Sunrise Coastal Elopement in Acadia National Park

From the moment we started planning their coastal elopement in Acadia National Park, Jordan made it very clear that May 20, 2025 was the day because it “scratched her brain just right”. No backup date, no matter the weather. She was so sure about it that they even had the date painted on their shoes, and honestly, I kind of loved that.

The three of us happened to be staying at the same hotel the night before, which made the morning feel a little like we were all heading out on a shared adventure. I picked them up around 4:25 am, both of them bright-eyed and fully committed to that early start. They’re morning people, so that definitely helped the day and timing feel more natural.

Schooner Head Overlook at Sunrise (Sort Of)

Originally, Leah and Jordan had wanted to begin at Hunter’s Beach, but I scouted it out ahead of time and realized it didn’t get sunrise light. So we started the morning at Schooner Head Overlook instead. While we pivoted to a different location to get the sunrise, Mother Nature had other plans, and the weather turned out to be beautifully overcast. 

We made most of it with some super moody portraits along the cliffs! Sometimes the fog really does the storytelling for you.

Playful Coastal Elopement Portraits at Sand Beach

After Schooner Head, we headed to Sand Beach. There they ran around together, laughing, twirling, fully in their element. It didn’t feel like a photo shoot — it felt like watching two people on a really, really good date.

There’s a kind of beauty that comes from simply letting the day be what it is, and they did that so naturally.

Champagne at Monument Cove

Our next stop was Monument Cove, where the coastline gets rugged and textured, full of pink granite and sweeping views. The sky was still moody, the ocean was calm, and everything felt wonderfully unhurried.

They popped a celebratory bottle of champagne here, and we took some more portraits along the edge of the cliffs.

Cake, Private Vows, and Quiet Moments at Hunter’s Beach

Our final stop was Hunter’s Beach, where Leah and Jordan had their private vow exchange. Leah and Jordan decided to wait until the very end of their experience to exchange their vows, because they knew they would cry. Some couples do their ceremony right away, some save it for last. There’s no “right” order. It’s always about what feels like you.

They decided they wanted their vows to be totally private, so I backed off quite a bit and switched to my zoom lens to give them complete privacy. Some couples don't mind me hearing them, while some want them to be totally private, and I totally respect their preference! Although I'm usually so focused on photographing them, most of what they say doesn't even register.

Their Elopement Dresses

One of my favorite details about their day was Jordan’s dress. She couldn’t find a traditional bridal shop that carried the kind of black gown she imagined, so she went to a prom dress store instead, and it was perfect. I’ve had couples wear thrifted dresses, online-boutique finds, gowns passed down from relatives, sleek suits, casual outfits, and full ballgowns.

There’s no rule about what you should wear when you elope. Wear what feels like you!

Ready to Plan Your Coastal Elopement in Acadia National Park?

Leah and Jordan didn’t stress over timelines or details. They laughed in the sand, explored the coast, cried during their vows, and celebrated over cake and champagne. And that’s exactly how your elopement should feel — like a day you’ll actually want to relive.

And that’s the beauty of eloping in Acadia. The landscape holds space for whatever kind of day you want to create, whether that’s moody, bright, quiet, adventurous, or something in between. You don’t need a full-day timeline or a mountain summit for your elopement to feel extraordinary. You just need a few intentional hours, the person you love, and room to simply be yourselves.

I help couples create intimate, intentional elopements that honor who they are and what they value. And with my experience, local knowledge, and calm, steady guidance, you’ll never have to guess or figure things out on your own.

So, let’s start planning together! Take a look at my Acadia elopement packages and inquire here — dates fill quickly, and I’d love to hold space on my calendar for you.

And if you’re still exploring Acadia elopement ideas, you can dive deeper into the possibilities with

The Ultimate Maine Elopement Guide & Why 3-Hour Elopements Are the New Vibe