 494-0077

Find us on Facebook!

Talula’s Cupcakery

2 Morning Walk Lane, Kennebunk (207) 274-0247

Find us on Facebook!

ENTERTAINMENT / MUSIC

ENTERTAINMENT / MUSIC

Music Man DJ Service (207) 468-7904

themusicmandjservice.com

WBOB Professional Disc Jockey Service

Kennebunk (207) 985-4606

djwbob.com

Disc jockey service for weddings and events.

Central Maine Pyrotechnic

Hallowell (207) 623-9285

centralmainepyrotechnics.com

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS

C.A. Smith Photography 41 Western Ave., Kennebunk (207) 967-0500

casmithphotography.com

Chris Becker Gallery

127 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (207) 967-0069

chrisbeckerphoto.com

Wedding Guide of the Kennebunks

Fine art and documentary photography services and pictures. Photo workshops available.

Jake Kitterman Productions

Lyman (207) 216-7282

jakekitterman.com

A production agency specializing in wedding films and marketing (photo, video/drone) content for brands and businesses.

Jenna Doughtry Photography

5 Bragdon Lane, Suite 3A, Kennebunk (207) 232-5167

jennadoughtryphotography.com

Photographer specializing in wedding photography, portraits and boudoir.

KIRN Creative

Kennebunk (207) 641-5855

kirncreative.com

Fine-art wedding photography with editorial roots. Commercial and portrait photography services.

Lumina by Marina Photography

47 Teresa Lane, Wells (207) 337-3315

luminabymarina.com

MW Photographic

3 Trackside Drive, Kennebunk (917) 834-8346

mwphotographic.com

Creating images that let you experience your wedding day for the first time, every time.

Robert Akers Photography

2 Penny Lane, Kennebunk (207) 251-2739

robertakersphotography.com

Beautiful family, business and senior portraits in Southern Maine.

EVENT PLANNING / SERVICES

EVENT PLANNING / SERVICES

Azalea Events, LLC

Kennebunk (207) 229-4255

azaleaevents.com

Inflate Maine

Kennebunk (207) 295-0697

inflatemaine.com

Inflatable bounce house rentals.

Jill Roberts - Wedding Officiant

Kennebunk (207) 251-0980

I am a wedding officiant that has performed ceremonies all over the coast of southern Maine.

Maine Home Portrait Artist

1205 Portland Road, Arundel (207) 289-4421

mainehomeportraitartist.com

Capturing memories with paper and paint using a traditional sumi ink in an untraditional way with a splash of color.

Wedding Guide of the Kennebunks

Peak Event Services

169 Port Road, Unit 41, Kennebunk (833) 888-PEAK

peakeventservices.com

New England’s leading event rental provider offering tents, tabletop, furniture and more.

Sharper Events and Tents

58 Smada Drive, Sanford (207) 337-4891

sharp.rentals

Serving Southern Maine with the best party rentals around. We feature tents, weddings and every inflatable there is.

Weddings by Kaileigh, LLC

Kennebunk (207) 651-0989

weddingsbykaileigh.com

Offering a variety of wedding and event planning services.

EVENT VENUES / CEREMONY SITES

EVENT VENUES / CEREMONY SITES

Above & Beyond Catering

49 Shaw’s Ridge Road, Sanford (207) 459-4351

aboveandbeyondcatering.net

We truly go above and beyond to make sure your event is special and a very memorable one!

Arundel Wharf Restaurant

43 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (207) 967-3444

arundelwharf.com

Atlantic Hall

173 Main St., Cape Porpoise (207) 710-3560

atlantichall.org

A unique historic landmark available to rent for corporate meetings, seminars and social events.

Bandaloop

1200 Portland Road (207) 967-4994

bandalooprestaurant.com

Batson River Brewing & Distilling

12 Western Ave., Kennebunk (207) 967-8821

batsonriver.com

Beacon of Hope Cooperative Parish

Two locations in Lyman and West Kennebunk (207) 499-7438

christchurchkennebunk.org

The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel and Restaurant

21 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (800) 569-8713

boathouseme.com

Breakwater Inn & Spa and Stripers

Restaurant

127 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (207) 967-5333

thebreakwaterinn.com

Ideal for weddings and events.

