Acadia National Park Elopement FAQ & Planning Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Planning an Acadia Elopement

flower chicken bunny lobster dog donkey

Planning an elopement in Acadia National Park can feel overwhelming at first. 

There are permits, locations, lodging options, weather considerations, guest logistics, and about a hundred other decisions you’ll make along the way.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out by yourself.

This guide was built to answer the questions couples ask me most often after deciding they want to elope in Acadia. Whether you’re just starting to explore the idea or already have a date in mind, you’ll find practical advice, local recommendations, and planning tips to help you create a day that feels relaxed, intentional, and completely your own.

My goal isn’t simply to help you get married in Acadia.

My goal is to help you experience Acadia.

Client love

"

Renee made us feel comfortable from the very beginning. 

She helped us create a day that felt intentional, relaxed, and completely us. The photos are incredible, but what we remember most is how easy she made the entire experience feel.

Hailey and Alex

When Should We 
Start Planning?

Most of my couples book between 6-9 months before their preferred elopement date. If you’re planning within just 3-6 months in advance, do not stress, my process makes it super simple to do so!

The earlier you book, the more flexibility you’ll have with accommodations, vendor availability, and activity options.

While your timeline doesn’t need to be finalized immediately, I always recommend securing lodging and travel arrangements as early as possible.

Last Minute Elopement Planning

How Much Coverage Do We Really Need for our Acadia Elopement?

Coverage depends entirely on your vision, allowing your elopement story to be told through experience and moments. My goal? For you to feel the flow of the day

view pricing

08

8+ hours

Perfect for split-day coverage, family celebrations, adventure activities, and storytelling from start to finish. Premium packages come with print credits and extra planning meetings to make sure the fine details are locked in & stress free. 

06

6 hours

Ideal for couples looking to include activities, guests, or multiple parts of the day. Bonus: Split-day coverage allows you to take breaks and have the best light for photos. Fully custom timeline and location options for the adventure level you want. 

04

4 hours

Perfect for couples eloping alone who want multiple locations and time to explore. Semi-customizable locations and experiences are discussed during your planning meeting. 

02

2 hours

Best for couples who want a simple ceremony and portraits at Acadia National Park. This package comes with a small, planned timeline already in place, including specific locations. 

Getting legally married in Maine

How Do We Legally Get Married In Maine?

I walk every couple through this process during planning.

You’ll receive direct links to the required paperwork, guidance on obtaining your marriage license, and instructions on what documents you’ll need.

I am also ordained and can legally sign and submit your marriage license if that’s the route you’d like to take.

Learn more on the blog

Do We Need A Permit To Get Married In Acadia?

If your ceremony includes more than 10 people—including guests and vendors—you’ll likely need a Special Use Permit through Acadia National Park. 

During the planning process we walk through locations for ceremony sites that will fit your vision.

I’ll help determine whether a permit is required based on your location and guest count.

Choosing the best time to elope

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Elope In Acadia?

My favorite seasons are:

May–Mid June

Fewer crowds

Cooler temperatures

Fresh greenery

Easier lodging availability

Mid September–Late October

Fall foliage

Comfortable hiking weather

Beautiful golden light

Peak New England scenery

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BUILDING AN Elopement EXPERIENCE, NOT JUST A CEREMONY

What Should We Do After Our Ceremony?

Some ideas include:

Hiking & exploring the park

Lobster dinner with family

Lobster boat tour (catch your own)

Sailing excursion

Whale watching


Bar Harbor brewery tour

Beach picnic

Sunset hike

Private chef dinner

Bonfire by the ocean

Cocktails or coffee downtown

Exploring local art galleries

Tattoos

Brunch or lunch with guests

Your day doesn’t have to end after the vows.

Where should we stay when eloping in Acadia

Where should we stay? MDI has a ton of Airbnb, local hotels, motels, and other vacation rentals. 

For Walkability

Bar Harbor & Ocean Path 

For Quiet
Coastal Vibe

Southwest Harbor

For Seclusion

Bass Harbor or outside of MDI

For Families

Vacation rentals near Mount Desert Island 

Learn more on the blog

The Quick Answers

What happens if it rains? +

Two options: 1. We lean in, enjoy the quiet and moody vibes, take breaks when needed, use rain gear, and possibly switch up some of the schedule to “plan b”. 2. You can secure a rain date at the time of booking (or up to 1 month before your elopement date).

