How to Elope in Acadia National Park: Best Elopement Locations

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If your dream adventure elopement involves exchanging your vows atop a rocky cliffside, overlooking the deep blue tides of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by lush coastal forests, then you’ve found yourself in exactly the right place. Welcome to my complete guide to eloping in Acadia National Park, where I’ll be serving up all the best Acadia National Park elopement locations on a silver platter for you to take your pick from. With my breakdown of the wedding permit process, answers to your biggest FAQ’s, and list of fun activities to do in the area, you’ll leave this guide feeling empowered to plan the most epic adventure of your lifetime.

Where is Acadia National Park?

Acadia National Park is a coastal gem located on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, just southwest of the little seaside town of Bar Harbor. It’s actually on the list of the top 10 most visited U.S. national parks, and you’ll see why soon enough! With 27 miles of historic motor roads, 45 miles of carriage roads, and nearly 160 miles of scenic hiking trails, it’s no wonder this park gets a whopping 4 million visitors every single year. Acadia National Park protects not only the highest rocky headlands on the Atlantic coast; it also preserves the ancestral home of the Wabanaki, a collective of four native tribes that inhabited Maine’s land much before we did. You can learn more about the history of Wabanaki people at the nearby Abbe Museum, which showcases all sorts of beautiful Maine Indian basketry, and tells us many important stories of the past.

Why Elope in Acadia National Park?

Often called the “Crown Jewel of the North Atlantic Coastline,” this national park is famed for its diverse scenery and landscapes including mountains, lakes, wetlands, forests, meadows, streams, coastlines, and ponds. Acadia offers a beautiful mix of ocean views and coastal greenery, which is one of my personal favorite combinations; being able to walk from the grandeur of the ocean into a tranquil forest is always a bit of a magical experience. The park is also home to the tallest mountain on the Atlantic Coast, Cadillac Mountain, which boasts all sorts of majestic granite domes, valleys, and beaches!

Throughout the park you’ll find various hiking trails, from easy, flat walks to more challenging treks, all of which immerse you into the natural beauty of the park. Who wouldn’t want to venture through the forest and come out on the other side to see spectacular views of the coastline and surrounding mountain peaks? And if hiking isn’t your thing, Acadia’s got a wide selection of other activities that await you in the breathtaking wilderness, including biking, stargazing, birdwatching, boating, and swimming.

To recap, Acadia is an incredible place to elope if you love:

  • Greenery and forests
  • Jagged cliffs dropping dramatically into the ocean
  • Brisk sea spray
  • Foggy sunrises
  • Panoramic coastal views
  • Outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and boating

Acadia is only one of the MANY U.S. national parks that offer incredible opportunities for adventure elopements. See a full list of my favorites here!

Acadia National Park Elopement FAQ’s

Vibing with the idea of an Acadia elopement yet? Good—because I am getting so excited for you 😉 Let’s answer a few FAQ’s you may be wondering about, before diving into the best seasons to elope in Acadia National Park.

Can you get married in Acadia National Park?

You sure can! If you’re planning a wedding ceremony with 10 people or more (including you, your vendors, your guests, and your photographer), you’ll need to get a Special Use Permit—which I’ll break down a little later in this guide. As long as you get the permit (if necessary) and follow all park rules & regulations, you’ll be all set to have a beautiful wedding in Acadia National Park. 

Where can you get married in Acadia National Park?

If you’re having a simple ceremony with fewer than 10 people, you can get married anywhere in the park that you’re able to follow Leave No Trace guidelines! However, if you’ll have more than 10 people, you’ll need to choose from the following list of permitted locations—each of which has a maximum group size:

How much does it cost to get married in Acadia National Park?

My Acadia National Park elopement packages start at $5,400 for up to 8 hours of photo & video coverage, but I’ve also got packages that go up to two days and even three, if you’re craving an extended adventure! Additional costs you’ll need to account for include your $35-$80 entrance pass, $75-$100 permit application fee, and any additional monitoring fees required by the park.

Do you need a pass to visit Acadia National Park?