Making it legal

How to get your marriage license in

So you’ve decided that you’re going to get married in the Kennebunks. On top of your venue and vendors, you’ll need a couple more things: A license and an officiant. Town clerks Merton Brown of Kennebunk and Tracey O’Roak of Kennebunkport offered these tips for getting your license and getting it right:

• Licenses are $40 and they’re good for 90 days.

• Give yourself 4-6 weeks for the process.

• Both parties must present IDs.

• If you were married before, you must show court annulment papers, a death certificate or a divorce decree.

• If you live locally, you must get your permit in

Maine

the town where you live. If you live out of state, you can get a license in any municipality.

• Some towns, like Kennebunkport, prefer you call and make an appointment. Others, like Kennebunk, take walk-in appointments.

• Couples need two witnesses for the ceremony.

• You can get married on a public beach in Maine, but you must take into account tides, parking and other things. Remember: You can’t stop the public from coming to your wedding on a public beach.

• Weddings can be performed by licensed officiants, clergy members, attorneys or anyone who has been licensed online.

Brown said he’s performed weddings at a number of different venues, including a gazebo in a town park, in and on the water, a hot air balloon, on the top of a mountain at Sunday River (and at just about all of Maine’s ski resorts), on a football field and in a ‘54 Chevy.

And he’s worked with cats, dogs, horses and llamas as part of the ceremony.

Brown has been marrying couples for nearly 50 years, but he said one still stands out in his memory. It was two gentlemen who decided to get married right after Maine legalized gay marriages.

“They were both 80 and had been together since they were 40,” he said. “They thought it was just a paperwork thing, then it hit them. I ended up being there for three and a half hours.

I’ll never, ever forget it.”

Photo by Chris Becker

Wedding Guide of the Kennebunks

Cape Arundel Inn & Resort and Ocean Restaurant

208 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (800) 514-0968

capearundelinn.com

Classic inn with elegant rooms, unparalleled ocean views and outstanding onsite dining

Chez Rosa

2 Ocean Ave., Building D, Kennebunkport (207) 204-0183

chezrosabistro.com

Upscale casual French Bistro and Bar, serving comfort food, made with locally sourced ingredients.

Church on the Cape

3 Langsford Road, Kennebunkport (207) 967-5787

churchonthecape.org

The Colony Hotel

140 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (207) 967-3331

thecolonyhotel.com

Duffy’s Tavern & Grill

4 Main St., Kennebunk (207) 985-0050

duffysmaine.com

Private dining space for rehearsals, celebrations and events for up to 40 guests.

Dutch Elm Golf Course

5 Brimstone Road, Arundel (207) 282-9850

dutchelmgolf.com

Federal Jack’s Restaurant & Brew Pub

8 Western Ave., Kennebunk (207) 967-4322

federaljacks.com

Well-known for its spectacular views, creative pub fare and award-winning hand-crafted ales.

First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church

114 Main St., Kennebunk (207) 985-3700

uukennebunk.org

Hidden Pond and Earth

354 Goose Rocks Road, Kennebunkport (888) 967-9050

hiddenpondmaine.com

One of the finest luxury resorts in the northeast.

Jillyanna’s Woodfired Cooking School

141 Wildes District Road, Kennebunkport (207) 967-4960

jillyannas.com

Johnson Hall Museum and Functions

2713 Post Road, Wells (207) 985-0015

johnsonhallmuseum.com

Historic tea room venue, lawn for tents, and vintage buildings for unique wedding photo backdrops.

All of this information is also available online!

Wedding Guide of the Kennebunks

Kennebunk Baptist Church

77 Main St., Kennebunk (207) 985-4207

kennebunkbaptistchurch.org

A caring Christian community, traditional service, hymnsinging with grand piano and organ, beautiful stained glass windows.

