How to Elope in Acadia National Park

How to Plan an Acadia National Park Elopement

SWELL & STONE / OUTDOOR WEDDING & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / Maine & Beyond

Acadia National Park is a beautiful and popular destination for couples who want to elope. Located on the rugged coast of Maine, Acadia offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, miles of hiking trails, and a variety of unique venues for an intimate and unforgettable wedding ceremony.

Eloping in Acadia National Park is a great way to celebrate your love in a natural and serene setting. The process of planning your elopement may seem daunting, but with a little research and preparation, it can be a simple and stress-free experience. Here are some tips on how to elope in Acadia National Park:

Determine the best time of year to elope

Acadia National Park has four distinct seasons, each with its own unique beauty. The peak tourist season is from late May through early October when the weather is warm and the foliage is stunning. However, this time of year can be crowded and prices for lodging and activities are generally higher. If you prefer a quieter and more affordable experience, consider eloping in the off-season, which runs from November to April. While the weather may be colder and the park may be less crowded, the stunning natural beauty of Acadia remains year-round.

Obtain a marriage license

Before you can get married in Acadia National Park, you will need to obtain a marriage license. The process varies depending on the state where you plan to get married. Maine requires couples to apply for a marriage license at least three days before the wedding ceremony. The license is valid for 90 days and costs $40. You can apply for a marriage license at any town office in Maine. Be sure to bring a government-issued ID and your social security number when applying.

Choose a ceremony location

Acadia National Park offers a variety of stunning locations for an elopement ceremony. Some popular spots include:

• Jordan Pond: This picturesque pond is surrounded by mountains and is known for its clear water and beautiful reflections.

• Cadillac Mountain: This iconic mountain is the highest peak on the East Coast and offers stunning views of the park and the Atlantic Ocean.

• Sand Beach: This small beach is tucked between two mountains and is known for its unique pink sand and stunning views of the ocean.

• Otter Cliff: This dramatic cliff overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular spot for sunrise ceremonies.

There are also a variety of unique venues in and around Acadia National Park that can host your elopement ceremony, such as hotels, inns, and private estates. Be sure to research any necessary permits or fees for your chosen location.

Hire a photographer

Eloping in Acadia National Park provides a beautiful and intimate setting for your wedding ceremony, but capturing those special moments is just as important. Hire a professional photographer to document your elopement and create lasting memories. Be sure to research photographers ahead of time and choose one whose style matches your vision.

Consider hiring a wedding planner

While eloping in Acadia National Park may be a simpler alternative to a traditional wedding, there are still many details to consider. Hiring a wedding planner can help alleviate stress and ensure that everything runs smoothly on your special day. A wedding planner can help with everything from choosing a ceremony location to arranging lodging and activities for you and your guests.

Plan your lodging and activities

Acadia National Park offers a variety of lodging options, from campgrounds to luxury hotels. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to stay within the park or in nearby towns like Bar Harbor. Be sure to book your lodging in advance, especially if you plan to elope during peak season.

Acadia National Park offers a variety of activities for you and your guests to enjoy during your stay. Some popular activities include hiking, kayaking, and whale watching. Be sure to research the activities and attractions in the area to create a memorable experience for you and your loved ones.

Follow park rules and regulations

When planning your elopement in Acadia National Park, it’s important to follow the park’s rules and regulations. The park has specific guidelines for ceremonies, including the number of guests allowed and the use of decorations. Be sure to obtain any necessary permits and adhere to the park’s guidelines to ensure a safe and respectful ceremony.

Consider the weather

Weather in Acadia National Park can be unpredictable, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Be sure to check the weather forecast leading up to your elopement and have a backup plan in case of rain or inclement weather. The park also experiences high winds and cold temperatures, especially during the off-season, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather.

Make it personal

One of the benefits of eloping is the ability to create a more personalized and intimate experience. Consider incorporating personal touches into your elopement ceremony, such as writing your own vows or choosing meaningful music. You can also customize your elopement package to include activities or experiences that are important to you and your partner.

Enjoy the moment

Eloping in Acadia National Park offers a beautiful and intimate setting to celebrate your love. Take time to savor the moment and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. Whether you choose a mountaintop ceremony or a seaside exchange of vows, your elopement in Acadia National Park is sure to be a special and unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, eloping in Acadia National Park can be a beautiful and stress-free way to celebrate your love. By following these tips and doing your research, you can create an unforgettable elopement experience in one of the most beautiful national parks in the country. Remember to enjoy the moment and take in the stunning natural beauty of Acadia National Park as you exchange your vows and start your new life together.

