Mine Oyster

If you’re considering a Maine lobster bake for your wedding, stop searching and hire Ralph.

Our wedding was held over Labor Day weekend at my father-in-law’s private residence in Maine, and Ralph and his team completely exceeded every expectation we had. Ralph, the owner of Mine Oyster in Boothbay Harbor, brought the same level of hospitality, quality, and professionalism to our wedding that has made his restaurant such a local favorite.

From the very beginning, he was incredibly organized, professional, and accommodating. He handled everything; tables, chairs, linens, plates, glassware, silverware, appetizers, the full lobster bake, dessert, bar setup, staffing, and even setup and cleanup. What could have been an incredibly complicated event felt seamless from start to finish because of Ralph and his team.

What impressed us most was that Ralph created an experience, not just a meal. He interacted with our guests, gave demonstrations, and made the lobster bake an engaging and memorable part of the celebration. The food was exceptional, and he worked closely with us to make sure every guest was taken care of, including those who didn’t eat lobster, vegetarians, and children. Everyone felt included, and every dish was prepared with the same care and attention to detail.

As someone who grew up around the hospitality industry, I have very high standards when it comes to service and execution. Ralph is one of the most impressive professionals I have ever worked with. His attention to detail, calm demeanor, flexibility, and commitment to making our wedding special were evident in every aspect of the event.

Perhaps the greatest gift Ralph gave us was peace of mind. On a day when we could have been managing countless details, he allowed us to simply be present and enjoy our wedding with our family and friends. Knowing that everything was being handled by someone we trusted made all the difference.

His staff was equally fantastic. Every member of the team was professional, friendly, and hardworking. We especially adored Shaney, who was an absolute joy to have as part of our wedding day. She went above and beyond, and her warmth and energy left a lasting impression on us and our guests.

Months later, people are still talking about the food, the lobster bake, and the incredible experience Ralph created. Hiring him was one of the best decisions we made for our wedding. If you want authentic Maine hospitality, amazing food, flawless execution, and a truly unforgettable experience, Ralph and the team from Mine Oyster in Boothbay Harbor are the people to call.

Thank you, Ralph and team, for helping make our wedding day absolutely unforgettable.

We cannot rave about Ralph and his team at Mine Oyster enough. Professional and trustworthy, while being so incredibly down to earth and creative. Ralph fielded all of our questions, ideas, and worries with ease and a level of knowledge that made all of our planning and day of execution comfortable, fun, and so unique to us. We loved him, the food, the atmosphere of the restaurants, and his team so much that we incorporated them into each day of our long weekend wedding! And our guests continuously tell us that the food was the best they've ever had at a wedding! Can't say thank you enough, we'd book again and again!

My husband and I had been coming up to Maine for over 8 years and when we decided to get married 2 years ago, knowing the high standards that Ralph holds himself to, he was our first choice for catering and bartending our wedding. It’s hard to really express into words how grateful we feel towards Ralph and his staff for helping to make our welcome party and wedding a truly magical experience! For our wedding, having great food, drinks, and music was our number one priority. Ralph catered our welcome party with a delicious BBQ pig roast and every delicious side that should accompany that meal. For our wedding, one of our choices was the Prime Rib and I cannot tell you how many people, even to this day, tell me how it was the best Prime Rib they’ve ever eaten. We were so impressed and elated with our whole experience. We were complimented on absolutely everything regarding our food options on both days. All of his staff, server and bartenders, were beyond helpful in making sure us and every guest had everything they needed. Not only does Ralph provide exceptional food choices but he and his catering team go above and beyond providing tables, chairs, and linens if needed. Ralph and his team really helped to make our wedding a truly unforgettable one by us and all who attended! Thank you Ralph and his amazing Mine Oyster team!

Choosing Mine Oyster for our wedding was one of the best decisions we made.

From the very beginning, Ralph and Elena (owners) went above and beyond to create an unforgettable wedding weekend for us and our guests. Family and friends traveled from all over the country—including Texas, Oklahoma, and Montana—and countless people told us afterward that it was the most enjoyable wedding they had ever attended. Many also said it was the best food they had ever experienced at a wedding.

The celebration began the night before with a traditional Maine lobster bake at our Airbnb. Ralph and his team arrived with a roaring fire and prepared fresh lobster, clams, mussels, and corn right on-site. We even had a bartender serving cocktails while guests mingled and enjoyed the evening. It was such a unique and authentic Maine experience.

Following the lobster bake, we hosted our rehearsal dinner at Ralph and Elena’s sister restaurant, The Boat House Bistro. The tapas were outstanding, and the blueberry pomegranate sangria was a huge hit with everyone.

Our ceremony took place on the pier at BBH Shipyard overlooking the water, followed by a cocktail hour featuring oysters, sushi, and drinks with beautiful harbor views. The reception at Mine Oyster exceeded every expectation. The prime rib, lobster, and risotto were phenomenal, and months later our guests are still talking about the food.

What truly sets Mine Oyster apart, however, is the people behind it. Ralph and Elena made the entire planning process feel effortless. Their warmth, professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care allowed us to relax and fully enjoy every moment. They didn’t just host our wedding—they helped create an entire weekend experience that our family and friends will remember forever!!!

The space is beautiful with a great view. The staff was attentive and lovely to work with. The food was delicious with a great variety of dishes.

Ralph was a great help as we planned our wedding and he made our day very special. The food was delicious and the atmosphere is exactly what we wanted. There were a few snafus (make sure to communicate clearly) but overall it was a great location.