Your Guide to Planning A Maine Elopement

Every time I leave my home state, I am reminded of just how much I love Maine. The Northeastern-most State just has so much to offer! From mountains, rocky coastlines, islands, and ski resorts, Maine is a year-round destination spot for couples and their loved ones. While late Summer may be the ideal time to plan your vacation, (hello sunny and 70) I’m here to tell you that you can get married easily and adventurously during any time of year here! First things first, here’s a little checklist for you:

Okay, now that you have a plan to go off, let’s get down to my favorite elopement locations all across Maine. This guide can be used to find the perfect spot to have your wedding, so you fully enjoy your day and be fully present with your partner and loved ones. This is a once in a lifetime memory, so take some time to really think about the special spot you want this moment to take place in.

Take it from me…

The cliff my husband and I eloped on will forever be my most favorite spot in Maine. Our wedding day was the best day ever. It wasn’t traditional, it wasn’t on time, and it wasn’t conventional, but it was perfect for us. It was on a Tuesday, in between busy work hours, but that didn’t matter. We just wanted to be married, so we headed out to our favorite spot in mid-coast Maine, Bailey Island, said our vows, and spent the day just being together and soaking in the love. No stress, no timeline to follow, just an abundance of love and lots of appetizers for dinner.

Greater Portland Elopement Locations

Maine’s hub for amazing food and beautiful ocean views.

+ Mackworth Island
+ Portland City Hall
+ Maine Audubon
+ The Press Hotel
+ Oxbow Brewing
+ Deering Oaks Park
+ The Eastern Promenade
+ Willard Beach/Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse
+ Peaks Island
+ Pineland Farms

Top Locations

The Old Port

Choose from a brewery, hotel, or just in front of a cool building. The Old Port has it all!

The Promenade

The East End has beautiful views of sailboats and nearby Islands. The sun rises over the ocean here as well, for you early risers!

The Forests

You may be in Maine’s “city” but there are many places to sneak away for a woodsy feel for your day, while still being close to downtown.

Southern Maine Elopement Locations

Endless beaches await you as you travel down the coast on I-295, and inland you will find hidden gems of trails and more!

+ Scarborough Beaches
+ Rachel Carson Wildlife Preserve in Kennebunk/Wells
+ Ogunquit Marginal Way
+ Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth
+ Wolfe’s Neck State Park in Freeport
+ Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth
+ Bradbury Mountain in Pownal

Top Locations

Sand Beaches

The further south you go in Maine, the more sprawling the beaches are.

Breweries

Maine is known for its craft beer, and what better way to celebrate than to toast with a local beer? Cheers!

Campgrounds

There is no shortage of Campgrounds all across Maine, but Southern Maine has the best mix of oceanside and lakeside, including my favorite, Huttopia.

Western Maine Elopement Locations

Head into the mountains for breathtaking views and adventurous hikes.

+ Sunday River
+ Sugarloaf Mountain
+ Mountain Division Trail
+ Oxbow Brewery
+ Frye Island
+ Mountain House on Sunday River
+ Funky Bow Brewery

Top Locations

Ski Resorts

Use the chairlift to take in the views and enjoy the mountain without skiers zooming past you.

Recreation

Between hiking, ATV rentals, kayaking, and other outdoor activities galore make your wedding day an entire adventure in this area.

Fryeburg Area

Stay in Maine while still getting gorgeous views of the White Mountains in New Hampshire.

Northern/Eastern Maine Elopement Locations

There is so much beauty to be discovered if you head north beyond the coastlines of Portland.

+ Baxter State Park
+ Sunkhaze Meadow in Milford
+ University of Maine Gardens
+ 100 Mile Wilderness
+ Bold Coast in Cutler
+ Quoddy Head State Park
+ Moosehead Lake
+ Mt. Kineo
+ Bigelow Mountain
+ Vaughn Woods in Augusta

Top Locations

Lakes

Rent a lake house for your stay and really be able to relax in the seclusion and beauty of Maine’s tranquil lake atmosphere.

Mt. Katahdin

Most people gravitate towards Acadia, but Baxter State Park is in my opinion, a very Maine experience. Plus you might see a moose!

Bangor

This little city on I-95 is ever-growing and becoming more of a destination. Downtown has some amazing restaurants and shops.

Downeast Maine Elopement Locations

Gorgeous rocky coastlines and lobster on every corner.

+ Acadia National Park
+ Ship Harbor Trail in South West Harbor
+ Beech Hill Preserve
+ Squire Tarbox Inn
+ Camden Hills State Park
+ Reid State Park
+ Tops’l Farm
+ Camp Beech Cliff
+ Bailey Island (Where I got married!)

Top Locations

Coastline

Downeast Maine has a very unique rocky coastline that just is unlike any other ocean view.

Inns

The hospitality in the Midcoast Maine area is top-notch, and you’ll be sure to be taken care of when booking a stay for your wedding here.

Forts

Fort Popham and Fort Edgecomb come to mind if you are wanting to get married in a historic and architecturally beautiful location.

 

Maine is an incredibly beautiful and tranquil state, with so much to offer in terms of its landscape, local activities, and of course, it’s foodie scene. Come up to Maine to get married, and gain a little slice of Vacationland that you can return to always.