How to Elope in Acadia National Park: Acadia National Park Elopement Guide
Acadia National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States, and for good reasons! It has over 49,000 acres and offers a uniqueness not found anywhere else in the state, with cliffs, ocean views, rocky beaches, and mountains. Acadia National Park is truly an incredible place to elope! This guide reviews everything you need to know to elope in Acadia National Park, including why, when, where, and how to have an Acadia National Park elopement.
Why You Should Elope in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the most incredible places on the east coast! Although it is a relatively small national park compared to others in the United States, it does not have a shortage of things to do and beautiful views. You can elope on a dramatic cliff, beautiful beach, or stunning mountain, all within Acadia National Park. If you are someone who cherishes the east coast and wants everything it has to offer, you should consider planning an Acadia National Park elopement!
When to Have an Acadia National Park Elopement
The weather in Acadia National Park is unpredictable because it’s next to the ocean, so I always recommend packing layers and appropriate hiking gear. Acadia National Park is open year-round, allowing you to plan your elopement during any season!
Spring
Spring in Acadia National Park is one of the most stunning seasons once the snow melts. As the flowers and trees come back to life, the air fills with beautiful smells and the scenery with bright colors. Although the winter weather can linger, spring is one of the best times to elope in Acadia National Park!
Tips for planning a spring Acadia National Park elopement: Because winter can linger in Acadia National Park, I always recommend packing layers to accommodate. If you are someone who runs cold, you can wear a thick shawl or faux fur jacket over your dress that will look beautiful in photos and keep you warm!
summer
Summer is one of the best times to elope in Acadia National Park because the weather is beautiful and activities are endless. You can spend the day hiking, boating, swimming, or enjoying the beautiful weather.
Tips for planning a summer Acadia National Park elopement: Summer is one of the busiest times to visit Acadia National Park, so many popular areas will have large crowds. If you are looking for more privacy for your ceremony, I highly recommend choosing a less popular location or eloping during a weekday.
fall
In my opinion, fall is the best time to elope in Acadia National Park. The fall foliage is STUNNING, and the weather is beautiful. Vibrant colors will surround you no matter where you are, and it is truly magical!
Tips for planning a fall Acadia National Park elopement: Because the fall foliage is stunning in Acadia National Park, it draws a lot of tourism. If you want to elope in Acadia National Park in the fall, I highly recommend choosing a weekday to elope!
winter
If you love snow and cold weather, you will love eloping in Acadia National Park in the winter. Not only is it the least visited season, but it also offers an incredible winter wonderland. Although it will be cold, it is a beautiful time to elope!
Tips for planning a winter Acadia National Park elopement: As I mentioned above, winters in Acadia National Park are cold and snowy, so I always recommend packing layers. You can also wear a thick shawl or faux fur jacket over your wedding attire that will keep you warm and look beautiful!
Where to Elope in Acadia National Park
Finding a place to elope is where I come in. Not only am I an Acadia National Park elopement photographer, but I am also an elopement guide! Acadia National Park has areas established where you can have your ceremony and the number of people who can be at your ceremony in each location. If your elopement only includes you and your love for your ceremony, you will have more flexibility in choosing an area! Here are a few locations you can have your Acadia National Park elopement ceremony at when there is over ten people:
Otter Cliff
Cadillac Mountain (cannot have ceremonies during sunrise or sunset)
Little Hunters Beach
Schoodic Point
Sand Beach
Ocean Drive
Otter Point
Fabbri Picnic Area
Here are my favorite locations and why they make incredible spots to elope in Acadia National Park!
otter cliff
Otter Cliff is one of our favorite Acadia National Park elopement locations. It is a 110-foot cliff that is the tallest headland north of Rio de Janeiro! Yup, it’s epic and so beautiful. It overlooks the ocean and fills your ears with waves crashing. Otter Cliff is a popular area, but it is large enough that you can find a peaceful spot to say your vows. If you are looking to elope at Otter Cliff during the best time, I highly recommend eloping at sunrise and watching the sun wake up over the world.
cadillac mountain
Cadillac Mountain is one of the most popular areas to visit in Acadia National Park because it is the tallest mountain in the park and offers spectacular views. Because it is THE spot to watch sunrise or sunset, you cannot have your ceremony during those times, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t elope on Cadillac Mountain during a different time! If you want to elope on Cadillac Mountain, I highly recommend eloping on a weekday because this location is always overflowing with people.
