March 12, 2025
How to Plan a Multi-Day Elopement in Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful, wild and untamed places to elope. This is where the ocean meets the forest with a stunning rugged coastline, sweeping mountain views, and a hint of that New England charm. If you love National Parks, the outdoors, and a moody, adventurous vibe, Acadia is THE place for your elopement. Not only is it breathtaking, but it’s also one of the most accessible national parks for stunning scenic photos. You don’t need to go on long hikes (unless you want to!) to find an incredible view. There are so many picturesque spots just minutes away from the road. But if you’re up for more adventure, we can absolutely incorporate hikes to quieter, more secluded locations, giving you the best of both worlds.
But the best part about planning your elopement is that it doesn’t have to be just a quick ceremony! People are often surprised to learn just how much you can do as you celebrate one of the biggest days of your life and that you CAN make the experience last not only a full day but even multiple days!
So, if you’ve been wondering how to plan a multi-day elopement in Acadia National Park, this blog will have plenty of ideas and examples from what my couples have done to give you plenty of inspiration.
Why Plan a Multi-Day Elopement?
Elopements are all about celebrating your love in a way that feels authentic and deeply personal. That means ditching the pressure of a traditional wedding timeline and instead creating a wedding experience that leaves you room to breathe, relax, adventure, and soak it all in.
When you plan a multi-day elopement in Acadia, you get to truly live and enjoy every moment and not rush through your day. And one of the biggest perks is the flexibility. Weather changes? No problem! Want to add in a spontaneous adventure or linger at a beautiful spot for longer than intended? Let’s do it!
Spreading out your elopement over two days (or more!) means you have the freedom to pivot, explore more, and embrace the unexpected. So, what does a multi-day elopement in Acadia look like? Let’s dive into some ideas inspired by real couples who I helped craft the most unforgettable experiences in this stunning location!
Multi-Day Elopement Itinerary Ideas
Day 1: Adventure + Private Vows
- Sunrise Hike: Start your morning with an epic sunrise in Southwest Harbor or Otter Cliffs, where you’ll be among the first to see the sun rise in the U.S.
- Private Vows: Find a secluded spot—whether on a rocky coastline or deep in the forest—to exchange private vows just the two of you.
- Exploring the Park: Spend the day hiking, biking the historic Carriage Roads, or taking in the views at Jordan Pond or Eagle Lake.
- Sunset Picnic: End the day with a cozy picnic on the beach or a scenic overlook. Pack your favorite foods (or grab takeout from one of Southwest Harbor or Bar Harbor’s amazing restaurants).
Day 2: Ceremony + Celebration
- Relaxed Morning: No rushing—enjoy coffee at your glamping site, take a slow morning walk, or even go kayaking together.
- Ceremony: Say your vows at a scenic location with your closest loved ones after having a private experience the day before. You can also absolutely substitute this part with more adventures, like a scenic hike, if you’re not including anyone else in your day.
- Boat Ride Celebration: Take a sunset cruise on a sailboat or a lobster boat.
- Scenic Flight: Take a breathtaking aerial tour of Acadia for a bird’s-eye view of the park.
- Dinner with Family & Friends: If you’d like to share the day with your loved ones, you could have a cozy dinner in town or share a meal prepared by your private chef at your Airbnb. If you’re not including anyone else in your elopement day, you could instead spend the night in a hot tub under the stars, or by a fireplace making s’mores.
Sometimes, couples choose to include their loved ones on Day 1 and then continue adventuring on their own, but sometimes vice versa! Together, we will create the best experience that feels right for you and your partner!
Real Adventure Elopement Examples in Acadia National Park
If you’re looking for Acadia National Park elopement inspiration for your adventure, here’s how some couples made their elopement uniquely theirs:
Emily + Kris
Emily + Kris’ elopement was the perfect blend of intimacy, adventure, and heartfelt moments. Their day began in the quiet hours before dawn at Balance Rock Inn as they got ready and shared a sunrise first look, followed by a private vow exchange with their beloved pup, Schaefer. Only their siblings joined for their intimate ceremony, officiated by George, creating a truly special moment. Afterward, they celebrated with a luxury picnic in the woods, enjoying quality time with their closest family.
