Nestled alongside the coastline of Maine, Acadia National Park offers some of the best views you’ll see throughout your lifetime. From the sun setting beneath the trees to the roaring waters crashing against the rocks, you are about to have one of the most unforgettable backdrops for your wedding. As an Acadia National Park elopement photographer, I have gotten the chance to explore this area firsthand. Here’s everything you need to know about planning an Acadia elopement!
Your Guide To Planning The Perfect Acadia National Park Elopement
When You Should Elope in Acadia National Park & How to Pick Your Date
As with most National Parks, Acadia tends to be the busiest from June through October. While you might get much nicer weather, you’ll be compromising on privacy. There are certainly ways to work around this with a weekday wedding or a sunrise elopement. Full disclosure: the wedding I worked with took place in September, and thanks to the back-to-school season, it was very manageable!
If you want to have a guaranteed secluded elopement, I would suggest picking a date in the slower seasons. For those who prefer warmer weather, May-early June is ideal. If you want to catch all the magic of an Acadia autumn, go with a late October-November date.
Acadia Elopement Locations
While Acadia National Park has countless gorgeous spots, when I got the chance to shoot an elopement here, there were a few spots that stood out.
Otter Point: This spot is classic Acadia with waves crashing across the rugged rocks. Because it offers a flat spot perched above the water, it proved to be the perfect spot for Kaylie and Alex’s ceremony. The NPS has this spot rated for up to 30 guests if you do want to bring along a few close friends or family members.
Sieur de Monts: If you love the cottage core vibe, you are going to love Sieur de Monts. This woodland location has open meadows, quiet walkways, and towering birches. With Kaylie and Alex, we used it for intimate couples portraits on the wooden walking trail surrounded by trees and grass.
Bass Harbor Head Light Station: It doesn’t get any better than a sunset in Acadia, and Bass Harbor Head Light Station might just be the best spot to catch it! Located amidst the stone cliffs, this spot also offers the namesake lighthouse prominently in the backdrop. This spot can also work as an intimate wedding location.
How Much Does An Elopement Cost?
Now, let’s chat money. The great thing about an elopement in Acadia National Park is that you can make it cost as much or as little as you’d like. Many couples choose to use the money that might have otherwise been spent on a swanky ceremony and instead curate a weeklong experience full of memories. When you get married in Acadia, you will need to pay the $75 Special Use Permit fee, and you will need to pay the $35 entrance fee. Additionally, you will need to apply for a Maine marriage. From there, you will want to budget in all the expenses like food, travel, flowers, styling, and lodging.
Hiring An Acadia National Park Elopement Photographer
When it comes to building your budget, the one place where you don’t want to take any shortcuts is with your photographer. A National Park elopement is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of situation, and you are going to want to remember this moment for years to come. Not only do you want a photographer whose style you love, but you also need someone with experience navigating the parks. I can help with that! As an Acadia National Park elopement photographer, I’m here to be your wedding bestie. I can tell you all the best spots, give you local recs, and help you make sure you have the wedding that’s best for you!
Adventure And Beauty Awaits Your Dream Acadia National Park Elopement
I really hope this list helps you as you start to plan your Acadia National Park elopement. And if you do want to find out if my style matches yours, I would love to chat all about it! Let’s have a conversation so I can tell you about my elopement packages and help you find the option that’s best for you.
