Tracy Kay fills many roles around the reserve, but most engaged couples and wedding vendors know her best as our venue specialist.

Tracy’s enthusiasm for encouraging engaged couples to host their weddings here hasn’t dimmed in the 15 years she’s headed up our operations team. “I still get so excited for these couples and their families. I know they’re going to have a very special event here. It’s such a large and beautiful property—there’s no place like the Wells Reserve at Laudholm.”

You Decide

Tracy points out that when you book your wedding at the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, you have many options. The stately barn is likely to be central to your event (it seats 130 comfortably), but couples can set up a tent or two to accommodate a larger crowd, or to create an additional gathering or dining spot.

Tracy knows couples are watching their budget. “If you don’t have a large guest list you may not need a tent," she says. "You can save a lot of money by not renting one.”

Choice is also key for where to hold the ceremony. “Many parties like having their ceremony near the gazebo. When night falls it lights up from below, really setting a romantic mood. Other couples choose to exchange vows under the impressive copper beech tree or on a high spot with a view to the sea."

And after the ceremony? “Cocktails on the farmhouse porch are always popular. People bring lawn games too. Dancing in the barn. There’s plenty of room for whatever activities couples have in mind.”

Fill the Weekend

One of the many perks of having your wedding at the Wells Reserve is that you book the entire weekend. So you can decorate and set up Friday afternoon then have your rehearsal dinner here; there’s an auditorium and kitchen connected to the barn. Saturday you have the whole day and evening to enjoy the grounds, walk down to the beach, watch the sunset. Sunday morning, wedding parties often return for a brunch or to take more photos.

“Couples decorate however they choose, and we have a lot of items that they’re welcome to use,” Tracy notes. “So that can help people save on expenses.”

“We do whatever we can to accommodate people’s vision," she adds. "We know it’s a very special weekend and we want to help make it memorable.”

Another important reason to enjoy your wedding at Laudholm? More than 90 percent of the rental fee goes toward supporting the vital science, education, and conservation work of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. "Many couples tell me it makes them happy to know they're helping to protect such a beautiful place on the Maine coast."

Visit our weddings page for frequently asked questions, available dates, and a virtual tour of the property. The site is open every day, 7 am to sunset, if you’d like to visit. Call Tracy ahead of time to arrange a full tour of the available facilities: 207-646-4521 ext 151.