How to Choose a Wedding Photographer in Maine (2026 Guide)

If you’re recently engaged and planning a wedding in Maine, congratulations — and welcome to one of the most exciting (and overwhelming) parts of the process: choosing a wedding photographer.

Photography is one of the few things that lasts long after the wedding day itself, which is why it’s also one of the hardest decisions couples make. Pricing varies wildly, styles can be confusing, and every photographer’s website says they’re “authentic” and “timeless.”

After photographing 500+ weddings across Maine and beyond, I’ve seen what actually matters — and what couples often wish they knew before booking.

CHRIS BENNETTJanuary 22, 2026

Are Engagement Photos Worth It? A Wedding Photographer’s Perspective

Many couples planning their wedding ask the same question early on: Are engagement photos worth it?

The honest answer is that it depends on your priorities, schedule, and budget. But after photographing hundreds of weddings as a Maine-based wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable engagement sessions can be—not just for photos, but for the entire wedding experience.

If you’re on the fence, here are some of the biggest reasons couples choose to schedule engagement photos—and why most are glad they did.

CHRIS BENNETTJanuary 15, 2026

Migis Lodge Wedding Photographer | Sebago Lake Weddings at Migis Lodge

If you’re planning a Maine wedding that feels timeless, intimate, and deeply connected to nature, Migis Lodge is one of the most special places you can choose. Tucked into towering white pines along the shoreline of Sebago Lake, Migis Lodge offers a rare blend of upscale comfort and relaxed lakeside charm — and from a photographer’s perspective, it’s an exceptional venue in every season it hosts weddings.

As a Maine wedding photographer, Migis Lodge is one of those venues where the day unfolds naturally, the light is consistently beautiful, and every part of the property feels intentional.

CHRIS BENNETTJanuary 13, 2026

Best Places to Elope in Acadia National Park | Acadia Elopement Photographer

If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding surrounded by rugged coastline, granite peaks, and quiet forest paths, Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful elopement locations in the United States. As an Acadia elopement photographer who has spent years exploring and photographing weddings throughout the park, I’ve had the opportunity to experience many of these locations in every type of light and weather imaginable.

This guide shares my favorite places to photograph elopements in Acadia National Park, along with a few locations that are high on my personal wish list. Whether you’re planning a sunrise ceremony, a cliffside vow exchange, or a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path elopement, this post will help you choose a location that fits your vision.

CHRIS BENNETTDecember 27, 2025

What to expect when working with Chris Bennett Photography

If you’ve landed on this page, there’s a good chance you’re recently engaged — congrats. Whether you’re planning a full wedding day in Maine or dreaming up an intimate elopement in Acadia National Park, you’re probably trying to find a photographer you genuinely connect with (and trust).

Planning a wedding can feel overwhelming. My goal is to simplify at least one part of that process by being clear, honest, and transparent about what it’s like to work with me — and whether we’re a good fit.

This guide walks you through who I am, how I photograph weddings and elopements, and what you can expect from the moment you inquire until you receive your final images.

CHRIS BENNETTDecember 26, 2025

Why Flanagan Farm Is One of the Best Wedding Venues in Maine

If you’re planning a wedding in Maine and searching for a venue that feels relaxed, scenic, and genuinely welcoming, Flanagan Farm in Buxton, Maine is one of the best wedding venues in the state — and one of my personal favorites to photograph.

As a Maine wedding photographer, I’ve photographed multiple weddings at Flanagan Farm over the years. Every time I return, I’m reminded why couples love getting married here: the peaceful setting, the beautiful barn, the thoughtfully designed ceremony location, and the incredible golden hour light in the field out back.

CHRIS BENNETTDecember 26, 2025

Why Couples Absolutely Love Getting Married at Cunningham Farm in Maine

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels timeless, natural, and deeply connected to the Maine landscape, Cunningham Farm is one of the most beautiful places you can choose. With its open fields, historic charm, and peaceful rural setting, Cunningham Farm offers couples a wedding experience that feels both elegant and grounded—never overproduced, never rushed.

As a Maine wedding photographer who specializes in natural, story-driven celebrations, Cunningham Farm is one of those venues that consistently delivers meaningful moments and stunning imagery from start to finish.

CHRIS BENNETTDecember 16, 2025

How to Elope in Acadia National Park: The Ultimate Guide

Based in Maine and specializing in Acadia National Park elopements, I spend weeks each year exploring the park, scouting ceremony locations, and planning seamless elopement timelines around crowds, weather, and National Park regulations. Whether you’re dreaming of a sunrise cliffside ceremony or a quiet lakeside vow exchange, I’ll help you plan and photograph an unforgettable experience.

CHRIS BENNETTDecember 14, 2025

What Adventurous Wedding Photography Really Means: Maine Wedding & Adventure Elopement Guide

As a Maine wedding photographer and Acadia adventure elopement photographer, I hear this question a lot: “What exactly is adventurous wedding photography?”

People often picture couples on cliffs at sunrise, hiking in their wedding clothes, or standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon with wind whipping through their hair. And yes — those moments are absolutely part of what I capture. But adventurous wedding photography is much more than dramatic locations and long hikes. It’s about creating a wedding experience that feels meaningful, intentional, and uniquely yours.

