These Bridal Shower Venues in Portland, Maine, Are Equal Parts Coastal and Chic

Planning a bridal shower for a bride who loves waterfront views, juicy lobster and hoppy brews? A bridal shower venue in Portland, Maine, might be the perfect spot to host the festivities. Whether your bride-to-be is local to the area or looking for a convenient place for family members in cities like Providence, Boston, and New York to connect, Portland offers plenty of New England charm with breathtaking views of Casco Bay.

But, as the biggest city in the state, there are plenty of event venues in Portland to choose from. So, where to begin? When it comes to locking down the perfect bridal shower venues, it's important to consider what the festivities will entail. While plenty of options are ideal for an elevated brunch or tea party, others will be equipped with televisions, speakers, and a great Wi-Fi connection for a multimedia presentation. Since Portland is a very seasonal city—cold and snowy in the winter, hot and humid in the summer, and somewhere in between during spring and fall—it's important to think about when your big party will take place. Indoor locations are best for colder months, while an outdoor event space might be great for spring and summer. (That said, you'll want to make sure you have ample shade and fans to keep attendees cool.)

Once you've established the basics, it's time for the fun part: choosing a Portland-based event space that will provide the perfect backdrop for the ultimate bridal shower. The Knot Vendor Marketplace has no shortage of excellent options to choose from, but if you're looking for a shortlist of favorites, we have you covered. From storied haunts just minutes away from the Old Port to full-service hotels in Southern Maine, one thing's for sure: these favorite Portland bridal shower locations will help leave the couple celebrated to perfection.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Luke's Lobster in Portland, Maine

Photo: Luke's Lobster

Though Luke's Lobster has locations across the country, its flagship location in Portland is a great space for baby showers, rehearsal dinners, and, of course, bridal showers. Located in the heart of Portland's Old Port, this indoor-outdoor locale offers 360-degree views of the water and lobster fishing. But, while you might come for its interesting vista, you'll stay for a delicious bridal shower food menu. Though you can't go wrong with the restaurant's lobster-filled offerings—which include warm buttered rolls, grilled cheese, and a fish-fueled BLT—the menu offers a handful of calamari, haddock poppers and fried chicken to satisfy every palate. (Pssst...if you want to host your bridal shower at home, Luke's Lobster offers a mouth-watering catering program.)

The Spirit Restaurant in Kennebunk, Maine

Photo: The Spirit Restaurant

Planning a bridal shower for a couple who cannot get enough of the open water? Depending on the season, Spirit Restaurant could be the perfect match. Believe it or not, this event space is located on a 125-foot schooner ship that was built in New England's Charlestown Naval Yard. (Though the ship made its grand debut in Boston in 1984, it was restored and moved to Kennebunk in 2014.) Once abroad, guests can enjoy cocktails as well as light bites like clam chowder, pomme frites, and homemade chili. Throwing a bridal shower on a boat might seem cool; however, having a bunch of seasick guests is an event planning nightmare. Don't worry, the Spirit Restaurant also hosts parties on its dock, which can accommodate a 40-by-60-foot heated tent.

Westin Portland Harborview Hotel in Portland, Maine

Photo: Westin Portland Harborview Hotel

If you have guests traveling from far away to attend this wedding, it may be in your best interest to make the event space as convenient as possible. That's where the Westin Portland Harborview Hotel comes in. Tucked in the historic Arts District of Portland, this venue provides a middle-of-the-road destination for locals and tourists alike. The Southern Maine hotel has 11 event spaces to choose from, the largest of which can hold up to 500 guests. (Admittedly, you may not need that much space; however, some extra square footage might come in handy if you want to add a crafts station, photo booth or gift table to the mix.) And, thanks to its AV system, you can also deck the party out with a dance floor. After all, who said a bridal shower can't be as fun as the wedding day itself?

Saltwater Grille in South Portland, Maine

Photo: Saltwater Grille

Think of Saltwater Grille as a bridal shower venue that appeals to all of the senses. Located in South Portland, this event space sits right on Casco Bay and delivers impressive city views. That said, where this option really shines is with its menu. Saltwater Grille is no stranger to hosting bridal showers—and even has diverse food programs to choose from. (Want to create a "wow" moment with a clambake? Keep it casual with some pass-around hors d'oeuvres. Go big with a four-course meal? Saltwater Grille is prepped to do it all.) With two private spaces available—the cathedral ceiling-clad Spinnaker Room and the Seawatch Room, which has a full-service bar and outdoor balcony—you'll get privacy and space for any bridal shower theme.

Nonesuch River Brewing in Scarborough, Maine

Photo: Nonesuch River Brewing

The rumors are true: Portland and its surrounding areas have no shortage of delicious breweries. If you're looking for a bridal shower venue that looks as good as its hoppy lagers or ales taste, Nonesuch River's Scarborough location is a sound choice. Founded by three couples, Nonesuch River has the look of a rustic ski lodge and an innovative menu made with local ingredients that could rival your favorite fine dining destination. (In fact, the brewery has a resident pastry chef, who makes homemade desserts and pastas from scratch each day.) Currently, smaller guest lists can reserve the brewery's mezzanine or patio, while parties over 100 people can opt-in for a full brewery buy-out.

