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Writer's pictureRachel Stearns

Best Adventurous Hikes for your Maine Elopement

EASY TO MODERATE HIKES TO THINK ABOUT WHEN PLANNING YOUR MAINE HIKING ELOPEMENT


 RAE ANN PHOTO | ELOPEMENT & DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | NEW ENGLAND & BEYOND



WHY PLAN YOUR ELOPEMENT IN MAINE?

Eloping in Maine can be an awesome choice for lots of reason, depending on your preferences and priorities. Maine is know for it's breathtaking landscapes with rugged coastlines, super cool lighthouses and majestic mountains, lakes and ponds. You have so many options to choose from in terms of elopement locations including ocean views and mountain landscapes!



ADVENTUROUS HIKES FOR YOUR MAINE ELOPEMENT


Acadia National Park

  1. The Beehive Loop Trail - A challenging 1.5 mile loop near Bar Harbor, Maine.

  2. Jordan Pond Path - This easy 3.1 mile path follows the lake. It can get pretty crowded especially in the Summer months with tons of tourists.

  3. Gorham Mountain Loop - This 3.1 mile hike is moderate but beautiful and goes over mountain ledges and follows the shoreline.

  4. Ocean Path Trail - This trail starts on the south end of upper Sand Beach parking lot and is 2.2 miles. It's mostly flat but there are tons of stops on the way to take in the views!

  5. Precipice Loop - This 2.1 mile trail and is very steep with iron runs and ladders on exposed cliffs. If you're daring and adventurous this one's for you!

  6. Thunder Hole to Sand Beach - This is an easy 1.7 mile trail from thunder hole to sand beach.

  7. St. Sauveur and Acadia Mountain Loop - This 3.7 mile trail offers views of Somes Sound and Echo lake.



Acadia National Park is a super busy park since it's the only National Park local to New England. During the Summer months it's packed full with tourists from all over. My best recommendation if you want to elope in Acadia during tourist season is to go for sunrise or sunset! This will ensure some level of privacy!


Hiking or driving up Cadillac Mountain summit?

  1. Cadillac North Ridge Trail - This 4.2 mile trail goes to the highest point in Acadia NP.

  2. Cadillac South Ridge Trail - This 6.7 mile trail also heads up Cadillac mountain.

  3. Cadillac Summit Loop Trail - Enjoy this .5 mile short walking trail with views ot he coast (wheelchair accessible)


or


Drive to the top of Cadillac Summit! From mid-May to mid-October you have to make a reservation to drive up to the summit.


Vehicle reservations cost $6 and are sold online in advance at Recreation.gov. You have to have a park entrance pass to enter the park as well as a vehicle reservation for Cadillac Summit Road. Park entrance passes are available at the park or online at Recreation.gov.


If you have more than 10 people for your elopement, you will need a permit and pay $50 fee, I can help you with this!


CAMDEN HILLS STATE PARK

This park has panoramic views of Penobscot Bay and the surrounding islands, It's a great spot for a mountaintop elopement.


Mount Battie Trail - 1.1 miles - some scrambling needed

Megunticook and Adam's Lookout Trail - 2.6 miles



Central Maine Elopement Locations


BAXTER STATE PARK - Central North


If you're up for an adventure I also recommend Baxter State Park!

(Hikes under 10 miles)

Chimney Pond Trail - 6.3 miles (my favorite because it gets really good alpenglow)

Abol Trail - 5.9 miles

Little and Big Niagara Falls via Appalachian Trail south - 2.3 miles


MOXIE FALLS - Central West


Moxie Falls trail - 2.1 miles

Moxie Bald Mountain - 4 miles

Moxie Mountain Trail South - 2.8 miles


Western Maine Elopement Locations


PLEASANT MOUNTAIN - This 3.3 mile trail is near Denmark, Maine



AZISCOHOS NORTH TRAIL + LAKE AZISCOHOS - 3.2 mile trail near Oquossoc, Maine *Hard



Other fun spots to elope in Maine:


  1. Portland Head Light: Located in Cape Elizabeth, this iconic lighthouse on the rocky coast is the perfect spot for a coastal elopement.