Schoodic Point
Schoodic Point is often overlooked as an incredible spot to elope in Acadia National Park because it is not on Mount Desert Island with most of the popular attractions. But let us tell you, it is one of the best spots to elope, especially during sunrise! Not only does it have A LOT fewer crowds than the other locations, but it offers incredible views overlooking the ocean with Cadillac Mountain in the distance. You can say your vows on large pieces of basalt with the sound of waves crashing nearby. It is truly a magical place to elope in Acadia National Park!
sand beach
Sand Beach is a stunning beach in Acadia National Park, with a small sandy shore between two rocky shores. Because it is one of the most visited beaches in the park, it will be crowded, especially during the daytime. If you want to elope on Sand Beach, I highly recommend planning it for sunrise or sunset. You will not be disappointed to say your vows on this stunning beach!
otter point
Otter Point provides similar views to Otter Cliff but without the 110-foot cliff. It is a wide-open area filled with granite rocks that overlook the ocean. It is a spectacular spot to elope in Acadia National Park during sunrise or sunset. Although Otter Point is a popular area to visit, it is not as popular as Otter Cliff.
How to Elope in Acadia National Park
Eloping in Acadia National Park is relatively easy! All you need is a park pass, marriage license, an officiant, two witnesses at the ceremony, and any permits necessary.
maine marriage license
To elope in Acadia National Park, you will need a Maine marriage license. If you reside in Maine, you should apply for your marriage license at the town office where you or your partner lives. If neither of you resides in Maine, you can apply for a marriage license in any Maine town office. You and your partner need to be present, fill out the Intentions of Marriage Forms, bring payment for the license fee, and bring photo identification, such as a driver’s license. Once you have your marriage license, you are all set! There is no waiting period after you get your Maine marriage license, so you can elope in Acadia National Park as soon as you receive it or up to 90 days after!
You can read more on the entire process here.
officiant & witnesses
Your elopement ceremony in Acadia National Park must be performed by any of the people listed here, including ordained ministers, people licensed to preach, and Maine notaries. If you are a Maine resident, you can also have your ceremony performed by a lawyer admitted to the Maine Bar or judges/justices. Your officiant and two additional witnesses must sign the marriage license in only black ink.
Acadia National Park Permits
If your elopement in Acadia National Park will have more than ten people, you will need a permit. I go into more detail about the permit process below and what you need to do to get one. Note: Permits might not be approved during times where tourism is high, such as Labor Day weekend or during the summer, for some locations. You must also always follow the restrictions listed on the NPS website, which includes.
Only park in designated areas
Do not use voice amplification systems
Do not install or use signs, chairs, arches, or any other decorations
Do not through rice, birdseed, flower petals, or anything else (natural or artificial)
Always stay on trails and do not interfere with other park visitors
Practice the Leave No Trace Principles
Elopements With Ten or More People
Acadia National Park requires a permit for anyone who is eloping with ten or more people (including the officiant). If there will be more than ten people at your ceremony, you will need to submit an Application for Special Use Permit with a $50 application fee (check or money order) at least ten days before your elopement day. Once your application is approved, you will sign the permit to keep with you during your elopement. Note: The Special Use Permit does not restrict other visitors from your location.
You can read more about the permit process on the NPS website.
Elopements With Less Than Ten People
If your elopement includes less than ten people, you are not required to obtain a permit, but you must follow the restrictions listed on the NPS website and above.
Find & Hire Your Acadia National Park Elopement Vendors
It is super important to find the perfect elopement vendors, even if you only want a few! I highly recommend hiring your elopement photographer first so you can secure your elopement date with them. If you are ready to find your Acadia National Park elopement photographer, reach out to me! I have a passion for documenting elopements, and I provide customized vendor recommendations and timelines!
Fine-Tune the Details for Your Acadia National Park Elopement
After you picked your date, chose your location, and hired your vendors, it’s time to fine-tune the details for your Acadia National Park elopement. These details can include travel, accommodations, or anything else you will need before your elopement day!!
Celebrate Marrying Your Best Friend in the Stunning Acadia National Park!
Acadia National Park is one of the best places to elope in New England! It does not have a shortage of stunning areas, and your elopement day will be incredible!
Hi there,
Acadia National Park elopement photographer serving New England & beyond
My name is Alex, and I am an adventure enthusiast, travel addict, and your dream-making wedding photographer! I am a New Hampshire elopement photographer and wedding photographer but will travel well beyond New England to capture your elopement or wedding day.
I got my start in photography capturing stunning landscapes around the world but realized my true passion was capturing beautiful photos of a couple’s love. There is something about the magic of love that draws me to couples like a magnet.
Over the years, I have met so many amazing couples, and I am so excited to get to know YOU! I am here to provide you with beautiful photos of your elopement or wedding day, so you can look back and relive those memories forever!
