Top Five Luxury Wedding Venues in Maine
As a wedding videographer who has spent years capturing love stories across the beautiful state of Maine, I've had the privilege of filming at some of the most breathtaking venues our state has to offer. I've witnessed countless couples exchange vows against the backdrop of crashing waves, beneath towering pines, and within historic walls that tell stories of their own.
When couples ask me about truly exceptional wedding venues in Maine, I'm always excited to share my insights. After all, the venue sets the stage for your wedding film—it creates the atmosphere, enhances your story, and provides those picture-perfect moments that you'll cherish forever.
In this blog, I want to take you on a journey through what I consider to be the five most luxurious wedding venues in Maine. These locations offer not just stunning backdrops for your special day, but exceptional service, amenities, and experiences that elevate a wedding from memorable to truly extraordinary.
The Cliff House Maine
There's something magical about standing on the edge of a 90-foot cliff, with nothing but the vast Atlantic Ocean stretching to the horizon. This is the reality at The Cliff House Maine, and it's why I get genuinely excited whenever a couple books me to film their wedding at this spectacular location.
Located just 60 miles north of Boston and nestled between the charming towns of Ogunquit and York, The Cliff House has earned its reputation as one of the northeast's most sought-after wedding destinations. From the moment you and your guests arrive, you're enveloped in a sense of coastal luxury that is distinctly Maine yet world-class in its offerings.
Why I Love Filming Here
As a videographer, I'm always searching for those perfect moments and backdrops that will make your wedding film truly special. The Cliff House delivers these in abundance. The natural light that pours through the expansive windows of their event spaces creates a filmmaker's dream—soft, flattering illumination that makes everyone look their absolute best.
The North Point Lawn, which is their primary ceremony location, offers what I consider to be one of the most dramatic ceremony settings in all of New England. I've captured couples exchanging vows with the rugged Maine coastline stretching behind them, waves crashing against the rocks below, and occasionally even catching glimpses of seals playing in the distance. These are the kinds of natural moments that can't be planned but make for unforgettable wedding films.
The Spaces That Shine
The Cliff House offers several stunning event spaces, each with its own unique character:
North Point Lawn: This outdoor ceremony space provides sweeping views up the rocky coast toward Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. When filming here, I often position myself to capture not just the couple but also their guests' reactions against that spectacular ocean backdrop.
Atlantic Ballroom: At over 4,400 square feet, this is their premier reception space. What makes it exceptional for filming is the dramatic beamed ceiling with exposed cedar planking and the wall of windows overlooking the ocean. The spherical chandeliers create beautiful bokeh effects in my footage, adding a dreamy quality to reception scenes.
Oceanview Terrace Salon: This bright, 2,000-square-foot space with its vaulted natural wood ceiling and panoramic ocean views creates a stunning setting for more intimate receptions or rehearsal dinners. The natural light here is phenomenal for daytime events.
Perkin's Cove Salon: What I love about this space is the balcony that runs the length of the room, allowing me to capture gorgeous transition shots as guests move between indoor elegance and outdoor ocean views.
The culinary experience at Cliff House deserves special mention. Their chefs create locally sourced, globally inspired menus that not only taste incredible but also present beautifully on film. I always make sure to capture those carefully plated dishes—they're works of art in themselves.
Hidden Pond
When couples tell me they want something that feels both luxurious and authentically Maine, Hidden Pond is often my first suggestion. Set on 60 acres of birch groves and balsam fir in Kennebunkport, this private luxury resort offers a wedding experience that feels like a sophisticated woodland fairytale.
The Magic of a Forest Wedding
As someone who spends his days capturing love stories through a lens, I can tell you that Hidden Pond provides a natural beauty that requires very little embellishment. The dappled sunlight filtering through the trees creates natural spotlights and a warm, intimate atmosphere that translates beautifully to film.
What makes Hidden Pond truly exceptional is how it seamlessly blends rustic charm with refined luxury. Couples can have their woodland wedding without sacrificing any of the amenities or comforts they desire for themselves and their guests.
The Full Weekend Experience
One of the aspects that sets Hidden Pond apart is that it's not just a wedding venue—it's a destination for your entire wedding weekend. When filming at Hidden Pond, I have the opportunity to capture so much more than just the ceremony and reception:
Cocktail receptions beneath the trees
Rehearsal dinners at Earth, their acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant
Pre-wedding relaxation at the treetop spa
Morning-after brunches on the property
Guests enjoying the two outdoor swimming pools
These additional moments create a richer, more complete wedding film that tells the full story of your celebration.
