A Tented Coastal Wedding at The Nonantum Resort | Kennebunkport, Maine

Laid-back elegance by the sea

There are some weddings that simply feel like Maine. A celebration where the rhythm of the ocean, the light on the harbor, and the laughter of loved ones blend into a beautifully coastal event. Lauren and Zach’s Tented Coastal Wedding at the Nonantum Resort wedding was one of those days. A celebration rooted in family, wrapped in coastal elegance, and finished with ice cream under the stars.

A Tented Coastal Wedding in the Heart of Kennebunkport

Nestled in the heart of downtown Kennebunkport, The Nonantum Resort is one of my favorite venues to photograph. It has everything that defines a classic Maine coastal wedding: sailboats drifting by, the resort’s little lighthouse standing tall, and the golden light that settles perfectly over the harbor in the evening.

The Nonantum offers couples the choice between indoor spaces or a tented reception on the lawn, and I’ll always have a soft spot for the tent. There’s something magical about being surrounded by the ocean breeze while still creating a design that feels entirely your own. For this wedding, the couple leaned into natural textures and neutral tones that felt effortless against the blue water and sky.

Coastal Design with a Personal Touch

The overall style of the day was what I’d call laid-back coastal elegance. Think woven plate chargers, soft neutral florals with little touches of blue, and simple modern stationery that set the tone from the very beginning. Every element felt calm and intentional, perfectly suited for a summer day by the sea.

The bridesmaids wore pale coastal green, a color that quietly mirrored the surrounding water, while the groomsmen looked sharp in light gray suits. The bride’s gown was simple and stunning: a slim, backless silhouette that caught the sunlight beautifully during portraits by the harbor.

And because every great celebration deserves a little surprise, guests were treated to a late-night snack bar featuring Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, a detail that had everyone smiling long after the dance floor opened.

A Family Story

Some of my favorite moments to capture are the quiet, emotional ones that remind you what weddings are truly about. For this couple, it was the couple’s daughter walking down the aisle as the flower girl with her dad, the groom. It was a moment that stilled everyone. Sweet, meaningful, and a reflection of what the day represented: family first.

Throughout the day, that theme carried through every detail. Because they chose to do a first look, all of their portraits were finished before the ceremony. That meant they could spend their cocktail hour fully with their people — no rushing, no timelines pulling them away. Just time to be present, surrounded by the ones who matter most.

Light, Laughter, and the Maine Coast

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect. A sunny summer afternoon with a soft coastal breeze and that unmistakable glow that only Kennebunkport light can create. Golden hour at The Nonantum is a photographer’s dream — warm light reflecting off the water, sailboats catching the last of the sun, and laughter carrying through the air.

We slipped away for a few portraits just as the light softened. The tent glowed behind them, the harbor quieted, and it was one of those moments that didn’t need direction — just a couple, deeply connected, savoring the calm before heading back to the celebration.

Why The Nonantum Resort is Perfect for a Coastal Maine Wedding

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels both elegant and relaxed, The Nonantum Resort is one of the best venues in Maine to bring that vision to life. It’s close to downtown Kennebunkport — perfect for guests to explore — but still feels tucked away enough to be private and peaceful.

With views of the harbor, a built-in lighthouse for portraits, and the flexibility of both indoor and tented spaces, it’s ideal for couples who want to design a day that’s uniquely their own. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a lively dance floor under the stars, this venue captures the spirit of Maine in every frame.

A Tented Coastal Wedding Filled with Light, Laughter and Coastal Elegance

When I think back on this wedding, three words come to mind: casual, coastal, family. Every part of the day reflected those values — simple beauty, connection, and a deep love for the place they chose to say “I do.”

From their daughter’s walk down the aisle to the laughter over ice cream at midnight, it was the kind of day that reminds me why I love photographing weddings in Maine. Because at the end of it all, it’s not about perfect timelines or elaborate details. It’s about moments that feel real. Moments that last.

Venue: The Nonantum Resort | Florist: The Flower Room Dover | Hair: Kara Day Bridal | Makeup: Amanda McCarthy Beauty | Bridal Boutique: Made With Love Bridal | DJ: Sweep the Leg Entertainment | Rentals: Marshall Tent and Event Rental Dessert: Ben & Jerry’s Catering

✨ Planning a tented coastal wedding in Maine? I specialize in capturing celebrations that blend timeless style with heartfelt storytelling. Whether you’re planning a seaside soirée or an intimate gathering by the harbor, I’m ready to capture your wedding weekend. Inquire to reserve your date.