Wedding Venue Review: Mariner's Church Portland Maine

A newly engaged couples first choice made is their date. Most often, couples choose a month and leave their date to the availability of a venue. It's imperative to find your venue and secure your date before booking with your entertainer. This affects the cost of your event because your venue will dictate the number of guest, time of date and access to your venue. 

This year, M.R.K.Entertainment will be the choice entertainer for four Portland Wedding's at the Mariner's Church. We're excited to go back because this venue has a great layout and extremely friendly staff. Upon entering the facility, we (as a vendor) are welcomed and supported by the event staff. They were friendly and courteous; always offering support to ensure the event happens the way the client wishes. We've been to too many venues that don't support entertainers.

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What we Love:

• Great Location - In the heart of the Old Port and between several hotels.
• Amazing Views - look down on the hustle and bustling Old Port.
• Third Floor - Loud music, no problem. 
• Elevator - no stair climbs here.
• Dual Bars - Yes one full and one micro. This helps to get drinks in guest hands.
• Center Dance floor - Plenty of locations for guest away from the music.
• Balcony - Let's guest look down on the dance floor.
• Domed Ceiling - Project images or color on a beautiful dome (20' up)
• Giant Windows on Fore Street - Amazing Views
• Friendly Staff - Very helpful and knowledgeable. 
• Good Food & Drink - The food is good and the drinks are cold. 
• Ramp Access - No stairs to climb, unless you want too.

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What we Don't Like:

• No Parking - parking can be a challenge, but there's plenty garages
• No Load In - Staff will offer to assist, but there's no designated Load-in Parking.
• Columns - They're need for support, but can obstruct views of seated guest.

Summary:

The question I like to ask myself when reviewing a wedding venue is, "Would I get married here?" The answer here is, "Yes." The limitations are manageable. Parking is available and you could get parking supplied by the hotels. Commuting guest could get parking in a garage. The load in might cost you extra for the inconvenience for the lack of access, but it would be worth the money for a full lighting system. The only real issue is the columns. If you work with a good entertainer, they could help compensate the obstructed view by letting guest know that an event is happening, like the first dance. Your guest could then move and get a good view. This would only happen a few times throughout the night. 

The Mariner's Church will give you everything you need in one place. It's unique layout and architecture will enhance your wedding reception. 

Below is an example of M.R.K.Entertainments simple lighting for a New Year's Evening event on December 31st of 2012. Notice the wall sconces that accentuate the walls and beautiful domed ceiling. Beware, this venue's dance floor requires powerful lighting to give this effect.