Maine might just be the best-kept secret for elopements. With its rugged coastline, charming small towns, mountain views, and forests, Maine has everything you need for a romantic, intimate elopement.
This guide will cover everything you need to know on how to elope in Maine, from the best locations and places to stay to where to eat and legal requirements. Let’s get started on creating your dream Maine elopement adventure!
Maine Elopement Locations
Maine has a variety of stunning elopement locations! Whether you want to go on a longer hike, have mountain views, or stay cozy in a charming city, there’s something for every couple!
Acadia National Park
With breathtaking ocean views, rocky cliffs, and all those forests, Acadia National Park is one of the most popular locations for an elopement. Popular locations within the park include Cadillac Mountain (perfect for a sunrise ceremony), Jordan Pond, and Sand Beach, but there are SO many gorgeous spots for your day!
Bar Harbor
Bar Harbor is known as the gateway to Acadia National Park. It is a coastal town full of charm, waterfront spots, parks, and a cozy village feel. You can elope here or visit Acadia and then enjoy Bar Harbor for the rest of the celebrations!
Camden Hills State Park
Here, you can hike up Mount Battie for a panoramic view of the harbor, Penobscot Bay, and surrounding islands. It’s also really close to Camden, which is a town in New England that features cozy shops and cafes. If you elope here, you can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty and comfort of being close to modern amenities.
Moosehead Lake
Moosehead Lake is Maine’s largest lake, surrounded by forested mountains and quiet coves. The area feels remote, giving you a private, natural setting with the lake as your backdrop. You can find plenty of cabins or lodges nearby, making it easy to spend a few days exploring the area.
Baxter State Park
Home to Mount Katahdin, Maine’s highest peak, Baxter State Park is filled with dense forests, beautiful lakes, and dramatic mountain views. The park has this raw, untouched, and wild vibe, perfect if you’re looking for the off-the-beaten-path feel for your elopement.
See more ideas on where to elope in Maine here!
Best Time to Elope in Maine
If you’re planning to elope in Maine, I’d say late spring (May to early June) and early fall (September to early October) are the best times to do so. That’s when the weather is really nice, the scenery is stunning, and it’s not as crowded. June is before the peak summer tourism season, so locations and accommodations may be slightly less crowded than in July or August. But Maine’s weather varies quite a bit by season, depending on whether you’re by the coast, in the mountains, or farther inland.
Spring is a slow thaw, especially in northern Maine. March and April can still feel quite wintery, with temperatures ranging from 20-50°F. Spring can be rainy, especially near the coast, and snow may linger in the mountains through early May. By May, it’s usually a more consistent 50-70°F. April and May are known as “mud season” in Maine due to melting snow and rain.
Summer is warm and beautiful, especially along the coast. Temperatures average between 70-85°F with cooler breezes near the ocean. Inland areas and the mountains can get slightly warmer. Summers are generally mild with low humidity compared to other parts of the U.S., though the coast can get foggy. It’s peak season, so expect plenty of people vacationing here, but it is a great time for beach days, hikes, and water activities.
September is still warm, especially early in the month, with temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s. Early October cools off a bit but is still comfortable, especially for afternoon ceremonies. Maine’s fall foliage is famous, and early October is usually peak season in many areas. The colors make a stunning backdrop for photos and your ceremony.
Unless you’re after the cozy winter wonderland vibes, the winter months can be challenging due to the heavy snow and cold temps. But it’s definitely a popular season for snowshoeing and other winter sports.
Where to Stay in Maine
Where you stay in Maine will definitely depend on your elopement location and the experience you’re looking to create. If you want to keep things simple, you might prefer staying close to your ceremony spot to avoid longer commutes. Or, if you’re up for a little adventure, you could stay near other activities and amenities, giving you easy access to the best of Maine while keeping travel stress low. On that note, here are some suggestions for your stay!
- Bar Harbor Inn & Spa
- The Lodge at Moosehead Lake
- Harbor Watch Inn
- Camden Harbor Inn
- The Inn of Acadia
- Go glamping in Acadia! There are over 200 licensed campgrounds in Maine, perfect if you’re up for camping or glamping, both!
