There is so much to do in the area, I always suggest an all day elopement in Acadia National Park. Jess and Ricky booked a full year out, which gave them plenty of time to think about their day and how they wanted things to feel. A minute into knowing them, we were deep into life talk. There was an immediate connection that had me stoked for the entire process.
At first, they were between a truly private “just us” elopement and inviting family. It took some back and forth, but ultimately, they chose to keep the focus on them and have a full day of exploring Acadia alone.
They booked “no time-cap” coverage, which meant we could truly focus on wherever the day went organically. There was no pressure to hurry things along to meet a timeline, and we all felt truly at ease and spontaneous the whole day.
If you’re like these two and want to elope in Acadia, but aren’t sure what your day could look like, their full day elopement is a great example!
On the morning of an all day Acadia elopement: hair and makeup, getting ready and first look
The day started with hair and makeup at their hotel, the Claremont. Their original hair and makeup artist canceled on them only a week before their elopement, but we were lucky enough to find Acquine, another Acadia makeup artist. She shifted her schedule around and was able to accommodate Jess last minute. She even taught herself the hairstyle Jess wanted!
As the hair and makeup was happening, I arranged Jess’s tarot cards, crystals, their rings and other trinkets from the day.
We took some getting ready photos and detail shots before heading outside for a first look on the property.
During the afternoon: Otter Point picnic, beach vows and a sunset hike
We then hopped into the car and drove to Otter Point, a popular lookout at Acadia. Just across the street, there was a picnic awaiting them set up by Tabitha at Luxury Picnics Acadia. She sets up and takes down everything, so you can just show up and enjoy, and simply leave when you’re done!
These two enjoyed the views while snacking on lobster rolls, champagne and whoopie pies. Once they were ready, we got back into the car and headed up Park Loop Road toward Little Hunters Beach for a private vow ceremony.
Like most couples who elope, they had already signed the official marriage paperwork a month or so before. Despite that, they considered this date to be their official wedding day.
Their vow ceremony was a very symbolic moment. They each wrote truly sentimental and touching vows, and it was an emotional ceremony that had all three of us teared up!
We explored the shoreline for a while, then got back in the car and drove inland to Beech Mountain for sunset. At this point in the season, the famous New England fall colors were peaking. The low, golden evening light turned the entire treeline a mosaic of fiery reds and yellows.
We wandered around, taking spur of the moment portraits, punctuated by the impressive landscape. Jess and Ricky popped champagne to toast the day, and we relaxed on the mountain, watching the sun go down between glowing lanterns.
During the evening of an day elopement in Acadia National Park: dinner and moonlight portraits
We arrived into town just in time to put our name on a waitlist for dinner. To pass the time, we headed outside to catch the moon. Jess loves all things witchy, and photos under the full moon was something she really wanted.
She absolutely got it!
That night, the moon was massive, and shone over Acadia with an orange glow that almost looked like a sunset. It was the perfect night cap to this all day elopement in Acadia National Park!