Imagine saying “I do” on the tallest mountain on the Atlantic coast and the air is filled with the scent of salt and pine. Acadia National Park, the only national park in Maine, offers couples a variety of scenery that are all breathtaking. Whether you have envisioned a mountaintop vow exchange, or a rocky shoreline pledge, Acadia National Park is the perfect place. Acadia’s diverse landscapes and tranquility will create a scene that lasts a lifetime! Get ready to tie the knot at the one of the most beautiful national parks in the U.S. where love and nature connect beautifully!

Step 1: Choose the Best Time to Elope at Acadia National Park.

What’s the best month to elope in Acadia National Park?

The truth is, it really depends on the experience you’re looking for. If you love quiet, moody mornings and almost no crowds, the winter months might be perfect. Over the last few years, visitor numbers in Acadia National Park have increased significantly, but especially in the fall.

No matter when you visit, park passes are required for entry. Keep in mind that Cadillac Mountain closes during the winter and reopens in May, once the roads are safe to drive again. Each season offers something unique, so it’s all about finding the vibe that fits your elopement vision.

Eloping During November through April at Acadia National Park

This is the moodiest, most underrated season in Acadia National Park (and honestly, my favorite). As the park quiets down, the whole landscape feels slower and more intimate. Misty mornings, bare branches, dramatic coastlines, and soft winter light that makes everything feel unreal.

Most of the main roads and facilities close for the season, but there are still so many stunning spots accessible and absolutely picturesque in their own peaceful way. With the crowds gone, permits easier to secure, and vendors more available, it’s the perfect time for couples who want privacy, calm vibes, and photos that feel true to you and your day.

Eloping in May at Acadia National Park

Spring is subtle, lush and truly magic. That fresh spring air hitting you from every direction is what it’s all about. Trails are dotted with early blooms, trees slowly come to life with new leaves, moss begins to carpet the floor and the coastline shines with the sunlight on spring mornings. With fewer crowds than summer and more vendors available than winter, May offers the best of both worlds. It’s a wonderful season for couples seeking soft, natural light, magical landscapes, and intimate moments in the park.

Eloping During June through August at Acadia National Park

Summer is when Acadia National Park feels alive in every direction. The forests are lush and full, the coastline is warm and vibrant, and the long, golden evenings make everything feel dreamy. Trails are open, beaches are buzzing, and the park has that unmistakable “everyone’s happy to be here” energy, making it the perfect place to elope and celebrate your love.

Eloping During September through October at Acadia National Park

Fall is when Acadia National Park turns into pure magic. Fiery foliage, crisp air, and that golden light that makes everything feel warm and nostalgic. The forests glow, the coastlines become extra vibrant, and every trail feels like it’s wrapped in color.

If you love rich foliage, vibrant coastal colors, and moments that feel intimate, adventurous, and natural, fall is the season that delivers it all. Because this is the most popular season in the park, hiring an Acadia National Park elopement photographer is essential for finding quiet morning locations that see fewer visitors.

Okay, Now you picked a season, Let’s Talk Time of Day!

Sunrise or Sunset ceremony for your Acadia National Park elopement

If hiking up to the summit of Bubble Rock for the first light sounds like your vibe, sunrise can offer the most stunning views. What’s better than hiking with the fresh morning air to the spot you will say “I do”. You can enjoy some coffee on the mountain edge and make it truly a memory forever. If sunrise sounds too stressful for getting ready, sunsets at Acadia National Park are just as beautiful.

Sunrise Ceremonies at Acadia National Park

• Peaceful & Private: Sunrise is the quietest time in Acadia. Trails and overlooks are far less crowded, giving you the intimacy you deserve for your vows.
• Golden Light: The first rays of sun over the Atlantic create a soft, golden glow that photographers love. It’s nature’s perfect spotlight.
• Fresh Energy: Hiking up Bubble Rock or Cadillac Mountain in the crisp morning air feels invigorating. Imagine sipping coffee together on the summit as the world wakes up around you.

Symbolic Start: Beginning your marriage at the start of a new day is a beautiful metaphor for the journey ahead.

Sunset Ceremonies at Acadia National Park

• Romantic Colors: Acadia’s sunsets paint the sky with pinks, oranges, and purples — a breathtaking backdrop for “I do.”
• Convenient Timing: If early mornings feel stressful, sunset allows more time to get ready and enjoy the day before your ceremony.
• Popular Spots: Keep in mind that sunset draws more visitors, so expect busier trails and overlooks compared to sunrise.

Step 2: Finding the Best Location to Elope in Acadia

Cadillac Mountain: A breathtaking landscape overlooking the Atlantic. Limited to 30 people total and not allowed for sunrise and sunset. Passes to drive up to the summit are still required with the permit. 

Sand Beach: One of the only “sandy” beaches in Acadia National Park that offers mountain views and rocky shore vibes. Limited to groups of 30. 

Ocean Drive: Where the shore meets the sea. If you are looking for rocky shores, with a mix of trails this is it. Limited to groups of 30. 

Otter Cliffs: Acadia’s rocky shores. Limited to groups of 20 people.

