Best Small Wedding Venues in Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, Maine, is a dream destination for couples looking to elope or have an intimate wedding! Nestled on Mount Desert Island, this charming coastal town has everything you could want, with great restaurants, fun shops, cozy accommodations, and serves as the perfect base for exploring in Acadia National Park! There are several ways to get married in Acadia. Maybe you have a smaller group and you want to get married in Acadia National Park but share the evening with your group in at a private dinner space. Or, maybe you have a larger group and are wanting to have a ceremony and reception at a small wedding venue, and plan to explore the park throughout your trip! Either way, if you're searching for a small wedding venue or a private dinner space in Bar Harbor, here are some of the best options to consider!
I have this blog post broken up into two groups: Private dinner spaces and small wedding venues throughout Bar Harbor and Mount Desert Island, Maine, depending on your group size and type of experience you’re looking to have!
Private Wedding Dinner Venues in Bar Harbor
The following venues are perfect spaces if you have anywhere from 10-50 people and are looking to have a private venue space for a small dinner reception in Bar Harbor.
1. The Bar Harbor Inn
If you’re looking for a venue that combines classic New England charm with stunning ocean views, the Bar Harbor Inn is an excellent choice. This historic waterfront property offers intimate ceremony spaces overlooking Frenchman Bay, along with elegant indoor and outdoor reception areas. The Inn is in the heart of Bar Harbor which means you’re within walking distance of everything the town has to offer!
At the Bar Harbor Inn, you can reserve the Porcupine Room, which is perfect for groups around 20-45. It’s a beautiful space that overlooks Frenchman’s Bay and includes a private patio area for guests to enjoy!
2. Asticou Inn
Located just outside of Bar Harbor in Northeast Harbor, Asticou Inn offers a quaint and charming New England setting for small weddings and elopements. Overlooking the picturesque harbor, the venue features beautiful gardens, an intimate terrace, and a classic coastal ambiance. The newly renovated space is especially perfect for couples who want a peaceful, secluded experience with stunning waterfront views.
While you can host a larger wedding here, you can also reserve the Harbor View Room, which is an indoor/outdoor space that can host up to 50 people for your wedding and/or dinner reception!
3. Terramor
Terramor is a great option for large weddings and small weddings. While you can rent out the entire venue, it’s also not required! Guests can stay here and enjoy luxury glamping tents, and you can host a private dinner in one of their covered patio areas, with food and beverage provided by Terramor. Enjoy firepits and lawn games with ample space to host your group of any size!
4. Sweet Peas
Sweet Pea’s Cafe is a popular space for weddings of all sizes! They offer several different options from larger weddings to private dinners, that all feature their well known farm-to-table dining experience, from their own farm grown produce. Host an intimate dinner in their covered outdoor space (45 guests or under) or rent a tent to host a larger group on their lawn. Sweet Peas has a wonderful garden dinner vibe and is just a few minutes outside of
5. Islesford Dock Restaurant
Islesford Dock Restaurant is located off MDI and found over on Little Cranberry Island! Seeing as it’s on a different island, you will need to charter a private boat to whisk away you and your guests to this dinner venue, however, that’s half the fun! Enjoy a boat ride over to the island, where you can then enjoy a true coastal Maine dinner with the group size of your choice, before boating back to Mount Desert Island!
6. Beals Lobster Pier
Beals Lobster Pier offers a classic Maine lobster experience! Personally one of my favorite lobster spots on the island, this spot nestled in Southwest Harbor right along the water is the perfect location to enjoy some lobster with your guests! They offer a space for private events, which works well for groups around 10-50 people.
7. Jordan Pond House
Jordan Pond House is a staple of Acadia! This is the only place that you can enjoy a meal within Acadia National Park itself! Known for their blueberry lemonade, tea, and popovers, this is a must do for your time in Acadia, but can also make a really fun venue for your intimate wedding lunch or dinner! they offer a balcony area that can accomodate groups of up to 45 people, or a porch area that can accomodate groups of up to 60!
8. Private Chef at your Acadia Airbnb
For couples looking for a unique intimate wedding experience, renting a private home and having a private chef create a culinary experience for your group, might be the perfect idea! Many ocean or lakefront properties offer incredible views and space for hosting a smaller group of people. Big Cat Catering and Bar Harbor Catering Company are great options for hiring someone to cater your event at your private rental.
