Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

As much as you try to avoid it, weddings have a way of flying by in a blur of favors and flowers, leaving precious little time to spend with friends and family. Enter the bridesmaids’ luncheon, a chance to honor your gals and recharge in the days leading up to the big day.

Coastal Maine is home to a number of restaurants well suited to hosting such an event. The following three are among our southern favorites.

Blue Sky on York Beach One of Maine’s oldest ocean side towns, York lured famed Boston chef Lydia Shire away from the Bay State to start a restaurant that’s quickly become known for its sophisticated fare and cozy atmosphere. Reconnect with your bridesmaids next to the wood-burning fireplace and share one of Blue Sky’s signature lobster pizzas. Then head downstairs to Clara’s Cupcake Café (named after Lydia’s granddaughter) for a sweet treat.

Inn By The Sea Overlooking the popular Crescent Beach in Cape Elizabeth, the inn just underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation that’s cemented its place among Maine’s top luxury ocean side resorts. Gather your group at the inn’s restaurant, Sea Glass, for one of their delectable blueberry martinis and crab cakes with mango salsa, whipped up by Chef Mitchell Kaldrovich, known for imbuing local, seasonal ingredients with an Argentinian flair.

Black Point Inn Situated on a rocky peninsula just 15 minutes from downtown Portland, the historic Black Point Inn has afforded its guests prime waterfront views for more than 130 years. Sip cocktails and scan sailboats from the porch, then grab a bite at The Point, the inn’s fine dining restaurant, or kick back in the more casual Chart Room. Walk off your lunch on a nearby sandy beach or hike the Prout’s Neck Cliff Walk to enjoy breathtaking views that inspired the paintings of Winslow Homer.