Photo Courtesy of Enid Arvelo Photography
By Niko Burgess | Events Manager

If you’re searching for a wedding venue that’s stylish, unique, and authentically you, a celebration with us might be the perfect fit. Breweries naturally bring people together—whether for weekend hangouts, date nights, or parties with friends—and that sense of community translates beautifully to a wedding weekend. At Bissell Brothers in Portland, Maine, couples can enjoy a one-of-a-kind setting where incredible beer, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere come together to create an unforgettable celebration.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about hosting your brewery wedding at Bissell Brothers—from catering and décor to logistics and guest experience.

The Main Event

For most couples, Bissell Brothers shines brightest as a reception venue—an energetic, welcoming space designed for dinner, drinks, and dancing. Inside, exposed brick, murals by local artists Rachel and Ryan Adams, string lights, and plenty of plant life create a lush ambiance. Add your own touches—florals, custom signage, or even a disco ball—and the taproom transforms into a space that feels like your own.

While receptions are our specialty, we’re also equipped to host ceremonies if you’d like everything in one place. The Garden provides an intimate space for vows before moving seamlessly into the celebration. Whether you want the complete wedding experience or just the party, our space adapts to your plans.

Rehearsal Dinners & Welcome Parties

Kick off your wedding weekend with a rehearsal dinner or welcome reception at Bissell Brothers. Gather your closest friends and family for a private evening with our beers on tap, unique cocktails, food from our Kitchen, and space to mingle indoors and outdoors. It’s a casual yet elevated way to set the tone for the celebration ahead.

Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties

Looking for something different from the typical bar crawl? Our brewery is a great option for bachelor or bachelorette gatherings. Celebrate with craft beer, great food, and the lively energy of Portland. Create a night that feels personal and fun without the hassle of traveling far.

Day-After Celebrations

Keep the weekend going with a farewell lunch or a casual gathering. Reserve some space for your special guests to share stories from the night before, sip on their favorite beers, and enjoy one last toast before heading home. It’s a relaxed way to wrap up the weekend on a high note.

Built-In Benefits of a Brewery Wedding

Hosting your wedding and related events at Bissell Brothers comes with essentials already included, so you can simplify planning and focus on the fun:

• Full bar service with our craft beers, plus wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options like Bissell Bubbles.
• On-site catering from our kitchen, designed to complement the bar offerings.
• Tables, chairs, and glassware included, saving you the hassle of rentals.
• A/V setup for music, speeches, and slideshows.

With so many key details covered, you’ll spend less time coordinating vendors and more time celebrating.

Tips for Planning a Party-Focused Brewery Wedding

• Think of the Whole Weekend
  Don’t just plan for the reception—consider how the space can host your rehearsal dinner, welcome party, or next-day lunch. With multiple areas available, Bissell Brothers can accommodate the flow of your entire wedding weekend.
• Book Early
  Popular dates fill quickly, especially in peak seasons. We recommend reserving your weekend 12-18 months in advance.
• Keep the Drinks Simple
  The beauty of a brewery wedding is that the beer speaks for itself. Guests will love fresh pints straight from the source—no need for overcomplicated menus. Our built-in tap list plus full bar service means everyone can find something to enjoy.
• Encourage Mingling
  Receptions here don’t feel stiff or formal. The taproom and garden naturally encourage guests to move around, chat, and keep the energy high.
• Add Personal Touches
  Custom signage, flowers, or wedding favors featuring cans of your favorite beer all go a long way toward making the space feel uniquely yours.

Why Portland, Maine Makes the Perfect Wedding Destination

Hosting your wedding at Bissell Brothers doesn’t just give you an incredible venue—it places you and your guests in the heart of one of New England’s most beloved cities. Portland combines coastal charm with urban convenience, making it a true wedding destination.

• Easy Travel: Portland International Jetport is just minutes away, with direct flights from several major cities.
• Hotels & Lodging: From boutique hotels downtown to cozy waterfront inns, there are accommodations for every guest budget within a few square miles.
• Walkable & Accessible: Thompson’s Point is close to downtown, so your guests can explore Portland’s restaurants, shops, and waterfront with ease.
• Destination Appeal: Out-of-town guests will love turning your wedding into a weekend getaway, with nearby lighthouses, beaches, and quintessential Maine scenery to explore.

Pair all that with a celebration at Bissell Brothers, and you’ve got a wedding weekend your guests will be talking about for years.

FAQs About Brewery Weddings at Bissell Brothers

Can we host both our ceremony and reception?
Yes—while many couples use Bissell Brothers primarily for receptions and parties, we can accommodate ceremonies.

I have more than 150 guests – can I book your entire space?
Yes! We offer full buy-outs of our taproom and Garden. Please inquire for details.

Do you offer spaces for smaller gatherings?
Absolutely. From intimate rehearsal dinners to bachelor/bachelorette nights, we can configure the space for groups of many sizes.

What’s included in your event packages?
Our packages typically include tables, chairs, bar staff, catering, and use of our A/V setup. Additional details can be customized with our team.

Do all guests need to be beer fans?
Not at all—while our beer is a highlight, we also serve wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options to ensure everyone has something they’ll enjoy.

Make Your Wedding Weekend One Big Party

At Bissell Brothers, weddings aren’t confined to a single evening—they’re full weekend experiences. From rehearsal dinner to last call, our brewery is a gathering space where every event can feel authentic, personal, and unforgettable.

If your vision of a wedding is less about strict tradition and more about celebrating with the people you love, let Bissell Brothers set the stage.

Submit an inquiry to schedule a tour and start planning your brewery wedding, reception, and all the parties around it—including rehearsal dinners, welcome parties, bachelor/bachelorette hangs, and farewell lunches.