The Truth about Eloping in Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is a breathtaking national park in the state of Maine. However, there are some important factors that you need to know if you are looking to elope there and you are looking for an intimate elopement experience. 

Crowds

Acadia National Park is one of the top 10 most-visited national parks in the United States. This means that you have to navigate around a lot of crowds, depending on what time of year that you go. Crowds equal people stopping to stare and/or interrupting a ceremony which we don’t want! Crowds can also make it difficult to find parking, so be mindful and do mindful research before you plan your trip. Typically, the Summer and Fall are busiest, so if you want to avoid crowds it’s best to go during the Spring or during the off-season in November. Keep in mind, in the off season, many restaurants and shops may be closed.

Permits and Marriage Laws

As far as permits go, you only need a permit to get married in Acadia if you have over 10 people. If you have over 10 people, you need to fill out a permit form online with a $75 application fee and wait for approval. You will also need a park entrance pass (you can get a day pass or a year pass). 

In the state of Maine, you will need a Maine marriage license, an officiant, and two witnesses. 

Please ensure that your ceremony is following Leave No Trace and that it does not damage the environment or interrupt wildlife.

Mandatory Reservations

Keep in mind if you are looking to elope at the top of Cadillac Mountain, you will need an advance mandatory vehicle reservation to drive up the Cadillac Summit Road. If you want to eat at the famous Jordan Pond House, I also recommend having a reservation to eat there if you are there during the busy season. The wait can be very long if you don’t have a reservation and you’ll be kicking yourself.

What Do I Recommend?

Overall, if you are dead set on eloping at Acadia National Park, I recommend going during the off seasons, specifically in Spring or November to avoid peak crowds and have a more intimate experience. 

However, as your elopement planner and born and raised New Englander, I can help you find similar locations that are less crowded and are just as beautiful! The entire coast of Maine is full of gorgeous coastal towns, rugged cliffs and beaches, stunning lighthouses, mossy forests, and so on! 

Allow me to help you plan your elopement somewhere away from the crowds, that’s easy to plan around, and that will give you memories for a lifetime!