How to Elope in Acadia National Park
Why should you elope in Acadia National Park?
Acadia National Park's unique landscape is a result of glacial activity during the last Ice Age which is what gives it a lot of its unique features. It was established in 1919, Acadia is the oldest national park east of the Mississippi River. It is the only national park in the Northeastern United States. Acadia is known for its historic carriage roads, a network of over 45 miles of car-free pathways designed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. These roads wind through forests, over stone bridges, and past serene lakes, offering a unique recreational opportunity not found in many other national parks.
A big factor when trying to decide where to elope is thinking about what kind of landscape you want for your backdrop. When eloping in Acadia National Park you do not need to choose between the ocean or mountains, you get both here. It is one of the top most visited National Parks in the U.S. for a reason, with about 3.5 million visitors a year. Cadillac Mountain is the first place to watch the sunrise in the United States, you can usually find the top of Cadillac Mountain extremely busy during this time, in some ways this is good because it means other areas in the park are not as busy as many people opt to see the picturesque sunrise atop Cadillac Mountain’s summit. Don’t forget if you are looking to drive up to Cadillac Mountain’s summit you will need a vehicle registration.
Choosing Acadia National Park for your elopement promises a stunning backdrop of mountains, forests, unparalleled ocean views with a New England charm. If you want a lobster roll, you have come to the right place. With over 120 miles of hiking trails, couples can venture off the beaten path to find their perfect ceremony spot, whether it's atop Cadillac Mountain or along the rocky coastline.
In this guide, I will provide practical insights and tips for planning your elopement in Acadia National Park. From choosing the perfect ceremony location to obtaining permits and coordinating logistics, I want you couples to realize that the process can be easy and seamless!
How to get married in Acadia National Park in Maine?
When planning your elopement in the state of Maine, first you want to think about who will be officiating your ceremony? Then you want to think about where you want your legal ceremony will occur. Your love is already real, below you can follow the steps to make it legal!
Filing Intentions
The initial step to obtain a marriage license is to document the intention to marry in writing. Both parties must sign the document, confirming their eligibility for marriage. There is a $40.00 fee associated with obtaining the license.
Maine residents are required to file their intentions at the municipal office in the town or city where one of them resides. If only one party is a Maine resident and the other resides outside the state, both must file their intentions in the municipality where the Maine resident lives.
Non-residents of Maine can file their intentions at any municipal clerk's office. Once the intentions are filed and the license is issued, the parties are authorized to marry anywhere within the state.
*There is no waiting period in Maine; the license may be issued immediately upon filing the intentions. The license must be utilized within 90 days from the date of filing the intentions.
who can marry you in Maine?
In Maine, individuals authorized to solemnize marriages include:
Residents: Justices, judges, lawyers admitted to the Maine Bar, and marriage officiants under Title 5, section 90 G.
Residents or nonresidents, regardless of citizenship: Ordained ministers, clerics, or individuals licensed to preach by a religious association, seminary, or ecclesiastical body.
Nonresidents of Maine who hold a temporary registration certificate may also solemnize marriages in the state.
Note:(I am ordained! I can sign off on your paperwork or be a witness if you prefer a friend or family member marry you!)
The Ceremony
After the marriage ceremony, the officiant is responsible for completing the ceremony section of the marriage license. This involves obtaining signatures from two witnesses and the officiant. The officiant cannot be one of the witnesses. The marriage license must be completed in black ink and filed with the municipal clerk within 7 days.
Contact
For further questions or more information:
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC)
Vital Records Office
220 Capitol Street
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Phone:(207) 287-6490
Where to get married in Acadia National Park?
When choosing a location for your ceremony to elope in Acadia National Park the first question is will there be 10 people or less for your elopement? When choosing a location you can consider your group size, their ability level, how you want to structure your elopement day and if you want it to include a long hike or if you prefer to do other activities and opt for a shorter and more convenient hike. I can help guide you to the right location for your needs, that is part of my job!
Locations + Permit Information
For Eloping in Acadia National Park
If you want to elope in Acadia National Park and you have less than 10 people, you are in luck! You will have a lot less restrictions and freedom to find places in the park that are more remote and private. If you have more than 10 people do not fear there are just designated spots you are allowed to have your ceremony with varying capacity restrictions.
*If you are eloping in Acadia National Park with less than 10 people(including the officiant + witnesses) you do not need a permit but you will need to abide by the following restrictions!
Permit Information for Groups of Less than 10 People in Acadia National Park
Permits are not required in Acadia National Park for simple ceremonies of up to 10 people (including the officiant) with the following restrictions:
1. All vehicles must be parked in designated areas and not off-road. Event participants are encouraged to carpool, utilize the Island Explorer, or use shuttle vehicles from outlying parking areas.