The Inn on Peaks Island in Peaks Island, Maine

Photo: The Inn on Peaks Island

Out-of-towners will find a lot to love about the Inn on Peaks Island, which can be accessed by boarding a ferry across Casco Bay. With eight idyllic suites to stay at, the inn is often considered an excellent wedding venue location; however, it's also well-equipped to take on your bridal shower needs. While the inn's Bayview room is perfect for winter showers with a view, there's also a double-peaked event tent to use during the warmer months. But, no matter which event space you choose, the venue has a bevy of buffet options to choose from so no guest goes hungry. (There's also an audio and visual component, so you can wow your guests of honor with a surprise video or impromptu Zoom call.)

Sagamore Hill in Portland, Maine

Photo: Sagamore Hill

Night owls who want to trade in the traditional bridal shower brunches for a happy hour will find a lot to love about Sagamore Hill. This downtown Portland location pays homage to Theodore Roosevelt, deftly mixing the upscale speakeasy vibes with a rustic retreat that's suitable for any rough rider. With a large, open footprint, this venue is perfect for a handful of special occasions like corporate events, engagement parties, and bridal showers. But, if this locale's trendy atmosphere doesn't make this a top contender, its menu will. Sagamore Hill uses local spirits and homemade syrups to make a variety of beverages. A bourbon cream drink called the Drunken Elf? Warm Aperol spritz? Tried-and-true classics like an espresso martini and hot toddy? Now that's something worth toasting to.

The Dockside Grill in Falmouth, Maine

Photo: The Dockside Grill

You don't need to spend a small fortune on a wonderful bridal shower venue in Portland. For an awesome option that's also affordable, Falmouth's Dockside Grill is certainly worth looking into. With a handful of affordable bites—think mini tacos at $5 a pop and fried oysters for $4 each—you can customize your special event's menu to match your budget. Another thing to love? The Dockside Grill has plenty of private dining rooms to choose from. Between the Casco Bay room that can hold up to 50 guests to the downstairs Galley space, which is perfect for up to 70 people, there's bound to be something that can accommodate your party size, too.

Union Bluff Meeting House in York, Maine

Photo: Union Bluff Meeting House

If you're willing to stray away from Portland proper and explore what southern Maine has to offer, book a tour at Union Bluff Meeting House. Nestled less than 45 miles from Portland—and under 30 miles from Kennebunkport—the property is packed with oceanfront lodging that will appeal to guests from both near and far. While the Union Bluff Meeting House receives top marks as a great backdrop for a wedding ceremony or reception, there are also smaller areas that are better equipped for a bridal shower. (While the Breakwater Room is ideal for showers up to 100 guests, a gathering space can comfortably fit 10 guests for those more intimate affairs.) Each event space can be rented out for a four-hour minimum, with the option to extend your party for an additional fee, and Union Bluff offers an assortment of food and beverage packages for a range of prices.

Rí Rá Pub & Restaurant in Portland, Maine

Photo: Rí Rá Pub & Restaurant

Located on Portland's popular Commercial Street, Rí Rá Pub & Restaurant is poised to be a crowd-pleaser for all of your wedding shower needs. Though the eatery has a reputation for serving Irish cuisine, it has a range of sliders, bacon-wrapped scallops, and bite-sized quiches so every guest can be well-fed. (Want to up the ante? Rí Rá Pub & Restaurant also has plated food options should you want to treat your soonlyweds and their guests to a formal, plated meal.) But perhaps where this event space really shines is with its breadth of room choices. The restaurant's upstairs level can accommodate up to 150 guests for a seated meal, while the petite Parlor is a posh lunch spot for up to 26 people.

Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine

Photo: Bayside Bowl in Portland

How to wow a guest of honor who loves to think outside of the box? Embrace your competitive spirit at Bayside Bowl. Admittedly, a bowling alley may be one of the more unconventional choices of the wedding planning process; however, it can be a wonderful setting for couples' showers. The event space has 20 USBC-sanctioned, 10-pin bowling lanes, and, depending on your budget and guest count, you can book a private or semi-private soirée at this lively locale. (There's also an array of light bites and beverages to choose from, so you won't have to worry about attendees going hungry or thirsty.) However, if bowling isn't quite your bride or groom's thing, take a gander at Bayside Bowl's rooftop bar. Perfect for warm summer days (or nights), this spot boasts a retro airstream that will give your party an unconventional charm.

The Press Hotel in Portland, Maine

Photo: The Press Hotel

Breaking news: When it comes to selecting a lavish bridal shower location in Portland, it doesn't get more lavish than the Press Hotel. Inspired by the glamour of the 1920s, this well-designed hotel was once the home of the Portland Press Herald. (With typewriter decor and plenty of innovative typefaces, the hotel's journalistic integrity remains strong today.) But, while many might look at the Press Hotel for their next getaway, it also has plenty of designated rooms for your special event. (For example, the 975-square-foot Composing Room can hold up to 100 guests, while the 525-square-foot Editorial Room is great for 10 to 35 people.) To sweeten an already enticing offer, the Press Hotel has an award-winning culinary team so you can throw a bridal shower that appeals to all of the senses.

Autumn Lane Estate in Sebago, Maine

Photo: Autumn Lane Estate

Portland might be known for its striking waterfront vistas, but there are plenty of other Mother Nature moments to go around. Case in point: Autumn Lane Estate, which is a 30-mile drive away from the bustling metropolis. Nestled on a 20-acre property, the location boasts a large grass courtyard, a six-foot stone wall and cascading waterfall. (That way, the guest of honor can take some stunning pictures with their inner circle.) Though the barn's interior has an innately rustic flair, it can be dressed up or down to match the occasion. And, since the venue can accommodate up to 150 guests, it's a dreamy space for both large and small guest lists.