Save the Ecosystem at Your Wedding

J. Dennis Robinson, May 2012
Laudholm Farm, Wells, ME

Go green and go historic in the same ceremony. This secluded site near the beaches off Wells, Maine is a true hidden gem. The setting is an ancient New England salt marsh farm. Laudholm Farm is “Maine’s premier wedding destination,” according to the Web site. It’s a bold claim, but I can verify that this is a top-notch nuptial spot. Two of our friends were married here years ago on the open lawn of the scenic yellow farmhouse. It was a flawless affair and, I can testify that they are still happily together.

The expansive campus lends itself to a full-day event. We wandered the museum exhibits and later took a 20-minute walk down an idyllic dirt road to the Atlantic Ocean at a sandy white public beach. There are hiking trails, educational exhibits, and a great old barn where over 100 guests gathered for a catered wedding dinner.

Laudholm Farm is linked to the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Maine Cultural Ecology Center. That’s a mouthful, I know. Basically they study the tides and water systems and the delicate balance of life in the marshy area by the sea. People are making a huge impact on this fragile ecosystem and we have to learn how these natural systems work before we destroy them forever. The Wells Reserve studies water quality, monitors plant and animal life, provides nesting sites for birds, combats invasive species, and protects endangered wildlife. How cool is that?

Part of your fee goes to preserving this important seacoast facility. The nonprofit group manages 2,250 acres that have been saved from development. Laudholm Farm is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

There’s a lot to see and do here, especially for families with kids, and your guests will never forget your nontraditional eco-wedding location. So if it’s in your price range, don’t let this site slip by. Stand up for the planet. Only a few weekends are available for weddings from May through October.

FAST FACTS

Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm

Address:

342 Laudholm Farm Rd, Wells ME 04090

Official Web site:
www.wellsreserve.org

Phone:

207-646-4521 ext. 127

Summary:
Guest capacity of up to 250 people with room for 150 seated in the historic barn. All bookings are for the entire weekend, from Friday 1 pm through Sunday afternoon. Tents permitted, public restrooms, kitchen, alcohol only with state-licensed bartender, smoking restricted, no pets, full payment required in advance, and, plenty of parking available in a tranquil out-of-the-way location.

Rate:
Call for pricing. The flat rate for the three-day weekend use of the facility is not listed, but be aware that it is in the thousands-of-dollars range. Ask for Tracy.

J. Dennis Robinson knows history. The author of a dozen books and a thousand articles on heritage topics, Dennis is also editor of the popular history Web site SeacoastNH.com.

As your guide, he seeks out historic coastal sites and asks the all-important question – Do you do weddings? His monthly blog is a SeacoastWeddings.com exclusive.