The Maine Wedding Company

The beauty of a traditional Jewish wedding need not be diminished or lost for today’s modern couples who are entertaining the idea of a destination marriage in Maine. In fact, this eastern state has been home to its own Jewish population since the 1800s. Today, more than 10,000 followers of Judaism consider Maine their state of residence. While most Jewish synagogues are in the southern part of the state, active congregations can be found as far north as Waterville and Bangor, up the coast to Rockland and Bath, and inland at Lewiston-Auburn and Augusta. Of course, Portland has its own Jewish community as well.

When considering Maine Jewish weddings and the planning that is involved, knowing that supporting congregations are scattered throughout the state allows you to choose the perfect location for your special day.
Since it is not necessary to be married within a synagogue, you are free to celebrate your vows beneath the traditional chuppah (canopy) on a sparkling beach, a breeze-teased ocean cliff, in a flower strewn meadow, or even on a majestic mountain peak. Lovely wooded glens and friendly-family backyards can be charming, or you can choose one of the elegantly manicured gardens associated with the many 5-star resorts you’ll discover throughout Maine. Being married indoors as a primary or secondary plan is also a popular choice because it eliminates worries about uncooperative weather conditions.

Obtaining a Jewish rabbi or licensed Jewish layperson is no problem, but it is recommended that you make your plans and establish contacts well in advance of the chosen date. Since your wedding day will be the happiest and holiest day of your lives, early attention to important details will assure that nothing is over-looked for your Maine wedding. How wonderful to know that your new covenant relationship, much like a personal Yom Kippur, releases you from all past mistakes and allows you to start fresh in this sacred union!

Jewish wedding traditions vary from the Ashkenazi to Sephardic families, and whether you and your beloved are Orthodox or Reformed may also flavor your ceremony. Modern Jewish couples today often adhere to the treasured traditions of the past as well, but enjoy adding personal touches that will make their wedding extra special and unique. A destination wedding in Maine is one way to create those special memories whether at the mountains, in all their autumn splendor, in quaint New England towns with charming bed and breakfast inns, at posh resorts along the coast, or even on one of the countless uninhabited but easily accessible islands that dot the shoreline.

On your wedding day, several important rituals will be incorporated as they have been for centuries. Traditionally, once the guests have been greeted and seated and the groom (chatan) veils the face of his bride (kallah) to show his commitment to care for her and protect her, the future in-laws will escort their children to designated places beneath the chuppah, which may be freestanding or held by 4 trusted and honored guests. As the bride circles her groom 7 times, she symbolizes building a protective wall around their new relationship. Once completed, she accepts her throne-like seat.

The actual ceremony will be completed in 2 parts, both sealed by the drinking of wine from goblets. During the first part, the betrothal is acknowledged, blessings recited, and ring or rings exchanged. The marriage contract is read and signed and handed to the bride as her personal property. The second part of the ceremony involves the offering of 7 blessings to the couple which may be done by the rabbi and/or honored guests. Stomping a glass to shatter it reminds everyone that in the midst of great joy, sadness for others exists. This ritual also symbolizes that the marriage will last as long as the glass remains shattered, the equivalent of forever.

Following this sacred ceremony and a resounding “Mazel Tov” from well wishers, traditionally the new husband and wife are given about 20 minutes of privacy in a separate yichud room before they join the reception. Music and dancing become the order of the day, interspersed with kosher food and special blessings. Even Maine Jewish weddings may stretch out for days, as celebrants invite the newly-weds out to dinner or to their homes to continue the entertaining. Destination weddings are ideal for this tradition because close family and friends are usually enjoying accommodations in the same resort or hotel, and mingling is easy and comfortable.

If you are thinking about planning a traditional Jewish wedding, but you want a particularly beautiful location, think about Maine, a state that also honors the similar Jewish values of love, loyalty, faith, family, and friends. The options for a destination wedding are almost limitless, and every season in this colorful state has something unique to offer. Join the beauty of your special day to the beauty of Maine. It will be a winning and memorable combination.