Charming Couple Elope in Acadia National Park

Jess & Barry’s Maine Elopement iN acadia

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / Maine & BEYOND

When Jess and Barry decided to elope in Acadia National Park in the late fall I knew that anything could happen with the weather. What we got was one of the nicest days in the whole season, which they managed to fill to the brim with joy, great views, and time with family. Their Acadia National Park wedding was one of the highlights of the season.

The day started early in the morning when we met for their first look at the beach. It was gorgeous and we were all shocked that it wasn’t completely freezing outside. They had their first look before the sun rose in the morning twilight before we walked up to an overlook to catch the sunrise. The sun put on a show and birds swooped low making the views truly something special.

From there we went over to one of the carriage roads. They had hiked this particular road together before, but what none of us knew if that we were in for a light ray show of the century. At one point I turned around to snap some photos of them and noticed light streaming through the trees. It was stunning and I couldn’t conceal my excitement. They held hands and ran back and forth and danced and kissed, and this is just one of those moments that you can’t replicate. It’s not a place or a view, it’s simply a moment in time when all the elements lined up exactly right and magic was the result- serendipity.

We finished our hike to the cobblestone bridge and made our way back. We met up later for the more formal part of the day which started with getting ready. Jess had accumulated a lot of sand and dirt in her dress from the morning adventure, but she had successfully cleaned it up for the formal ceremony- which was also set to be on a mountaintop, so more dirt was in store.

After getting ready and family portraits, Jess had a quick outfit change before we were on our way to the ceremony. The ceremony was on the side of a gorgeous mountain with an incredible view. The families all gathered in the spot before Jess’s dad walked her down the… rock “aisle”? The wind was whipping but everyone was all smiles as they said their vows. After a little celebration and some more photos where Jess finally lost her veil to the wind, and then we were headed back down the mountain and to the sunset spot.

There’s a magical little spot on the coast that is my favorite to catch the sunset in Acadia. It’s a quick jaunt from the car and there are 270-degree views so you can watch the moonrise and stars come out all from one spot. We rock-hopped our way down and were treated to the longest, most colorful sunset ever. It felt like the sunset didn’t want such a magical day to end so it bled into the starry night sky. A perfect end to one of the best elopement days ever.

Astonishingly Gorgeous Maine Elopement

Tyler & Seth’s Acadia National Park Elopement

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / MAINE & BEYOND

It looks like Tyler & Seth’s Acadia National Park elopement day encompassed an entire lifetime in one day. From summiting a mountain before the sun rose, to a picnic on the beach, to flying in a plane over Acadia, to eating cake and exploring the rocky coastline as the sun set and the stars came out, this day had absolutely everything.

We fit in so many views, activities, and so much fun that it was impossible to choose just a few photos to encapsulate their day here. Let’s start with the morning. It was cold outside and we met in the dark, but the sheer enthusiasm that they were getting married was radiating off of them like the steam that would soon radiate off their shoulders as we started to climb up the mountain. Their faces when they saw the view from the top were nothing short of astonishment. Color was filling the sky and they breathed it all in before picking a ceremony site and preparing to say their vows.

The vows were full of Taylor Swift lyrics and there were a lot of smiles, laughs, and some tears. We had the mountain completely to ourselves and the ceremony could not have been any more beautiful.

They took their time exploring the top and as we headed down we saw even more incredible views. Somehow the day kept getting better, a theme throughout their whole elopement. Next up was a private picnic on the beach. They strolled and took in the views, ate some delicious locally sourced foods, and played some games they love.

After the beach, we met up at Acadia Flights. The next thing we knew we were soaring over the park and seeing a lot of the sights they had seen on foot from the air. It was so cool to see their elopement spot from above. The entire experience was so beautiful and unique and I highly recommend as a part of your elopement day if you like getting a bird’s eye view. The fall colors were even more spectacular from the air.

After the flight, we headed to where they were staying to freshen up, eat some cake, galavant around town a little, and then we packed up to head to our sunset location. The sky had become cloudy in the direction of the sun, but it was still open enough to stay for the blue hour and catch the starry night sky. The wrapped up the most perfect elopement day dancing under the night sky and walking back to the car via lantern light.

