Elope in Maine

pink granite coastline, carriage roads, and mountain summit sunrises

Acadia National Park is the most-visited national park east of the Mississippi, and the permit process is more structured than most couples expect. The carriage roads, pink granite coastline, and Cadillac Mountain summit are the primary ceremony locations. Cadillac Mountain is among the first places in the US to see sunrise for much of the year, making it a bucket-list ceremony option that books out early for fall foliage season. Bar Harbor has strong vendor coverage and makes logistics easier than more remote parks.

Elopement Locations in Maine

3 location guides covering pink granite coastline, carriage roads, and mountain summit sunrises.

Acadia National Park: National Park · May through October · Permit: Yes · Fee: $125 non refundable (check or money order only)
Acadia National Park, Carriage Roads & Jordan Pond: National Park · Summer Fall · Permit: Yes · Fee: $125 non refundable application fee (NPS Special Use Permit). Park entrance fee of $35 per vehicle is separate.
Baxter State Park, Mount Katahdin: State Park · Mid May mid October; summit accessible July through September · Permit: Varies · Fee: No ceremony permit fee for small groups · Day use parking reservation required · Park entrance fee

Permit Guides for Maine

Acadia National Park permit guide ($125 non refundable (check or money order only))

Maine Marriage License

Maine uses TOWN/CITY CLERKS (not county). No waiting period between license issuance and ceremony. Non-residents can apply at ANY Maine town or city clerk; Maine residents must apply in their town of residence. Two witnesses required at the ceremony (no minimum age, but they must understand they are witnessing a marriage). Self-solemnization is allowed only for Quaker (Friends) and Baha'i members following their traditional practices. A 21-day wait applies only after a recent divorce unless waived by court.

License fee: $40
Wait period: None
Witnesses required: 2
License valid for: 90 days