with rich wilderness, rugged mountains, and a complex coastline, maine is the perfect place to say "i do"
The Grand State of Maine
Maine has 3,427 miles of coast line, and over 3,000 islands off the coast which provide endless opportunities for coastal recreation.
BUT first,
why should you elope?
If you want to ditch tradition, weeks of stress, and curating a day for everyone but yourself.
If you want to spend your day being surrounded by epic landscapes and doing something you love with the one you love.
Then eloping is definitely for you!
what this guide covers
permit
Inspo
vendors
locations
season
4
5
3
2
1
The Best time
Season
What are the crowds like?
What is the best time of day?
With any northern state, the seasons greatly impact outdoor activities during the year. Here at Rendezvous, we believe there is no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing choices, and a stinky attitude. *wink emoji*
Maine showcases each season brilliantly. A Maine summer spans between June, July, and August, with very pleasant weather in May and September. Because Maine is at the top of the Northeast, the state explodes with fall colors in October. Fall colors in Northern and Western Maine usually peak around the second week in October. Snow often comes as early as mid- November but usually arrives in full force in December. Winter will last until the end of March and the buds start popping in April.
Ideal weather in Maine comes between June and August with great hiking weather in May, September, and October. The best month for coastal wildflowers is June.
We are always down to do winter sports elopements, like snowmobiling, skiing, and winter hiking. Coming from experience we would advise not to do winter hiking in Acadia for an elopement because the wind is always ripping off the ocean, creating a very harsh environment on top of the coastal mountains.
One last thing that cannot go unmentioned is black-fly and mosquito season. Maine experiences intense mosquitos and black-flies, in May through June, and they will usually lessen in the heat of the summer.
When I worked on an organic blueberry farm, I discovered this all-natural spray that actually works. I know it says it is for dogs and cats *grimace emoji*, but it is made with essential oils and it WORKS!
Acadia National Park is a relatively small park, but its popularity is huge. Because it is one of the most visited parks in the U.S., popular spots and hikes can be overcrowded with tourists and hikers. Maine crowds start after Memorial Day, maximize around July 4th, and begin to diminish after school has started.
Besides the park, coastal towns continue to buzz, leaving the small uninhabited islands off the coast empty. Maine boasts over 6,000 lakes, many of which provide quiet fishing, canoeing, picnicking, and "I doing."
Baxter State Park is a huge wilderness area filled with mountains and lakes. Mt. Katahdin (Maine's highest) has grown in popularity over the past few years leaving the mountain much busier than normal. Still, this is a large area of land with limited and strict parking keeping crowds lower than the national park.
If longer hikes are your jam, another option is the Bigelow Range in western Maine; a beautiful mountain range providing great camping, hiking, and distance from the crowds.
Maine is home to West Quoddy Head, the easternmost point in the U.S. This means sunrise by the sea is a must and is truly magical. Doing sunrise hikes in Acadia will help you avoid a lot of crowds. Hiking at this time will also allow you to hike in the cool of the morning, leaving the middle of the day for a dip it the North Atlantic or a quiet lake.
Because Maine is more northeast than the rest of the country, the sun rises very early during the summer. Though we are not morning people, we always love being in nature in the quiet of the morning. We think you will have the same experience!
Sunset is also a great time to plan, especially in the mountains. The warm light of golden hour and the gentleness of blue hour makes for beautiful photos.
A large portion of longer adventure days takes place when the sun is more direct. Even so, we can take beautiful images. Sunrise and sunset are just optimal!
Location is key
Location
Acadia National Park
Baxter State Park
The Bigelow Range
Downeast
Camden Hills State park
Maine has so many options for locations which can be a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to go. The good thing is, whatever you decide will be so special and beautiful! Maine has 1 national park, 1 national monument, 32 state parks, and so many hidden gems we love to visit.
This guide will cover five of our favorite places in Maine to help you narrow down what you want on your wedding day.
1. Acadia National Park
2. Baxter State Park
3. The Bigelow Range
4. Down East
5. Camden Hills State Park
Deciding on the kind of Adventure you want for you wedding day will determine what area you want to explore. All these sites offer beautiful scenery that is perfectly Maine. Eloping in any of these areas will be an adventure in the heart of the state.
Known for its rugged and raw beauty, Acadia is a bucket list destination for many. Acadia is located at the heart of the Maine coast. Around every corner, you will find beautiful views of the ocean and mountains. Acadia is very accessible making it a great place to elope for those who want the views but not the long hike. This also means it is a busy place during the summer. Crowds can be avoided by planning your adventure for early morning, or evening, and by hiking to less popular locations.
A few locations we love are the following:
Otter Cliffs - easy walk, parking close by, path
Jordan Pond - easy hike, 3.1 mi. 42 ft elev. gain (see trail here)
Sargent Peak - moderate, 6.5 mi. 1318 ft. elev. gain (our fav trail)
Otter Cliffs is the perfect location for couples who do not want to go on an intense adventure. This location offers a dramatic coastline and views of the mountains. Parking is close by and the Ocean Path offers many spots along the coast that would be perfect for a small ceremony. Otter Cliffs is a great location for couples who want to book our Half Day package. One challenge of this location is that it can be busy because it is easily accessible.
