In this guide, you will learn everything you need to know about planning or attending a destination wedding in Maine.
Weddings in Maine: What You Need To Know
If you are looking for a breathtaking destination for your wedding, look no further than Maine. With its rocky coastline, majestic mountains and towering pines, Maine offers a myriad of beautiful locations to exchange vows.
And with its abundance of charming bed and breakfasts, quaint inns, and elegant hotels, you’ll have no shortage of options for where to stay.
With its cooler climate, Maine is the perfect place for a summer or fall wedding.
Whether you opt for a rustic barn wedding or a chic waterfront ceremony, Maine has something to suit every taste.
So start planning your dream destination wedding today and let Maine provide the perfect backdrop for your big day.
But first: you need to know where in the world Maine is…
Where is Maine?
Maine is a state located in the northeastern corner of the United States.
Quebec and New Brunswick, both in Canada, form Maine’s northwest and northeast borders, respectively. New Hampshire forms its western border. The state’s renowned rocky coastline runs from southwest to northeast along the Atlantic Ocean.
Area: 35,380 sq mi (91,634 sq km), Population: (2020) 1,362,359, Capital: Augusta.
Maine Facts To Know:
- Language: English
- Currency: U.S. dollar (USD)
- Airports: Portland International Jetport (PWM), Bangor International Airport (BGR)
- Official Tourism Website:https://visitmaine.com/
- Driving side: Right
Below you will find some more useful information about visiting Maine for your special day:
4 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in Maine
Planning a wedding can be stressful. Planning a destination wedding can be even more stressful!
But it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips and things you need to know for planning a destination wedding in Maine:
1. Choose a date that works for both you and your guests
Choosing a wedding date can be a daunting task, whether you are planning on getting married in Maine or closer to home.
You want to make sure that you pick a date that works for both you and your guests.
Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wedding date:
- How To Pick A Date For A Wedding?
- When To Send Out Save The Date For Wedding?
- How To Write Date On Wedding Invitation?
2. Decide on a budget
When it comes to having a Maine wedding, there are a lot of different factors that come into play – from the guest list to the venue.
But one of the most important decisions you’ll make is how much you’re willing to spend.
Here are some tips on how to decide on a budget for your wedding:
- How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget?
- What Is A Good Wedding Budget?
- How To Decorate A Wedding Reception Hall On A Budget?
3. Find a venue that fits your vision and budget
No one ever said wedding planning was easy. In fact, it can often feel downright daunting.
Here’s some useful resources for finding a wedding venue in Maine:
4. Hire a wedding planner to take care of the details
A wedding planner can take care of everything for you, from booking vendors to creating a timeline for the day.
Here are some tips on how to find and hire the right planner for your big day in Maine
Maine Weddings: Key Information
Getting married abroad is a big decision. There’s a lot of things you need to be aware of if you want your big day to run smoothly.
To help, we have put together some useful information about getting married in Maine:
- What is the average cost of a wedding in Maine?
- What are the marriage requirements for Maine?
- What is the weather like in Maine?
- What should you pack for a trip to Maine?
- What things are there to do in Maine?
- What are the best Maine wedding venues?
Read on to find out more:
How Much Does a Wedding in Maine Cost?
Marriage license cost in Maine is $40.
If either party is a Maine resident, they must submit their intentions with the municipal office in the town or city where one of them resides.
If neither of you resides in Maine, you may apply for a marriage license in any of the state’s towns; however, the license will only be valid for a wedding that takes place in Maine.
Both parties must come in person and present proof of identity – a picture ID with date of birth like a driver’s license, state ID card, or valid passport.
Legal Requirements for Getting Married in Maine
- To apply for a marriage license, one must be at least 18 years old.
- Two witnesses are needed at the ceremony.
- The license is valid for 90 days from the issue date, and there is no waiting period.
- A marriage license cannot be obtained without the presence of both parties.
- When applying for a marriage license, you will need to provide a photo identification that proves your identity and age.
- If either of you has been married before, you must provide a certified (raised seal) copy of your divorce decree or your deceased spouse’s death certificate.
- Blood tests are not required.
- There is no restriction for foreign people marrying in Maine, provided that they are in the country legally and get the proper marriage license.
- All additional documents (like a certified copy of your birth certificate) need to be translated into English.
Before making any wedding or travel preparations, make sure you have all the paperwork needed for your marriage to be recognized in your home country by checking with the local county clerk or marriage official where you intend to marry.
What you need to have in your possession before leaving the country is a legal document that can confirm that your marriage is legitimate and has been registered – the marriage certificate.
What Is The Weather Like in Maine?
The months of June through September provide the most pleasant temperatures in Maine, making these months the ideal time to take a vacation there.
The two warmest months are July and August.
What should you pack for your trip?
Especially if you’re from a warmer place and aren’t accustomed to the cold, it’s a good idea to pack some warm clothes (along with some lighter layers in case it warms up). The average temperature in June is around 10 degrees higher than in May; nonetheless, this is still not a very hot month. Bring a lot of warm clothing with you throughout these early summer months.
If you’re planning a trip to Maine in the spring, you should certainly pack some lighter, summer garments. Maine can be very nice during the day. If the sun is out, you should feel comfortable wearing a lightweight T-shirt, a pair of trousers, or perhaps a summer dress.
During the winter, when temperatures may range widely, wearing layers is essential for going on successful outdoor adventures. Wearing a down coat, jacket, or vest, an earflap cap, fleece-lined gloves or mittens, and insulated boots is advised.