Yep! As is standard for U.S. national parks, you will need an entrance pass to visit Acadia National Park. A regular pass for one private vehicle costs $35, and is valid for up to 15 passengers. If you plan to visit the park again, or you’re an avid national park-goer, you may consider an Acadia Annual Pass ($70) or an America the Beautiful Pass ($80) to get the most bang for your buck.

Do you need a reservation to visit Acadia National Park?

For most locations within the park, you do not need any sort of reservation. But if you’re going to be entering Cadillac Summit Road by vehicle, you may need a vehicle reservation depending on the time of year. In 2024, reservations were required between May 22-October 27, but I’d be sure to check this page for up to date info at the time of your elopement!

Are dogs allowed in Acadia National Park?

Yes! In fact, Acadia has 100 miles of hiking trails and 45 miles of carriage roads where pets are permitted, which is pretty cool since many other national parks don’t allow pets on trails whatsoever. Be sure to keep your pet on a leash and avoid leaving them unattended, as certain parts of the park may not be safe for dogs due to wildlife or vehicles. You can find more info about visiting Acadia with your pet and becoming an “Acadia Bark Ranger,” as well as which trails are pet-friendly here!

When to Elope in Acadia National Park

When is the best time of year to elope in Acadia National Park?

Spring, summer and fall are undoubtedly the best seasons to elope in Acadia National Park. Which season you choose will depend on what you want your unique elopement experience to look like, as well as what types of activities you’d like to incorporate into your trip.

Spring in Acadia is one of the more quiet and peaceful times of year (second only to winter), and offers beautiful landscapes as the terrain begins to come back to life after the snow melts. You’ll very likely experience rainy and foggy days, which can be pretty magical on the coast!

Summers in Acadia bring the most warmth and the longest hours of daylight, but with the ideal weather also comes crowds of tourists. Acadia is most packed with visitors between the months of June and August, when daytime temperatures range from the upper 60s to mid-80s and are ideal for outdoor activities—especially since it can get surprisingly chilly atop Cadillac Mountain and other peaks, even on the warmest days.

The fall foliage in Acadia is pretty incredible and is probably the park’s biggest attraction, drawing thousands of visitors every year who are dying to see the breathtaking colors that fill the parks’ forests. Mid-October is typically the ideal time to see the stunning autumn color palette light up Acadia National Park, and you can actually keep an eye on the foliage “status” on Maine’s foliage website!

If having privacy as you explore is your priority, winter is by far the quietest time of year in Acadia National Park. The winter weather can make for a really beautiful, tranquil adventure full of solitude and enchantingly beautiful landscapes, but keep in mind that trails and roads can become icy, dangerous, and will often close down due to weather conditions.

When is the best time of day to elope in Acadia National Park?

This will depend on the locations you’re visiting in Acadia as well as what kind of lighting you’re looking for, but typically the best times of day to visit Acadia for the fewest amount of crowds are in the early morning or late afternoon. As your elopement photographer, I’ll help you plan your entire timeline according to what you’re envisioning, so you don’t really need to worry about figuring out the timing of it all!

Hiring Your Acadia National Park Elopement Photographer

Realizing how incredible it sounds to have an elopement photographer by your side who will help you plan your dream Acadia National Park elopement? I get it: it takes a LOT of time, effort, and money to plan an elopement that you’re obsessed with, which is why I’m here to take as much of the process off your plate as possible. In addition to documenting the story of your adventure on photo and film, my elopement packages include personalized support for:

  • Location scouting and recommendations
  • Getting permits
  • Creating backup plans
  • Hiring local vendors
  • Finding the perfect place to stay
  • Booking activities and excursions
  • Creating your custom timeline

If you’d like to see a real-life example of what your day could look like with my help, I recently photographed this adventure elopement in Acadia—and it was beyond perfect. Mollie and Tyler  took a slow morning on their wedding day. Tyler hit the golf course with his buddies while Mollie and her bestie lounged in their hotel room until I arrived in the early afternoon to start taking getting ready photos. The weather was absolutely perfect, and you can feel all of the love their closest friends and family shared for them. They ended the day the best way possible… with pizza and homemade cake back at their hotel, watching the sky turn pink as the sun set. 