Otter Point: One of Acadia’s most dramatic coastal spots, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and rugged granite cliffs. The area is relatively easy to access, making it a great option for couples or guests who might need a little extra support while still experiencing the beauty and drama of the Maine coastline. Limited to groups of 30.

Schoodic Point: Located in Northwest Harbor and 1 hour from Bar Harbor. This spot is perfect for less crowds and more rocky shores. Limited to groups of 25 people.

Acadia Elopement Photographers specialize in location and can help you find a place that feels truly you! Please visit Acadia National Parks site to review the most up to date rules/regulations Acadia National Park Rules & Regulations

Step 3: How To Get a Permit to Elope At Acadia National Park.

Let’s make sure you are eloping in Acadia National Park legally with getting a permit done prior as well as making your marriage legal.

Special Use Permit

If your elopement or wedding in Acadia National Park includes more than 10 people (including vendors), you’ll need to apply for a Special Use Permit through the National Park Service.

• Required for ceremonies of 11+ people
• Permits are location specific and specific areas may have a limit on group sizing

These permits help protect the park and the visitor impact.

Marriage License

How to Legally Get Married in Maine:

• Apply for a marriage license at any Maine town office (Bar Harbor is the closest to Acadia!) Bar Harbor Marriage License Info
• No waiting period
• Valid for 90 days
• You must have two witnesses other than yourself/partner and the officiant
• Officiant must be licensed in Maine or you can use a Maine Notary Link to Maine Notary Search

Step 4: Hire the Right Acadia National Park Elopement Photographer

Working with an elopement photographer who knows Acadia National Park well can make all the difference. An experienced local (like me) can help you plan a realistic timeline that prioritizes light, access, and privacy. Many couples choose a sunrise elopement in Acadia National Park for the quiet intimacy, then spend the rest of the day exploring the park, sharing a picnic or popping champagne along the coast.

An Acadia National Parkelopement photographer will help you:

• Choose the best elopement locations in Acadia National Park based on season, light, and privacy
• Build a timeline that works with sunrise and sunset restrictions, not against them
• Navigate permits and park regulations so nothing feels confusing or overwhelming
• Find quieter, low-traffic spots for private, meaningful vow exchanges
• Capture honest, candid moments in Acadia’s rugged coastal light as your day naturally unfolds

Your elopement day should feel like you. Hiring a photographer who also resonates with you is an extremely important piece of planning.

Step 5: Plan Your Acadia Elopement Timeline

Creating a thoughtful timeline is essential when planning an Acadia National Park elopement. With varying access hours, sunrise and sunset restrictions, hiking distances, and unpredictable coastal weather, your day should be built intentionally so it flows naturally and never feels rushed.

Things to consider when building your elopement timeline:

• Sunrise vs. sunset ceremony timing and crowd levels
• Travel time between locations within the park
• Hiking distance and elevation, especially in elopement attire
• Weather backup plans for wind, fog, or rain
• Permit-approved ceremony windows and location restrictions

This is where working with an elopement photographer who knows Acadia National Park well can make all the difference. An experienced, local photographer can help you plan a realistic timeline around light, access, and privacy. Many couples choose a sunrise elopement in Acadia National Park for the quiet and intimacy, then spend the rest of the day exploring the park, sharing a picnic, or popping champagne along the coast.

Step 6: What to Wear for an Acadia National Park Elopement

Figuring out what you’re going to wear for your Acadia National Park elopement is all about balancing functionality with looking and feeling confident!

Elopement attire tips for Acadia:

• Flowing dresses photograph beautifully from every angle
• Comfortable hiking boots are a must! Blundstone’s my personal favs
• Layers are key, even in summer
• Consider shawls or jackets for cooler months

Choose an outfit that truly feels like you and allows you to move freely in Acadia National Park.

Step 7: Where to Stay for Your Acadia National Park Elopement

Finding the right place to stay is another important part of planning an elopement in Acadia National Park. Many couples choose locations close to Bar Harbor or Southwest Harbor for easy park access.

Popular lodging options include:

• Boutique inns and bed & breakfasts Inn at Bay Ledge
• Oceanfront Airbnbs Bayview
• Cozy cabins near the park Salt Cottages Bar Harbor
• Glamping tents UnderCanvas Acadia

Staying nearby allows for early morning ceremonies, flexible timelines, and a stress-free elopement experience.

Step 8: Celebrate After Your Acadia National Park Elopement

Make your day something to celebrate! Your elopement day doesn’t have to end with your ceremony. Most couples extend their Acadia National Park elopement with a celebration that feels intentional and truly them. 

Post-ceremony celebration ideas:

• Private picnic along the rocky shore
• Kayaking in Jordan Pond with friends and family
• Champagne toast on Sand Beach
• Oysters downtown
• A hot lobster roll

Make your elopement day an experience of a lifetime and one to truly remember.

Eloping in Acadia National Park is about more than choosing a beautiful place. It is about creating a day that feels true to who you are. From hiking Beehive with stunning views to eating lobster in downtown Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park offers endless opportunities for couples who want an intimate and meaningful way to get married.

If you’re dreaming of how to elope in Acadia National Park, planning with intention and working with experienced vendors will allow your day to feel adventurous, effortless, and deeply unforgettable.