If you are dreaming of having an Acadia National Park intimate wedding or elopement then I’ve got the perfect guide for you! I’ll cover everything you need to know about planning an amazing elopement in Acadia National Park. New England’s only national park, Acadia NP is one of the most popular national parks in the United States with an average of 3.5 million visitors annually. When entering the park you are greeted with sandy beaches, Maine’s rocky coastline, as well as mountain summits all providing incredible backdrops for your wedding ceremony.
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PICKING YOUR WEDDING DATE: BEST TIMES TO VISIT ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
Luckily Acadia National Park is open year round so when selecting your date it really depends on your seasonal preference! When you and your partner are celebrating throughout the weekend do you see yourselves soaking in rays of sunshine on the water or snowshoeing in a winter wonderland? If you are looking to avoid big crowds as much as possible then you’ll want to steer clear of having a wedding in July or August since those are the busiest tourist months of the year. Here is a breakdown of Acadia’s weather throughout the season:
March-May (considered off season):
Temperatures: Crowds are thin, but expect foggy mornings, mud from the melting snow, and temperatures that range from the mid-20s to mid-50s. Most of the businesses such as hotels and restaurants will begin opening late April ( with most in Bar Harbor open by Memorial Day). Bugs are most active mid May to the middle of June.
June-August: Temperatures ranging from the 50s to the high 70s, summer is a pleasant time to visit, so naturally there’s a tourist influx. Keep in mind that Park Loop Road and the road to the Cadillac Mountain summit can get congested pretty easily (as well as available parking around the park) and last-minute accommodations are hard to find.
September- October: Summer crowds leave after Labor Day and there is a lull of tourists between the middle of September and right before “leaf peepers” arrive mid October. Even though the foliage can draw more crowds it still doesn’t hit nearly as many people as July & August and the bright colors on the mountain vistas are totally worth it!
November-February Temperatures rarely rise above freezing, but the snow on the coastline is beautiful! There are ample opportunities for snowshoeing, snowmobiling (on Park Loop Road and up Cadillac Mountain), and cross country skiing for those that love the winter season. *Take note- certain parts of the Park Loop Road will be closed as well as most dining & hotel options in Bar Harbor starting November.*
Top tips to consider:
- Have your ceremony close to sunrise or sunset
- Avoid the weekends and plan your Acadia elopement on a weekday to avoid crowds
- Early September after Labor Day and early to mid October will be the best times to plan a wedding in Acadia weather wise. Bonus you’ll be able to embrace that New England foliage we are famous for.
OPEN & CLOSE DATES
| Park Loop Road & Paved Roads | Apr 15 | Dec 1 |
| Unpaved Roads | May 15 | Nov 15 |
| Carriage Roads | Year-round, seasonal closures | |
| Schoodic Loop & Point Road | Year-round | |
| Beaches | ||
|---|---|---|
| Echo Lake Beach | Apr 15 | Dec 1 |
| Lakewood Beach | Jun 1 | Oct 15 |
| Sand Beach | Year-round | |
HOW MANY GUESTS ARE ALLOWED AT AN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK WEDDING?
To see if an Acadia National Park wedding is a perfect fit for you, ask yourself how many people you want at your celebration and where you picture saying your vows. Acadia National Park places size restrictions for your ceremony depending on the area you’d like to say “I do” so check out the list below directly from the national park website.
- Cadillac Mountain – 30 (No ceremonies during sunrise or sunset.)
- Sand Beach – 30
- Ocean Drive – 30
- Otter Cliff – 20
- Otter Point – 30
- Fabbri Picnic Area – 30
- Little Hunters Beach – 20
- Seawall Picnic Area – 35
- Thompson Island – 50
- Schoodic Point – 25
- Frazer Point Picnic Area – 50
CAN I HAVE A WEDDING RECEPTION IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK?
Receptions are not permitted in the park (unless they are held at a park concession facility), but there are many great options in Bar Harbor if you’d like to keep your celebration going or celebrate with more family and friends later after having had a more private ceremony.
HOW MUCH IS A NATIONAL PARK PASS FOR ACADIA?
A park entrance pass is required year-round.
The Standard Pass for a Private Vehicle is $35 for 7 days.
An annual pass for Acadia National Park is $70.
America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is $80.
DO I NEED TO GET A PERMIT FOR A WEDDING IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK?
Permits for weddings and commitment ceremonies at Acadia National Park are only required if you plan on having a wedding with more than 10 people. That being said sometimes it’s better to still get a permit if you believe there is a chance you may be adding another guest or two last minute (the 10 person limit is including the officiate). The nonrefundable permit application fee is $75 and should be sent no less than 10 working days prior to your ceremony.
ALRIGHT SO I KNOW I WANT A CEREMONY WITH MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE- NOW WHAT?
