Tented Weddings on the Coast of Maine: A Breathtaking Blend of Elegance and Nature
There’s something undeniably magical about a tented wedding on the coast of Maine. With its rugged shorelines, salty sea breezes, and breathtaking sunsets, Maine’s coastline offers the perfect setting for couples seeking a balance of natural beauty and refined elegance. A tented wedding allows you to immerse yourself in the charm of the Maine outdoors while still enjoying the comforts of a thoughtfully designed celebration.
As a wedding planner, I absolutely love planning tented weddings. There’s something so rewarding about the logistical challenges, the freedom to design without limits, and the fact that these weddings are a complete build from the ground up. Unlike traditional venues that have fixed layouts and restrictions, a tented wedding offers endless possibilities. From the initial layout planning to the final details, every decision is intentional, and every event is truly one-of-a-kind.
Why Choose a Tented Wedding on the Maine Coast?
1. The Unparalleled Views
Maine’s coastline is one of the most picturesque in the world, with its rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and rolling waves. Whether you’re exchanging vows with the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop or dancing the night away under a canopy of twinkling lights, a tented wedding lets you take full advantage of the scenery. Unlike traditional venues, a tent provides a 360-degree view of Maine’s beauty, ensuring your guests are fully immersed in the experience.
2. The Customization Factor
One of the biggest reasons I love planning tented weddings is the sheer freedom they offer in design. A tent is essentially a blank canvas, allowing you to create a wedding that is completely unique to your vision. You get to choose everything from flooring and lighting to draping and furniture. Whether you’re envisioning something classic, modern, romantic, or completely unexpected, your tent can be transformed into the perfect setting.
3. The Excitement of a Full Build
There’s something exhilarating about designing an event from scratch. With a tented wedding, we’re not just planning an event—we’re building an entire venue. From selecting the right size and style of tent to mapping out where everything will go (ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, dance floor), every detail is thoughtfully curated. I love the challenge of coordinating all the moving parts—bringing in power, lighting, flooring, catering tents, and climate control to create a seamless and comfortable experience for guests.
4. The Comfort of the Great Outdoors—With Protection
Maine is known for its unpredictable weather, and a tent ensures that your wedding is protected from wind, rain, or intense sun while still allowing you to embrace the natural surroundings. With the right planning, climate control options like fans or heaters can keep guests comfortable in any season.
5. The Exclusive and Private Experience
Unlike traditional venues, a tented wedding gives you complete control over your guest experience. Whether you’re hosting your wedding at a private estate, a coastal resort, or a historic seaside venue, you can create an intimate setting without outside distractions.
Choosing the Right Tent for Your Maine Coast Wedding
Sailcloth Tents
If you’re looking for an elegant, airy feel, a sailcloth tent is a stunning option. Made from translucent fabric, these tents create a soft, romantic glow as the sun sets. Their signature wooden poles add a touch of natural charm that blends beautifully with the outdoor setting.
Clear-Top Tents
For couples who want to bring the outdoors in, a clear-top tent is an excellent choice. These transparent structures allow guests to take in the beauty of the Maine sky—whether it’s a bluebird day, a golden sunset, or a night filled with twinkling stars.
Frame Tents
If you’re planning a wedding on uneven ground or need a tent with no center poles for an open layout, a frame tent is a practical and elegant solution. These versatile tents can accommodate a variety of layouts and are great for creating separate spaces for dining, dancing, and lounging.
Design Elements to Elevate Your Tented Wedding
1. Lighting That Enhances the Ambiance
Lighting is one of the most important design elements for a tented wedding. Consider romantic bistro lights strung from the tent’s peaks, elegant chandeliers for a touch of sophistication, or lanterns that bring warmth and intimacy to the space. If you have a clear-top tent, uplighting can create a magical glow that complements the natural surroundings.
2. Thoughtful Floral Design
Flowers play a major role in transforming a tented wedding into an elegant and immersive experience. With a tent as your canvas, florals can be used to define spaces, add texture, and create dramatic focal points. Consider lush hanging floral installations over dining tables, statement floral arches at the entrance, or cascading arrangements along tent poles to soften the structure and bring a romantic feel to the space. Whether you prefer a classic, refined look or something wild and organic, florals bring depth, movement, and life to the design.
3. Curated Furniture & Lounge Spaces
One of the best ways to elevate a tented wedding is with carefully curated furniture selections that add style, comfort, and personality to the event. Instead of relying solely on traditional banquet seating, consider incorporating lounge areas with plush sofas, upholstered chairs, and chic coffee tables to create inviting spaces for guests to gather and relax. Statement pieces like vintage-inspired bar carts, modern dining chairs, or dramatic head tables can add layers of sophistication and warmth. These intentional design choices not only enhance the aesthetic but also create an elevated guest experience.
4. Thoughtful Flooring Choices
Flooring is an important consideration for a tented wedding, especially if your event is on grass or sand. Whether you opt for wooden flooring for a polished look or woven rugs for a cozy and inviting feel, the right flooring ensures guests are comfortable and stable.
5. A Statement Entrance
Make a grand first impression by designing a stunning tent entrance. Lush greenery, floral arches, or flowing drapery can create a welcoming and dramatic moment as guests step inside.
Planning for Maine’s Coastal Weather
While a tent provides protection from the elements, it’s always wise to have a solid weather plan. Here are a few key considerations to make sure you and your guests can fully celebrate without the distraction of the weather:
Windproofing: The Maine coast can be breezy, so ensure your tent is securely anchored, and opt for sidewalls if needed.
Temperature Control: Early summer evenings can be cool, and fall weddings may require heaters to keep guests comfortable.
Rain Plans: While a tent keeps guests dry, covered walkways and flooring are essential to prevent muddy conditions.
Why I Love Planning Tented Weddings on the Coast of Maine
Tented weddings are not just about logistics—they are about creating something extraordinary from the ground up. I thrive on the challenge of designing an event where every single element is intentional. The ability to transform an open space into a stunning wedding venue excites me every time. I love collaborating with couples to bring their vision to life in a way that is uniquely theirs, knowing that no two tented weddings are ever the same.
From the freedom of design to the breathtaking backdrop of the east coast, there is nothing quite like a tented wedding. If you’re dreaming of an event that is as elegant as it is immersed in nature, I would love to help you bring that vision to life.
Let’s create something unforgettable together!
Get in touch today to start planning your dream tented wedding on the coast of Maine, in Rhode Island, or anywhere in between!
Photographers: Kivalo Photography, Katherine Keenan Photography,