The adventure continued with scenic portraits throughout the park before taking a well-deserved mid-day break. In the evening, they had a private dinner with family, then we met up for a sunset hike in Southwest Harbor (the quiet side), letter reading, and blue hour portraits by the lighthouse—a peaceful and breathtaking way to end their day.
The next morning, unexpected rain led to a spontaneous and fun pivot from their planned lobster boat cruise to a visit to the Seal Cove Auto Museum, followed by mimosas and fresh oysters at one of my favorite Southwest Harbor spots. Later, they reunited with their siblings and partners for a Bar Harbor walking tour and shopping trip, wrapping up their elopement weekend in the best way possible.
Captured on digital, film + Super 8.
Nicole + Chris
Nicole & Chris’ elopement was a breathtaking adventure from sunrise to sunset, filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. They started their day before dawn, getting ready together and sharing an emotional first look as the sun rose over the ocean. After an intimate ceremony with family, officiated by George, they embraced the beauty of the day with a scenic hike, soaking in the incredible views and quiet moments together.
After a well deserved mid-day break, they got ready at Terramor Glamping Resort and exchanged gifts and the celebration continued with an early dinner, followed by the most magical ending—a private sunset sail, where they toasted to forever, cut their cake as the golden light faded into the horizon. It was the perfect mix of adventure, romance, and celebration, making for an elopement they’ll never forget!
Captured on digital, film + Super 8.
Brianna + Zach
Briana and Zach’s Acadia elopement was a beautifully relaxed and intimate day, embracing the natural beauty and spontaneity of the moment. They started the morning getting ready at their Airbnb before sharing a foggy first look—a dreamy, ethereal moment despite the lack of sunrise. After their heartfelt ceremony, they enjoyed a cozy breakfast picnic, reading letters from loved ones before setting off to explore the park for portraits and adventure.
After a mid-day break to rest, they reunited for an afternoon bike ride along the scenic carriage roads, followed by a sweet stop for ice cream in town. As the sun dipped lower, they captured sunset portraits before heading back to their Airbnb, where they prepared lobster ceviche and shared a celebratory dinner together. Their day was effortless, intimate, and filled with personal touches that made it truly unforgettable.
Take a look at their blog for inspiration!
Jen + Rob
Jen and Rob’s Acadia elopement was the perfect mix of adventure, romance, and heartfelt moments. Their day began before dawn with a sunrise hike alongside their pup, Denali, leading to a breathtaking first look above the clouds as a stunning cloud inversion rolled through the peaks. Their intimate ceremony in a secluded spot was filled with emotion, followed by a quiet moment in the woods enjoying blueberry muffins and reading letters from loved ones on their hike.
The adventure continued with exploring scenic spots for portraits before taking a midday break. In the evening, they got ready at Terramor Resort for a second look, exchanged meaningful gifts, then set sail into the misty coastal waters for a sunset sail, toasting with blueberry pie and champagne. Their unforgettable day wrapped up with blue hour portraits on Cadillac Mountain and a celebratory dinner at Havana with Rob’s parents, a perfect ending to an epic elopement. Check out their full elopement experience here!
Cloe + Ethan
Cloe and Ethan enjoyed the tranquility of Acadia’s quieter side. They stayed in a cozy log cabin, immersing themselves in the natural beauty surrounding them. Their day was filled with intimate moments, from exchanging vows on the cliffs and a luxury picnic to their first dance in the woodlands, reading letters, and roasting marshmallows by the fire. The next day, they enjoyed a private sunset sailboat cruise on the Chrissy sloop. Check out their blog for inspiration!
Macy + Matt
Their elopement began with a private first look near sunrise, when they explored Acadia’s rugged cliffs alongside their dog Dallas. A heartfelt morning ceremony with family was followed by a farm-to-table celebration at Sweet Pea’s Cafe, where they delighted in a custom dill pickle pizza. The day concluded with a serene sunset sail on Somes Sound, where they shared their first dance aboard the boat.
