Top Tips when Starting to Plan Your Destination Wedding in Maine
Cover Image: Chris Bennett
Planning a destination wedding is an exciting adventure, and Maine offers the perfect backdrop with its stunning landscapes and coastal charm. To help you get started, we asked some of our preferred wedding planners for their best advice. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Tap into Local Expertise
“One of the best tips I can give you is to connect with the local vendors—especially the planners! They have a treasure trove of insider knowledge about the wedding scene here in Maine. Their expertise will help you uncover the perfect venue for your special day and make the whole experience truly unforgettable!”
— Christina, Pinch Me Planning
Image: Chris Bennett
Local planners and vendors are the key to unlocking Maine’s hidden wedding treasures. Their firsthand knowledge ensures your celebration is seamless and authentically tied to the region.
2. Define Your Priorities with a Planner
“Not to sound self-promotional, but if you’re planning a destination wedding in Maine, my top tip is to hire a wedding planner. A professional can help you establish a budget and present you with a selection of highly vetted, exquisite venues (like French’s Point!). Collaborating with a planner will also allow you and your partner to clearly define your “North Star”—your values and priorities. This focus will keep you aligned throughout the planning process, ensuring a meaningful, connected, and wildly fun wedding weekend for both you and your guests.”
— Anna, Wed In Maine
Image: Natalya DeSena
Stay true to your vision and lean on your trusted team of vendors to manage all the moving parts, so your wedding weekend is as stress-free and fun as possible.
3. Start with Your Vision
“While just starting to plan a wedding can seem intimidating at first, it’s important to start by understanding your vision. Think about factors such as the size of your wedding, overall themes and vibe of the event day or weekend, and who is going to come celebrate with you. As you start to create this vision, it can help to look online, but this is only a small picture of Maine weddings. We encourage you to look inward to what YOU really want and, if applicable, we also encourage you to think about your own experiences at friends’ and family’s weddings. Knowing what you don’t like is just as important as what you do like, so that your vision can become more clear.”
— Cassie, Olive + Co
Taking the time to reflect on your priorities and preferences will guide every decision and ensure your day feels uniquely yours.
4. Build a Trusted Vendor Team
“Selfishly, my advice to a couple just beginning their destination Maine wedding planning would be to hire a local wedding planner. A local (whether it be Maine or New England) wedding planner because planners, wherever they are located, are most familiar with the other vendors in their surrounding area. When a client first hires me, I begin pulling together the perfect vendor team; I can easily discern which band, caterer, photographer, etc., will be best for a particular couple’s event based on different attributes they are looking for. If I were to be hired for a celebration outside of New England, so much research would have to be done on the vendors in that area. At that point, I am going by word of mouth and other reviews instead of firsthand experience. I can offer firsthand experience for vendors I recommend hiring when couples get married in Maine or New England. Having that relationship with other wedding professionals is invaluable and ensures that your team will work seamlessly together to create an unforgettable event.”
— Jessica, Jessica Riley Events
Photo: Novae
Assemble the perfect team of vendors who work effortlessly together to make your wedding dreams a reality.
Let’s Start Planning!
When it comes to finding the perfect coastal estate for a luxurious yet welcoming destination wedding, French’s Point is a standout choice. With breathtaking ocean views, versatile event spaces, and a private estate setting, it provides a beautiful and intimate environment where family and friends can connect in comfort and style. Planning from afar can feel daunting, but French’s Point makes it easier with access to trusted local vendors, spaces designed to accommodate Maine’s ever-changing weather, and a team dedicated to helping you bring your vision to life. Whether you’re imagining a tented outdoor celebration or a cozy indoor gathering, French’s Point offers everything you need to create a truly unforgettable wedding experience.
Ready to get started? Reach out to our team today to learn more about hosting your special day at French’s Point!