With a short hike involved, Jordan Pond offers beautiful views of the Bubbles across the water. This beautiful pond is an iconic location in the park making it relatively busy. Sunrise or sunset at the pond is always beautiful and there are far less people on the trail.
Located in the center of the island, Sargent Mountain is a rugged mountain with a 360 view from the top. We enjoy this mountain because it sits in the shadow of its popular brother Cadillac Mountain. This leaves the trails less busy for us to enjoy.
Read More:
Schoodic Point Elopement
How to Elope in Acadia National Park
Covering 209,644 acres of land, Baxter is one of Maine's largest wilderness areas. With 50 lakes, 55 mountain peaks, and over 200 miles of trails, this piece of land offers endless adventures for the couple who wants a true wilderness adventure. Baxter is home to Mount Katahdin, Maine's highest peak, which offers epic locations like Chimney Pond, Pamola Peak, the Tablelands, and of course Baxter Peak itself.
The mountains surrounding Katahdin are fun mountains to hike and most provide great views of Katahdin from their peaks. All hiking trails in Baxter are rated at least as "moderate" so if planning a hiking elopement, make sure you have a good pair of hiking boots.
Many of the lakes in Baxter are remote meaning you will have to hike to them, but some are easily accessible and you would be able to launch some kayaks or a canoe. If a lakeside camping trip sounds like your ideal day, we will find the perfect remote lakeside campsite for you to say "I do."
Baxter and its brother, Katahdin Woods and Waters, offer a variety of true wilderness adventures for your elopement. Baxter is the perfect place to book a Full Day, or Multi-Day elopement.
Home to two of Maine's 4,ooo foot peaks and over 33,000 acres of wilderness, the Bigelows showcase beauty that many do not know about. The mountain range forms the north side of the Carrabassett Valley and looks across to Sugarloaf, one of New Englands most popular ski resorts.
The Bigelows also border Flagstaff lake, one of the largest lakes in Maine. From the lake, beautiful views of the mountains can be seen, along with an occasional moose or two.
Hiking in the Bigelows is perfectly beautiful. The trails can provide a good days hike with spectacular 360 views from the top of the peaks. If your ideal day looks like a hike to a pond this is the place for you. Two small ponds, Cranberry Pond and the Horns Pond, sit between the rugged peaks.
The areas and the lake surrounding the mountains provide beautiful views of the mountains and adventures for all ability levels. The Bigelows boast some tall mountains and rugged terrain, perfect for couples who love the outdoors. All our elopement packages would fit any adventure in the Bigelows and surrounding areas.
DownEast is a region on the coast of Maine that is home to Acadia National Park and hundreds of other islands. The harbors in this region are filled with lobster boats and curious seals waiting for a fisherman's handout. This area is quiet and remote but filled with a beauty you will not want to miss.
When we say the possibilities are endless in DownEast we mean it! Around every corner is another stunning location contending to outshine the one prior. There are so many quiet spots that are just as beautiful as the famous locations you see on Instagram.
With all the islands off the coast in this region, it is the perfect spot for a sea kayaking elopement. There are islands close enough to the mainland that would be perfect for a Half Day elopement or enough to make it into a weekend.
One of our favorite locations is Great Wass Island Preserve. This island is accessible by car and has a beautiful 5-mile hike around the island. There are beautiful spots for picnicking, and if the tides are right, even a spot for cliff jumping. This is truly a gem that shines in DownEast Maine.
From quiet, simple hikes to sea kayaking around islands, DownEast Maine is a magical place to start this exciting, new chapter of your life.
Camden Hills is a simple park that has beautiful views looking across Penobscot Bay. This park is close to both Lincolnville and Camden, two cute small towns with yummy seafood and a vibrant coastal vibe. The hiking in this park is fun and will fit most ability levels.
Mount Battie is the most accessible viewpoint in the park with a road that goes directly to the top. This is great for couples who do not want to hike but also makes this location busier than other spots in the park.
Maiden's Cliff is located on the backside of the park and overlooks Megunticook Lake. The trail to this location is short but steeper. This location is especially great for sunset!
There are many other hikes in the park leading to beautiful views of the bay. Any decision in this park is a good decision. This park is one of our favorites because it is easily accessible and provides beautiful views of the coast.
book one of these locations
Vendors
Florals
With an elopement, fewer vendors are incorporated into the wedding day. One vendor many brides usually include are florists. Whether you want a bouquet, flower crown, or both, these local florists will provide stunning designs that will fit your adventure perfectly.
Honeysuckle Way
Mimi + Mum
Watershed Florals
The Bud Connection
Eastern River Farm
Bad Rabbit Flowers
Cottage Flowers
photo & video
What we do.
