John and Sara Berkeley have completed a two- and half-year renovation of Boothbay Playhouse and hosted an open house Saturday, May 20, to showcase their venue and trusted service partners. Knowing they wanted to be in the events business, and scouting venues for their own wedding, the Berkeleys happened across Boothbay Playhouse and fell in love with the property in 2020.

“We wanted to bring it back to its original beauty and historic roots,” said Sara Berkeley. Inside the lounge hang framed black and white playbills from the Playhouse’s past and pictures of the old Jasper Wyman farm from the 1930s. Antique wood railings and doors accent the space and create ambiance. And the wood floors are original to the venue.

The facility is framed by lush landscape for guests who want to spill outside, and outdoor events have many available tenting options on the lawns. The great room has high vaulted ceilings, and the exposed original beams contribute to a cathedral feel. Antique stained glass flanks both sides of the ceremony platform. A spacious dining area connects to the great room. Separate bride and groom lofts overlook the entire expanse.

The lounge has a stone fireplace, bar and separate outdoor patio. Oversized spaces and many doors invite guests to flow effortlessly between indoor and outdoor environs, leveraging coastal Maine’s natural surroundings.

Much of the renovation included plumbing and electrical work. The facility has heating and air conditioning for comfort May through December. Fully renovated restrooms, a state-of-the-art catering kitchen with ample prep space, a generator and outdoor electrical outlets supply modern comforts.

“Ideal capacity is 150-170,” said Sara Berkeley. “Any event, lobster bakes, family reunions, celebrations of life, corn hole tournaments, not just weddings,” she added.

The venue’s website, www.boothbayplayhouseweddings.com, offers a comprehensive list of amenities and recommendations for trusted service partners for cakes, catering, photography, florists, officiants, event planners and more. “We know that planning your big day can be a bit daunting, which is why your wedding day team is so very important. All our vendors are trusted, dependable professionals who are dedicated to making your wedding day dreams come true,” it reads.