the ultimate guide to your acadia national park elopement
How to Elope in Acadia National Park:
A Complete Guide
There’s something about Acadia that you can just feel in your bones.
Its this magical place where the forest meets the sea, where the air smells like pine and salt, and mornings roll in moody and slow. It’s the kind of destination that asks you to breathe differently. The waves slam into the rocky coastline while the tide ebbs and flows like a steady heartbeat. Its a place thats both easy and harsh, but is quiet about both. The locals work hard and live slow and they certainly don’t mind a long, quiet winter. It’s a place that feels both rugged and tender, where the rhythm of life moves a little more slowly.
Eloping here really lends itself to leaning into that pace.
Deciding to get married here isn’t just an “easy” choice because it’s the closest national park to Boston or New York. It’s a worthy choice. The kind that deserves time. No matter how many times I come here, I feel like there’s a new secret worth finding around every corner.
If you want your elopement to feel grounded and honest, Acadia might just be the place your story belongs.
When to Elope in Acadia
Acadia changes with every passing minute. Ive seen clouds roll in and completely drop the visibility to zero, only to roll back out a few minutes later revealing the sun again. Honestly as a photographer, its one of my favorite parts about shooting here, you can get dozens of different light and weather scenarios over the course of your elopement. It makes for an incredibly diverse final gallery and and incredible exciting experience.
Beyond the unpredictable day to day on the coast, every season tells a different story. The key is choosing the rhythm that feels most like you.
Spring (April–June)
The park wakes up slow. The air still carries a chill, but the trails are quiet and the trees are sprinkling the forest with new green. The coast feels wild and unclaimed. It’s the perfect time for couples who want solitude, a little mystery, and soft, diffused light for photos.
think soft light, fewer crowds, fresh growth. Trails are quieter, though some roads or businesses may not be fully open.
Summer (July–August)
Its busy season, but for good reason. The ocean sparkles, the wildflowers bloom, and the park and surrounding towns come alive. Sure, you’ll find more visitors, but you’ll get treated with longer days, summer hours for local businesses and the warm sun on your skin. If you’re dreaming of picnics on the cliffs, golden sunsets, and diving into the sea after your vows, this is your time.
lush, full access/everything's, long days, but busy. Early mornings or early evenings are key.
Fall (September–October)
Autumn is our favorite time to shoot here. The forest burns in golds and rust, the air turns crisp, and the crowds thin out a little bit around sunset (which works out really well for us). Perfect light, endless texture, cooler temps and a pace that feels both calm and electric.
think crisp air, autumn foliage, golden sunsets. Crowds are still busy but taper off as the season progresses.
Winter (November–March)
Acadia slows down to a whisper. Some roads close, snow dusts the cliffs, and the silence feels sacred. It’s not for everyone, but for the right couple, it’s ideal. Think cozy cabins with wood stoves, dimly lit dinners, and vows exchanged in a quiet forest where it feels like you’re the only ones there.
dramatic light, snow-dusted trees & solitude, but many services, roads, & lodging may be closed.
Best Locations in Acadia for your wedding ceremony & Photography
Here are some of the most stunning, iconic, and varied spots for your elopement, portraits, and adventure days:
Ocean path/cliffs
Where the forest meets the Atlantic in the most dramatic way. The cliffs rise 110 feet above the water, catching sunrise light that turns everything gold and pink. Perfect for couples who want their vows to feel wild and cinematic.
jordan pond
Calm, reflective, and classic Acadia. The surrounding mountains cradle the pond, giving you sweeping views and still moments. It’s one of our favorite spots for portraits, especially in the early morning or golden hour.
Can be busy, but very worth it.
cadillac mountain
The first place in the U.S. to see the sunrise. Standing above the fog as the world turns from blue to gold is surreal. You’ll need a permit and an early wake-up, but it’s pretty magical for couples who want to start their day with the earliest sunrise possible.
the hidden corners
Acadia seems to reveal a new spot every time we’re there. Some of our favorite we’re keeping for ourselves (and our couples). Think rocky coves we’ve found exploring at low tide or pull offs that reveal a stunning trail tucked between mossy evergreens. We help our couples find those spaces and help make their experience feel entirely custom.
Timing & Flow for Your Elopement Day(s)
Here’s a sample 2-3 day flow so you get enough time to feel relaxed, creative, and present:
Day 1 (Connection Day): Arrive, explore the quiet side of Acadia, get golden-hour portraits, ease into things without ceremony pressure.
Day 2 (Ceremony Day): Early starts + sunrise, vows, portraits, celebration. Take a midday break and let the day end softly with a first dance, quiet moments, and a cinematic sunset.
Optional Day 3 (Adventure Day): Boat, picnic, explore. Book a tour or a sunset sail, hire a guide to take you rock climbing right off the cliffs where you said your vows yesterday, rent e-bikes and cruise the carriage roads. Don’t forget to pick up some lobster for dinner.
Our number 1 tip is to design your day around the sunrise and sunset. The park is quiet, the light is ideal and you’ll get to maximize your elopement even if you decide 1 day is enough.
Where to Stay
Proximity, comfort & aesthetics really matter here. Staying somewhere beautiful and well appointed can really add to your overall experience. Here are tips along with some of our favorite places and ways to stay near the park:
Stay in Bar Harbor for easy access to amenities + food + shuttles.
For quieter, more immersive feeling, try Southwest Harbor or the “Quiet Side” of Mount Desert Island.
Camping (Blackwoods, Seawall) is beautiful and gives you that wild, early-light access. But reserve in advance.
Our favorite accommodations:
hotels:
glamping:
rentals:
Logistics & Tips
Park Passes & Vehicle Access: You’ll for sure need park entrance pass. Also, for Cadillac Mountain, there are times of year when you need a vehicle reservation for the Summit Road.
Weather Prep: Acadia’s forecast can shift fast. Fog, mist, wind, sun, sometimes all in one day. Pack layers. Be ready for dampness even when skies are clear.
Crowd Avoidance: Sunrise & weekdays are your friends. Also: hiring an experienced photographer who knows some spots that are less trafficked but just as magical.
Respect the Park: Stay on trails, no large props, no decor that damages landscape, adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
What to Pack
Some small things that make a big difference:
Comfortable footwear
sunglasses!
Warm coats & layers for coastal wind
Minimal decor or details, flowers, blanket to cozy up on, picnic basket, anything easy to carry
Outdoor supplies: bug spray, flashlight, snacks
Final Thoughts: Make It Your Kind of Elopement
Here’s what I tell every couple:
You don’t need to compromise your vision for “photo ops”. The moments that resonate are often the imperfect ones.
Build in buffer time. Time to rest, time to wander, time to just be together.
Trust the land. Maine has a quiet, wild energy. Lean into it, and let your story move with the rhythms of light and tide.
Ready to Create Something Cinematic in Acadia?
If you’re dreaming of an Acadia elopement that feels intentional, emotional, and deeply yours, we’d love to help.
From multi-day storytelling to single, powerful ceremonial days, let’s co-create your story.
Reach out to start your elopement story…
