Maine is a fantastic place to get married. It provides some of the most spectacular settings in all of New England for the perfect nuptials. There are many inns and hotels that specialize in hosting weddings throughout Maine. Many of these places are in southern Maine, in Kennebunk and Ogunquit, and these are wonderful places to get married, but they do have some drawbacks. The most obvious downside to snagging one of these resorts is the cost. I got married in Maine and my wife and I spent countless hours trying to find the perfect location that fit our budget. Many of the luxury resorts and event centers in Maine (and probably everywhere in the US) charge thousands and thousands of dollars for catering and facilities. For many of us this is simply out of the realm of possibility.

Now there are ways to get married in Maine without spending an arm and a leg. And I’m not talking about a forced wedding by a justice of the peace at the local courthouse. I’m talking about beautiful outdoor weddings that take full advantage of the natural beauty and rugged coastline of Maine. Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor offers some of the most beautiful views in the state, and as of this writing, a wedding permit costs $50. In Portland, southern Maine, you can get married in the gazebo at Fort Allen Park overlooking Casco Bay and a one-hour permit costs $40. There are parks throughout Maine that can provide the perfect setting for your wedding without exhausting your budget. Bank account.

I’m fully aware that these suggestions don’t take into account various other costs that go along with a wedding, but I hope they give you some ideas on how to cut costs significantly and free up funds for catering and everything else. Good luck planning your wedding and enjoy your special day!