Everything You Need to Know About Getting Married or Eloping in Maine

Curious if Maine is the dream wedding or elopement location for you and your boo?

In my personal opinion, Maine is pure magic! From dramatic rocky coastlines and quiet pine forests to charming seaside towns and mountaintop views, it’s full of stunning backdrops that feel both wild and intimate.


(Let’s not forget about the lobsta rolls!)

yes please! be our photographer

Still deciding whether to elope or have a small wedding? This post should help!


BUT FOR REAL 

If you’re thinking of getting married or eloping in Maine, this page is here to assist!

01. The Best Time of Year in Maine for Getting Married 

02. Best Places to Elope in Maine

03. Small Wedding Venues in Maine with Mountain Views 

04. Best Places to Elope in Maine: 4 Beach Locations 

05. Small Wedding Venues on Maine’s Coast

06. Maine elopement & wedding packages

07. Eloping and Getting Married in Maine: Legal Stuff and Logistics

Scroll through it all or tap above to skip wherever you’d like.

08. Wedding Vendors You Might Want to Book

09. Deciding Where to Stay After Your ME Elopement (or Wedding!)

10. Want some fun ideas for your Maine wedding or elopement?

11. Meet Your vermont wedding photographer

The Best Time of Year in Maine for Getting Married 

ME IN THE SPRING

ME IN THE Summer

Maine in the spring is a bit quieter and everything is starting to come alive. There are gorgeous blooms and wildflowers and the waterfalls are flowing.

 There’s a peaceful stillness before the summer crowds during this time. 


Long days, salty breezes, and that golden Maine coast glow—summer is peak magic. Whether you're by the ocean or in the mountains, everything feels alive and celebratory. 

Think barefoot vows on the beach, boat rides, and lobster rolls under the stars.

me IN THE fall

me IN THE winter

Maine in the fall is absolutely stunning with bold colors, cool air, and a calm, chill atmosphere. The changing leaves make for a gorgeous background, whether you’re in the mountains or along the coast. 

It’s a great time for couples who want a laid-back, beautiful setting without the summer crowds.


Winter in Maine is very underrated. Snow-covered landscapes create a stunning, intimate setting—perfect for couples who want something cozy and off the beaten path. 

For ski lovers, it’s also the ideal time to say your vows slope-side or make a weekend out of it at one of Maine’s mountain resorts.

“Words cannot describe how grateful my husband and I are to have such a wonderful photographer and person. Erica took the time to know us and get a sense of our vision for the day. At our wedding, she helped keep the day light and fun.”

colby & will

(Check out Colby and Will’s small wedding in Portland, Maine here!)

Best Places to Elope in Maine: 

1) acadia national park

3) baxter state park

4) kittery

2) portland

Saying I Do in Acadia National Park is quite literally a treasure with stunning views, chill vibes, and epic adventures. Acadia’s got all sorts of terrain to explore, from scenic trails for romantic hikes to secluded beaches for intimate ceremonies, or maybe just chilling on one of the gorgeous granite peaks. 

It’s all about the peaceful atmosphere and jaw-dropping views that give you and your partner a wedding day you’ll never forget.


Acadia National Park

For couples who love great food, cool architecture, and a creative, laid-back atmosphere. 

Portland mixes charm with ocean views, historic buildings, and fun places to celebrate after the ceremony (helloooo, craft cocktails/beers and lobster rolls!). 


Portland

If you're dreaming of a just-us kind of day with breathtaking views earned by every step, Camel’s Hump is calling. This VT peak offers one of the most scenic hikes in the state—and rewards you with panoramic views that stretch across rolling hills and distant mountain ranges.

 It’s ideal for couples who crave a little adventure with their vows! Camel’s Hump is all about quiet moments, epic landscapes, and a love that’s as grounded as it is wild

Baxter State Park

Kittery is a hidden gem for couples who want a coastal vibe without the crowds. With rocky shorelines, quiet beaches, and cool historic spots, it has a relaxed, artsy feel that’s perfect for an intimate celebration. 

It’s also super close to Portsmouth (my home!), so you get the best of both worlds—chill ocean views and great food, all in one easygoing location.


Kittery

Small Wedding Venues in Maine with Mountain Views 

Sunday River

Newry, ME

Sunday River in Newry is a stunning year-round destination, offering something for every season. In the winter, it’s perfect for a ski-in, ski-out wedding or a cozy, snow-filled elopement. As the seasons change, the vibrant fall foliage and lush summer greenery provide equally breathtaking backdrops. Whether you're skiing, hiking, or enjoying the views from a mountaintop, Sunday River offers a unique and versatile setting for your wedding, no matter the time of year

sugarloaf

Carrabassett Valley, ME

Sugarloaf’s wedding venues blend charm, intimacy, and breathtaking mountain views, offering a range of ceremony and reception options. From outdoor ceremonies framed by panoramic landscapes to timeless chapel ceremonies, each setting allows you to choose a venue that perfectly fits your vision for the day.

granite ridge

Norway, ME

Built at Built at the top of 1000-foot high mountain, the estate lodge has panoramic mountain views from every room. It is surrounded by 200 private acres and sleeps 17.



mountain star estate

Rangeley, Maine 

Nestled in the Western Woods of Maine on 9 scenic acres overlooking Rangeley Lake, Mountain Star Estate is equipped to fulfill all your wedding and event needs for up to 150 people. We pride ourselves in only booking one wedding per week to ensure that every detail, no matter how minor, goes according to your specific vision. If you are looking for a heartfelt and intimate wedding experience look no further than Mountain Star Estate!


