The Nonantum Resort Weddings | Venue Guide
The Nonantum Resort, nestled along the picturesque Kennebunk River in Kennebunkport, Maine, is a stunning waterfront wedding venue that exudes charm, elegance, and coastal beauty. Known for its idyllic New England setting, the resort seamlessly blends historic charm with classic coastal decor. While the ballroom is a bit snug, (and sometimes dark, we would recommend finding a lighting company like Griffin & Griffin to help you with a space like this) it does provide a cozy feel for your guests.
Capacity: Ballroom – 150 (kind of, we’ll explain Below) | Tented – 320
How Much does a Nonantum Resort Wedding Cost?
Hosting a wedding at The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport Maine, offers couples a luxurious coastal experience with stunning ocean and riverfront views and impeccable service. A wedding at The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine, starts at $28,000, with most couples investing around $40,000 for their celebration. The pricing includes use of their bridal suite, tables, chairs, linens, and more. Bar service begins at $55 per person, adding to the overall investment based on guest count and beverage selections. Costs can vary depending on the season, guest count, and specific customizations, so it’s best to connect with The Nonantum’s event team for a tailored quote.offering a variety of beverage options to complement your special day. Looking for other wedding venues? Check out some of our favorites in Maine here.
What Josie and I love about the Nonantum as a Wedding Venue:
We love the ceremony site at The Nonantum—it’s one of those rare locations where everything just falls into place beautifully. The landscape is perfectly designed to frame the river, creating a natural, serene backdrop that feels intimate yet expansive. There are no distractions—just the water, the sky, and the soft greenery surrounding it all. From a photography standpoint, it’s a dream setup. The couple stands facing the water, with the sun positioned behind them, which means no harsh light, no squinting, and no unflattering shadows—just soft, even lighting that makes every moment look incredible. This positioning ensures that the couple is beautifully backlit, creating a warm, glowing atmosphere that translates into stunning ceremony images. It’s the kind of setting that feels effortless, where the focus stays exactly where it should—on the couple, their vows, and the emotion of the moment, all framed by the natural beauty of coastal Maine.
Why Couples Love the Nonantum for their Wedding
Unmatched Coastal Maine Charm
There aren’t too many locations in Maine where you can get married on a river, let alone be just minutes from some of the best beaches in southern Maine. The Nonantum blends that quintessential New England feel with a warm, inviting atmosphere. You get the classic shingled architecture, the crisp ocean air, and the charm of Kennebunkport—all without feeling overly rustic or outdated. Whether you’re going for an elegant black-tie affair or a relaxed coastal celebration, the venue adapts beautifully to different styles.
Exceptional Guest Experience
The Nonantum isn’t just a wedding venue—it’s a full-service resort. That means your guests don’t just attend your wedding; they get a full-on coastal Maine experience. From on-site accommodations to classic New England activities like sailing and waterfront dining, it’s a perfect destination wedding spot that feels luxurious without being pretentious. Plus, the staff is known for their top-tier service, making sure every guest feels welcomed and taken care of.
A Stunning Waterfront Ceremony Site
Like we mentioned before, the Nonantum’s ceremony location is one of the best in coastal Maine. The landscape naturally frames the river, providing a breathtaking yet unobtrusive backdrop that feels both intimate and expansive. Plus, the positioning of the couple facing the water with the sun behind them ensures beautiful, even lighting—no harsh shadows, no squinting guests, just effortlessly stunning ceremony photos.
You can Enter the Ceremony from a Sailboat
Yes, you read that correctly, and it probably doesn’t get any more “Maine” than that unless you showed up on a lobster boat sporting the latest Grundens. Couples can arrive at their ceremony by sailboat, adding an unforgettable, cinematic moment to their day. Imagine gliding down the river, stepping onto the dock, and walking up to say your vows with the water behind you. It’s the kind of experience that not only wows your guests but also makes for some of the most incredible photos and video footage of the day.