And so the perfect day that looked like 1000 different days because they packed in so much will live in their memory as the perfect way to get married.

The Best Places to Elope in Maine

Best Locations for a Maine Elopement

SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / New England & Beyond

Why Maine is the Perfect Place to Elope?

Maine is the perfect place to elope with your significant other. This state offers some of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes in the country.

The Maine coast is a great place to elope because it offers many different options for venues, from small intimate weddings to elopements. The Maine coast has many natural features that are perfect for an outdoor wedding such as forests, mountains, and beaches. I love to tell people that Maine is the premier spot on the East Coast where the mountains meet the ocean, so if you are both a mountain and ocean person, this might be the place for you.

Maine has a lot of beautiful parks, forests, lakes, mountains, and rivers that are perfect for outdoor ceremonies.

Want to spread your search a little broader? Here’s my New England elopement guide. Or check out these if you’re looking for Rhode Island, Vermont, Upstate NY, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.

What are the Best Places to Elope Within the State?

Maine is one of the most beautiful places to elope. It has a lot of scenic views and some of the best restaurants in the country. Maine also has a lot of small towns that you can explore with your significant other on your honeymoon.

The best Maine elopement locations are:

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a beautiful place to elope. The park spans over 46,000 acres and offers a variety of scenic views. The park is made up of mountains, lakes, forests and more. There are many attractions for guests to explore including hikes on trails, kayaking along the coastlines, biking along the carriage roads, sailing on Frenchman Bay and exploring the Bar Harbor waterfront.

Baxter State Park

Located in Maine, Baxter State Park is a beautiful location that is perfect for an elopement. This state park has the Appalachian Trail to explore as well as many other trails to hike. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the views of Mt. Katahdin which are absolutely stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset. The park is open year-round and will provide a beautiful setting for your elopement day.

Camden Hills State Park

Camden Hills State Park is a beautiful location in Maine perfect for tying the knot. This scenic park offers a variety of elopement venues, from cabins to the historic mansion, so there is sure to be a spot just right for you.

Kittery Point Lighthouse

Kittery Point Lighthouse is a popular destination for eloping New England couples. The lighthouse itself is known as the "most photographed lighthouse in Maine" and boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, Kittery Point has some of the best seafood menus as well as plenty of affordable B&Bs that are perfect for newlywed couples to stay in.

The Cliff House

The Cliff House is a luxury lodge tucked away on the coast of Maine. This serene vacation spot offers ocean views, cozy guest rooms, and plenty of memorable moments for two. You'll enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking in addition to delectable food and wine tastings. This serene vacation spot offers ocean views, cozy guest rooms, and plenty of memorable moments for two. You'll experience the beauty of hiking, biking and kayaking while you enjoy delectable food and wine tastings.

Mt. Blue State Park

Mt. Blue State Park has a way of grabbing your attention with its towering trees and lush greenery. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Swift Dam Pond, this is a perfect place to elope in Maine. The park is a great place for a picnic, and offers several trails for hiking and biking. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park.

Pemaquid Lighthouse

For couples looking for a scenic spot to get married, there may not be a more picturesque and romantic location than the Pemaquid Lighthouse. Standing tall on a rocky outcrop with an unobstructed view of the ocean, this iconic New England landmark provides the perfect backdrop for your elopement day. celebration. The lighthouse is a short drive from the town of Pemaquid, located on Vinalhaven island in Maine. The not-for-profit Pemaquid Lighthouse and Museum, established in 1993, provides this unique venue exclusively for weddings and events.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Maine is one of the most beautiful, serene locations on Earth. For those looking for a breathtaking, awe-inspiring spot to get married, this is it. The lighthouse is located on a headland with an expansive view of Maine’s coast. It has been a place of worship for the indigenous tribes of the area, who believed that it was home to the Great Spirit. If you’re looking for a romantic setting for your wedding that is steeped in history and romance, this is just the spot.

Want to fly into a secluded backcountry spot for your elopement?

Looking for an even more unique way to celebrate your elopement day? Maine has several float plane services that can fly you in to the most beautiful elopement locations. There are a wide variety of elopement locations that can make for a perfect intimate wedding. These small locations are perfect for couples who would like to share their big day with a few close friends and family members. Float plane services in Maine can fly you to the areas of choice, so all you have to do is show up and say "I do."