Best Places to Elope in Maine: 4 Beach Locations 

1) sand beach

3) marginal way beach

4) fort foster

2) portland headlight

This stunning Acadia National Park location is surrounded by granite cliffs and the softest sand! It’s also secluded so you feel like it’s an island of its own. Max capacity for a ceremony is 30 here!


Sand Beach

Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth is one of the most iconic and scenic lighthouses in the U.S. Perched on rugged cliffs with sweeping views of the Atlantic, it’s a breathtaking spot for an elopement—especially for couples looking for a peaceful, coastal setting with history and charm.



Portland Headlight

If you're dreaming of a just-us kind of day with breathtaking views earned by every step, Camel’s Hump is calling. This VT peak offers one of the most scenic hikes in the state—and rewards you with panoramic views that stretch across rolling hills and distant mountain ranges.

 It’s ideal for couples who crave a little adventure with their vows! Camel’s Hump is all about quiet moments, epic landscapes, and a love that’s as grounded as it is wild

Marginal Way Beach

Fort Foster in Kittery is a charming coastal park that offers both history and natural beauty. With its scenic views of the ocean, rugged shorelines, and peaceful atmosphere, it’s a perfect spot for couples who want a more private, tranquil setting for their elopement. 



Fort Foster

Small Wedding Venues on Maine’s Coast

THE VIEW AT PEPPERRELL COVE

Kitery, ME

The venue is located right on the water with amazing coastal views and is one of my absolute favorite places to shoot weddings. If you’re envisioning a southern Maine wedding that’s laid-back, fun, and full of classic coastal charm, this spot is definitely for you.

THE VIEWPOINT HOTEL

York, ME

The Viewpoint is the foreground for a dream Maine wedding — greenery sweeps down onto the ocean’s blue waves, with a view of historic Nubble Lighthouse so perfect that it’s difficult to put into words.

HIDDEN POND

Kennebunk, ME

Surrounded by 60 acres of birch groves and balsam fir in Kennebunkport, Maine, this resort features two outdoor swimming pools, a three-room treetop spa, and an award-winning restaurant Earth at Hidden Pond, all just minutes from Goose Rocks Beach.


THE INN ON PEAKS ISLAND

Peaks Island, ME

The Inn on Peaks Island is located in the heart of Casco Bay and is accessed via a ferry from the the vibrant city of Portland, Maine. Just a fifteen minute boat ride away, we have the perfect spot for you to take in an evening sunset, escape for the weekend, or even a week.

Check out this stunning Pepperrell Cove Wedding from last fall!

And if you’re jazzed up about having an elevated adult summer camp wedding spent hanging with friends in a gorgeous setting here are some venues in Maine that are great for that, too!

bear mountain inn

Whether you crave a spacious suite with a Jacuzzi for two, a wood-burning fireplace or a charming jewel box room to cozy up, Bear Mountain Inn + Barn is an authentic retreat for any occasion. Our modern farmhouse Inn is a haven of stylish comfort in Southern Maine, offering locally-inspired amenities, tastefully modern décor, room for 34, personality and charm that will take your breath away. Many rooms even offer impressive waterfront views that truly cannot be beat no matter what season you find yourself here. Awake each morning to loons cooing over the calm waters of Bear Pond and of course to our signature breakfast!

scottland fields

This beautiful estate is exclusively yours for four nights, from Thursday to Monday, giving you time to really be present and enjoy time with your loved ones. Accommodations comfortably sleep up to 26 guests. This location is so great because you are an easy drive to the beach and also amazing restaurants and things to do!

Caswell Farm

Tucked away in picturesque Gray, Maine lives the beautiful and charming Caswell Farm & Wedding Barn. Caswell Farm is the ideal wedding destination for couples who dream of having an enchanting, authentic Maine wedding. Our historic wedding barn offers the quintessential space — complete with perfectly rustic charm — to unite in celebration. Family-owned and operated for three generations, Caswell Farm welcomes couples and celebrations from all over the world.We currently offer four thoughtfully curated wedding packages that are sure to suit your perfect wedding day. We also offer complete food and drink services to make your day easy and stress-free.

“Erica is a talent and a treasure. She took the reins in finding the best spots, is a joy to be around, and made us feel special, important, and understood.”