Kennebunkport Captains Collection

6 Pleasant St., Kennebunkport (207) 967-3141

kennebunkportcaptains.com

A modern collection of four historic Maine sea captains’ homes overlooking the river green.

Kennebunkport Conservation Trust

57 Gravelly Brook Road, Kennebunkport (207) 967-3465 kporttrust.org

Kennebunkport Historical Society

125 North St., Kennebunkport (207) 967-2751

kporths.com

The Lost Fire

62 Mills Road, Kennebunkport (207) 204-0123

thelostfire.com

True Patagonian wood-fired steakhouse.

Louis T. Graves Public Library

18 Maine St., Kennebunkport (207) 967-2778

graveslibrary.org

Public library, business center, programs for all ages, used book store, community room, remote worker space and wi-fi.

Motorland Maine Classic Car Museum

2564 Portland Road, Arundel (207) 602-6620

mainecarmuseum.com

Weddings | Welcome Parties | Groomsmen Experiences | Chauffeured Transportation | Engagement Photos | Wedding Staging Props

Mornings in Paris Cafe

21 Western Ave., Kennebunk (207) 204-0032

morningsinparis.com

Evening or daytime events, intimate to 80 people and

in-house catering available. Beach picnics offered.

Nonantum Resort

95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (207) 967-4050

nonantumresort.com

The perfect setting for life’s special events.

Old Marsh Country Club

445 Clubhouse Road, Wells (207) 251-4653

oldmarshcountryclub.com

Old Vines Wine Bar

173 Port Road, Kennebunk (207) 967-2310

oldvines.net

Celebrate your occasion with craft cocktails, fine wine and a unique taste of Maine in the heart of Lower Village.

Outlook Farm, Links at Outlook

310 Portland St., South Berwick (207) 384-4653

outlookgolf.com

Re-defining the wedding experience with full service planning and contemporary amenities.

Wedding Guide of the Kennebunks

Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant

181 Port Road, Kennebunk (207) 967-5544

pedrosmaine.com

Pilot House Restaurant

4 Western Ave., Kennebunk (207) 204-0709

thepilothouseme.com

Rhumb Line Resort

41 Turbats Creek Road, Kennebunkport (207) 967-5457

rhumblineresort.com

Indoor conference space or outdoor tented events, plus lobster bakes, to fit every budget.

Saint David’s Episcopal Church

138 York St., Kennebunk (207) 985-3073

stdavidskennebunk.org

Seashore Trolley Museum

195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport (207) 967-2800 trolleymuseum.org

The oldest and largest transit museum in the worldride on our private heritage railroad!

South Congregational Church

2 North St., Kennebunkport (207) 967-2793

southchurchucc.org

Historic church and all-inclusive congregations active in the local community and beyond.

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church

167 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (207) 967-8043

stannskennebunkport.org

Summer chapel - oceanside.

The Tides Beach Club

930 Kings Highway, Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport (800) 572-8696

tidesbeachclubmaine.com

Southern Maine’s only beachfront luxury boutique hotel.

Ultramar

77 Pier Road, Kennebunkport (207) 987-2001

ultramarrestaurant.com

Seafood grill and raw bar. Fresh local seafood combined with Mediterranean flavors and authentic wood-fired cooking.

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre

53 Old Post Road, Arundel (207) 985-5552

vinhillmusic.com

Intimate, vibrant community events and national artists including barn performances and movies.

Wandby Landing

46 Western Ave., Kennebunk (207) 849-8849

wandbylanding.com

Coastal Maine, Italian-inspired cuisine and vibrant bar.

Wallingford Farm

21 York St., Kennebunk (207) 985-2112

wallingfordfarm.com

Farm market, garden center, flower fields, gardening and landscaping services.

Our inaugural Weddings & Events guide is also available online! Scan the QR code to view it on the go!