2. The use of voice amplification, any sort of public address system, or any audio device is prohibited.
3.The installation of any signs (including road markings, roadside signage, etc.) is prohibited.
4.To protect parklands and wildlife, the releasing of balloons, doves, or butterflies and the throwing of rice, birdseed, flower petals, or other natural or artificial material is not allowed.
5.No enhancements of any sort (chairs, arches, decorations, etc.) are permitted.
6.The ceremony may not interfere with other park visitors' use of the area or the normal flow of vehicle or pedestrian traffic in any way.
7.Participants should stay on sand, trails, rock surfaces, or other durable surfaces during the ceremony.
Permit Information for groups of More than 10 people in Acadia national Park
If you have over 10 participants there are designated locations with capacity restrictions as follows:
Cadillac Mountain - 30 (No ceremonies during sunrise or sunset.)
A Vehicle Reservation is required to drive the Cadillac Summit Road May - October
Sand Beach - 30
Ocean Drive - 30
Otter Cliff - 20
Otter Point - 30
Fabbri Picnic Area - 30
Little Hunters Beach - 20
Seawall Picnic Area - 30
Thompson Island - 50
Schoodic Point - 25
Frazer Point Picnic Area - 50
If you have a group of 10 or more people and you want to get married in Acadia National Park you must submit this permit application along with a $75 non-refundable application fee paid by check or money order only, made payable to the National Park Service, your payment along with your application must be mailed to:
Acadia National Park
Attn: Special Use Permit Coordinator
PO Box 177
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
After your application is reviewed, you'll need to sign the permit, agreeing to follow the listed special conditions. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself. You must have the approved permit with you during the ceremony. Remember, everyone, including participants and guests, must pay the park entrance fees.
*for the most up-to-date information on wedding permits in Acadia National Park you can check their official website here.
Who to invite to your Acadia National Park elopement?
Elopements are meant to be unique and intimate experiences, it can be a good idea to keep it tight for who you may invite to your elopement day. Obviously it can be hard to narrow it down but to minimize the impact on nature we must practice leave no trace principles. You could elope with just you and your partner or choose to celebrate with your family friends. Acadia National Park compared to other National Parks across the U.S. is relatively friendly to it, meaning there are a bunch of ceremony locations that are pretty accessible and do not require long hikes to the location.
what activities should you do for your Acadia National Park elopement?
Private Vows: Find a place tucked away where you can say private vows and share a toast or something special to eat with you and your partner!
Scenic Drives: Take a leisurely drive along park loop road to explore some of the park's most iconic landmarks, including Thunder Hole and Sand Beach.
Scenic Flight: If you think driving is too boring why not hop on a plane and experience Acadia from the air?
Hiking: Of course! This is one of the best hiking destinations in New England! Explore the numerous hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Highlights include the Cadillac Mountain, Jordon Pond, the Precipice or Beehive trail, or Jordan or Otter Cliffs.
Check out the Carriage Roads: Explore the park's historic carriage roads by foot, bike, or horseback, winding through forests, meadows, and over charming stone bridges.
Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, and marine mammals. In particular bird-watching try and spot a variety of bird species, including peregrine falcons, bald eagles, and warblers.
Leaf Peeping: Experience the vibrant fall foliage of the Acadia National Park with a scenic drive along Park Loop Road or hike during the autumn months.
Stargazing: Head to a secluded spot away from city lights for a romantic evening of stargazing, marveling at the Milky Way and constellations above. Check out this Dark Sky Map for the darkest places and best places for stars!
Lobster Boat Tour: Take a guided boat tour to explore the park's coastline, islands, and lighthouses. If you don’t mind venturing a bit outside of Acadia you could hang out with some lobster fisherman with me in Corea, Maine. We have packages that can be booked, you could even get married on the boat, (captains can marry you!).
Spa Retreats: Unwind and relax together at a spa retreat in the White Mountains, indulging in couples massages, hot tubs, and other rejuvenating treatments.
Local Breweries/Wineries/Distilleries: North Conway is a great home base for liquor tours and a fun activities to do with a group. You can organize a private tasting if you want a bit more privacy for your wedding day!
Snowshoeing/Snowmobiling: The White Mountains are truly a place you can enjoy in any season. That is the magic of New England, there are always fun activities to do in any weather, it could also be a special place you return to after your day during a different season. Make sure you dress appropriately so you are warm! Hand warmers and layers are encouraged!
Picnicking: Enjoy a scenic picnic at one of the park's designated picnic areas.
Note: If you want more inspiration check out this feature on Acadia National Park from myself on Wandering Weddings!
