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HOW TO PLAN AN ELOPEMENT IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK, MAINE
RAE ANN PHOTO | ELOPEMENT & WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | NEW ENGLAND & BEYOND
UPDATED FOR 2025
How to Plan your Acadia National Park Elopement
This elopement guide will go over all the things you need to know for how to plan an Acadia National Park elopement! Acadia is one of my favorite locations to travel to and it's actually so so easy to elope in!
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!!
There are so many hiking trails around the park with beautiful backdrops of mountains and of course the Atlantic Ocean.
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT LOCATIONS:
- Park Loop Road - Emery path, Gorge path and Carriage roads
- Sand Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Point - Start your hike at the Hulls Cove Visitors Center
- Cadillac Mountain
- Jordan Pond - Jordan Pond Nature Trail and the Jordan Pond Shore Trail
Food - Jordan Pond House
- Eagle Lake, Echo Lake, Hadlock Ponds, Seal Cove Pond, Bubble Pond
- Schoodic Point
- Sand Beach
- Precipice Trail
During the off season you can get into the park for free before opening hours... example, sunrise elopement!
During Hours / Price
Annual Pass $55 12 months / $55
Private Vehicle Pass $307 Days / $30
Motorcycle Pass $257 Days / $25
Pedestrian / Cyclist Pass $15 / 7 Days $15
Things you can do during your elopement
Go hiking
Boat ride
Canoe or Kayak in a pond
Stargaze
Get breakfast at a local cafe
Have a picnic
SOME FAQS:
How do we elope in Acadia?
If it's just the two of you you will need a marriage license and two witnesses. I'm an officiant so I can officiate + sign your marriage license. If you will have 10 or more guests at your elopement you will need a permit from the park, which costs roughly $50. My best advice is to do the legal marriage license process in a local downhill or back home and just take photos at the park to make things easiest!
Do we need an officiant?
If you'd like to get an officiant you can, but I am ordained so I can sign your marriage license right after and deliver it to the town clerk in Bar Harbor!
When should we elope?
June-Beginning of October tends to be the busiest times just like any other National Park. My recommendation is to have your elopement during the week instead of the weekend during high traffic times. Or schedule your elopement May-early June or end of October-November. The photos you see at the top were taken end of October and it was actually warm!
What if the weather is not great?
I've photographed weddings and elopements in all types of weather so it really doesn't matter to me. My best advice would be to prepare for anything because New England weather is so back and forth. One minute it will be down pouring and five minutes later it will be sunny! I always have a clear umbrella just in case it does rain!
I would avoid wearing long trains if you don't want a dirty dress. But I always tell my eloping couples that your dress will get dirty regardless and that's ok!
Places to stay for your Acadia National Park Elopement
Airbnbs near Acadia can be pricey - the other option is to camp on the grounds!
I love Blackwoods Campground - $30/night
There's also Schoodic Woods, Seawall and Duck Harbor
The season runs from May 03, 2024 - October 20, 2024
Restaurants near Acadia National Park
Mckay's Pub
Testa's Bar + Grill
Bar Harbor Lobster Co
2 Cats Bar Harbor
Jordan Pond House
Havana
Bar Harbor Beer Works
La Bella Vitta
Blaze
REAL LIFE TIMELINE EXAMPLES OF WEDDINGS THAT HAPPENED IN ACADIA IN 2024
8+ Hours of Coverage Example:
12-1:45 PM TAIL END OF GETTING READY IN BAR HARBOR
2:00 - 2:15 - PM FIRST LOOK AT OTTER POINT
2:30-3 PM DRIVE UP CADILLAC MOUNTAIN
3-3:30 PM CEREMONY ON TOP OF CADILLAC MOUNTAIN
3:30-4:30 PM FAMILY PHOTOS
4:30-6 PM COUPLES PORTRAITS AROUND THE PARK
6:30 PM DINNER AT MCKAY'S - BAR HARBOR
8 PM RAE END COVERAGE
4 Hours of Coverage Example:
2:00 - 2:30 PM ARRIVE AT AIRBNB
2:30 - 3 PM FIRST LOOK AT SEAL BEACH
3:30 - 4 PM CEREMONY ON AT OTTER POINT
4 - 4:30 PM FAMILY PHOTOS
4 : 30 - 6 PM COUPLE PORTRAITS AROUND ACADIA
Recommended Vendors:
Flowers:
Cottage Flowers or Floret
Fox Hollow Flowers
Hair + Makeup:
Bar Harbor Beauty
Emmy Does Hair
Catering:
Skye's Artisan Bakes
Coastal Critters Clambakes + Grilling
Helpful links:
How do we book you as our Acadia National Park Elopement Photographer
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 Acadia National Park 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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