Weddings in Bethel, Maine:
Traditional & Non-Traditional

> more on US destination weddings

A white-steepled church, a classical gazebo, a covered bridge, a country inn or a mountain top are choices that have made Bethel one of the most popular places in New England for weddings.

Traditional Ceremonies

Bethel is home to three churches, perfect for a traditional ceremony. The Town Common is graced by an octagonal gazebo with plenty of seating room on the lawn. The Artist's Covered Bridge built in 1872 in nearby Newry is set off from the main road and can easily be transformed into a beautiful wedding site. The top of Paradise Hill has an expansive vista of the White Mountains, a magnificent backdrop in which to exchange wedding vows.

Ceremonies for Ski Lovers

For the ski enthusiast, a chairlift ride to the top of one of Sunday River's eight mountain peaks has become the outdoor chapel of choice in the winter.

The Bethel Inn, The L'Auberge, The Victoria, The Captain Hastings House and The Sudbury Inn, all in the town of Bethel, can accommodate a wedding ceremony, rehearsal dinner or reception.

The smaller inns host a party of 12-40 and the larger inns from 40-200. Following a snow-covered mountain ceremony or a summer wedding at the covered bridge, The Jordan Grand Hotel or the Summit Hotel at Sunday River can host 400 guests.

Wedding services like flower arrangements and horse drawn carriages can be found in town. Newlyweds need not travel very far for a honeymoon either as Bethel has a variety of outdoor activities both summer and winter. Ask any resident and they'll tell you "It's a romantic place to live."

For More Information

For a calendar of events, lodging and dining information, and community map, contact the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-442-5826 or online at www.bethelmaine.com.