Beech Ridge Barn

Beech Ridge Barn is a restored 1800s event barn at 21 Beech Ridge Road in Scarborough, Maine. The property covers 25 acres, with a barn for receptions, outdoor ceremony spaces and two houses for guests. It is about ten minutes from Portland.

Why it suits LGBTQ+ couples

GLW recommends Beech Ridge Barn for couples who want a private, rustic setting with room to host a long weekend. The grounds offer several places for a ceremony, the barn is large enough for a big guest list, and the houses mean your closest people can stay on the property with you. Dogs are welcome, which matters to many couples. A venue that allows you to bring your pet into the day suits couples who think of their dog as family.

Ceremonies

There are several ceremony spots to choose from. Options include a birch wood arbor, a large patio and a post-and-beam porch. Benches are provided for up to 250 guests. Two patios are used for cocktail hour, so guests can move outside once the ceremony ends.

Receptions and food

The barn is the reception space and has a reclaimed wood bar. Published capacity figures vary between 225 and 250 guests, so confirm your numbers with the venue. An on-site bar is offered, and a rehearsal dinner and a Sunday brunch can be held on the property for up to 30 guests. The rules on outside caterers are not published, so ask before you plan the menu.

Staying

Two five-bedroom houses sit on the grounds, the Farmhouse and the Guest House. Each has two full bathrooms. The Farmhouse includes get-ready areas and a couples suite with a private bath and soaker tub. The Guest House has a games room. Both are available to rent from Wednesday to Monday.

Getting there and the area

The venue is about ten minutes from Portland International Jetport and from downtown Portland. More than five beaches are a few miles away, and there are hotels nearby for guests who do not stay on site. Driving is the easiest way to arrive, and the short distance to the airport helps guests flying in from elsewhere.

Good to know

• The barn holds up to 225 or 250 guests, depending on the source, so check.
• Dogs are welcome.
• Extras such as lighting, drapes and tick and mosquito spray are available for an extra fee.