Maine is kind of like the “wild west” of the east coast. There is less regulation and a lot of open space, so the idea of flying and landing somewhere, doing the ceremony, and flying out is possible. These providers have regular scenic tours, but they also allow for custom packages.

Something you should also consider is your date. It seems like some (but not all) of these operators fly from May to Oct. because it’s the busy season, but some do operate outside of those months.

There are several Maine based float plane services that can fly you into the most beautiful and secluded backcountry locations. You can experience an amazing elopement in a scenic setting, and then enjoy your honeymoon in a cabin or some other nearby accommodation.

How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Maine?

Getting married in Maine can be a very expensive affair, but eloping in Maine can run the gamut from affordable to pricey. There are ways to cut down on the cost of your wedding. Check out this article on how much it costs to elope.

There are many factors that contribute to the cost of a wedding. Some may include the venue, catering, flowers and other décor, music and entertainment, etc. This is why it is important to have a budget set before you start planning your event.

Luckily, you can cut what you don’t care about when eloping. Most eloping couples don’t pay for a venue, or they only pay a permit fee to get married on public lands. Other things eloping couples don’t have to pay for is food and drink for a large guest list. This enables you to spend more on the things that you truly care about, like documenting your day and making it the experience of a lifetime.

It is also important that you do not forget to factor in the cost of marriage license fees and officiant fees when determining your total costs for your big day!

What are the Requirements for Getting Married in Maine?

Maine marriage laws are governed by the Maine Revised Statutes Title 19-A. For more info about the legalities of eloping in Maine, check out this site. Generally, you are able to obtain your marriage license at the town clerk’s office the day before your elopement, but each area is different so make sure to check with the town where you are eloping.

You need to have one or more witnesses at your wedding ceremony in Maine.

You must also be unmarried to get married in Maine. If you were previously married, you will need a divorce decree before getting remarried in Maine.

Should you choose Maine for your elopement?

Maine elopements are becoming increasingly popular in recent years. The beauty of Maine is unmatched and it is the perfect place for a couple who wants to get married without the hassle of planning a wedding.

There are many reasons why you should consider Maine for your elopement. First, it is the perfect place for an outdoor ceremony. Second, there is no waiting period to get married in Maine which means you can plan your wedding on short notice if you need to. Third, with so many beautiful locations to choose from, you can have your elopement in a setting that fits your personality and style. Finally, Maine has amazing accommodations that can accommodate all types of budgets which means there is something for everyone!

Planning your elopement can be an overwhelming process. But with these tips, you will be able to have the wedding of your dreams! If you're looking for a unique location to say your vows with the person you love, eloping in Maine can be the best decision you ever make.

Fairytale Elopement in Acadia National Park | Acadia Elopement Packages

Ankeeta & Jacob Elope in Acadia National Park

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / MAINE & BEYOND

A magical fairytale is the best way to describe Ankeeta and Jacob’s Acadia National Park elopement. They met at a strategically positioned overlook before the sun even rose from their first look. The moon was setting in the background and they were both really excited to see one another and begin their incredible elopement day. After their first look, they hiked with family and their pups to their ceremony spot and said their vows as the sunrise rose, filling the morning sky with soft light and muted colors. Our timing was perfect because after they finished their vows and a small celebration, hikers began arriving at this popular spot in the park. We moved a little for formal photos and some more exploration and then the marine layer fog began to roll in. It seemed that we would have three days worth of weather in 3 hours!

After the morning session the couple and their family went to breakfast and had a relaxing rest of their morning. I met them again in the afternoon where they roasted s’mores with their family and got ready again for the second portion of their adventure elopement day. We went back to the park where we hiked, went to the beach and watched the sunset. As the sunset and everyone else cleared off the rocks we stayed and sat enjoying the seclusion and the views.

I knew the moon would rise at any moment and so we walked into position to see it come up. Ankeeta shouted “that’s it!” and we all looked at the horizon and saw an absolutely huge orange ball rising in the distance. From moonset to moonrise their entire day had come full circle. It was full of so much love, unreal views, and it was everything they wanted and more. We all felt so content sitting out there taking in the vast beauty of a place like Acadia, and as the moon rose higher and the stars came out, Ankeeta and Jacob busted out their lightsabers for some even more fun and unique light writing. They battled one another, then created a heart, and then they attempted to write their elopement date with headlamps, which proved to be a difficult task.