Photo by Yeah Bud Photography

Photo by C.A. Smith Photography

Wells Reserve at Laudholm 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells (207) 646-4521 wellsreserve.org

White Barn Inn & Spa 37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk (207) 967-2321 whitebarninn.com

White Sails Inn 61 Fletcher St., Kennebunk (207) 467-3599 whitesailsinn.com

Wine House on Main 17 Main St., Kennebunk (207) 467-3462 winehousemaine.com

A sommelier-owned wine shop with hand-picked selections from all over the world.

Wedding Guide of the Kennebunks

FLORISTS

Copper Penny Flowers North Kennebunkport (617) 852-4214

copperpennyflowers.com

Floral designer.

Fleurant

174 Port Road, Kennebunk (207) 967-4242 fleurantdesign.net

HONEYMOON PLANNING

AAA Travel Agency 472 Alfred St., Biddeford (207) 282-5212 aaa.com

CIRE Travel (207) 805-3110 ciretravel.com

A concierge-style travel agency specializing in luxury honeymoons and epic vacations.

TRANSPORTATION

TRANSPORTATION

A & S Limousine Service 11 Westfield St., Biddeford (207) 749-6797

Amtrak Downeaster 696 Sanford Road, Wells (800) USA-RAIL amtrakdowneaster.com

Intown Trolley Co.

21 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport (207) 967-3686 intowntrolley.com

Private charters available for weddings, group tours and transportation.

Motorland Maine Classic Car Museum

2564 Portland Road, Arundel (207) 602-6620 mainecarmuseum.com

Weddings | Welcome Parties | Groomsmen Experiences | Chauffeured Transportation | Engagement Photos | Wedding Staging Props

RideMaine, LLC

Kennebunk (207) 502-5067

ridemekpt.com

Safe, fun transportation serving the Kennebunks. Private transportation available.

VIDEOGRAPHY

ELEVINELEVIN, LLC. Boston (617) 283-4468 elevin.net

Jake Kitterman Productions Lyman (207) 216-7282

jakekitterman.com

A production agency specializing in wedding films and marketing (photo, video/drone) content.

From welcome parties to after parties, we will

Continued from Page 4

“Bourbon has been huge!” she said.

While couples are still doing custom cocktails, Liversidge said there’s one thing she doesn’t see and she’s glad: shots.

“We have a no shots policy,” she laughed, adding that years of experience have informed that decision. “There’s no reason for shots at a wedding!”

But plenty of room to pay homage to the surroundings.

“People are looking for classic Maine,” Liversidge said.

Seafood is still king, she said, with lobster bakes a popular option for rehearsal and welcome dinners, or for a day-after event. The wedding dinner itself might feature a more elevated — and less messy — version such as a grilled lobster tail.

“People are getting away from formal rehearsal dinners,” said Liversidge. “We’re

The Boathouse Restaurant in Kennebunkport is a lovely place to host a wedding reception or event.

seeing casual welcome parties, inviting all out of town guests, or family dinners followed by open events.

It allows them to welcome people, offer some bites, and for people to get to know each other,” she said.

Other trends include dropping the “old stuff” – receiving lines, the garter toss and cake cutting ceremony – and adding new traditions

like the “first look,” she said. “It takes a lot of the stress off everyone,” she said.

Havrilla said other trends include elaborate coffee bars and after-party food like sliders and small, glass Coke bottles.

As for after party venues, Zahares said the new Pilot House is a favorite, as is Wandby Landing and Old Vines. The Rabbit Hole at Via Sophia, she said, is a great option for a small wedding after party.

For wedding venues themselves, Zahares said buyouts of restaurants work really well, and pointed to The Boathouse and Wandby Landing as two that do wonderful jobs hosting.

Those looking for larger wedding venues should consider the ballroom at the Colony, a tent at the Nonantum, The Boathouse for a cocktail-style event, Hidden Pond or Johnson Hall Museum.

by

Photo

Azalea Events

help you make it happen in the Kennebunks

And of course, there are halls, churches, barns, theaters and inns all available for venues.