CHRIS BENNETTDecember 11, 2025

About Chris Bennett | New England & Maine Wedding Photographer Near Acadia National Park

For more than 20 years, I’ve documented weddings all over the world, capturing genuine moments from the rugged coastline of Maine, the mountains of Acadia, the Faroe Islands, Mexico the Tetons, Montana, and beyond. My approach is rooted in photojournalism: emotional, unscripted, and real. I want you to look back on your photos and feel every moment — and for those who couldn’t attend to experience the story of your day through the images I create.

CHRIS BENNETTDecember 10, 2025

Best Places to Elope in Maine (2025/2026 Updated Guide)

Maine is one of the most stunning places to elope in the U.S., offering everything from rugged coastlines to mountain summits. As a Maine based wedding and adventure elopement photographer, I’ve explored countless locations perfect for couples wanting something meaningful, intimate, and connected to nature. These are some of my favorite places to elope in Maine in 2025–2026!

CHRIS BENNETTDecember 1, 2025

Why Small Weddings Are Worth Considering: The Benefits of Intimate Celebrations

Over the past several years, the wedding industry has gone through a major shift. Couples around the world have had to rethink what their wedding day really needs to look like—and many discovered something surprising along the way: smaller weddings can be incredibly meaningful, relaxed, and joyful.

Couples who chose to downsize their wedding plans often found that intimate celebrations weren’t just a compromise—they were a better fit. From easier planning to more personal details, many have shared that their smaller wedding days felt more intentional and far less stressful than the large events they originally envisioned.

While small weddings aren’t for everyone—and there will always be a place for big, high-energy celebrations—the benefits of intimate weddings are substantial for couples who value connection, flexibility, and experience over scale.

7 Maine Barn Wedding Venues to Consider

There are hundreds of places to get married and as a Maine based wedding photographer I've had the luck to travel around this beautiful state and photograph at many of them. Specifically because of the state’s rural and agricultural heritage, there are many beautiful barns and old farms that no longer shelter tractors and hay but have been turned into stunning wedding venues. There are six of my favorites.

An urban wedding at Brick South, Portland, Maine

When Shana and Brooks, natives of New York City, reached out to me about their wedding photography at Brick South in Portland, Maine… there was no way I was going to say no. It is a somewhat of a change from the woods and mountains and barn weddings that I usually photograph, but Brick South is a stunning venue and Shana and Brooks had an awesome vision for their wedding day.

Maine Fall foliage wedding at William Allen Farm

Sometimes the stars align for weddings. For Lauren and Brett, this was definitely the case. As a wedding photographer, I couldn’t ask for a more laid back, adventurous and easy going couple to work with. They chose to get married at William Allen Farm on Columbus day weekend and nature showed up with a dazzling display of reds yellows and oranges. Fall foliage in Maine was on full display.

A Grand Teton National Park adventure elopement - behind the scenes.

Dreaming of a Grand Teton National Park wedding or elopement that feels wild, intentional, and deeply personal? The Tetons offer some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes in the country—jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and sweeping valleys just outside Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

As an experienced adventure wedding and elopement photographer, I’ve spent over a decade hiking, skiing, and photographing in Grand Teton National Park. This story documents one of the most extreme and meaningful elopements I’ve ever photographed: a summit wedding on the Grand Teton via the Exum Ridge—a true once-in-a-lifetime mountain wedding experience.

CHRIS BENNETTJanuary 2, 2020

11 Of My Favorite Images From The 2019 Season And Why I Like Them

The 2019 wedding photography season was a great one. In all honesty, I’ve never had a bad season. I consider myself extremely lucky to do what I do and I cannot thank my couples enough for trusting me to capture one of the most important days in their life. What follows are 11 of my favorite images from the past year in no particular order.

What to expect when hiring Chris Bennett Photography

If you’ve landed on this blog post there is a good chance that you’re recently engaged and are thinking about getting married or eloping, congrats! Planning a wedding takes time but hopefully I can take a little stress off your plate by offering this comprehensive guide of what to expect when booking Chris Bennett Photography for your big day.

A few reasons why engagement photos are a good idea.

Many couples planning their wedding ask the same question early on: Are engagement photos worth it?

The honest answer is that it depends on your priorities, schedule, and budget. But after photographing hundreds of weddings as a Maine-based wedding photographer, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable engagement sessions can be—not just for photos, but for the entire wedding experience.

If you’re on the fence, here are some of the biggest reasons couples choose to schedule engagement photos—and why most are glad they did.

Whatever you choose to do, get creative, be adventurous and have some fun. In the end, you’re the ones who will benefit. Working with Chris Bennett Photography before the big day will help you get comfortable in front of my camera and know what to expect when the proofs come in. Knowing and liking your wedding photographer is significant in the success of your day and will help you focus on the real reason you’re having a wedding in the first place—each other.

9 Maine Wedding Venues Worth Considering.

Maine is one of the most diverse and beautiful states in the country to get married. Within just a few hours’ drive, you can find sandy beaches, rugged coastline, mountain views, quiet lakes, and four distinct seasons, all centered around a vibrant “big little city” in Portland.

As a Maine-based wedding photographer, I’ve spent years traveling throughout the state photographing weddings at venues of every style—from coastal estates and historic inns to restored farms and tucked-away countryside properties. With so many incredible options, choosing the right venue can feel overwhelming.

This list highlights 9 of my favorite wedding venues in Maine, selected not just for how they look, but for how they feel on a wedding day. While there are many venues I love that didn’t make this list, the ones included here consistently align with my philosophy: weddings should feel intentional, personal, and true to you. These venues offer flexibility, character, and a strong sense of place—perfect for couples who want their wedding to feel like an experience, not a production.

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