Love and Lobster Coastal New England Weddings

L&L: The John Peters Estate is a stunning wedding venue located in Blue Hill, Maine. Please share the history of this property.

JOHN PETERS: The home was built by the John Peters family in 1815.  John Peters was one of the founding fathers of Blue Hill.  A wing as well as the swimming pool was added in the 1920′s.  The home is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.

L&L: What would you like couples to know about your venue that makes it unique?

JOHN PETERS: The John Peters Estate is a destination wedding/vacation venue for couples and their family and friends.  It is 22 private acres of rolling fields located on Blue Hill Harbor with majestic views to Blue Hill Mountain.  In addition to the pool there is a tidal dock for boats, a ramp to launch kayaks/canoes and a pond to watch wildlife.  The water front is a great place for lobster bakes.  The estate is within walking distance to picturesque Blue Hill Village.

L&L: Do most people have the ceremony and reception at the Estate?

JOHN PETERS: Yes. We have a beautiful, spacious front lawn area that is flat and overlooks the fields and harbor.  There is enough room to accommodate the ceremony seating and the reception tent.

L&L: How many wedding guests can you accommodate? Overnight guests?

JOHN PETERS: The estate can easily accommodate 250 wedding guests. For overnight guests at the estate the main home will sleep 13 with 7 ensuite baths.  Also available on the grounds of the estate is Waterfield Cottage.  It will sleep 7 with 3 ensuite baths.  Waterfield Cottage by itself is available for weddings of 50 and fewer wedding guests. There is also a large Maine barn with 2 conference rooms, bathroom and caterers prep area.

L&L: Where is Blue Hill exactly? What kinds of things are available to explore nearby?

JOHN PETERS: Blue Hill is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the Maine coast, just 45 minutes to Bar Harbor. The Village is known for its historic homes, art galleries, antique shops, and cultural events.  There are classical music concerts, a steel drum band that performs on the waterfront, and lectures by celebrities, authors and world travelers.  The farmers market offers fresh organic meats, vegetables, flowers and local arts and crafts.  Beautiful Blue Hill Bay, and nearby lakes and rivers, offer sailing, power boating, and kayaking/canoeing. A hike to top of Blue Hill Mountain offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and coastal waters.

L&L: What kind of services do you offer for the bride and groom as they plan their special day?

JOHN PETERS: Professionals are readily available to make their wedding day special and unique.  Planners, caterers, florists, tent supply, musical groups, horse and carriage rides, white doves, and fireworks are all available.  Whatever your dreams are, we will help you make them come true.

L&L: Are you open year round, or only through the summer months? When is your busiest time of the year?

JOHN PETERS: We are open June through mid October.  The busiest time of the year is August.  (Special rates are available June, September and October).

L&L: Tell us about a favorite wedding memory at John Peters.

JOHN PETERS: One of the most beautiful ceremonies was the bride and groom releasing white doves as they finalized their vows.  Another was the bride and her father arriving at the estate in a white horse drawn carriage.  The carriage also carried the newly married  couple away to the water front at the conclusion of their service.  Yet another memory was a simple ceremony where the bride, lovingly escorted by her father, walked from the main house to the rose beds, as a string quartet played classical music.  After the service the bride and groom strolled through the field of blooming, white queen annes lace.  Other memories are a beautiful sunset on the harbor and wedding music drifting across the estate on a perfect summer evening…

L&L: What “must-see” places and eateries do you suggest to folks from out of town check out while visiting Maine?

JOHN PETERS: Acadia National Park is nearby (45 minutes) where you can drive up Cadillac Mountain, the tallest mountain on the East coast.  You can also hike miles of trails, bicycle carriage roads or take a carriage ride through the park. Another favorite is to take a scenic drive to the working waterfront town of Stonnington.  There you will find a harbor full of lobster boats and views to some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

There are many restaurants in the area that feature everything from lobster take-away, pub food with locally brewed beer to homemade ice cream for dessert.  The Arbor Vine and Blue Hill Inn offer wonderful fine dining.

L&L: Thank you for giving us an inside peek into The John Peters Estate. If readers want to get in touch with you, what is the best way for them to reach you?

JOHN PETERS: We invite everyone to view our website at johnpetersestate.com.  For additional information and availability please contact Melone at 207-374-0900 or melone@slavenrealty.com.

We would be happy to extend a 10% discount when renting the entire estate (main house and Waterfield Cottage) when you mention Love & Lobster if you book by December 31, 2011.