Complete the wedding application form in as much detail as possible to avoid an delays, include the nonrefundable application fee of $75 with your application (paid by check or money order only, made payable to the National Park Service) and send it to the address below no less than 10 working days prior to your ceremony.
*Special use permits may be denied for some locations during periods of heavy use (e.g., Labor Day weekend, during the period from June 15 – September 15, etc.)*
You can download the Application Form directly on the Acadia National Park website here and read up on all their wedding information.
Acadia National Park
Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
Be sure to keep a copy of the permit yourself since you will need to have it in your possession at the time of your ceremony.
WHERE DO I GET MY MARRIAGE LICENSE FOR MY WEDDING IN ACADIA?
IF YOU ARE A MAINE RESIDENT– “Maine residents must apply in the town/city where they reside. The license is valid in any community in Maine for a period of 90 days from the date the intentions are filed. Note: Couples who maintain separate Maine residences must apply in one of the communities of residence.”
IF YOU ARE AN OUT OF STATE RESIDENT– “Out-of-state residents may apply in any town/city in the state of Maine. The license is valid for a ceremony performed in any community in Maine for a period of 90 days from the date the intentions are filed”.
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK- ADDITIONAL WEDDING RESTRICTIONS
In order to preserve nature and maintain a positive experience for other park visitors the following are not allowed (see the full list here).
- The use of special equipment, such as canopies, arches, chairs, or other decorations require park administrative review and are generally not allowed.
- Amplified music and public address systems are prohibited. Non-amplified musical instruments that make sound that is unreasonable considering the nature and purpose of the event and/or disturbs nonparticipating persons in the vicinity of the event are also prohibited.
- Balloons, doves, or butterflies and the throwing of rice, birdseed, flower petals, or other natural or artificial material is not allowed.
I CONSIDER MY DOG PART OF THE FAMILY- ARE PETS ALLOWED TO BE AT MY ACADIA NATIONAL PARK ELOPEMENT?
You’re in luck! Pets are allowed to be in attendance at your Acadia National Park wedding. They just have to be leashed up at all times in all locations of the park.
Yes your dog can be there for your Acadia elopement as long as you follow some rules:
Permitted areas: There are 100 miles (161 km) of hiking trails and 45 miles (72 km) of carriage roads in the park where pets are permitted.
Restricted areas: Sand Beach (June 15-Sept 8) and Echo Lake (May 15-Sept 15) are off-limits to pets.
These trails include, but are not limited to—Acadia Mountain, Flying Mountain, Giant Slide, West Face of Cadillac Mountain, Pond Trail’s east end, Norembega Goat, Bubbles-Pemetic, Penobscot Mountain (Spring), Upper Beachcroft, and Upper Gorge.
The six cliff ladder trails—Beehive, Beech Cliffs, Ladder, Perpendicular, Precipice, and Jordan Cliffs between Penobscot East and the carriage road.
FOLLOW BARK:
B= BAG YOUR POOP
A= ALWAYS WEAR A LEASH
R= RESPECT WILDLIFE
K= KNOW WHERE TO GO
WHERE IS THE VISITORS CENTER IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK? MY GUESTS WANT TO KNOW!
If your guests are looking to do some exploring on their own while in Maine there are two spots to gather park info from rangers depending on the time of year your wedding is taking place.
SPRING/SUMMER/EARLY FALL: Hulls Cove Visitor Center– Open May 3- October 31st
- Every Day: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
Our summer season serving visitors at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center typically spans from the first week of May to the end of October. During winter months, typically the end of October into early May, visitor information is hosted at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, 2 Cottage St., corner of Cottage and Main.
Address: 25 Visitor Center Road Hulls Cove Visitor Center, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
LATE FALL/WINTER/EARLY SPRING Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce– Open typically from Nov 1 through April 14. Hours are 8 am to 4 pm daily (holiday hours vary)
Address: 2 Cottage Street Bar Harbor, ME 04609
THE MOST POPULAR SPOTS IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK
The list below consists of some of the most popular spots in and around Acadia National Park. Since your selected wedding ceremony location does not grant you exclusive access to the area, in order to make your celebration as private as possible (during any time of the year) plan your ceremony at sunrise or sunset. This allows you to minimize the amount of tourists that may be looking on as well and gives you the best light.
- Sand Beach (best for sunrise)
- Otter Point/Cliffs (best for sunrise)
- Jordan Pond (best for sunrise)
- Thunder Hole (best for sunrise)
- Carriage Roads (sunrise or sunset)
- Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse
- Certain mountain trails/summits (sunrise or sunset)
- Plus all my other favorite spots that my elopement couples hear when they book!
Bonus tip- Hire an Acadia National Park wedding photographer who has been to Acadia before (like me!) and knows the ins and outs of the park. I love helping my couples find the perfect spot for their ceremonies as well as finding those secret secluded spots that you can only find if you’ve hit the trails yourself!
