Eloping in Maine is great way to get in a little adventure while celebrating your love. Pick blueberries, eat the best lobster in the world, or spend the day at the ocean. The rocky coastline runs the length of the state, and is full of hidden coves. Visit iconic lighthouses and take in the amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Head inland toward the mountains to refresh your soul and get some exercise. No matter where you choose to elope in Maine, AirBnB’s and boutique hotels wait to welcome you. Now, let’s talk about all you need to know to elope in New England’s largest and most rugged state.
Planning Your Maine Elopement
Now that you’ve decided where to elope, it’s time to start the planing process. The first thing you should think about is the time of year you’d like to elope in. While Maine is gorgeous any time of year, there are a few things to keep in mind. Maine is called Vacationland for a reason, during the summer months the coastal towns are crawling with tourists.
When eloping in Maine, try and plan your visit in the off-season. Not only do prices on everything drop, but it’s much less busy. All the kids are back in school and the tourists have gone home. In our opinion, September is the perfect time to visit. Temperatures are usually in the 70’s this time of year, but can drop down into the 40’s at night. Not only is the weather amazing, but all the bugs are gone, which is a huge bonus.
Getting There
Most people drive to their Maine vacation spots, which can take a little time. It’s totally worth the time it takes to get there though. You get to ride through awesome countryside and some of the cutest towns you’ll ever see. If you’re coming from Boston or New York City, take I-95 North. The best way to get to Maine from Upstate New York is to take Route 2 through Vermont. This route takes you through New Hampshire’s White Mountains and rural Maine.
Don’t feel like driving? No worries, hop on a train and away you go! Amtrak only has one line to Maine that leaves from New York City. No matter where you leave from, you’ll have to go through NYC. You’ll spend some serious time on the train, so make sure your chargers are handy. You can also fly in to Augusta’s international airport if you’d prefer.
Where to Stay When Eloping in Maine
Maine is full of beautiful AirBnB’s and small hotels that are perfect for a romantic getaway, which makes eloping easy. Rent a small house for the weekend to hide away in, or indulge at an all-inclusive resort. No matter how you like to vacation, Maine has something for everyone. As we mentioned before, prices will generally be cheaper in the off-season, so keep that in mind. We don’t have the space here to tell you about every awesome place, but here are a few we love.
If you want to stay in Acadia, look no further than The Bluffs, a gorgeous 2 bedroom cabin on Mt. Desert Island. Sit on the porch and enjoy views of the ocean as you sip your morning coffee. For $173/night, this place is more than a bargain, it’s a steal.
Close to the village of Kennebunkport, this classic New England cottage is waiting for you. You’ll be staying in the heart of a national wildlife refuge, so be on the lookout for birds! Minutes from the beach and with a river in the back yard, the entire cottage is available for $313/night.
For an all-inclusive vacation in the heart of Augusta, the Senator Inn is just the thing. Since you’re eloping, why not splurge a little? Stay in one of the elegant Spa Suites, and relax with your love in front of the fireplace. Spa privileges are included with this large 2 room suite.
What to do When You Get There
Depending on how far you’re willing to drive once you get to Maine. there are tons of things to do and places. You could spend entire days exploring historic coastal towns like Camden or Old Orchard Beach. If you’re eloping in Maine closer to Thanksgiving, definitely head over to Bar Harbor to watch the annual Bed Races. Teams of locals decorate beds and race them down the street, all for the glory of the win.
While in coastal Maine, drive out to Acadia National Park for amazing views and easy hikes. Stop by Thunder Hole for beautiful views and to (safely) stand among the waves as they crash on the shore. During the summer and fall, drive inland to Katahdin to reconnect with nature and get in some good hikes. Mt. Katahdin is Maine’s highest peak, and has some of the most beautiful views in the country. Bring your camping gear and spend the night in the camp grounds at the base of the mountain.
Good Stuff to Know About Eloping in Maine
People are just so darn nice in this state. Like help you change your tire in the pouring rain kind of nice. Eloping in Maine a breeze since the locals unofficial motto is “not my business”. That being said, Maine is a relatively small state, population-wise. Because of this, most restaurants and stores have a tendency to close before 9. Call ahead to find out about closing times and reservations if you find a place that catches your eye.
The wedding license process is a really easy one, and licences can usually be issued the same day you apply. Some town offices require you to be there to fill out the paperwork, call ahead for more information. This process can take more than one day though, so plan ahead. Unfortunately, you can’t apply for a marriage license online in Maine. No matter where you choose to get married, the filing fee is $40, and must be paid in cash.
I know it’s not fun, but let’s talk about the safety stuff. Ticks are real, people! Seriously though, spring, summer, or fall, make sure you have a good bug spray that repels ticks. Last winter was a warm one so ticks have been out in force lately. Pants and tall socks are a great way to keep them off you if you don’t feel like using chemicals. No matter your choice, make sure you check yourself when you get back to where you’re staying. Maine can also have some overcast days, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get sunburned. I know I sound like my mom, but bring some sunscreen, even if you don’t think you’ll need it.
Check out this super fun elopement session we did in Boston to learn more about us and what we do!
