Portland is one of the MOST sought-after destinations in New England for intimate celebrations — ocean views, lighthouse backdrops, incredible food, accessible ceremony locations, and a whole lot of coastal charm.
Celebrating Kasey & Stephen During Their Coastal Portland Maine Wedding
Some couples plan a big wedding… and somewhere along the way realize what they actually want is a small day that feels like them.
That’s how Kasey and Stephen’s Portland Maine wedding came to life — a relaxed, meaningful celebration with 22 of their favorite people, rocky coastlines, lighthouse views, sentimental heirlooms, lobster rolls, and a trolley ride (yes, it was as adorable as it sounds). It was intimate, intentional, and the perfect example of how magical a wedding in Portland, Maine can be when you design the day around how YOU want it to feel.
Why Portland, Maine Is One of the Best Places for an Intimate Wedding
Portland has a way of slowing you down the minute you arrive.
The ocean air.
The pastel houses.
The cobblestone streets.
The rocky coastline that looks straight out of a postcard.
It’s cozy and elevated all at once.
Kasey and Stephen described Portland as “one of our favorite cities to visit,” and they wanted their wedding day to feel the same way those trips always did — vacation mode activated: relaxed, never hungry, and surrounded by people they love.
If you’re planning a wedding in Portland Maine, here’s what makes it such a perfect choice:
- Accessible ceremony locations with ocean views
- Iconic lighthouse portraits
- Amazing local food (hi, lobster rolls)
- Cozy hotels and Airbnbs for getting ready
- A walkable, scenic downtown
- A laid-back coastal vibe you can dress up or down
Portland lets small weddings feel expansive — because you’re not rushing. You’re wandering. Exploring. Soaking it all in.
How It All Went Down: A Portland Maine Wedding Timeline Idea
Here’s how their day unfolded — part timeline inspiration, part love letter to this coastal city.
Morning: Getting Ready at The Weldon Hotel (Saco)
Kasey and Stephen switched up their plans last minute and decided to get ready together at The Weldon Hotel in Portland — and honestly, it could not have been a better choice.
Kasey spent the morning in their main suite with her family — slow, cozy, sentimental. Small heirlooms were woven throughout the room (I’m looking at you, her grandmother’s dress fabric), and those quiet pre-ceremony moments were packed with meaning.
Steven got ready upstairs, keeping the first look for the ceremony — one of my favorite choices for micro weddings because it builds anticipation in such an intimate way.
Ceremony at Fish Point (Eastern Promenade)
If you want a scenic and accessible ceremony location, this is it.
Waterfront views, ocean breeze, easy parking, and space for guests of all ages to settle in comfortably. Their ceremony felt deeply intentional — meaningful vows, seasonal wildflowers, hand-built benches, and their people gathered close. And Winston (their dog) trotting around like the happiest guest of honor.
The Trolley Ride to Portland Head Light
The trolley? ICONIC.
Joyful, fun, and the perfect transition from ceremony to celebration. Guests piled in, laughing, taking photos, and soaking up the energy as we rolled toward Fort Williams Park. Couples ALWAYS tell me this is one of the best parts of the day — it keeps the vibes high and creates effortlessly candid moments.
Exploring Fort Williams Park + Lighthouse Portraits
Portland Head Light never disappoints — cliffs, ocean spray, soft wind, grassy overlooks, rocky coastlines… all the good Maine things.
We wandered the park, took portraits that felt like them (not stiff), and let the afternoon unfold naturally. The mauve suit + coastal palette? A perfect match.
And yes — the lobster rolls were elite.
Dinner at Wayside Tavern
They ended the night at Wayside: warm, intimate, elevated but cozy. The perfect micro-wedding dinner spot.
Guests toasted. Stories were shared. Everyone settled into that happy, full-body exhale that only comes at the end of a genuinely good day.
How to Choose the Perfect Ceremony Spot for Your Portland Maine Wedding
If you’re not local, choosing a ceremony spot can feel overwhelming. Here are my top recommendations based on beauty, accessibility, lighting, and experience shooting in Portland:
- Fort Williams Park — classic, scenic, iconic
- Fish Point / Eastern Promenade — calm, bright, waterfront views
- Mackworth Island — sentimental, easy trails, gorgeous light
- Downtown Portland — cobblestones + classic New England charm
- Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse — fun + unique visuals
Each one captures a different version of Portland’s personality.
How to Make Your Portland Wedding Feel Like a Mini Vacation
Kasey & Stephen nailed it:
“Relaxed. Vacation mode activated. Never hungry.”
Here’s how to bring that vibe into your own day:
- Start slow — coffee, pastries, music
- Add one fun, in-between experience (trolley, brewery, boat ride)
- Choose accessible ceremony locations so no one is stressed
- Keep the schedule simple: ceremony → explore → dinner
- Build in moments for just you two to breathe
- Prioritize eating throughout the day (seriously… it’s key)
A micro wedding isn’t a “short wedding”. It’s a wedding with more room to feel everything.
Kind Words From Kasey & Stephen:
“Erica reminded us to take moments for ourselves… She helped us slow down and enjoy every little moment. She is fully present, listens, and has her clients’ best interest at heart.”
If you’re looking for a Portland wedding photographer who:
- Blends into your day like a friend
- Helps you stay grounded + present
- Knows the best Portland, ME ceremony spots
- Captures candid, documentary-style moments
- Honors your sentimental details
- Keeps the day flowing without pressure
- Prioritizes connection over perfection
…then we’re probably a great fit. Let’s plan a day that feels like your version of Portland. Get in touch here!