  2. Fort WIlliams Park: This is another beautiful lighthouse location in Cape Elizabeth!

  3. Kennebunkport: A charming coastal town with old streets, historic inns, and beautiful beaches. Dock Square and Walker's Point are popular spots for intimate elopements.

  4. Coastal Beaches: Maine has so many beautiful beaches along its coastline. Ogunquit Beach, Higgins Beach, and Popham Beach to name are few are great options of you're looking for a seaside elopement.

  5. Bar Harbor: A beautiful coastal town near Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers a charming setting with a mix of natural beauty and small-town appeal. The harbor and nearby parks provide excellent backdrops for elopements.

  6. Sebago Lake: If you prefer a lakeside setting, Sebago Lake offers serene surroundings and beautiful sunsets. Private cabins or airbnbs can provide an intimate atmosphere for your elopement.

  7. York: This historic town is known for its coastal beaches, historic architecture, and the iconic Nubble Lighthouse. The Cliff Walk and Harbor Beach are popular locations for elopements.

  8. The Portland Old Port: The cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and waterfront of Portland's Old Port district create a charming urban setting for couples who appreciate a mix of history and modernity.



HOW TO LEGALLY ELOPE IN MAINE


  • Get your Marriage license at the town or city level. Visit the town office in person to apply for the marriage license.

    • Apply to the town office where you are a resident

    • If one is from out of state, then both of you should apply in the town where one holds residency.

    • If you're not a resident of Maine, then you may apply in any Maine town office.

    •  You don't have to be residents of Maine to marry there.

  • Your marriage license is valid for 90 days and can only be used within the State of Maine. There isn't waiting period from the time your marriage license is issued until your wedding can take place. Your officiant is responsible for filing the marriage certificate with the town office that issued the marriage license.

  • Both must be over 18 years old. Written parental consent is required under 18.


Getting your marriage license:

  • Photo ID such as a driver's license may be required.

  • Certified copy (raised seal) of the divorce from or death certificate of the last spouse (if applicable)

  • Maine marriage license fee: $40.00

Officiants

  • Ordained ministers

  • A person licensed to preach by an association of ministers, religious seminary or ecclesiastical body

  • Judges or justices (residents of Maine only)

  • Lawyers admitted to the Maine Bar (residents of Maine only)

  • Licensed Marriage Officiant - Search for Maine Marriage Officiants by Location or Name


Maine does not have Justices of the Peace. Out-of-state Notaries and Justices of the Peace cannot officiate weddings in Maine.



6+ Hours of Coverage Example:

  • 9am Breakfast + coffee at a local cafe

  • 10am Back to Airbnb to get ready for ceremony

  • 11am Ceremony at Sand Beach

  • 12pm Photos along the coast & a picnic lunch

  • 3:00pm Head back to Bar Harbor for a break, change of clothes, drinks, etc.

  • 4:00pm Kayak or Canoe ride on Bubble Pond

  • 6:00pm Photos at Bubble Pond + Bubble Rock

  • 7:00pm Head to Cadillac Mountain for sunset (adjust for sunset time)

  • 8:00pm Back to Airbnb for dessert and after-party

  • 9:00pm Head back out again for starry night photos


4 Hours of Coverage Example:

  • 3:00pm Meet at an Airbnb for a few getting ready photos and a first look outside

  • 4:00pm Head to the park for photos along the coast

  • 6:00pm Ceremony & sunset photos on Cadillac Mountain

  • 7:00pm Done


How do we book you as our Maine Elopement Photographer


VIEW ELOPEMENT PACKAGES


I'm Rae an I'm a destination elopement photographer and planner that travels all over the world documenting intimate moments in big landscapes. I aim to capture timeless, epic and and unforgettable experiences for my couples. I am here to help you plan your dream Maine elopement!





Just head to my contact page and fill out a form or you can email me at raeannphoto056@gmail.com when you're ready to start planning.

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