These two could not have been more fun to hang out with. I’m so thankful they trusted me with their vision for their day, and it’s always so incredible when the actual elopement day not only lives up to their expectations, but exceeds it. From sunrise to sunset it was such a perfect day, and they were laid back and relaxed and able to savor ever moment of it. They included so many details unique to the two of them and their relationships. They were able to include family and their two dogs, which was incredibly important to them. Oh, and I forgot to mention they traveled to Maine from Florida where they are used to much warmer weather, but the temps didn’t bother them one bit. In the morning it was probably in the high 50’s, but they came prepared and enjoyed much warmer weather the rest of the day.

I think the day is best summed up by one of the GIF’s above where they finish saying their vows and Ankeeta can be seen jumping up and down for joy! Then Jacob scoops her up in his arms for their first kiss as a married couple. They radiate joy and happiness together. And tying the knot in the way that was truly them was the best gift they could give one another.

Gorgeous Maine and Acadia National Park Elopement with Family

KATIE & ADAM’S ACADIA NATIONAL PARK HIKING ELOPEMENT

SWELL & STONE / ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER / MAINE & BEYOND

Katie and Adam originally planned an epic two day wedding in Yosemite National Park, but COVID and wildfires had other plans and they changed course to an equally epic two day elopement in Maine, including Acadia National Park. These two changed course with such grace, and while they were disappointed that their original plans were foiled, they quickly became just as excited about an Acadia National Park wedding.

We were lucky, as I was scheduled to be the original photographer anyway and they live in Connecticut and I live in Rhode Island. Also most of their family lives in New England, so it was a no brainer to pick an alternate spot within driving distance of the area. After talking over a few new location options they decided- Why not choose where the mountains meet the ocean? We found Grace on the Lake, a COVID friendly spot on a lake where each of their family households could stay in their own cabin, plus they had access to the beautiful lake-front with boats and other great perks. The actual ceremony took place right down by the lake, and the reception celebration was held just up the hill at a lovely spot overlooking the lake.

Katie & Adam shared beautiful vows, Adam was adorably and unsuccessfully trying to hold back tears through the entire ceremony. It was incredible to see how much they love each other and how perfectly their day fell together in the end. It was laid back, relaxed, gorgeous, fun, and full of surprise. The happy couple surprised their families after dinner with the news that they are expecting!

The next day we met in Acadia National Park where we planned to do the “Beehive” trail, one of the “Iron Rung” trails in Acadia. So not only did Katie have to do a somewhat intense technical hike in a form-fitting wedding dress, she did it pregnant and in a wedding dress. She was so impressive through the whole thing, never missing a step and laughing and having so much fun the entire way. It was hot outside, so managing to climb the iron rungs without sweating off all of her makeup was a feat in itself.

As we topped out on the summit we noticed the marine layer was moving in over the ocean below. Clouds came and shallowed some of the landscape, but it was still sunny were we were. We planned to hike down to watch the sunset, and now I knew we might be socked in for the sunset. When we made it down we found a spot on the coast, but found ourselves in gorgeous misty fog. It was like we traveled through five different locations and seasons through their two day wedding. As the sun started to sink lower it burst through the fog and sent incredible color all across the atmosphere. A spectacular view that was perfectly fitting for their spectacular wedding days.

It is obvious that no matter what these two do together it will always be an adventure. I love the story of how they met. Here it is in Katie’s words “Adam and I both found ourselves on Bumble as many 30 somethings do. Adam down in Norwalk (the NY side of Connecticut) had set a 15-mile radius on his phone meaning we were never really in each other's "sphere". Adam's brother is really into ghost hunting and Adam finally agreed to go to one of his events - dinner and an overnight stay in a haunted building, now a restaurant. Ghost hunting was in Derby, Connecticut outside New Haven and in a radius of me in Guilford, Connecticut. We both swiped right and planned to meet. I write a travel blog and wanted to do some "research" on the best New Haven pizza joint so I suggested we meet at Modern Pizza for our first date. We hit it off over meatball and clam pizza and the rest - well it's history.”