What to Know About Booking
Hidden Pond is definitely one of the more exclusive venues in Maine, with partial buyouts starting at $48,000. This typically includes:
A food and beverage minimum starting at $20,000
A facility fee of $15,000 for up to 5 hours
A ceremony fee of $2,000
Accommodation requirements (in July and August, 5 bungalows for two nights; other months require 20 bungalows)
Tent rental starting at $3,500
While this investment is significant, the result is a completely private, customized wedding experience in one of Maine's most beautiful settings. For couples seeking exclusivity and natural elegance, Hidden Pond delivers an unparalleled experience.
The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Whenever I'm filming at The Portland Regency Hotel & Spa, I feel like I'm capturing a perfect blend of Maine's rich history and contemporary luxury. Located in Portland's vibrant Old Port district, this beautifully restored 1895 building—once the Maine National Guard Armory—offers a distinctive wedding venue with urban sophistication and historic charm.
Architectural Details That Enhance Your Film
As a videographer, I'm always drawn to venues with character and unique architectural elements that add visual interest to wedding films. The Portland Regency delivers these in abundance:
Exposed brick walls that add warmth and texture to footage
Grand staircases that create perfect moments for dramatic entrances
Elegant moldings and period details that speak to the building's rich history
Modern amenities thoughtfully integrated into the historic setting
I particularly love filming in the Atlantic Room, with its cathedral ceiling and art deco lighting. These elements create a sense of grandeur that elevates ceremony and reception footage.
Prime Location for Portland Wedding Photography
One of the major advantages of The Portland Regency is its location in the heart of the Old Port. This gives us incredible opportunities for portrait sessions and B-roll footage around the cobblestone streets, waterfront, and nearby parks. I often work with couples to plan a "first look" or post-ceremony portrait session that takes advantage of these picturesque urban settings.
The hotel's rooftop venue, offering 9,000 square feet of space with stunning views of the harbor and city skyline, makes for truly spectacular aerial establishing shots in your wedding film.
Versatile Spaces for Every Wedding Style
The Portland Regency offers several distinct event spaces:
Atlantic Room: At 1,900 square feet, this is their flagship space, accommodating up to 200 guests with a cathedral ceiling and art deco touches.
Regency Room: A warm, inviting 1,188-square-foot space for more intimate gatherings of 25-100 guests.
Armory Room: With 1,120 square feet and a pleasant seating area, this room works beautifully for weddings of up to 100 guests.
Mariner's Church Banquet Center: An additional option for various functions and ceremonies.
What I appreciate as a videographer is how the hotel's dedicated wedding planning team helps couples transform these spaces to reflect their unique vision, creating distinctive settings that prevent wedding films from looking generic or cookie-cutter.
The Westin Portland Harborview
When filming at The Westin Portland Harborview, I'm always struck by how beautifully they've balanced preservation and modernization. Originally opened in 1927 as the Eastland Park Hotel, this property has been immaculately restored while maintaining its historic character.
Panoramic Views That Elevate Your Wedding Film
As someone who specializes in capturing the visual story of your wedding day, I can't overstate the importance of the panoramic views this venue offers. The hotel's location provides stunning vistas of Portland's cityscape, Casco Bay, and the surrounding islands. These views create breathtaking establishing shots and romantic backdrop opportunities throughout your wedding film.
I especially love filming couples on the hotel's upper floors or rooftop spaces during golden hour, when the light casts a warm glow over the harbor and city. These moments create some of the most cinematic footage in a wedding film.
Grand Spaces with Modern Amenities
With over 16,000 square feet of event space, The Westin Portland Harborview offers several impressive venues for your celebration:
Eastland Grand Ballroom: At 5,527 square feet, this is their premier space, accommodating up to 320 guests for a banquet. The ballroom features elegant chandeliers, high ceilings, and classic detailing that creates a timeless backdrop for your celebration.
Eastland Grand Ballroom Balcony: This unique 1,413-square-foot space adds an architectural element that I love to incorporate into wedding films—guests watching from above creates visually interesting compositions.
