Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point

The Seacoast Science Center/Odiorne Point State Park is a gorgeous place with the perfect tent. We would have our wedding there again in a heartbeat. Although we loved it, there are important challenges to note for those considering the SCS for their wedding. For starters, the SCS provides only the tent for your event. For someone like me who loves to choose every detail, this is ideal. For someone who doesn't want to spend a ton of time planning or pay someone else to- I suggest moving on to the next venue you are considering.

The event coordinator is sweet as pie, but her response time was less than satisfactory. Typically it took over a week to get an email or phone call returned. It seems like she was stretched too thin. Nevertheless it was frustrating to wait a week for an answer. When you rent every chair, napkin and every ice cube (well you buy those) you end up with lot's of questions; what are the electrically capabilities? Are there noise ordinance? What happens if it rains?
I will answer that one for you- the tent has sides and you can use the SCS building.

There's a list of approved SCS vendors; 4 or 5 caterers to choose from but just one rental company. For a fee (think it's $500) you can use a bring in an outside vendor.

There is no kitchen on site, thus catering options are more limited than places with an equipped kitchen. The solution? Serve food that is still ok if it gets cold. Grilled food works well.

If there is alcohol at your wedding, you are required to have a police officer on site. SCS will coordinate the officer for you, but you pay his $65/hr rate. The officer wears plain clothes but eventually you notice a man with crossed arms is standing outside your tent watching your guests. Deal breaker? No. A little awkward at times? Yes.

The location is what makes this an exceptional wedding venue. It's breathtakingly close to the ocean and surprisingly intimate. If the weather cooperates, it's an amazing place to get married.