Where to Eat
- Primo in Rockland – Primo is all about farm-to-table goodness, with Chef Melissa Kelly bringing fresh ingredients straight from their own backyard. The menu changes every day based on what’s freshest, so you’ll always get something amazing. Book ahead if you’re planning to go during peak times!
- Long Grain – Long Grain in Camden serves up super authentic Southeast Asian dishes with a Maine twist. They use local ingredients to make everything taste fresh and unique, with lots of Thai and Vietnamese-inspired flavors.
- Flux—Flux in Lisbon Falls offers a seasonal American menu. It’s casual but refined, perfect for a laid-back dinner or a special night out. The menu changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new to try. They also source their ingredients locally!
- Izakaya Minato—In Portland’s East End, Izakaya Minato offers the Japanese izakaya vibe—small plates, a relaxed setting, and food made for sharing. They serve everything from sashimi to grilled goodies, and it’s all about savoring a variety of flavors.
- Honey Paw – The Honey Paw is also in Portland, and it’s the spot for noodle lovers and fans of Asian-inspired meals. The vibe is casual with a communal dining setup, and the food is so good with Asia meets New England’s taste.
Fun Maine Elopement Activities
Since Maine has all four seasons, there is a wide variety of things to do, including seasonal activities like skiing and snowboarding!
- Take a super scenic drive
- Visit the Acadia National Park and check out the trails. They have trails for all difficulty levels, so you can go as outdoorsy and adventurous as you’d like.
- Visit Moxie Falls, one of Maine’s tallest waterfalls.
- Visit the Portland Museum of Art
- Check out the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath
- Check out The Desert of Maine. This quirky natural phenomenon is a sand dune surrounded by forest, and you can explore it on a guided tour. You can also enjoy a round of mini golf here and stay at the campground!
- Go on a Lobster Boat Tour
- Visit one or many of Maine’s 60 lighthouses. Some favorites include Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth, Bass Harbor Head Light in Acadia National Park, and Pemaquid Point Light in Bristol.
- Go whale watching (peak sightings are in summer!)
There are plenty of other things you could do, and as your Maine elopement photographer, I’d be happy to give you specific ideas that fit your dream elopement day!
Legal Requirements to Get Married in Maine
To get legally married in Maine, you’ll need to apply for a Maine marriage license at the closest town office to your elopement location. Both partners must be present, and there’s no waiting period for residents, but non-residents may have a brief wait depending on the town. The license is valid for 90 days and costs around $40. There’s no waiting period, so you can get married straight away! You can learn more about that here!
In Maine, an ordained minister, judge, or justice of the peace can officiate your elopement. You’re also welcome to bring your own officiant as long as they’re legally recognized. You’ll also need to have two witnesses for your marriage to be legally valid. You can invite a couple of your closest friends or loved ones to be there for the ceremony and witness, or I’m happy to be one of your witnesses as your photographer! For the second witness, it will be easy to find someone along the way willing to sign your license!
Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Maine?
Depending on your chosen elopement location, you might need to get a permit. Usually, a permit is needed if you’re eloping in a state or national park. You definitely want to reach out to your chosen elopement location and check whether they require a permit, as that is the best way to get the most up-to-date information. If you hire me as your Maine elopement photographer, that is something I help all my couples with!
Book Your Maine Elopement Photographer
I hope that this blog was exactly the help you were looking for as you plan to elope in Maine. And if you’re looking for someone to help you create your dream day and document it while we’re at it, I’d LOVE to help!
Whether you’re looking for a two-day epic adventure or an intimate, heartfelt ceremony, my Maine elopement packages are designed to capture the magic of your day. Each package includes an elopement how-to guide, custom timelines (hello, plan A, B, and C!), and local vendor recommendations to make planning stress-free and exciting.
The Two-Day Adventure is perfect for couples who want to stretch their experience across multiple days, capturing memories through photography, videography, and even drone coverage. For those seeking a balanced day, the Partial Day Experience is the most popular package, providing 8 hours of coverage to capture your vows, explore local attractions, and wrap it up with a sunset first dance. The Mini Day Experience offers 4 hours of photography, ideal for couples looking for a more intimate, cozy celebration.
No matter which package you choose, I’m here to make sure your elopement is nothing short of cinematic, romantic, and totally kick-ass!
You can learn more about my Maine elopement packages here! And if you’d like to learn more about what I can do for you, just reach out to me here!
