FAQs & About the Venue

Question

About Beckett Castle

Answer

Beckett Castle is a very special place to us. Not only do our family friends Edwin and Matt Cahill reside there, but it's also where Will's parents got married. As some of you may know, Will's parents have their own landscape design company, and have been managing the property of Beckett Castle for 40+ years. It has an award-winning rose garden, carefully curated by Will's dad, Lynn. We couldn't think of a more beautiful and special location to get married, and we can't wait to share it with all of you. We are so thankful to Edwin and Matt for so graciously extending their home and property to us. For the history buffs, below is more historical information about the property: Designed and built by the Portland literary figure Sylvester Beckett in 1871, this stone cottage with a three story tower perched on Maine’s rocky cliffs, offers sweeping 180 degree views of the Atlantic Ocean. “Beckett Castle” quickly became the pre-eminent gathering spot for writers, artists, and society folk. However, Beckett died in 1882 and the castle fell into disrepair for the better part of a century. Nancy Harvey acquired the property in 1981 and hired Lynn Shafer, Will’s dad, to help restore, design, and maintain the beautiful rose gardens that the property is famous for today. In 2018, Edwin and Matt Cahill purchased Beckett Castle with the dream of joining Nancy Harvey’s vision of a magical rose garden on the rocky cliffs of Cape Elizabeth. Today, Beckett Castle is the home base of Hogfish, the regenerative arts and artist training company that Edwin and Matt founded.

Question

How will I get to the ceremony and reception?

Answer

A shuttle will be provided to take all guests to and from the location. Because the venue is at a private property, there is not room for onsite parking. For details on the shuttle, please refer to the schedule page on the website.

Question

How do I book in the hotel room block?

Answer

Be sure to use the link on the Travel & Accommodations page of our website to get a discount for booking with our hotel room block at the Residence Inn Portland Downtown/Waterfront.

Question

What is the dress code for the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Cocktail (think cocktail dresses or jumpsuits for women and suits or sports jackets for men)

Question

What will the temperature be?

Answer

Weather in Portland can vary dramatically in the fall. Make sure you pack a warm layer to bring to the ceremony and reception because we will be directly on the water with a cold sea breeze.

Question

What about footwear?

Answer

The property has steep slopes, cobblestones, and grass - so please do not wear stiletto high heels (if you want to wear heels, stick to block heels or wedges/platforms). Other than that, you're good!