Nothing screams summer adventure like kayaks, a cabin full of friends, and late night campfire hangouts loaded with s’mores and hot toddies. Migis Lodge is one of those old-school summer camps that’s been turned into a grown-up getaway spot, embracing that adventure-in-the-woods mentality but with really nice bedding and amenities.
When Miki and Matt decided they wanted to have a destination wedding with a New England style and a summer camp vibe, Migis Lodge on Lake Sebago in South Casco, Maine was the perfect contender.
Destination Wedding and Getaway
The couple met in Maine and thought their wedding would best be celebrated amongst nature and friends, at a destination getaway venue. With loads of outdoor activities, a close proximity to Portland, and that secluded camp vibe, Migis served as a great backdrop to their colorful, summery wedding.
To amp up the beauty of their surroundings, Miki and Matt entrusted mStarr Event Design and Petal Floral Design. Through the use of drapery, lanterns and brightly colored flowers, the team was able to really brighten up the lodge into a celebratory space. The ceremony’s Lake Sebago setting could not be more gorgeous, flanked by a simple birch and floral structure.
Ideal for Weddings and Retreats
Migis Lodge has 35 cottages and a 6-bedroom lodge along with plenty of canoes, kayaks and sailboats, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a golf course nearby. The property sleeps around 120-130 guests and can accommodate an event size of up to 180.
There are a few spots along the lake for wedding ceremonies and the main lodge, with its wraparound porch, is a good venue for a reception. There are enough event spaces to host multiple events on the property, so you could really host the rehearsal dinner, welcome party, wedding, and brunch all on-site.
About Migis Lodge
When it was built by Charles Goodrich in 1916, Migis Lodge was originally known as “National Camps,” and was run as a summer camp for many years. In 1968, the Porta family purchased the property and continues to run it now as a family oriented resort and lodge.
Water sports fanatics will love Migis! Not only do you have full use of the lake as a guest, but the resort offers canoes, kayak, sailboats, waterskiing, wakeboarding, and more. You could probably even organize some kind of water competitions during the day.
Inside Tips
Migis has a limited number of weekends they’ll book weddings, so be sure to book ahead of time. Their summers book up quickly with families and returning guests, so most wedding availability is in May and early June or September to November. Full reign of the property is ideal for weddings.
Tips on Hosting Events at Migis
Emily ofmStarr Events raved about working with all of the Migis Lodge staff and noted how accommodating and helpful they were throughout both the planning process and the wedding weekend. Emily points out that Robyn, the event manager, is particularly easy to work with.
A setting in which you can exchange vows surrounded by pine trees, Sebago Lake and Western Maine's mountains in the background isn't too shabby.
Highlights of Migis Lodge
Use of the venue’s adorable red vintage 1936 Chris Craft boat is a definite perk for boating enthusiasts. Miki and Matt had their bridal party arrive on the boat for the ceremony and took a moment for themselves on the boat during cocktail hour. So cute!
“The lodge is a space that was neutral enough to be transformed a couple different times throughout the weekend, but still felt like a main lodge at a camp should feel." MStarr Event Design
Party in a Lakeside Lodge
After the ceremony guests were swooped into the lakeside lodge for cocktails, dinner and dancing. If you really want to channel the good old days of Summer camp, you can finish the evening around a bonfire on the front terrace. S'mores soiree anyone?
Types of Events the Venue is Ideal For
Migis Lodge is ideal for weddings of 100-120 guests, group getaways, bachelor/bachelorette parties, retreats, workshops, and family reunions.
"Oh, and the main lodge porch! I was so excited to accent it with chandeliers + greenery.” – Emily of mStarr Events
Around Town
Migis Lodge is only about a thirty to forty minute drive to Portland, ME and there are plenty of cute shops and restaurants there. In the more immediate area, highlights include stopping at the Village Donut Shop for molasses donuts, and The Good Life Market for sandwiches or a light lunch. The Portland area is home to many breweries worth exploring, including Allagash, Harpoon, Sebago Brewing Co. just to name a few.
Photography: Justin & Mary | Floral Design: Petal Floral Design| Paper Goods: Julie Song Ink | Linens: Nuage Designs | Rentals:New England Country Rentals