The soft sunshine and cool breeze that sets the mood for fall in Maine creates the perfect ambiance for a romantic and cozy wedding celebration. Fall is increasingly becoming a more popular season for getting hitched and we can see why.
As we walk around our property, the fall colors are starting to set in and the deep oranges and reds create a naturally beautiful backdrop for a ceremony. We are always getting calls for fall bookings and the season now rivals the summer for the most sought-after wedding dates.
Nationally, September has eclipsed June as the most popular wedding month, with 14% of couples walking down the aisle, according to TheKnot. June still attracts a sizeable 13%, but another fall month, October, comes in third with 12% of all weddings.
Labor Day is by far the most popular time to get married, with the convenience of a three-day weekend. The holiday makes for a relaxed, unhurried event for couples seeking a multi-day destination event.
Here’s one itinerary that will keep your guests well-fed and entertained as the summer comes to an end.
8 a.m.- 2p.m. Guests arrive & check in to area accommodations.
3-5 p.m. Ceremony rehearsal for the bridal party.
5-6 p.m. Autumn-themed cocktails on the propane-heated terrace. Sunset hayrides around the property for guests.
6-8 p.m. Harvest dinner on long farm-style tables, with food sourced from local farmers and fishermen.
8-9 p.m. Bonfire with s’mores, hot toddies and warm apple cider.
8 a.m.-1p.m. Coordinated group trips to the top of the Penobscot Narrows Observatory for leaf-peeping and a private tour of the nearby Fort Knox historic site, followed by a waterside picnic.
1 p.m. Bridal party arrives at French’s Point for hair and makeup preparation and a luncheon on the deck of the waterfront bridal suite.
3:30 p.m. Guests arrive by trolley.
4 p.m. Ceremony commences on the heated terrace.
4:30 p.m. Cocktail hour in the conservatory or outside on the lawn.
5 p.m. In a tent or in our dining room, a dinner of around-the-world dish stations featuring rosemary and sage roasted turkey breast, smoked mussels and Maine shrimp, Greek salad, and fresh Thai spring rolls. Served with local harvest ales and wines.
7 p.m. Cupcake pyramid and dancing under the red harvest moon.
10 p.m. Sparkler send-off for bride and groom with guests departing for area accommodations by trolley.
10 a.m.-noon. Touch football game on the lawn followed by a tailgate-themed brunch.