Ok, let's be real. Your photographer/videographer spends most of your elopement day with you, so you want to make sure you hire one who you like! Not only will they be with you all day, but for adventure elopements, they will also be your guides. Finding someone who is knowledgeable in the outdoors is so important for adventure elopements.
As a photo & video team, we will help you plan your ideal day, and help bring your dream to life. We will guide you on a beautiful, fun adventure for your big day. We will capture the big iconic moments and the little in-between moments.
With Gretchen's wedding photography experience and Robert's landscape/adventure experience, you will be getting the ultimate coverage on your wedding day. You will be getting a gallery of images and a cinematic documentary of your day from two artists who are trained to capture two very different things. The combination of the two is perfect for an adventure elopement.
Planning, guiding, and documenting is our specialty, so let's work together!
LEt's bring your dream to life
Okay, this all sounds great but what makes Rendezvous Elopements different from anyone else who documents elopements.
We have a combined 10 years of experience in the photography industry. Robert has been working at mastering landscapes, adventure, and brand photography. Gretchen has been perfecting timeless wedding photography. In 2021 we decided to join forces. Coupled with our love for the outdoors, Rendezvous was born.
We are a photo and video team specializing in adventure elopements. We believe eloping is such a unique way to get married. We also understand not everyone you love can attend. Offering photo & video bridges the gap between eloping and including loved ones. A video allows those not in attendance to fully experience the day. They can hear the waves crashing against the rocks and hear the emotion in your voices. The combination of photo and video documentation is the perfect way to capture an intimate and epic wedding day.
Permits
Acadia National Park
State Parks
Being responsible in the outdoors
The park does not require any permit for elopements involving ten people or fewer. Anything above ten will require you to apply for a permit. For ceremonies above ten, certain locations in the park have restrictions on the size group you can have. Those locations are the following: Cadillac Mountain - 20 (No ceremonies during sunrise or sunset.); Blue Hill Overlook - 20; 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
Most state parks do not require permits for weddings and elopements, but good planning and notifying the park manager is a must. Regular park use fees will be applied but can be paid in advance for guests.
Whether we are in a national park, state park, national forest, or just simply in the wilderness, we want to always treat the outdoors with respect. We practice Leave No Trace and always do our best to leave a location better than we found it. We want the wild outdoors to still be beautiful in fifty years so coming generations can still say "I do" in clean, epic places.
Inspo
here are some fun ideas to inspire you to dream up an adventure of a lifetime
-Coastal picnic
-Backpacking trip in the Bigelows
-Sea kayaking to a small island off the coast
-Rock climbing at Otter Cliffs
-Whitewater rafting on Kennebec River
-Day hiking in with views of the coast
-Remote lake camping in Baxter
-Hiking in the mountains of Western Maine
-Fly fishing the Penobscot River
-A day at the lake
-Backpacking trip on the coast
-Snowmobiling and a day at a cozy Airbnb
Places to Eat
COFFEE
DUCKFAT
Highroller Lobster Co.
Krista's
City Farmhouse
Blake Orchard*
Bitter End
Robert's Maine Grill
Gather
The Holy Donut
Southern Maine
Southern Maine
midcoast Maine
midcoast Maine
Acadia / Downeast
Acadia / Downeast
Western & Northern
Maine
Western & Northern
Maine
Central Maine
Central Maine
Ancho Honey
Shaw's Fish and Lobster Warf
Nautilus Seafood and Grill
Cafe Miranda
Rock Harbor Brewing Co
The Hoot
The Stone Brick Oven Kitchen
Fresh and Co.
Darby's
Bell The Cat*
Tinder Hearth
Fin and Fern
Stonecutter's
El El Frijoles
Verona Wine and Design
Carrier's Mainely Lobster*
Otter's Waterfront Eatery
Macleod's
Provender
The Upper Deck
Peter Trout's
Bluebird Ranch Family Restaurant
Morano's
44 North*
Bucklyn Coffee
Flexit
Coffee Hound Coffee Co.
Choco-Latte
Narrow Escape
Dastardly Dick's Wicked Good Coffee
Butcher Burger*
Le Mu Eats
Sunday River Brewing Co.
Cho Sun Sushi
The Shed
Backstrap Bar and Grill
Sawmill Bar and Grill
Mason's*
Blaze
Bangor Beer Co.
Wander Pizza Co.
Timber Kitchen and Bar
Harvest Moon Deli
Yoshi*
Seadog Brewing Co
and a Dunkies on every corner
describe your ideal adventure & why you are eloping*
any questions you have for us?
tell us about yourself*
phone number*
IG handle
Where are you currently living?
Where do you want to get married?
does not have to be specific, country, state, type of scenery, etc.
number of guests attending*
How did you hear about us*
When do you want to get married? Is this flexible? please include the year
Email Address*
Name of your Adventure Buddy
Your Full Name
Name*
(if you have them)
How did you meet? What is your favorite thing to do? What is your favorite movie? What is your favorite music artist or your go to "dance in the kitchen" song? Add all the fun info you want! we can not wait to get to know you!
