Best Places to Elope in Maine (2025/2026 Updated Guide)
Maine is one of the most stunning places to elope in the U.S., offering everything from rugged coastlines to mountain summits. As a Maine based wedding and adventure elopement photographer, I’ve explored countless locations perfect for couples wanting something meaningful, intimate, and connected to nature. These are some of my favorite places to elope in Maine in 2025–2026!
1. Acadia National Park
Acadia is quintessential Maine. It’s the place to elope in Maine. Using Bar Harbor and it’s shopping, lodging and restaurants as a basecamp. The rugged Maine coast and beautiful mountains are at your fingertips. Keep in mind that a permit is required to get married anywhere in Acadia National Park. Some locations to consider when planning an elopement in Acadia:
Sunrise on Cadillac Mountain
Boulder Beach
Otter Cliffs
Jordan Pond
Schoodic Point
Shore Path
Ship Harbor
Best for: sunrise lovers, dramatic coastlines, fall foliage, ease of access.
2. Baxter State Park
Baxter State Park, in the heart of Maine’s north woods is a true wilderness experience and a beautiful place to get married. Hard to get to, the park offers complete silence and solitude, and big mountains for those willing to make the trek. Keep in mind the park staff strictly limit group sizes. Parking in the park can be difficult, especially for Katahdin. There are a number of beautiful places within the park, here are some highlights:
Katahdin (for experienced hikers)
Chimney Pond
Sandy Stream Pond
Daicy Pond
Any of a number of backcountry campsites
Best for: adventurous hikers who want true wilderness, quiet, and solitude
3. Flagstaff Lake
Flagstaff Lake, in Maine’s western mountains region, is more of an off the radar destination to elope, but one filled with beautiful scenery, sandy beaches and endless solitude. The lake’s eastern side features backcountry lodging at Maine Huts and Trails. The western side features Myers Beach, an easy to access great for camping or a day trip. Both offer stunning views of Bigelow Mountain. Tip: The later in the season you choose, the lower the lake level is and the more beach you get!
Meyers Beach
Flagstaff hut (Maine Huts and Trails)
Best for: Couples wanting sandy beaches and mountain views. Solitude. An option for backcountry lodging and an option for a day trip
4. Downeast Bold Coast
In Maine, we consider anything east of Acadia “Downeast.” When you go really far Downeast, you reach a place east of Machias known as the Bold Coast. Here the tourists thin out and the land seems harsher and more dramatic. This is the last of the old Maine, before tourism took over as the main economic driver. There are several beautiful seaside locations to elope including:
West Quoddy Head
Cutler Coast trails
Boot Head Preserve
Hamilton Cove Preserve
Best for: multi-hour hikes and dramatic coastlines, moss covered forest trails, dramatic cliffs.
5. A Ski Resort
Maine has 19 ski resorts, and any one of them are a great place to get married! Larger resorts such as Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Saddleback all offer ski package weddings, but they’re also a great place to elope. Nothing is more unique and badass than flying down the hill in your wedding dress!
Sugarloaf
Saddleback
Sunday River
Camden Snow Bowl (for unique ocean views)
Best for: Diehard ski/snowboard nuts, those not afraid to get cold, those wanting to do something REALLY different.
Best Seasons for a Maine Elopement
Spring: cool temps, fewer crowds
Summer: longest days, alpine lakes
Fall: peak foliage (late Sept–mid Oct)
Winter: moody, quiet, magical snow scenes, skiing!
How to Choose Your Location
Choose based on:
accessibility
time of day
season
privacy
hiking difficulty
your vision