Best Places to Elope in Acadia National Park | Acadia Elopement Photographer
Best Places to Elope in Acadia National Park (From a Local Elopement Photographer)
If you’re dreaming of an intimate wedding surrounded by rugged coastline, granite peaks, and quiet forest paths, Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful elopement locations in the United States. As an Acadia elopement photographer who has spent years exploring and photographing weddings throughout the park, I’ve had the opportunity to experience many of these locations in every type of light and weather imaginable.
This guide shares my favorite places to photograph elopements in Acadia National Park, along with a few locations that are high on my personal wish list. Whether you’re planning a sunrise ceremony, a cliffside vow exchange, or a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path elopement, this post will help you choose a location that fits your vision.
Why Acadia National Park Is Perfect for Elopements
Acadia offers an incredible variety of landscapes in a relatively small area — dramatic ocean cliffs, quiet pebble beaches, scenic carriage roads, and mountain summits with sweeping views. It’s ideal for couples who want a wedding day that feels intentional, natural, and deeply personal.
Many couples choose Acadia because:
It’s accessible while still feeling wild
There are options for both adventurous and easy-access elopements
Sunrise and sunset light here is unmatched
You can combine mountains, ocean, and forest all in one day
My Favorite Places to Photograph Elopements in Acadia National Park
These are locations where I’ve personally photographed elopements and weddings, and where I know how light, crowds, tides, and seasons impact the experience. If you want to know how to get started planning your Acadia elopement, check out my guide here!
Cadillac Mountain Elopements
Best for: Sunrise ceremonies (less than 10 people), epic views, iconic Acadia scenery
Cadillac Mountain is one of the most iconic elopement locations in Acadia National Park. Known for its panoramic views over Frenchman Bay, it’s especially popular for sunrise elopements — and for good reason. The light here can be absolutely unreal, especially on calm mornings when the ocean reflects soft pastels.
From a photography standpoint, Cadillac Mountain works best when:
Couples are open to an early start
Timing is carefully planned to avoid crowds
We move quickly and intentionally
When done right, a Cadillac Mountain elopement feels timeless and awe-inspiring. Note that because sunrise on Cadillac can be extremely busy, the park will not issue permits for a sunrise ceremony. Permits are for groups over 10 people, so keep it under 10 total in your group and you can still elope!
Otter Point Elopements
Best for: Dramatic coastline, crashing waves, sunset ceremonies
Otter Point is one of my go-to locations for couples who want raw coastal energy. The rugged cliffs, ocean spray, and changing light make this an incredible spot for adventurous elopements.
It photographs beautifully in both overcast and sunny conditions, and it’s especially striking near sunset when the light hits the granite cliffs. Otter Point feels powerful and emotional — perfect for couples who want their surroundings to match the intensity of the moment.
Shore Path Elopements
Best for: Easy access, intimate ceremonies, classic Maine coastline
The Shore Path along the Park Loop Road is ideal for couples who want that iconic coastal Maine scenery with Otter Cliffs in the background. It offers beautiful ocean views, rocky shoreline, and classic coastal Maine charm without requiring much of a hike.
This is a great option for:
Couples bringing family members
Short, intimate ceremonies
Sunrise or weekday elopements
It’s proof that you don’t need a mountain summit for a meaningful Acadia elopement.
Little Hunter’s Beach Elopements
Best for: Quiet beach ceremonies, intimate moments, unique textures
Little Hunter’s Beach is one of my favorite hidden gems in Acadia. The smooth cobblestones, steep cliffs, and secluded feel make it incredibly photogenic and intimate. It tends to be slightly less crowded than other spots, too
This location works especially well for couples who want:
A quieter alternative to Sand Beach
A short walk without a full hike
Unique, natural textures in their photos
It feels private, peaceful, and very “Acadia.”
Schoodic Point Elopements (My Personal Favorite)
Best for: Fewer crowds, dramatic scenery, multiple locations in one area
Schoodic Point is hands-down my favorite place to photograph elopements in Acadia National Park. Located on the Schoodic Peninsula, it’s technically part of Acadia but sits off the main island, which means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. You can drive the short loop and get lots of varied terrain in a short time
What makes Schoodic Point special:
Dramatic cliffs and crashing waves
Quiet roads and open landscapes
Incredible variety within a small area
A slower, more intentional pace
From a photography perspective, Schoodic offers endless creative options without the pressure of heavy foot traffic. For couples who value privacy and wild coastal beauty, this is hard to beat.
Dream Elopement Locations in Acadia I’d Love to Photograph
While I haven’t photographed elopements at these locations yet, they’re places I actively recommend and would love to explore with the right couple. Some of themm require a hike or ferry, so a sense of adventure is a must!
Pemetic Mountain Elopements
Pemetic Mountain offers expansive views with fewer crowds than Cadillac. It’s a fantastic option for couples who want a mountain backdrop but are open to a bit more hiking and adventure.
Acadia Mountain Elopements
Acadia Mountain is known for its west-facing views and beautiful light later in the day. It’s perfect for sunset ceremonies and couples who want a slightly less traveled summit experience.
Isle au Haut Elopements
For couples looking for a truly remote and immersive experience, Isle au Haut is a dream. Accessible only by ferry, it offers rugged trails, quiet beaches, and a deep sense of solitude. This is ideal for couples who want their elopement to feel like a true escape.
Tips for Choosing the Right Acadia Elopement Location
When helping couples plan elopements in Acadia National Park, I always encourage them to consider:
Time of day and lighting
Crowd levels and accessibility
Weather flexibility
Permit requirements
Backup locations
Choosing the right location isn’t just about views — it’s about creating a wedding day that feels calm, intentional, and true to who you are.
Planning an Acadia National Park Elopement?
If you’re planning to elope in Acadia National Park and want a photographer who knows the area deeply — from the iconic spots to the quiet corners — I’d love to help guide you through the process.
From location scouting and timing advice to documenting your day in a natural, unposed way, my goal is to help you experience Acadia fully while creating images that feel honest and timeless.