Great Diamond Island is a ~20 minute ferry ride from Portland, Maine. If you're flying from out of town, direct flights to Portland are easiest but flights to Boston are more cost effective. There will be many guests coming from the Boston area. We are happy to put you in touch with them, and to volunteer them to be in touch with you :) to make ride share easier. Please see the "Travel" tab for information on how to get to GDI.
SHOULD WE STAY IN PORTLAND OR ON THE ISLAND?
We would love to have you stay with us on the Island! But both are great and offer different options. Portland is a really fun town with lots of great shops and restaurants in the Old Port. It's easy to ferry to the island for the ceremony/reception. The island is beautiful and has lots to offer; pool, beaches, tennis courts, but limited accommodations and dining options. There are 2 restaurants and a small high end general store, but no grocery store.
How do I get from the Cove to the Welcome Party?
If you are staying at the Inn and attending the Welcome Party on Friday, it is about a 20 minute walk point to point. The path is straightforward and will be marked. If you would prefer to skip the walk, note there is a gate that divides the "Cove" side from the "Island" side. The Inn can drop you off at one side of the gate, and we can arrange a golf cart to pick you up on the other. The same thing can be provided for those staying on the Island side on the day of the wedding. We will be in touch closer to the events to coordinate.
Where should I park?
There are a variety of short and long term parking lots and garages in Portland that are within walking distance of the ferry. Estimated walk time and cost is below. Park and Ride: Free 274 Marginal Way (25 minute walk) Public Parking: $5/day 450 Commercial St (20 minute walk) Fishermans Warf: $30/day 202 Commercial St (15 minute walk) Fish Pier: $10/day 320 Commercial St (15 minute walk) Ocean Gateway Garage: $50/day 167 Fore St (5 minute walk) Casco Bay Lines Garage: $40/day 54 Commercial St (1 minute walk) - this is at the ferry and extremely convenient, but the garage is often full on the weekends.
What should I pack?
You'll be warm, you'll be cold, you'll be in the water, you'll be on the land, you'll walk a lot, you'll dance a lot, you might get hungry at times when there's nothing open--bring that which brings you power for the above scenarios.
What's the weather like?
God only knows. Pray for sun, plan for chaos.
What's the dress code?
Casual cocktail for the welcome party--think, cocktail or something a bit more comfortable. Formal cocktail for the ceremony--think, cocktail or something a bit more formal. Bring an extra pair of walking shoes if your party shoes slow you down!
Is there food/drink on the island?
Dinner on Friday will be provided for the wedding party and out of town guests, and on Saturday for all. For breakfast and lunch, you have a few options. See the travel section for details.
What if I miss the ferry?
If you miss the ferry, you can take a water taxi which is about $65 and can carry 6 people. In Portland, they pick you up and drop you off at the public dock which is next to the Fire Boat and in front of Casco Bay Lines. On Great Diamond, they will drop you off and pick you up from the ferry dock.Since the ferry terminal and the water taxi pick up location are next to each other, the parking and driving directions are the same for both.
Is Ellum Coming?
Yes! Please respect Celebrity Privacy and only approach the Bear if you have an established relationship with him.