Incredible Photo Opportunities
As photographers and videographers, we always look for venues that offer variety, and The Nonantum delivers. From romantic golden-hour portraits by the water to fun, candid moments on the docks, the property has no shortage of backdrops. The sailboat entrance, the classic New England architecture, and the lush greenery all add depth to your wedding album. Whether you want timeless elegance or relaxed coastal vibes, this venue gives you a little bit of everything—all without ever leaving the property.
Take this into consideration…
The Nonantum is beautiful, for sure, but the guest count of 150 people in the Ballroom is just not realistic. The space inside is a bit dark, and could certainly be spruced up with some good lighting, but the main issue is the dining areas are separated by a wall, and space gets limited inside quick. This venue would much more comfortably hold 100 guests inside, but our biggest recommendation for the Nonantum is to get the tent.
The tent can hold 300 people, and if you really wanted to embrace your location, you might consider a conservatory tent from one of our recommended vendors PEAK Events.
A Preview of A Nonantum Wedding
Nearby Accommodations
White Barn Inn
37 Beach Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Yachtsman Hotel
59 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
The Boathouse Hotel
21 Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
The Lincoln
17 Lincoln St, Biddeford, ME 04005
Nearby Restaurants
Earth at Hidden Pond
High-End New American Food. 4 Course Menu
The Lost Fire
Our Favorite Steakhouse. Get the Tres Leches for Dessert
Wandby Landing
Locally Sourced Ingredients, Fresh Pasta, Diverse Wine Selection
Batson River
Upscale Local Fare and Distillery
See Our Nonantum Wedding Films
Final Thoughts for your Nonantum Wedding
A Nonantum Resort wedding is the perfect blend of coastal charm, breathtaking scenery, and seamless guest experience. From the waterfront ceremony site with its perfect lighting to the unforgettable sailboat entrance, this venue offers couples a setting that feels both luxurious and relaxed. The indoor-outdoor flow keeps the stunning Maine coastline at the heart of the celebration, while the resort’s full-service hospitality ensures that guests are taken care of from start to finish.
You Might want More Room to Get Ready
The Nonantum does provide a Bridal Suite, but in our experience there the space is small and a bit darker than what most would like. For the guys, the Nonantum’s Rooms are on the smaller side as well, so the available space to get ready is limited. Our recommendation would be to check out local AirBnB’s, and give yourselves some more room for the getting ready portion of the day!
A Planner Brings your Wedding From Good to Great
A planner for your Wedding at the Nonantum Resort is probably one of the best decisions you can make. With the Nonantum being a resort, they have guests to accommodate in addition to your wedding. By hiring a planner, you can let them take on the load of management with the Nonantum, as well as get their expert design guidance and connections. Here are some of our favorites:
Nicole Mower Events
Pinch Me Planning
SHE-Luxe Weddings
K. Marie Events
Kara Patten Events
Maine Seasons Events
Get the Tent.
Beyond just function, the tent also elevates the entire reception experience. It creates a more intimate, polished atmosphere, softening the space with draping, lighting, and décor that ties everything together. It allows your guests and your reception to be closer to the reason you probably picked the Nonantum, the waterfront, and also allows you to really lean into coastal decor in a beautiful outdoor setting, versus utilizing their smaller, darker ballroom.
HAVE FUN!
We know it sounds silly, but the most important thing you can do on your wedding day is have fun. You’ve hired vendors you can trust, let them work at their craft so you can enjoy the best day yet. Josie and I prioritize our couples enjoying themselves on wedding day, because it’s supposed to be a party with your closest friends and family! We want your enjoyment of your wedding to show in your photos and your film, and the best way to do that is to enjoy your day together as husband and wife.
THESE MEMORIES LAST A lifetime.
Josie and I offer something you can’t find everywhere: A wedding photography and videography experience by a husband-and-wife team. We are based in Southern Maine, but travel all over the United States and across the globe to photograph and film weddings for couples who put an emphasis on preserving their wedding day memories. We’d love to have the opportunity to get to know you better and create a package that works best for your wedding and vision! Reach out at the contact form below to get the ball rolling – we can’t wait to chat.