Activity Ideas to Include in Your Acadia Multi-Day Elopement
Your elopement should reflect who you are as a couple, and Acadia offers so many ways to make your experience unique:
- Hiking: From easy coastal walks to summiting Cadillac Mountain, there’s a perfect trail for everyone.
- Biking: Ride the Carriage Roads for a scenic, car-free adventure through the park.
- Boating: Take a sailboat, kayak, or even a traditional lobster boat out on the water.
- Glamping or Cozy Stays: Stay in a glamping tent, a cozy cabin, or a stunning Airbnb with views of the park.
- Exploring Bar Harbor: Grab ice cream, wander the shops, or enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
- Beach Picnics: Pack your favorite foods and enjoy the salty ocean air.
- Fishing Excursions: Spend a relaxing morning on a boat catching fresh Maine lobster or fish.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Explore Acadia’s shoreline and quiet coves by water.
- Historic Sightseeing: Visit the local museums or check out historic lighthouses along the coast.
- Scenic Flight: Take a breathtaking aerial tour of Acadia for a bird’s-eye view of the park.
- Rock Climbing: Otter Cliff is one of the best spots to go rock climbing during your Acadia elopement adventure.
- Horseback Riding: If you love all the western + cowboy vibes, you can ride some of the trails horseback!
- Campfire Nights: End your day with s’mores and stories under the stars.
There are so many, many more ideas of fun activities to do during your multi-day elopement. As your Acadia National Park elopement photographer and planning assistant, I’ll help you find the activities that feel like you and make your experience truly unique and unforgettable.
When to Have Your Multi-Day Elopement in Acadia
Acadia is stunning year-round, and any season is perfect for a multi-day elopement! But weather and crowds can play a big role in shaping your experience, so here’s what to expect in each season:
Spring: This is the perfect season for a quieter experience before peak tourism season begins. The temperatures are mild, the wildflowers are starting to bloom, and the occasional fog will add moody charm to your elopement photos.
Summer: The best weather with long daylight hours, perfect for hiking, boating, and sunrise-to-sunset adventures. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so early morning and weekday elopements help avoid crowds.
Fall: Acadia’s most breathtaking season, thanks to its vibrant autumn foliage. Crisp air, golden light, and fewer crowds after mid-October make this one of the most sought-after times to elope. But with peak leaf-peeping season in early October, popular spots can still be busy, so you’d need to plan accordingly.
Winter: While Acadia may be quieter, it’s an incredible time for a cozy, intimate getaway. Snow-covered landscapes, fewer visitors, and the magic of having the park almost to yourselves make winter a hidden gem for adventurous couples. The shorter daylight hours might seem limiting, but spreading your elopement over multiple days lets you take your time and fully enjoy the season. Snowshoeing, winter hiking, and warming up by the fire in a charming cabin create a dreamy, romantic vibe unlike any other time of year.
P.S. If you’re worried about how the weather might affect your plans, this blog will help you prepare for a rainy elopement day.
Ready to Plan Your Multi-Day Adventure Elopement in Acadia National Park?
These real love stories and activity ideas show just how incredible and unique your multi-day elopement in Acadia can be. Whether you’re sailing at sunset, hiking for sunrise, or sharing a quiet moment with loved ones, your Acadia elopement should be as epic and intentional as your love story.
At the end of the day, your elopement is about you two. Forget the expectations, the pressure, and the rushed timelines—this is your moment to craft an adventure that feels right. Whether that means waking up for sunrise vows, exploring rocky cliffs, biking through golden forests, or sailing off into the sunset, your Acadia elopement should be as epic and intentional as your love story.
If you’re ready to start planning your dream multi-day elopement in Acadia, I’m here to help you create something incredible and capture stunning photos along the way. Let’s make magic together.
If you liked this blog, you may also like my Acadia Elopement Resource Guide to help you plan your day, figure out the permits and everything in between!
Similar Posts
I’m Corey
Your elopement photographer, guide, and steady presence
If the big-traditional-wedding thing never quite fit, you’re in the right place.
I help couples strip away pressure and expectation and build wedding days rooted in intention, connection, and the land.
Leave a Reply