There’s a certain kind of magic that only a rainy day in Maine can bring. As a Portland Maine wedding photographer, I’m drawn to the raw, unfiltered moments that make each story one-of-a-kind. This Portland, Maine, City Hall elopement had all the ingredients! Timeless architecture, moody weather, and a couple whose love was palpable. Capturing it all through a mix of 35mm film and digital made the experience even more meaningful. I find that shooting hybrid film and digital allows for equal parts artistic and emotional, with quality and luxury.

Portraits Amongst the Marble at Portland City Hall

The ceremony took place inside the City of Portland building, an architectural gem in the heart of downtown. The marble walls, grand ceilings, and a dramatic marble staircase created an elegant backdrop for portraits. The State Room, where ceremonies are held, features a grand fireplace. As you can see from the images, this elevates the space into a cozy yet elevated aesthetic.

As a Maine film wedding photographer, I’m always chasing that intersection of art and emotion. The dreary weather delivered in spades. The rain enhanced the vibe of the day, deepening the tones and adding a cinematic quality to both the digital and 35mm film wedding portraits. That soft, overcast light combined with the reflective marble made for beautifully moody and timeless imagery.

What made this elopement even more unique was the choice to include double exposure photos taken on 35mm film. These dreamy images layered traditional couple portraits with floral overlays, adding a romantic, painterly feel that worked seamlessly with the elegant City Hall aesthetic. The blend of film and digital photography allowed me to capture every nuance of the day in both crisp modern detail and soft nostalgic texture. When couples ask me about film and why I gravitate towards it, my answer is always that film takes you back to the emotion of a moment. Simply put, film is instant nostalgia.

The Ceremony: Featuring many Happy Tears

Transitioning to the ceremony was seamless. After some portraits of just Jin & Jake, we gathered together with their closest people in the State of Maine Room at Portland City Hall. This space is rentable through the City of Portland website or by calling the City of Portland directly. During Jake and Jin’s vows, many happy tears were shed. The couple, their family, and their friends were all present in the moment while Jake’s father married them. Personal touches were scattered through this ceremony, including a cartwheel ring delivery from Jin’s niece.

Union Restaurant Reception

After the ceremony and a few more photos outside with an umbrella, the celebration continued across the street at Union Restaurant, one of the best brunch spots in Portland, Maine. The Union Restaurant is located just across the street from Portland City Hall in the Press Hotel. Their intimate brunch reception was the perfect pairing to their City Hall ceremony. Stylish, laid-back, and filled with laughter and flowers. Newly married Jin & Jake sipped coffee and champagne with their closest people, creating a genuine and joyful conclusion to their elopement day.

As a Portland Maine wedding photographer, days like this remind me why I love what I do. Every moment was real, beautiful, and completely authentic. Thank you, Jin & Jake, for trusting me with this special day. I am so thrilled with the final results!

If you enjoyed this blog post and are looking for other galleries from Portland City Hall elopements, try checking out these posts:

1. Sarah & Alex’s Winter Portland City Hall Elopement
2. Shannon & Cody’s Vintage-Inspired City Hall Elopement

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