Ready to book your own unforgettable Acadia National Park elopement? Click here or scroll down to the bottom of this page to inquire and start planning your best adventure yet!

Best Acadia National Park Elopement Locations

When it comes to the best places to elope in Acadia National Park, I’ve got a whole selection of locations up my sleeve—but for the sake of saving a few of ‘em for my booked clients, I’ve included just three for you to start with below. Whether you’re drawn to the breathtaking sunsets at Otter Point, the tranquility of Sand Beach, or the unparalleled views from the summit of Cadillac Mountain, an Acadia elopement will no doubt deliver a day filled with love, joy, and magical memories.

Otter Point

Otter Point is the ideal place to elope if you’re envisioning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscapes, rugged cliffs, and serene, untouched terrain. Nestled right near Seal Harbor, the iconic hike to Otter Point takes you along the coast and through the stunning wilderness of Maine. Nothing beats exchanging your vows in front of sweeping ocean views, embracing the timeless romance and beauty that the dramatic coastal landscapes have to offer. 

Sand Beach

Located on Park Loop Road, Sand Beach is one of the most popular destinations in Acadia, in the summertime especially, thanks to its small stretch of sand and gorgeous views. It’s a fantastic spot to lounge on the beach and enjoy the sunshine, hike a nearby trail, stargaze once the sun goes down or swim in the frigid waters of the Atlantic! Sand Beach offers access points to Ocean Path, Gorham Mountain Loop, and Beehive Loop, so it would be super fun & easy to enjoy a morning at the beach, then head off to explore the trails and find the perfect spot to say your vows.

Cadillac Mountain

If you’re looking for the absolute best spot to watch the sunrise above the Atlantic, then the summit of Cadillac Mountain has got to be added to your elopement itinerary. Fun fact, it’s the first part of the United States that sees the sunrise every morning! It’s fully accessible by car via Cadillac Road (as long as you get a vehicle reservation, if necessary), meaning that anybody & everybody can enjoy the gorgeous colors that paint the sky as the sun goes down! Keep in mind that because the summit is so stunning and easily accessible, it does get pretty crowded in the summer—so you may want to opt for a different time of year, or for an early morning. Alternatively, there are multiple trails that lead up to the summit if you’d rather make the trek than drive.

Acadia National Park Wedding & Elopement Permits

The great news about Acadia wedding & elopement permits is that you only need one if you’re having a ceremony with more than 10 people involved! As long as you don’t interfere with other park visitors, bring any equipment, or block any public use areas, you’re good to go without a Special Use Permit.

If you’ll be having a group larger than 10 people, here are the main points you need to know about Acadia wedding & elopement permits:

  • Ceremonies can be scheduled any time within the same calendar year, but must be at least 10 days in advance
  • Regular park entrance fees are not waived
  • Vehicles must be parked in designated areas
  • You’re limited to the list of ceremony locations mentioned earlier in this guide/on this page
  • Receptions are not permitted

To apply for a Special Use Permit you’ll need to fill out this form, and submit it to the park at the address below, along with a check made payable to the National Park Service for the $75 application fee.

Acadia National Park

Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator

PO Box 177

Bar Harbor, ME 04609

Fun Things to Do In Acadia National Park

Trying to figure out what you should add to your elopement itinerary? There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Acadia National Park and the nearby towns, so below is a list of bucket list items to start with!

  • Watch the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain
  • Visit Schoodic Point
  • Ocean kayaking from Mount Desert Island
  • Grab a lobster roll or lobster mac and cheese from The Travelin Lobster in nearby Bar Harbor
  • Watch for harbor seals offshore
  • Drive along the scenic Park Loop Road
  • Visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
  • Explore the tide pools along the beaches

Best Places to Stay For Your Acadia National Park Elopement

Looking for a cute place to cozy up during your time in Acadia? I’ve got a few Airbnbs and hotels in the area below that would be perfect for you:

If you’re considering an elopement in Acadia National Park, I would be honored to capture it! Contact me below and let’s create beautiful memories together in one of the most captivating locations on earth.

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