The area lends itself to wonderful bachelorette weekends as well. Picture brunch at Via Sophia, spa treatments at the River’s Edge Spa (or one of our other wonderful spas), a wine tasting at the Wine House on Main and gift bags filled with products from Maine Cottage Apothecary. And for the bachelors, perhaps dinner at The Lost Fire (or Smoke), cigars and wine or beer at Maine and Vine and a private tour at the Maine Classic Car Museum.

The possibilities are endless here in the Kennebunks! The same is true for activities for guests.

Consider a cove walk with Coast Encounters or a ride on the Schooner Eleanor or Pineapple Ketch or any of the other boats found around town to get people closer to the water. Then there’s wine tastings, brewery tours and samplings of other spirits. And for those in need of stretching their legs, the Arundel Conservation Trust, Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Kennebunk Land Trust and Eastern Trail offer wonderful walkways – and don’t forget there’s always a walk on one of our beautiful beaches.

Photo by Nadra Photography

Photo by Brea McDonald

Arundel Wharf Restaurant (207) 967-3444

Atlantic Hall (207) 318-0975 Weddings

Bandaloop (207) 967-4994

Batson River Brewing & Distilling (207) 967-8821

Beacon of Hope Cooperative Parish (207) 499-7438

The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel (207) 967-6501

Breakwater Inn and Spa (207) 361-8755

Brick Store Museum (207) 985-4802

Cape Arundel Inn & Resort (207) 967-6501

Chez Rosa (207) 204-0183

The Church on the Cape (207) 967-5787

The Colony Hotel (207) 967-3331 x 524

Duffy’s Tavern & Grill (207) 985-0050

Dutch Elm Golf Course (207) 282-9850

Federal Jack’s Restaurant & Brew Pub (207) 967-4322

First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church (207) 985-3700

Hidden Pond Resort & Spa (207) 967-6501

Jillyanna’s Woodfired Cooking School (207) 967-4960

Johnson Hall Museum and Functions (207) 985-0015

Kennebunk Baptist Church (207) 985-4207

Kennebunkport Conservation

(207) 967-3465

Kennebunkport Historical Society (207) 967-2751

Kennebunkport Inn (207) 967-6501

The Lodge on the Cove (207) 967-6501

The Lost Fire (207) 204-0123

Louis T. Graves Library (207) 967-2778

Maine Classic Car Museum (917) 331-4949

Mornings in Paris (207) 502-3449

Nonantum Resort (207) 494-1266

Old Marsh Country Club (207) 251-4653

Old Vines Wine Bar (207) 967-2310

Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant (207) 431-0235

The Pilot House (207) 632-6767

The Red Barn at Outlook Farm (207) 384-1010 x 101

The Ridge Event & Wedding Venue (207) 459-4351 Weddings

&

&

Rustic Taps and Catering (207) 776-8991

Seashore Trolley Museum (207) 967-2800

Sebago Brewing Company (207) 985-9855

South Congregational Church (207) 967-2793

The Spirit Restaurant (207) 632-6767

St. Ann’s Episcopal Church (610) 310-4993

St. David’s Episcopal Church (207) 985-3073

The Tides Beach Club (207) 967-6501

Ultramar (207) 987-2001

Via Sophia by the Sea (207) 967-6501

Vinegar Hill Music Theatre (207) 985-5552

Wallingford Farm (207) 985-2112

Wandby Landing (207) 849-8849

Wells Reserve at Laudholm (207) 646-4521

White Barn Inn & Spa (207) 967-5457

Weddings &

Photo by Azalea Events

Picture This

Did you know if you use #goKennebunks or tag @GoKennebunks on Instagram, your photo could be featured in the Chamber’s Wedding Guide or social media sites? Thanks to all those who have shared their insta-worthy pictures!

@carlymphotography

@anniepaigeweddings

@leahfisher

@emilyleonard

@ericferrone

@chrissmith

@VMGweddings

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