Schoodic Peninsula: Acadia’s Quiet Side

When you think of Acadia National Park, the iconic views from Cadillac Mountain or the bustling paths of Jordan Pond might come to mind. But for Cloe and Ethan, their perfect elopement day was about finding a slice of tranquility on the real quiet side of Acadia—the stunning and serene Schoodic Peninsula. This hidden gem offered them the peaceful, intimate setting they dreamed of, away from the crowds, surrounded by the raw beauty of Maine’s rugged coastline.

A Cozy Log Cabin on the Coast

Cloe and Ethan’s elopement was all about intimacy, adventure, and embracing the serene beauty of Acadia’s quiet side. To fully immerse themselves in the experience, they chose a charming log cabin Airbnb nestled in the woods as their home base for the week. This cozy retreat was more than just a place to stay—it was the heart of their elopement journey.

The cabin, with its rustic charm and modern comforts, was the perfect spot for their dog-friendly elopement. Surrounded by towering trees and offering breathtaking ocean sunset views, it provided a peaceful and private escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The crackling fire pit was a favorite spot for evening gatherings, where Cloe and Ethan could unwind with their two beloved dogs after a day of exploring. Their dogs weren’t just guests—they were part of the family, joining in on every moment of the day, from the intimate first look to the quiet reflection by the fire.

A Week in Acadia: The Perfect Elopement Getaway

When planning an elopement in Acadia, I always recommend staying at least a week. This gives you ample time to not only get your marriage license and prepare for your special day but also to truly settle in and soak up the incredible surroundings. Cloe and Ethan took full advantage of this, using their time to create memories that would last a lifetime.

Their week was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The quiet mornings at the cabin, sipping coffee as the sun rose over the ocean, set a peaceful tone for each day. Afternoons were spent exploring the stunning landscapes of the Schoodic Peninsula, where they hiked trails, discovered hidden coves, and enjoyed the solitude that this lesser-known part of Acadia offers. Their dogs, full of energy and curiosity, loved every minute of it, making the experience even more special.

In the evenings, the cabin became a haven of comfort. The fire pit was the perfect place to gather, reflect on the day’s adventures, and plan the next. With the ocean waves providing a soothing soundtrack, Cloe and Ethan could fully relax and connect, knowing they had all the time in the world to enjoy this special chapter of their lives.

The Ideal Setting for an Elopement and Honeymoon

Choosing a dog-friendly Airbnb like this log cabin was a key part of Cloe and Ethan’s elopement experience. It allowed them to include their dogs in every aspect of their wedding day, ensuring that their furry family members were just as much a part of the celebration as they were. The cabin’s location on the quiet side of Acadia meant they had plenty of space to explore without the crowds, adding to the sense of intimacy and connection that defined their elopement.

If you’re planning an elopement in Acadia, I highly recommend considering a week-long stay. It’s the perfect way to ensure that your wedding day is relaxed and unhurried, with plenty of time to explore, connect, and create unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking adventure, tranquility, or a bit of both, Acadia offers it all—and this cozy cabin on the Schoodic Peninsula might just be the perfect place to start your new life together.

A Style as Bold as Their Love

Cloe and Ethan’s elopement style was as unique and adventurous as they are. Ethan donned a striking emerald green suit from Indochino, a perfect reflection of the lush, verdant forest surroundings. The suit’s rich color contrasted beautifully against the rugged coastline, adding a touch of elegance to the wild landscape.

Cloe, meanwhile, chose a stunning black wedding dress from Avery Austin, paired with her signature black veil that read “Till Death Do Us Part.” The dress, with its dramatic lines and timeless elegance, perfectly suited the mood of their woodland elopement. The black fabric stood out against the earthy tones of the forest and the deep blues of the Atlantic, making every moment look like a scene from a romantic, windswept fairy tale.

Getting Ready & First Look

The day began at the cabin, where Cloe and Ethan got ready in the warmth of their woodland retreat. The air was filled with excitement as they prepared for their first look—Cloe in her stunning black wedding dress, a bold and beautiful choice that perfectly matched the dramatic coastal scenery they would soon explore.

Their first look was nothing short of magical. Surrounded by towering trees and the soft glow of the afternoon light filtering through the forest canopy, Ethan’s eyes lit up the moment he saw Cloe. The quiet of the woods gave them a private moment to savor this incredible day together before heading out for their adventure. We took family photos of their sweet dogs on the porch.

Adventure in Acadia

We ventured into the heart of Schoodic Peninsula. This less-traveled part of Acadia offered breathtaking views of rocky coastlines with jagged cliffs, crashing waves, and the untamed beauty of the Maine coastline. Cloe and Ethan’s adventurous spirits were perfectly at home here, as we explored hidden coves and rugged cliffs, capturing their love story against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ceremony on the Cliffs

For their ceremony, Cloe and Ethan chose an open area on the flat rocks overlooking the ocean. The only sounds were the waves crashing and the ocean breeze through the trees—a perfect, intimate setting for them to exchange their vows. Their luxury picnic was set up for them to sit and watch the waves crashing against the rocks, the best show nature could put on for them to relax and enjoy their charcuterie board to enjoy after the ceremony.

First Dance in the Woodlands + Letters by the Fire & S’mores

As the sun began to set, we returned to the cozy log cabin where Cloe and Ethan had a romantic first dance in the woodlands. Afterwards, they changed into their cozy camp clothing and Cloe started the campfire, a favorite summertime activity for her. They took turns reading heartfelt letters to each other from their loved ones, their faces lit up by the flickering flames and laughter. This quiet time together, with the warmth of the fire, was a beautiful reflection of the intimate connection they share.

To top off the evening, they indulged in a classic campfire treat—s’mores. But these weren’t just any s’mores; the marshmallows were custom emblemized by the bride’s friend, adding a personal touch to this sweet ending. The laughter and joy of the moment were captured as they toasted marshmallows, reminisced about their perfect day, and dreamed about their future together.

A Surprise Sailboat Cruise

The next day, Ethan had one more surprise for his bride—a private sunset sailboat cruise on the Chrissy sloop. This historic windjammer was the perfect way to cap off their elopement weekend. With the wind in their hair and the stunning coastline of Acadia as their backdrop, Cloe and Ethan enjoyed a peaceful sunset cruise on the water, with us there to capture every smile, every kiss, and every moment of their love.

Read more about Cloe and Ethan’s experience from this stellar 5-star Google review:

“We eloped in Maine with Corey and her husband George and it was easily the best decision we ever made. They made us feel so comfortable and truly brought our vision to life. The entire day was beyond enjoyable as we just got to be present in real life because Corey makes it that easy. She gave us so many great location recommendations, adventures, food, etc. it really felt like we didn’t need to think about a thing. From the second we met her for our engagement session we knew we were in good hands. She is the best and we know we’ve made friends for life with the two of them. We could never thank them enough for the experience they provided us. 🖤”

Planning Your Own Schoodic Peninsula Elopement

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, coastal elopement with all the charm of Acadia but none of the crowds, the Schoodic Peninsula is the perfect spot. Whether you envision a cozy log cabin, a luxury picnic on the cliffs, or a surprise sailboat cruise, this serene side of Acadia offers endless possibilities for a day as unique as your love story. And if you’re looking for a photographer and officiant who will capture every moment with heart and soul, I’d be honored to be part of your journey. Contact me by visiting my Acadia National Park Elopement Photographer website to plan your summer or fall 2025 elopement.