Winslow Homer Ballroom: A 1,450-square-foot space perfect for more intimate gatherings of up to 100 guests.
As a videographer, I appreciate the hotel's excellent lighting systems, which can be adjusted to create the perfect ambiance for different parts of your celebration, from the warm glow of dinner to the energy of the dance floor.
Comprehensive Wedding Services
The Westin offers a complete wedding experience, from their on-site Adeline Wellness Spa (perfect for capturing those getting-ready moments) to their exceptional catering services. Their professional event planners handle all the details, allowing me to focus entirely on documenting your day rather than managing logistics.
The Inn at English Meadows
Not every couple dreams of a grand wedding with hundreds of guests. For those seeking a more intimate yet still luxurious celebration, The Inn at English Meadows in Kennebunkport offers what I consider to be one of Maine's most charming small wedding venues.
The Perfect Setting for Intimate Weddings
This beautifully renovated mid-1800s Greek Revival-style inn combines historic architecture with contemporary coastal design. When filming here, I'm always struck by how the traditional New England exterior opens to reveal interiors that are bright, modern, and sophisticated.
The inn's English-style gardens and expansive lawn create a perfect outdoor ceremony setting, while the stylishly decorated lounges with gas fireplaces offer cozy indoor options. As a videographer, I find that these varied settings allow me to capture diverse footage throughout the day, creating a wedding film with visual richness despite the more modest size of the venue.
Two Exceptional Wedding Packages
The Inn at English Meadows offers two distinct options for couples:
Take The Full House: Available from November through mid-May for $9,999, this package includes:
All 11 guest rooms and suites (accommodating up to 26 guests)
A 90-minute cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres
Full use of the property's common spaces
Access to their commercial kitchen for catering
Their signature breakfast each morning
Just The Two Of You: For couples planning an elopement, this year-round package at $3,799 includes:
Two nights in their spacious Carriage House Suite
Wedding flowers
90 minutes of professional photography
An officiant
Champagne toast
A multi-course private dinner
Custom wedding cake
Breakfast delivered to your room
What I love about filming elopements at the Inn is the relaxed, intimate nature of these celebrations. Without the pressure of entertaining a large group, couples tend to be more present and emotionally connected—which translates to incredibly authentic, moving wedding films.
The Surrounding Area
The inn's location steps from downtown Kennebunkport, Dock Square, and the waterfront means we can easily incorporate the charm of this coastal town into your wedding film. I often suggest a short portrait session around the harbor or along the nearby beaches to add variety to your film.
Why Venue Choice Matters for Your Wedding Film
As a wedding videographer who has filmed at countless venues across Maine, I can tell you with certainty that your choice of venue will significantly impact the look and feel of your wedding film. Here's why:
Light is Everything
The way light moves through a space—whether it's sunshine filtering through trees at Hidden Pond or dramatic ocean light at Cliff House—creates the mood and atmosphere of your film. Venues with abundant natural light and thoughtfully designed artificial lighting make for more cinematic, flattering footage.
Backdrop Variety
The best wedding films include a mix of wide, establishing shots and intimate close-ups. Venues that offer varied settings—from grand ballrooms to intimate gardens, from historic architecture to natural landscapes—give me more creative options to tell your story visually.
Sound Matters Too
While often overlooked, a venue's acoustic properties significantly impact your wedding film. Spaces with good sound design allow for clear recording of vows and speeches, while outdoor venues with crashing waves or rustling leaves add natural soundscapes that enhance the sensory experience of your film.
Check out some of my films:
Nick & Ashley
Jacqueline & Marshall
Monique & Diran
Jamie & Charlie
Final Thoughts
Each of these five luxury venues offers something truly special, and the "best" choice depends entirely on what matters most to you as a couple. Are you drawn to the dramatic coastal views of Cliff House? The woodland serenity of Hidden Pond? The urban sophistication of Portland Regency or The Westin? Or perhaps the intimate charm of The Inn at English Meadows?
Whatever you choose, I'd be honored to help capture your day in a way that reflects not just the beauty of your venue, but the unique love story that brought you there.
As a videographer, my goal is always to create a wedding film that transports you back to those precious moments—the nervous anticipation before walking down the aisle, the catch in your voice during your vows, the laughter and tears during toasts, and those perfect stolen moments between just the two of you.
The right venue provides the stage for these moments. The right videographer ensures they're preserved forever.
