Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Help: I want a great place to get married in New England!

In response to this post, on 2000 dollar wedding, I created the following list, which has been requested many times by readers of 2000 wedding.

My grandparents 50th anniversary party was at Mount Agamenticus in York Maine. Its a large hall on the top of a mountain. We had a caterer, but I think I remember there being a kitchen. It has incredible views, and is a beautiful rustic place. The website isn't great, but here it is: http://www.agamenticus.org/index.htmlProbably best for you to just call and ask questions, but I'm sure its affordable.

Carters cross country ski center in Bethel Maine is a small lodge but I know the owners and their daughter had her reception there. Since its a ski center, they would likely be interested in renting it out off season. Call (207) 539-4848 and ask to talk to Jessica. Anne (her mom) can also help you, but I think Jes would be more into the idea. (she had her recpetion there.) Jes and I were great friends and on the cross country ski team together in high school. :-)

This place is amazing. http://www.kezarlakehouse.com/westways.htmlItused to be a restaurant but is now a vacation rental. I'm not sure it would be ideal for a large wedding, but it could work. Kezar Lake is one of the most beautiful in Maine. There are a bunch of state parks on the coast of Maine and on inland lakes that have facilities for groups. Check out the Maine state parks webpage.

Sebago Lake is really cool and has a group picnic facility. http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=26

This place in Casco, Maine seems kitchy and fun, but I don't know anything about it personally: http://www.alyssasmotel.com/index.htm

The best way to rent a "camp" (Maine speak for summer cottage - not summer camp like what you go to when you're a kid) is to find one you like, find out who owns it, then call them up and ask about it. There are a bunch of affordable camps on lakes in Western Maine in Bryant Pond and Locke Mills Maine. Local real estate agents can guide your search.

Mt. Greylock in North Adams Mass has a lodge on top of it and a large open field that would be ideal for a wedding. Not sure if they would rent it out, but might be worth checking out. Fantastic views and sunsets! http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/
There's also this site for Massachusetts parks: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/recreate/dayuse.htm

Think about renting a local dowhnill ski lodge off-season. You could get a really good rate since these places are largely sitting unoccupied during the summer. Potentially you could have the ceremony on the top of the mountain, transported by chair-lift, then the receiption at the lodge at the base.
Ideas:http://www.skiblackmountain.org/
http://www.camdensnowbowl.com/
http://www.mtabram.com/
http://www.lostvalleyski.com/ (A lot of folks from my high school get married here)http://www.sprucemountain.org/

Here are some more conventional and less DIY ideas:
http://www.bearmtninn.com/ - has "packages" which could be fairly affordable if you're not having too many people
http://www.cape-cottages.com/ A private, peaceful place located on Thompson Lake in Otisfield, Maine. Site available May, June, September and October only. Perfect for outdoor, tented receptions. Lodging onsite. Limit 140 guests.
http://www.highlandlakeresort.com/

My friend Thea is a wedding photographer in New Hampshire and has been to a TON of weddings in New England at all sorts of venues. I'm sure she'd be happy to give some ideas. thea@authenticeye.com

Hope this is helpful. Best of luck!

1 comment:

kristen said...

Geez, when I saw the title, I thought that was about YOU! :) Can't wait for the big day!