Picking the spot

Compiled by Kelly Michaud

     Once you’ve decided to wed, perhaps the most important decision you’ll make is where. Here are some ideas on where other couples have exchanged vows in the coastal region.

     Keeping with tradition

     While an outdoor wedding can offer gorgeous views, many choose to keep with tradition and get married in a house of worship. If you want to wed in a local church and are not a member, make sure you touch base with the clergy early on in your wedding plans. Some will only perform services for members, others will charge more for the service if you are not a member and there could be other details to work out weeks or months in advance.

     At sea

Ron Hise and Sylvia Richards of Lincolnville exchanged wedding vows Oct. 8, 2005, at the First Church in Belfast. CAROL MILLER PHOTO

     Have you ever considered being married on board a ship? The harbors of coastal Maine are home to several historic windjammers. Some local captains serve double duty as notary publics and marry couples while the vessel is docked or out at sea. Keep in mind, if you want to be married at sea, you’ll most likely have a smaller, more intimate wedding ceremony since there are limits to how many people can fit on board.

     Scenic spots

     Several public gardens and parks also allow wedding ceremonies.

     The Vesper Hill Children’s Chapel, which sits high on a ledge in Rockport, has been the site of numerous weddings. The chapel was built on property bought by Helene Bok in 1960 and is supported by the Vesper Hill Foundation and volunteer efforts. The chapel is available from April to November, except by special arrangement. It is usually heavily booked for Saturdays, when the first wedding begins at 8 a.m. There are specific restrictions for weddings held at the chapel such as no receptions can be held on the grounds, and no confetti, birdseed, flower petals, chairs or tents are allowed. For more information or to reserve the chapel, contact Merryspring Nature Park in Camden at 236-2239.

     Another popular wedding spot is the amphitheatre on the grounds of Camden Public Library and Harbor Park. Through the generosity of Mary Curtis Zimbalist, the land now known as the amphitheatre was donated in 1928 to the library. Fletcher Steele of Boston was employed as landscape architect for the project. Using local trees and materials, he created a setting of enduring natural beauty, which serves today as a cultural center for the town of Camden, according to the library -- and was recently renovated. For information or to reserve a date, contact the library at 236-3440.

     Other popular outdoor wedding spots are on some of the area’s highest peaks.

     The Camden Snow Bowl, operated by Camden’s Department of Parks and Recreation, is often used for weddings. While some decide to have their weddings at the lodge at the base of the mountain, others have opted to take the chair lift to the top of Ragged Mountain to get married with a view of the Atlantic. For more details, call the Snow Bowl at 236-3438.

Stacy Menegay and Joe Holub were married Sept. 10, 2005, at the Children’s Chapel in Rockport. CAROL MILLER PHOTO

     Couples can also marry at Camden Hills State Park. The signature location for weddings is the scenic vista high atop Mount Battie, which affords sweeping views of Camden, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands. On a clear day, visitors can see Cadillac Mountain at Acadia National Park. The park is open from May 15 - Oct. 15. During the season, call 236-3109 and during the off-season call 236-0849 for information.

     Speaking of Cadillac, you can get married at Acadia National Park. Couples need to obtain a wedding permit, which costs $50, and fill out an application. The park’s chief ranger will review the application and speak with the couple with what will and will not work.

     When it comes to wedding ceremonies at Acadia, your options are pretty wide open, according to Allen Moyer of the park. Popular spots include Sand Beach, the back lawn of Jordan Pond House, the top of Cadillac Mountain, the field by Seawall Campground, the Otter Cliffs and Schooner Head overlook.

     The biggest rule, however, is that the ceremony cannot interfere with any other visitor activities. If you want to have 100 guests with chairs, you probably won’t be able to do this at Otter Cliffs -- these are situations you can work out with the chief ranger. Keep in mind you can only have your ceremony on park grounds, not your reception.

     You may obtain a permit by fax or mail. Call 288-8791 to receive one. Keep in mind that regular park rules apply and your guests will have to pay entrance fees to the park.

     Wedding, reception & hotel in one

      The lawns and colorful gardens of area Bed & Breakfasts, resorts and inns may be a perfect fit for your wedding. Get ready for the wedding there, have the ceremony and reception inside or outside and you and your guests can even choose to spend the night. The coast has numerous locations to choose from once you’ve narrowed down your search to a town or city in the area.

     Say cheese!

     Regardless of where you choose to have your wedding, you might want to go someplace special for your wedding photos -- such as Marshall Point Lighthouse, the Gen. Henry Knox Museum or a sandy beach. If you want to take your pictures somewhere that is privately run, make sure you call and obtain permission beforehand.