Best Locations for a Maine Elopement
SWELL & STONE / Adventure Elopement Photographer / New England & Beyond
Why Maine is the Perfect Place to Elope?
Maine is the perfect place to elope with your significant other. This state offers some of the most beautiful and scenic landscapes in the country.
The Maine coast is a great place to elope because it offers many different options for venues, from small intimate weddings to elopements. The Maine coast has many natural features that are perfect for an outdoor wedding such as forests, mountains, and beaches. I love to tell people that Maine is the premier spot on the East Coast where the mountains meet the ocean, so if you are both a mountain and ocean person, this might be the place for you.
Maine has a lot of beautiful parks, forests, lakes, mountains, and rivers that are perfect for outdoor ceremonies.
Want to spread your search a little broader? Here’s my New England elopement guide. Or check out these if you’re looking for Rhode Island, Vermont, Upstate NY, New Hampshire, or Massachusetts.
What are the Best Places to Elope Within the State?
Maine is one of the most beautiful places to elope. It has a lot of scenic views and some of the best restaurants in the country. Maine also has a lot of small towns that you can explore with your significant other on your honeymoon.
The best Maine elopement locations are:
Acadia National Park
Acadia National Park is a beautiful place to elope. The park spans over 46,000 acres and offers a variety of scenic views. The park is made up of mountains, lakes, forests and more. There are many attractions for guests to explore including hikes on trails, kayaking along the coastlines, biking along the carriage roads, sailing on Frenchman Bay and exploring the Bar Harbor waterfront.
Baxter State Park
Located in Maine, Baxter State Park is a beautiful location that is perfect for an elopement. This state park has the Appalachian Trail to explore as well as many other trails to hike. Visitors will also be able to enjoy the views of Mt. Katahdin which are absolutely stunning, especially during sunrise and sunset. The park is open year-round and will provide a beautiful setting for your elopement day.
Camden Hills State Park
Camden Hills State Park is a beautiful location in Maine perfect for tying the knot. This scenic park offers a variety of elopement venues, from cabins to the historic mansion, so there is sure to be a spot just right for you.
Kittery Point Lighthouse
Kittery Point Lighthouse is a popular destination for eloping New England couples. The lighthouse itself is known as the "most photographed lighthouse in Maine" and boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. In addition, Kittery Point has some of the best seafood menus as well as plenty of affordable B&Bs that are perfect for newlywed couples to stay in.
The Cliff House
The Cliff House is a luxury lodge tucked away on the coast of Maine. This serene vacation spot offers ocean views, cozy guest rooms, and plenty of memorable moments for two. You'll enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking in addition to delectable food and wine tastings. This serene vacation spot offers ocean views, cozy guest rooms, and plenty of memorable moments for two. You'll experience the beauty of hiking, biking and kayaking while you enjoy delectable food and wine tastings.
Mt. Blue State Park
Mt. Blue State Park has a way of grabbing your attention with its towering trees and lush greenery. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of Swift Dam Pond, this is a perfect place to elope in Maine. The park is a great place for a picnic, and offers several trails for hiking and biking. The Appalachian Trail runs through the park.
Pemaquid Lighthouse
For couples looking for a scenic spot to get married, there may not be a more picturesque and romantic location than the Pemaquid Lighthouse. Standing tall on a rocky outcrop with an unobstructed view of the ocean, this iconic New England landmark provides the perfect backdrop for your elopement day. celebration. The lighthouse is a short drive from the town of Pemaquid, located on Vinalhaven island in Maine. The not-for-profit Pemaquid Lighthouse and Museum, established in 1993, provides this unique venue exclusively for weddings and events.
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse
West Quoddy Head Lighthouse in Maine is one of the most beautiful, serene locations on Earth. For those looking for a breathtaking, awe-inspiring spot to get married, this is it. The lighthouse is located on a headland with an expansive view of Maine’s coast. It has been a place of worship for the indigenous tribes of the area, who believed that it was home to the Great Spirit. If you’re looking for a romantic setting for your wedding that is steeped in history and romance, this is just the spot.
Want to fly into a secluded backcountry spot for your elopement?
Looking for an even more unique way to celebrate your elopement day? Maine has several float plane services that can fly you in to the most beautiful elopement locations. There are a wide variety of elopement locations that can make for a perfect intimate wedding. These small locations are perfect for couples who would like to share their big day with a few close friends and family members. Float plane services in Maine can fly you to the areas of choice, so all you have to do is show up and say "I do."
Maine is kind of like the “wild west” of the east coast. There is less regulation and a lot of open space, so the idea of flying and landing somewhere, doing the ceremony, and flying out is possible. These providers have regular scenic tours, but they also allow for custom packages.
Something you should also consider is your date. It seems like some (but not all) of these operators fly from May to Oct. because it’s the busy season, but some do operate outside of those months.
There are several Maine based float plane services that can fly you into the most beautiful and secluded backcountry locations. You can experience an amazing elopement in a scenic setting, and then enjoy your honeymoon in a cabin or some other nearby accommodation.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Married in Maine?
Getting married in Maine can be a very expensive affair, but eloping in Maine can run the gamut from affordable to pricey. There are ways to cut down on the cost of your wedding. Check out this article on how much it costs to elope.
There are many factors that contribute to the cost of a wedding. Some may include the venue, catering, flowers and other décor, music and entertainment, etc. This is why it is important to have a budget set before you start planning your event.
Luckily, you can cut what you don’t care about when eloping. Most eloping couples don’t pay for a venue, or they only pay a permit fee to get married on public lands. Other things eloping couples don’t have to pay for is food and drink for a large guest list. This enables you to spend more on the things that you truly care about, like documenting your day and making it the experience of a lifetime.
It is also important that you do not forget to factor in the cost of marriage license fees and officiant fees when determining your total costs for your big day!
What are the Requirements for Getting Married in Maine?
Maine marriage laws are governed by the Maine Revised Statutes Title 19-A. For more info about the legalities of eloping in Maine, check out this site. Generally, you are able to obtain your marriage license at the town clerk’s office the day before your elopement, but each area is different so make sure to check with the town where you are eloping.
You need to have one or more witnesses at your wedding ceremony in Maine.
You must also be unmarried to get married in Maine. If you were previously married, you will need a divorce decree before getting remarried in Maine.
Should you choose Maine for your elopement?
Maine elopements are becoming increasingly popular in recent years. The beauty of Maine is unmatched and it is the perfect place for a couple who wants to get married without the hassle of planning a wedding.
There are many reasons why you should consider Maine for your elopement. First, it is the perfect place for an outdoor ceremony. Second, there is no waiting period to get married in Maine which means you can plan your wedding on short notice if you need to. Third, with so many beautiful locations to choose from, you can have your elopement in a setting that fits your personality and style. Finally, Maine has amazing accommodations that can accommodate all types of budgets which means there is something for everyone!
Planning your elopement can be an overwhelming process. But with these tips, you will be able to have the wedding of your dreams! If you're looking for a unique location to say your vows with the person you love, eloping in Maine can be the best decision you ever make.
