Inside River's Edge at Saint Clement's Castle and Marina the sunlight sparkling off the Connecticut River is almost as brilliant as the light from thousands of crystals that make up the chandeliers hanging from the two-story ceiling.
The tall windows in the cavernous room afford breathtaking and panoramic views of the river and the green rolling hillsides around it. Overhead, massive wooden trusses line the ceiling.The beams, along with the huge crystal chandeliers, imbue the space with the feel of a contemporary castle.
That aesthetic is part of the purposeful design of River’s Edge, which has a main event space of more than 4,000 square feet inside the overall 10,000-square foot facility. The exterior of the building is intended to mirror the design of Saint Clements Castle, a 19th century castle that sits on the hillside above River’s Edge.
“We were able to capture that feel of the architecture of the castle,” said Amanda Delzio, director of marketing and communications. “It’s a very rustic-modern design in an open floor plan.” The design is a very intimate event space, with rustic and contemporary elements.
Both facilities are located on a 92-acre property in Portland (though technically River’s Edge is located just over the town line in East Hampton). The land is owned by the Saint Clement Castle Foundation, a 501-C3 nonprofit, which leases the stone castle and the new River’s Edge to St. Clements Inc. St. Clements operates tboth facilities as premier wedding and event venues.
True to its name, River’s Edge, sits on the banks of the Connecticut River.
The wood and stone exterior resembles the castle and the contemporary elements inside include hardwood flooring. The sweeping oak central staircase leads to a balcony overlooking the main event space below. The upstairs also includes several private rooms for meetings and bridal and groom party chambers. The upstairs includes spacious lounge areas and two private wedding suites.
Downstairs a large bar sits behind the grand staircase, with a sitting room adjacent. Behind those rooms is a large kitchen at the back of the building.
Outside, a stone walkway leads to a patio and a pier that juts into the river.
“There are plans in the works that would allow couples to step right off the boat onto the Sunset Pier”, says Amanda.
“The proximity to the Connecticut River makes this venue one of the most beautiful in the state.”
The castle and River’s Edge are connected by a new private road that was built in 2006 between the two facilities.
River’s Edge can accommodate up to 140 guests and outdoor venues are also available. The new facility is in addition to Saint Clements Castle, which hosts about 300 events each year. The castle has about 12,000 square feet of event space in two separate and distinct private spaces, The Waterford and Prince Edward suites.
River's Edge at Saint Clement's Castle and Marina
1931 Portland-Cobalt Road, Portland
860-342-0593
https://www.saintclementscastle.com/event-spaces/rivers-edge-marina
