Acadia National Park is hands-down one of the most breathtaking places to get married in New England. From dramatic cliffs to peaceful forests and sweeping mountain views, it’s the perfect spot for couples looking for a laid-back, nature-forward celebration. But planning a wedding or elopement here comes with a few logistics. Let’s dive into what you need to know, plus my favorite ceremony locations.

Acadia Park Passes & Permits

Before we talk about where to get married in Acadia National park, let’s chat a little bit about the how. To get married in Acadia, everyone attending will need a park entrance pass. Acadia park passes are $35 but you could also get the America the Beautiful Pass if you’re planning on visiting more than one park the year you get married!

As for permits, here’s the good news:

• You do not need a permit if you’re having a simple ceremony with 10 people or fewer (including your photographer and guests), as long as you follow the park’s guidelines. That means no setup (like chairs or arches), no amplified music, and no blocking public access areas.
• You will need a Special Use Permit if your group is larger than 10 people or your plans include any kind of setup or elements outside of the simple ceremony guidelines.

The permit application fee is $75 and nonrefundable. You can find the full guidelines and application through the NPS website here. It’s best to apply as early as possible, especially if you’re planning a summer or fall wedding, since those months are peak season in the park.

Best Times to Get Married in Acadia

Acadia gets very busy in peak season, especially from mid-June through mid-October. If you want more privacy and flexibility (especially at the popular spots), I recommend:

• Weekday ceremonies
• Early morning or mid-week evenings
• Shoulder season dates (late spring or late fall)

You’ll thank yourself for avoiding the crowds, not just for the photos, but for the peace and space to actually enjoy the experience.

Perks of a Smaller Ceremony

Keeping your group small—ideally 10 people or fewer—opens up so many more options when it comes to ceremony locations. The park places limits on group size depending on where you’re getting married, and many of the most beautiful, remote-feeling spots are only available to smaller groups. Plus, if you stay under that 10-person threshold, you might not even need a permit (just that simple ceremony guideline compliance!).

If you’re planning something with a few more guests, there are still beautiful places in the park where small weddings of up to 30–50 people are allowed, you’ll just want to be thoughtful about choosing a location that fits the group size and meets park requirements.

Ceremony Locations in Acadia

Here are a few stunning ceremony spots and how many guests are allowed at each one:

• Cadillac Mountain – 30
• 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

My Top 3 Favorite Ceremony Spots

1. Sand Beach

Sand Beach is one of the most iconic spots in the park. With its views of the beehive, forested trails, and open ocean views, it offers tons of variety for portraits and a super dynamic ceremony backdrop. Just know that it’s also one of the most popular places in the park, so for the most privacy and best light, I recommend a sunrise or early morning weekday ceremony.

2. Otter Point / Otter Cliffs

If you’re after those classic rugged Acadia coast vibes, this is the spot. With dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and fewer crowds than some of the other coastal areas, Otter Point is a favorite for a reason. The surrounding trail also has beautiful wooded pockets, so you can get a lot of scenic variety without moving far.

3. Cadillac Mountain

Cadillac Mountain offers sweeping, expansive views of the ocean, islands, and Acadia’s granite peaks. It feels like you’re on top of the world. A few important things to note:

• You can’t have a ceremony during sunrise or sunset hours
• You’ll need a vehicle reservation, even if you’re eloping
• It can be windy and weather-prone, so having a backup plan or a little flexibility in your timeline helps

Looking for real Acadia elopement inspiration? Check out Julie and Brandon’s Acadia picnic elopement here!

How to Start Planning Your Acadia Wedding

Whether you’re envisioning a quiet cliffside ceremony or exchanging vows barefoot on the sand, Acadia has something truly special to offer. The park’s natural beauty adds so much meaning to a wedding day, and when you keep things small, simple, and intentional, the whole experience just feels right.

Need help navigating permits, guest counts, or picking the perfect ceremony spot? I help couples plan and photograph meaningful elopements and small weddings in Acadia every year, and I’d love to help bring your vision to life.