“Her talent behind the lens is unmatched, and her ability to make you feel comfortable is remarkable.”


Stoked on getting married or eloping in Maine? 

If you two are a hella cool couple looking for a photographer who will support you every step of the way (and deliver a bomb gallery to look back on it all), I’d be super down. 

My ME Small Wedding Packages Include:

 + Up to 100 guests 
 + A minimum of 8 hours of coverage
 + An online gallery & printing rights
+ Check-in calls 
 + A wedding planning guide 
 + Vendor recs & timeline support 
 + 48 or 72-hour sneak peeks
 + 3-15 Polaroids
 + Travel costs included

Small wedding photography packages for NH range from $5,400-$8,600+

SEE SMALL WEDDING DETAILS

MY ME Elopement Packages Include:

SEE SMALL WEDDING DETAILS

 + Up to 20 guests 
 + A minimum of 6 hours of coverage
 + An online gallery & printing rights
+ Multiple check-in calls 
 + An elopement planning guide 
 + Vendor recs & timeline support 
 + 48 or 72-hour sneak peeks
 + 3-15 Polaroids
 + Travel costs included

Elopement photography packages for NH range from $5,400-$8,200

SEE SMALL elopement DETAILS

And if you want to elope in Vermont and have a wedding celebration with your crew, my 2-day photography package is just the thing you’re looking for. 

Finding a Marriage Officiant

Anyone who is ordained can act as an officiant at your wedding or your elopement in Vermont. And getting ordained (AKA getting your marriage officiant certification) is super easy. Apply here. 

If you’re looking for a pro to marry you, you can hire an officiant (I have some recs!). Or if you’re working with an ordained photographer like me, I can act as “officiant” and legally marry you two. (Basically, I make sure the paperwork is filled out and signed correctly.) 


First, you’ll want to decide if you want to hire a wedding planner (or an elopement planner—yes, they exist!) because if so, they’ll tackle the rest for you. If not, you’ll want to also think about finding a: 
  • ME officiant (look at the section above!)
  • ME florist  
  • ME hair and makeup person (if you want, you can totally do your own, I did!)
  • A photographer (heyyy, me.)
  • Band/DJ 
  • Private chef/restaurant that caters
  • Rentals (tables, chairs, silverware, etc.)

(And by the way, when you hire me as your photographer, I can help you with all of this, pointing you in the direction of the best Maine wedding planners or sending over vendors for you to book… just saying.)


Wedding Vendors You Might Want to Book

Deciding Where to Stay After Your ME Elopement (or Wedding!)

When it comes to your wedding or elopement, where you stay is such an important part of your wedding experience (it’s the place you’ll wake up together on your wedding day and where you’ll return to after getting married!). Think outside the box (oceanside villas, treehouses, yurts) and go for whatever fits your vibe. 

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN BOOKING YOUR ME LODGING:

  • Are you using it as a getting-ready space? If so, are there good windows? Does the decor match your vibe? 
  • How close is it to the activities you want to do and to your ceremony spot? 
  • Do you want privacy or would you prefer a place that includes food and activities nearby (like a B&B or hotel)?
  • Do you want guests to be able to stay nearby?
  • Are you bringing pets?

There are so many amazing places to stay in New Hampshire (I always send my elopement couples a bunch of options), so thinking through what you actually need the space for will help narrow it down.  


My favorite hotels in Portland, ME

Awesome Airbnbs in Portlant ME

Want some fun ideas for your Maine wedding or elopement?

AN INTIMATE COURTHOUSE WEDDING IN PORTLAND, ME

Colby and Will’s intimate Portland Maine City Hall wedding was the perfect reflection of their relationship. Opting for a no-frills yet incredibly meaningful day, they embraced all their favorite things—ocean views, delicious food, and a laid-back celebration in the city they love.

read more

A THOUGHTFUL WEDDING ON THE COAST OF MAINE

Lauren and Mac wanted a wedding that was full of charm, ocean views, and felt like them. Along with the help of family, they created a truly magical Maine day. 

read more

HOW TO ELOPE IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

I’m so excited that you’re considering an elopement in one of (in my opinion) the most stunning locations in the United States, Acadia National Park! Below, you’ll find a quick rundown of all the details you’ll need from this blog to dive into the specifics to plan the best destination elopement in the Acadia National Park!

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Check out a few cool things my ME photography couples have done. 

I’m Erica, by the way—a Maine elopement and wedding photographer

Let's chat

I probably should have introduced myself wayyyyy earlier, but I was too pumped about sharing all these Vermont wedding and elopement tips. (Sorry.)

I’m the kind of person who cares a lot about the people in my life (clients included). The type of wedding and elopement photographer who helps create the feel-good moments and captures the candid. And the kind of vibe picker-upper who knows what to say, when to step in, and the best dad joke to crack to keep you two having a good time always.

Sound like your vibe?