Rock Climbers’ Acadia National Park Elopement | Monument Cove, Otter Cliff & The Bubbles
Meg and Louie’s elopement in Acadia National Park was the perfect blend of adventure and romance. Their time here felt intentional from beginning to end, built around the landscapes they love most and the experiences that feel most true to who they are.
As avid rock climbers, it was important for them to incorporate locations that reflected their shared love of rock climbing. At the same time, they wanted their elopement to highlight some of the quintessential scenery that makes Acadia such a special place, such as the cliffs, ocean views, forest trails, and sweeping mountain overlooks.
We built their day around three locations that capture all of those elements: Monument Cove, Otter Cliff Overlook, and a hike up The Bubbles for their private vows. This is how their day unfolded.
Monument Cove with Coastal Cliffs and Ocean Views
We started the day at Monument Cove, one of my favorite spots in the park for couples who want that classic Acadia coastline.
The cliffs rise dramatically from the shore, the boulders are worn smooth by the tide, and the ocean stretches out endlessly in front of you. Meg and Louie explored the area together, climbing over rocks and taking in the sweeping coastal views.
It’s also a location I often recommend because it’s relatively easy to access. Parking is nearby, so couples can enjoy the views without having to start the day with a long hike.
Otter Cliff Overlook, A Favorite Spot for Rock Climbers
From there, we headed to Otter Cliff Overlook, which was especially meaningful for Meg and Louie.
Otter Cliff is one of the most iconic climbing spots in Acadia. It’s well known in the climbing community, and for two people who spend so much of their lives on rock faces and mountain walls, it felt like the perfect place to incorporate that part of their relationship into their elopement.
Standing along the overlook, you’re surrounded by dramatic granite cliffs dropping down to the ocean below. The landscape feels powerful and expansive, and it’s easy to see why climbers are drawn to this part of the park. The kind of backdrop that doesn't need any embellishment. We let the location do what it does best.
Sunset Elopement Ceremony at the Bubbles
The final location of the day was The Bubbles, where Meg and Louie planned to share their private vows. The Bubbles trail offers one of the most beautiful views in all of Acadia — a summit lookout over the glassy stillness of Jordan Pond, framed by forest and mountains on every side.
Parking at The Bubbles can be tricky because the lot only holds about fifteen cars. Because of that, Meg and Louie intentionally chose to hike it later in the evening, closer to sunset when the area tends to quiet down. I also drove them around throughout the day, so we only had one car to worry about instead of two, which made parking much easier.
At the top, Meg and Louie exchanged their vows privately. I stepped back and gave them the space to say what only they needed to hear, photographing from a distance so their words could stay entirely their own. Some couples are happy to have me close. Others want that moment to belong just to them, and I always follow their lead. Honestly, when I'm behind the lens, I'm so focused on finding the light, the angle, the expression, that most of what's said doesn't even reach me. What I'm there to capture is the feeling.
And the feeling, on that overlook at golden hour, with Jordan Pond glowing below them and the last of the September sun warm on their faces — it was everything.
Choosing Your Elopement Location
Every spot we visited that day was chosen intentionally. Monument Cove, Otter Cliff Overlook, and The Bubbles all offer landscapes that are genuinely stunning, accessible without requiring an intense physical commitment, and parking that's manageable when you plan thoughtfully around timing.
Their day was adventurous with the perfect touch of romance. And somehow, it felt effortless — the way the best days always do when everything is planned with intention and room left to simply breathe it all in.
If you’re still on the lookout for the Acadia elopement location that feels like you, here's a look at some of my favorite spots in Acadia — for every kind of couple and every kind of day.
Kind Words
“Janelle!!! OMG thank you so much for all our photos!!! They are all so beautiful, and I'm so obsessed!! My mom (who does not give compliments easily) was like, "wow, these are so good, they could be the cover of Vogue." You're amazing at what you do and we will always keep you in mind for our future events!!!" - Megan
The Intention Elopement Experience
Meg and Louie’s day was all held within three intentional hours. That's the sweet spot I've built my signature experience around.
The Intention Elopement is designed to give you everything you need, and nothing that dilutes the meaning of your day. Enough time to breathe, to be present, to move through beautiful locations, share private moments, and come away with images that feel both editorial and deeply honest.
Because it's not the number of hours that makes the photos beautiful. It's presence. Intention. Trust.
Every Acadia & Maine package includes:
Personalized location guidance for your ceremony and portrait locations throughout Acadia and the Maine coast
A relaxed, custom timeline designed around your vision, so you can stay fully present in every moment
Trusted vendor recommendations to make your day seamless from start to finish
Planning support from the moment you inquire, for anything and everything related to eloping
A quiet, editorial, and documentary approach with the perfect blend of gentle direction and knowing when to step back
A curated online gallery with your edited images and unlimited downloads for you, your partner, and anyone you want to share your day with
Unlimited communication leading up to your elopement for questions, ideas, feedback, or simply to connect whenever you need to
Ready to start planning your own intentional elopement in Acadia?