Ceremonies in Acadia National Park
If you’re looking at hosting your private dinner at one of these venues, you might be wondering, where can we actually get married?! If you have under 50 people, getting married in Acadia National Park can be a great option! It’s the ultimate venue for your intimate wedding ceremony with rugged cliffs, mountaintop views, and everything in between. Some of the most popular spots for ceremonies in Acadia include:
Otter Cliffs – A dramatic oceanfront setting with waves crashing against the rocky coastline that can fit 20 people or less.
Cadillac Mountain – The highest point on the East Coast, perfect for a ceremony with 30 people or less.
Sand Beach – A unique mix of ocean views and mountain scenery with a group size of 30 people.
Schoodic Point - Located off MDI, but a beautiful coastal scene with plenty of flat rock area to host your group of 50 people or less.
Wedding Venues in Bar Harbor, Maine
Now, if you’re looking for a proper all inclusive wedding venue for your wedding in Bar Harbor Maine, the following venues are great places to consider with a group size of of 40 or more people. At these many of these venues, you can stay, have your ceremony, reception and even rent out the entire space for your larger group!
The Causeway Club
Nestled in Southwest Harbor, The Causeway Club offers a beautiful golf course setting with sweeping mountain and water views. It’s a great choice for couples wanting a relaxed, outdoor wedding with a classic Maine feel. The venue provides plenty of open space for a tented reception, making it ideal for larger gatherings that embrace Acadia’s natural beauty. This space is best for groups of 50-150 guests.
Harborside Hotel
Located in the heart of Bar Harbor, Harborside Hotel is perfect for couples seeking a waterfront wedding with upscale amenities. The venue offers stunning views of Frenchman Bay, indoor and outdoor ceremony spaces, and luxury accommodations for guests. It’s ideal for couples wanting a mix of coastal charm and elegance.This space is best for groups of 50-200 guests.
Bar Harbor Regency
This oceanfront resort is known for its stunning views and private pier, making it a top choice for couples who want a coastal wedding with easy access to Acadia National Park. The Bar Harbor Regency offers multiple venue options, including a ballroom and outdoor spaces with panoramic views of the Atlantic. It’s perfect for couples looking for a full-service wedding experience with a breathtaking seaside backdrop. This space is best for groups of 75-250 guests.
4. Rochelle Mansion
A historic estate in downtown Bar Harbor, Rochelle Mansion is ideal for couples wanting a romantic, vintage-inspired intimate wedding. The mansion’s grand architecture, sprawling lawns, and views of the ocean provide a timeless setting for intimate ceremonies or larger garden-style receptions. It’s a great option for those who appreciate history and charm. This space is best for groups of 25-100 guests.
5. Atlantic Oceanside
This waterfront venue is perfect for couples looking for a stress-free wedding with stunning ocean views and on-site accommodations. With both indoor and outdoor event spaces, Atlantic Oceanside caters to a variety of wedding styles, from casual seaside ceremonies to more formal receptions. Its private beach access and spacious lawn area make it a fantastic choice for nature-loving couples. This space is best for groups of 25-200 guests.
6. Hulls Cove Schoolhouse
For couples dreaming of a charming, rustic wedding, Hulls Cove Schoolhouse provides a cozy and historic setting just minutes from Acadia National Park. The intimate indoor space features exposed wooden beams and vintage details, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for smaller gatherings or couples wanting a DIY-friendly venue with character. This space is best for groups of 20-75 guests.
7. Camp Beech Cliff
For adventurous couples looking for a unique and nature-focused wedding, Camp Beech Cliff offers a scenic and secluded location. Overlooking Echo Lake, the venue provides a rustic, camp-style setting with plenty of outdoor space for ceremonies and receptions. It’s ideal for couples who love the outdoors and want a relaxed, fun-filled wedding experience surrounded by Maine’s natural beauty. This space is best for groups of 30-100 guests.
Final Thoughts for Bar Harbor Dinner Venues
Bar Harbor is one of the most picturesque places in New England for an intimate wedding or elopement. Whether you want to exchange vows on a mountaintop, beside the ocean, or in a charming historic inn, there’s a perfect venue waiting for you. No matter which location you choose, the good news is you’ll be surrounded by Maine’s beauty!
If you’re planning an elopement or intimate wedding in Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Click below to get the adventure started!