Maine Weather By Month
Below you will find some useful information and handy tables of weather information to help you pick the best month to visit Maine:
Average Temperatures in Maine
The table below shows the average temperatures in Maine each month:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
| January | -14.4 | 4.4 | -9.4 | 6 | 24 | 15.1 |
| February | -12.8 | -2.1 | -7.4 | 9 | 28 | 18.6 |
| March | -7.2 | 2.8 | -2.2 | 19 | 37 | 28 |
| April | -0.4 | 9.9 | 4.8 | 31 | 50 | 40.6 |
| May | 5.1 | 17.6 | 11.4 | 41 | 64 | 52.4 |
| June | 10.1 | 22.7 | 16.4 | 50 | 73 | 61.5 |
| July | 13.3 | 25.4 | 19.4 | 56 | 78 | 66.8 |
| August | 12.6 | 24.5 | 18.6 | 55 | 76 | 65.4 |
| September | 8.3 | 19.6 | 14 | 47 | 67 | 57.1 |
| October | 2.8 | 12.8 | 7.8 | 37 | 55 | 46 |
| November | -2 | 5.5 | 1.8 | 28 | 42 | 35.2 |
| December | -9.5 | -1 | -5.2 | 15 | 30 | 22.5 |
| Year | 0.6 | 11.2 | 5.85 | 33 | 52.1 | 42.5 |
Average Rainfall in Maine
The table below shows the average rainfall in Maine each month:
| Month | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
| January | 100 | 3.9 | 19 |
| February | 70 | 2.8 | 17 |
| March | 90 | 3.5 | 18 |
| April | 80 | 3.1 | 16 |
| May | 105 | 4.1 | 16 |
| June | 85 | 3.3 | 17 |
| July | 90 | 3.5 | 17 |
| August | 85 | 3.3 | 15 |
| September | 95 | 3.7 | 15 |
| October | 90 | 3.5 | 18 |
| November | 110 | 4.3 | 18 |
| December | 90 | 3.5 | 21 |
| Year | 1095 | 43.1 | 207 |
Sunshine Hours in Maine
The table below shows the average sunshine hours in Maine each month:
| Month | Average | Total |
| January | 4 | 120 |
| February | 4.5 | 130 |
| March | 5 | 150 |
| April | 5.5 | 160 |
| May | 6.5 | 205 |
| June | 7.5 | 225 |
| July | 7.5 | 240 |
| August | 7.5 | 225 |
| September | 5.5 | 170 |
| October | 4.5 | 140 |
| November | 3 | 95 |
| December | 3.5 | 100 |
| Year | 5.4 | 1975 |
Sea Temperatures in Maine
The table below shows the average sea temperatures in Maine each month:
| Month | Celsius (°C) | Fahrenheit (°F) |
| January | 0.5 | 33 |
| February | -0.5 | 31 |
| March | 0 | 32 |
| April | 1 | 34 |
| May | 5 | 41 |
| June | 10 | 50 |
| July | 14.5 | 58 |
| August | 16 | 61 |
| September | 13.5 | 56 |
| October | 10 | 50 |
| November | 6 | 43 |
| December | 2.5 | 36 |
| Year | 6.6 | 43.9 |
What To Wear in Maine? (Packing Tips)
It can be difficult to know what to pack for your vacation. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when preparing for your trip.
We’ve put together some tips on what to wear in Maine so that you can make the most of your time there.
- Warm clothing: Pack plenty of warm clothing, as Maine can be cold even in summer. A jacket, hat, and scarf will all come in handy.
- Comfortable shoes: Pack comfortable shoes for walking, as there are often many activities that involve being on your feet.
- Camera: Don’t forget to pack your camera – Maine is home to some truly stunning scenery.
- In the summer months, the weather is warm and humid, so light, airy clothing is a necessity. However, evenings can be cool, so a sweater or jacket is also recommended.
- Rain is always a possibility, so an umbrella and/or a raincoat is essential.
- Passport: Other essential items to pack include a valid passport and any necessary visas.
- Travel insurance: Make sure you have travel insurance that will cover you in case of any medical emergencies or lost baggage.
- Chargers: Also, be sure to bring along any chargers and travel power adapters you’ll need for your electronic devices.
- FIrst-aid kit: It is also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit, in case of any minor injuries, and also any essential medications.
Things to Do in Maine
There are many different things to do in Maine, no matter what time of year you visit.
Here is a list of some of the top activities to enjoy during your stay:
- Acadia National Park
- Allagash Brewery
- Cadillac Mountain
- Marginal Way
- Stephen King’s House
- Bar Harbor
- Cape Elizabeth
- Monhegan Island
- Baxter State Park
- Portland
Best Maine Wedding Venues & Hotels
With so many stunning locations to choose from, how do you know which is the best wedding venue in Maine?
Here are our picks for the top spots to tie the knot, as well as hotels to stay in:
Wedding Venues in Maine
- Saltwater Grille in Portland
- King’s Hill Inn & Barn in South Paris
- The Old Saco Inn in Fryeburg
- The Portland Masonic Temple
- Union Bluff Meeting House in York
- The Barn at Flanagan Farm in Buxton
- Nubble Lighthouse
Hotels in Maine
- Holiday Inn Express (Wells)
- Sand Bar Cottage Inn (Bar Harbor)
- Ogunquit Resort Motel & Cottages
- The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection (Portland)
- Belfast Harbor Inn
- Bar Harbor Grand Hotel
- Comfort Inn & Suites Wilton
- Center Lovell Inn