Do we need a rain date? +

It comes down to if you want to deal with rain on your day, or if you want to have flexibility with nicer weather options. Note- rain dates are scheduled the same week as your original elopement date.

What is Golden Hour? +

The best light of the day (partial or no cloud coverage days) are within 2 hours after sunrise and 2 hours before sunset. Mid-day light is harsh, so I always advise clients on when the best photos can be taken. It’s also typically when Acadia is not at its busiest with park visitors.

Can we bring our dog? +

Totally - Acadia National Park and local towns are super dog-friendly. We discuss how to manage time with your dog & when to just have moments between you and your partner. I do not recommend couples invite their dogs without a support person, or packages under 4 hours. Reactive/ unfriendly dogs (with humans and or other dogs) are asked to stay home due to liability issues.

What should guests wear? +

From formal to casual attire - whatever makes them feel amazing. The only thing I require is that they wear appropriate footwear to hike, walk on trails, and other uneven ground. Dress shoes are a huge liability.

Do people really hike in wedding attire? +

Absolutely - Make sure your attire fits you for movement. Dresses with trains should have a bustle option. I encourage you to get your garments tailored to your body (removing the 'pull it up,' fixing straps, and other annoying fussiness).

I also have couples who pack alternative outfits to change into, or hike in, and then change into their formal attire once they reach the summit.

What if we don't want to hike? +

Not a problem. During the planning process, we talk about what is important to you as a couple. Acadia and Maine as a whole have gorgeous views and adventure experiences for all levels of intensity.

What if we have elderly or really young guests? +

During the planning process, we talk about their specific needs to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Sometimes it’s selecting a few different location options, other times it’s making sure we have access to specific facilities, etc. Acadia is accessible to all; we just need to walk through details.

How private are our vows?+

That depends on the location and time of day you want to exchange vows. Because Acadia is a National Park, we do have to consider that other guests can/will be nearby. Permits do not mean we reserve the space from other guests. There is a strategy behind the planning process to make sure you enjoy the experience regardless.

How do we write our own vows?+

Speak from the heart- tell your partner impactful stories that you cherish, what you love about them, and how much you are so pumped to be married, etc.

I will send you a resource blog on how to outline things.

Do we need a videographer?+

No… However, a videographer will capture movement and moments that may be better represented in video form. I recommend at least having your vows recorded to watch/ share with loved ones in the future (something I offer as an additional service).

What traditional wedding elements can we include?+

Whatever you want. I have couples who will do traditional ceremonies, florals, cake cutting moments, champagne toasts, small family celebrations, etc. It’s totally up to you.

How many photos do we receive?+

I typically share between 50 and 70 images per hour of coverage. I do offer a second photographer add-on service for additional images and perspectives.

How are our photos delivered?+

I deliver your gallery through an online gallery platform. You can share your images easily through a private link, as well as print & order albums and other heirloom products.

How are our images backed up?+

I store your RAW (unedited) images in a few different ways before I deliver the final gallery. I use multiple external hard drives, SD cards, and my editing host backs up images via the cloud. Your final images are stored on the cloud for over a year once delivered.

What activities are available besides hiking?+

The possibilities are endless - however, we really narrow down what you two want to experience on the day of your elopement + your time in Acadia (and Bar Harbor). From extreme adventure, outdoorsy to chill and in-town vibes, this is your time to make it totally you.

What are the best ceremony locations?+

That really depends on what you two want as your backdrop. It also depends on who is going to be with you on the day of your elopement. We walk through best options.

Where should we host a celebration after our ceremony?+

I have multiple restaurant and catering vendor referrals we discuss during planning. All have been fantastic for past couples.

More Resources Here

Client love

"

Anything less than 5 stars is a lie.

Renee was marvelous. She was up before dawn with us and kept our energy levels high the whole day. We told Renee what we wanted and she delivered at every turn. Renee was able to guide our day to maximize light, timing, and energy levels, all while getting the best pictures for us and out of us. Renee was also able to wrangle young and old family members to get fantastic pictures that we will love forever.

Francesca and Sean

READY TO START PLANNING?

Whether you’re dreaming of a sunrise ceremony on the coast, a mountain-top adventure, a quiet forest trail, or a lobster dinner with family after your vows, I’d love to help you create an experience that feels like you.

Because the best elopements aren’t just beautiful.

They’re unforgettable.

Book Your Intro Call