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK VEHICLE RESERVATIONS
Since Acadia National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the USA they have implemented a new car reservation protocol that began as a pilot period in the fall of 2020. Visitors to Acadia National Park will need a vehicle reservation to drive up the Cadillac Summit Road during sunrise and daylight hours. You and your guests can easily register your car ahead of time in a specific time slot at Recreation.gov here.
IMPORTANT THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL NON-REFUNDABLE $6 FEE TO BE PURCHASED AHEAD OF TIME AND IS NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR NATIONAL PARK PASS. Since popular time slots can fill up days in advance you’ll want to make sure you, your guests, photographer, and officiant all do this ahead of time.
Vehicle reservations are required to drive Cadillac Summit Road from May 21 through October 26, 2025. Reservations are available on a rolling 90-day basis.
Private vehicle rate- $6
Cancellation fee: $2
LEAVE NO TRACE GUIDELINES
As an avid outdoor enthusiast, former outdoor education instructor, and Leave No Trace Aware certified photographer, I am super passionate about Leave No Trace. If you aren’t familiar, Leave No Trace has 7 principles and is a set of ethics to promote conservation in the great outdoors. By following these guidelines below we can help ensure that the parks you enter stay beautiful for many years to come!
- Plan ahead and prepare.
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
- Dispose of waste properly.
- Leave what you find.
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
JORDAN POND HOUSE WEDDING RECEPTION
Your only option for a wedding reception in Acadia NP is the beautiful Jordan Pond House. You and your guests can gaze out to the amazing mountains on Jordan Pond just a short walk away. Their private dining room can host 25-40 people, but if you need more space then check out other options in downtown Bar Harbor!
PLACES TO STAY IN BAR HARBOR
Breathtaking Oceanside Home, Sunrise Air BNB by Sherifah
THINGS TO DO IN BAR HARBOR
Keep the celebration going over the span of a few days and take advantage of the countless fun activities in and around Bar Harbor.
Hire a rock climbing guide to climb at Otter Cliffs: Atlantic Climbing School and Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School
Boat Rides: Acadian Boat Tours
Snowshoe Rentals: Cadillac Mountain Sports
Cross Country Ski Rentals: Cadillac Mountain Sports
Canoe, Kayak, or SUP Rentals: National Park Canoe Rental (on Long Pond) or Coastal Kayaking Tours (Sea Kayak Tours)
Helicopter Tour: Scenic Flights of Acadia
EXAMPLE OF A 4 HOUR ACADIA ELOPEMENT TIMELINE
I offer 4 hour, 8 hour, and Multi Day Elopement Packages because I believe elopements still deserve the same full story coverage that a traditional wedding would have. This is just a single example of what a 4 Hour Acadia elopement schedule could look like. I work directly with my clients and help them design their dream wedding day from start to finish based on their passions and hobbies as a couple. I’ll help you choose the best setting for your ceremony based on your favorite landscape views and hiking abilities. You don’t have to be an avid hiker to go to many of the beautiful spots in Acadia- so no worries there!
4 HOUR JUNE SUNRISE ACADIA ELOPEMENT TIMELINE EXAMPLE FOR JORDAN POND
4:30AM-6:00AM Begin Getting Ready at the Bar Harbor Inn (coverage of you both getting ready, those moments of you writing your vows, putting on your wedding attire, hair and make-up being done, any special details you want photographed)
6:00AM-6:30AM Drive to a location like Jordan Pond, Otter Cliffs, or Sand Beach
6:30AM-7:00AM First Look at (Jordan Pond, Otter Cliffs, or Sand Beach) as the sun rises and Vows/Exchange of Rings/Ceremony
7:00AM-7:45AM Formal Portraits (with family, friends, pets-if applicable)
7:45AM-8:30AM Explore around, picnic breakfast or have your wedding cake (cause cake for breakfast is pretty awesome)
BOOK YOUR ACADIA NATIONAL PARK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
MEGHAN LYNCH PHOTOGRAPHY 2025 ACADIA ELOPEMENT SCHEDULE: BOOKING MONDAY-THURSDAY SUNRISE OR SUNSET ELOPEMENTS AUG-DEC
So if you are looking to have an incredible day with a custom timeline completely tailored to the activities you both love while getting those classic romantic photos in a national park setting then I would LOVE to be your Acadia National Park wedding photographer. Shoot me a message if you found this guide helpful or if you’d like to check my availability you can fill out my contact form here.
Here are a few fun facts about me:
- I’ve been to Acadia National Park multiple times so you’d be hiring someone who knows the area
- I’ve photographed over 100 weddings and I completed Maddie Mae’s Adventure Instead Academy
- I’m a Leave No Trace Aware certified photographer
- An avid outdoor enthusiast myself I used to guide wilderness trips in college ( backpacking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, etc.)
- I’m a Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified so you’re in the best of hands!
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