Elopement Activity Ideas: What to Do on Your Elopement Day in Maine or Acadia
Eloping is about more than just saying “I do.” It’s about creating a day that reflects who you are as a couple—whether that means hiking through a national park, sharing a quiet picnic, or dancing barefoot under the stars.
As a professional Maine elopement photographer, I’ve had the privilege of helping couples craft meaningful, adventurous, and wildly personal elopement experiences—especially in places like Acadia National Park, where nature offers the perfect backdrop for connection and celebration.
If you’re wondering what to do on your elopement day (besides exchange vows), here are some unique and memorable elopement activity ideas to help inspire your timeline and make the most of your special day.
1. Hike to a Scenic Summit
If you’re eloping in Acadia or anywhere in Maine, you’ve got access to incredible trails. A sunrise hike to Cadillac Mountain, Beehive Trail, or Gorham Mountain makes for an epic start to the day—and jaw-dropping photo opportunities.
Pro Tip: Plan for extra time to change into your wedding attire at the top or bring it in your pack for some mountain-top magic.
2. Share a Private Picnic or Charcuterie Spread
Pack your favorite local foods (lobster roll, anyone?), pop some bubbly, and enjoy a post-ceremony picnic. Whether it’s on a quiet cliffside in Acadia or beside a peaceful Maine lake, this is a beautiful way to slow down and be present with each other.
Bonus: I’ve worked with local vendors who can set up luxury picnics with floral details, cushions, and even candlelight!
3. Read Letters or Vows Again in a Different Setting
After the ceremony, many couples love to find a second spot—maybe a forest trail or ocean overlook—and read letters from family or even exchange private vows again. It’s a meaningful moment that often becomes one of the day’s most emotional highlights.
4. Explore in a Canoe or Kayak
Looking to bring a little adventure into your elopement day? Consider renting a canoe or kayak on one of Maine’s many lakes or ponds. Paddle out together for sunset, or float surrounded by fall foliage.
Destiny’s Tip: I can capture wide drone shots (where allowed) or shoreline photos to showcase this unforgettable moment.
5. Visit a Local Brewery, Café, or Lobster Shack
Your elopement doesn’t have to stay in the wilderness! Head into town for a celebratory drink or meal at a spot that feels fun and relaxed. Whether it’s a cozy coffee shop in Bar Harbor or a dockside lobster shack, it adds a great layer of variety to your day.
6. Dance in the Wild
Bring a portable speaker, queue up your first dance song, and share a quiet moment together beneath the trees, under a blanket of stars, or at the edge of the ocean. There’s something incredibly romantic about dancing in nature, just the two of you.
7. Watch the Sunset (or Sunrise)
Maine’s coastline offers some of the most breathtaking golden hour views in the country. Make time to sit back, soak it in, and let the colors of the sky become part of your story. We can capture soft, cinematic portraits during this time—it’s often when the magic really comes alive.
8. Book a Stay in a Unique Airbnb
A beautiful cabin, A-frame, or coastal cottage can turn your elopement into a full experience. Get ready together, relax after your ceremony, or even invite a private chef to cook for you in a cozy post-elopement setting.
9. Include Your Favorite Hobbies
Your elopement can include things you already love to do together:
Painting or sketching the landscape
Journaling or writing poetry
Playing music
Surfing, fishing, or mountain biking
The best part of eloping is that there are no rules—just your story, told your way.
10. Stargaze or Have a Bonfire
End your day with a stargazing session, marshmallows by the fire, or a late-night toast to your next chapter. Some couples even bring lanterns or sparklers for one last celebratory photo moment.
Final Thoughts from Destiny
Your elopement day should feel like an experience, not just a photoshoot or a quick ceremony. It’s your chance to slow down, savor the moment, and create lasting memories in the place you love most.
As your elopement photographer, I don’t just document the day—I help guide and co-create it with you. From building your timeline to scouting locations and suggesting personal touches, I’m here to ensure your day feels effortless, meaningful, and entirely you.
Ready to plan an intentional, adventure-filled elopement in Acadia or anywhere in Maine?