Functions - Frequently Asked Questions

How large of an event can be held at Pilgrim’s Inn?

Our property is ideally suited for outdoor events up to 120 people in a tent, or indoor receptions for 50 people in our restaurant and bar.   Cocktail parties of up to 50 people can be held upstairs in our inn, or a special breakfast/brunch, without renting out our restaurant.  Due to time constraints and the size of our kitchen, we cannot host lunchtime events.

How many people can stay at the inn overnight?

We have twelve rooms and three cottages than can accommodate approximately 36 people. A few rooms can also take additional people on a cot.  When you hold your event at the inn, we require that all rooms and cottages be rented by people attending your event for a minimum of two days.  This ensures that the property can be enjoyed entirely by your guests only.  Pictures of our rooms and descriptions of our amenities can be seen on our website at www.pilgrimsinn.com.  A deposit must be received in order to lock in current year room rates for the following year.

Can a wedding ceremony be held at the inn?

Our property backs up to a large pond and many outdoor ceremonies have been held on our grounds.  There is also a small park adjacent to the inn that is well suited for small wedding ceremonies.   We recommend that you find a backup indoor location for your ceremony in the event of rain, as it can be difficult to re-arrange a tent or space inside the inn for a ceremony.  There are several religious institutions in the area.

What kind of food do you offer at the inn?

Our restaurant, the Whale’s Rib Tavern offers a range of food to satisfy many tastes.  We utilize local fresh ingredients, including fresh Maine seafood pulled from our local waters.  We can tailor a menu that best suits your needs, from a more casual or buffet dinner, to a plated meal.

Do you offer wedding planning services?

While we do not offer formal planning services, there are excellent florists, musicians, photographers, tent & rental companies and wedding cakes in the area and we would be pleased to provide you with recommendations.

What does it cost to rent the inn for a special event?

Besides the requirement that all rooms and cottages be rented by you and your guests for two nights, there is a $2,500 facility fee for an event that requires us to shut down our restaurant for a night.  This fee helps us to cover a portion of the lost revenue from the restaurant, and time spent on meetings and planning. 

How much will I spend for a reception?

Costs will vary depending on the type of event you have; below is a range of prices that that are useful for planning purposes.

Event Costs

* For indoor events up to 50 people you may use our standard restaurant plates, flatware, and linens for no additional charge. For larger tented parties, or those who would like to use special occasion items for smaller events, we can rent these items for you which will include the cost from the rental company, plus an additional 10% on the rental bill, or you can rent them directly yourself from our approved tent & rental company.

Can I hold an event at the inn without renting the restaurant and paying the facility fee?

We have a small dining room that can accommodate a maximum of 22 people.   A number of items from our restaurant menu can be pre-selected by you and presented to your guests ahead of time.  There is a room rental fee of $300 for the night.

You may hold a cocktail party upstairs in the inn for a maximum of 50 people.  The requirement to rent all guest rooms in the inn would still apply, and there is a $300 room rental fee. An upstairs bartender for wine and beer is required, along with 1-2 servers to serve cocktails from our downstairs bar. 

You may also hold a special breakfast/brunch event at the inn.  The requirement to rent all rooms and cottages would apply, and there is a $300 room rental fee.

Do you offer elopement packages?

Yes! Sometimes eloping can be the most romantic, stress free way to get married.  We provide an elopement package that includes the following for two people:

• A two night stay in our romantic Rugosa Rose Cottage or a King Deluxe Room.
• A full gourmet breakfast each morning.
• Chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne upon your arrival
• Arrangements with a local official to perform your ceremony, and two witnesses
• Up to 25 digital photos of your wedding ceremony, taken by the innkeeper (if you prefer to pay for a professional photographer we would be happy to send you a list of local photographers)
• Dinner for two on your wedding night (includes a three course meal and complimentary bottle of wine. Does not include sales tax or 18% added gratuity).  If you would like your own “wedding cake for two” these can be made with advanced notice and are an additional charge of $50).
• A gift certificate for a one-night stay at the inn on your first anniversary.

The type of wedding bouquet is a personal decision that is best made by the bride, we can recommend local florists for you to contact directly.

What do I need to know about getting married in Maine?

In Maine there is no waiting period or blood test requirement for a marriage license.  Two witnesses other than the person performing your ceremony are required. You must both apply for a marriage license in person at the local town office or a town office in the State of Maine.  You should bring a current picture ID and if it is not the first marriage for either of you, you must bring a certified copy (raised seal) of divorce papers or death certificates.  The marriage license is valid for 90 days and must be presented to the person performing your ceremony, who will then file it with the local town office after your ceremony.  Please go to http://www.maine.gov/portal/family/marriage.html for more information.  In Deer Isle, town offices have limited and sporadic hours. Please be sure to call the Clerk’s office to make sure you have ample time to apply for your license.  Phone number is 207-348-9398.  Main number is 207-348-2324.  You can also apply for a license at the surrounding towns of Stonington and Blue Hill, whose town offices have more regular hours.

Marriage ceremonies can be performed by ordained ministers or person’s licensed to preach by an association of ministers or ecclesiastical body; lawyers who are admitted to the Maine Bar and are Maine residents; judges or justices who are Maine residents, and Maine notaries.