Maine Elopement Photographer | How to Plan a Maine Elopement | Maine Elopement Vendors| New England Elopement Photographer | How to Elope in Maine | Elopement Planning Tips

 

In this post, you will learn about:

1. The steps on how to elope in Maine
2. Helpful Maine elopement planning tips + creative ideas
3. A sample Maine elopement timeline (both single and multi-day ideas!)
4. Two galleries of a Maine elopement for inspiration 🙂 #1: Sea Coast Maine Elopement and #2: Botanical Garden Maine Elopement

First: What does an elopement mean in 2023?

Elopements in 2023 are all about reimagining what people view as a marriage ceremony. EVERY person is entitled to their own definition. For ME, elopements today are: authentically celebrating one’s marriage. Elopements are freedom from traditional wedding experiences, and they center on the priorities of the couple. Be it walking along the Cliffs of the Maine seacoast, a weekend Airbnb and culinary experience, or a Portland city experience, elopements are whatever you want vs. tying you to an experience that is not true to you. 

*PLEASE KNOW: I love EVERY love story, and full sized traditional weddings are AMAZING for those who feel drawn to them! This is in no way a “bash” on full size weddings, but more so information for those who may be curious about eloping. To learn more, head to my site for why I chose to become a New England Adventure Elopement Photographer. 

 

Looking to elope? Want more info? Let’s connect. I walk you through every step in a personalized, calming, authentic way. All my info becomes your info and I’m here to serve you. CONTACT ME

 

How to Elope In Maine

These are the steps you need to elope in Maine. Thankfully, eloping in most New England regions is SUPER simple, similar across states, and something your Elopement Photographer can help guide you through! My couples receive a comprehensive guide to make the whole process seamless and, dare I say, fun? These first steps should be a great guide in getting you started.

1. First, book your date, decide your guest list (if any), pick your top priority vendors (i.e., photographer, planner, florist, your favorite bakery, etc.) – make sure all the people who feel best suit your vision are free for your day and book them 🙂 
2. Then, decide on a location most authentic to you– what do you enjoy MOST?
   • City vibes: maybe downtown Portland, live music, excitement, local sightseeing attractions
   • Maybe you prefer the Maine Coast: water, less crowded, cliff views, private boat, beach walks
   • A weekend getaway in Acadia National Park may be more your scene
   • Maybe you want a secluded forest and cabin experience
   • Botanical gardens, arboretums 
   • Mountains! Winter ski getaway, or an epic hike adventure 
3. Third: throw out traditions and ideas that don’t serve you– give yourself permission to make this day about YOUR love and story, and breathe a sigh of relief knowing you made a beautiful choice in eloping
4. Important: get that paper– head to your local Town Clerk and grab that marriage license 🙂 Every Town Clerk’s a) hours and b) wait time are different. The process takes about 30 minutes. Once you get your license and pay the $40 fee, it is valid for 90 days 🙂 Then it’s time to get married!
5. Remember: bring proof of identity– every Town Clerk requirements may slightly vary, so literally type in your town of Maine into google, and the town clerk office will list everything you need. General Maine requirements are found with this link: click here.
6. Pick your officiant – whether a Justice of Peace, a loved one, or your elopement photographer (like me! I’m ordained. For those who want that privacy, I’ve got you!), make sure they are ordained in the state of Maine specifically. There are MULTIPLE ways of doing this. I became ordained online and received my credentials and elopement officiating materials in the mail after certification 🙂 Click here for officiating specifics and non-state resident officiant paperwork 🙂 
7. Does your location need a permit? Most Maine State Parks welcome marriage ceremonies. For specifics, click here 🙂 
8. Have TWO witnesses sign your marriage certificate; can be strangers or loved ones
9. Lastly: do what you want. Literally. Elopements are liberation from tradition and an embrace of who you are as people. Start with what YOU desire, pick your top priorities of your day (maybe it’s a gourmet chef experience, or an epic hiking adventure, or a dog-friendly relaxing day as a family) and the rest will beautifully fall into place. 

Maine Elopement Planning Tips

If you want a stunning view like Acadia National Park or another tourist-heavy attraction for your elopement, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

• • Eloping on a weekday
  • Consider the off-season (winter, for example!)
  • Eloping at sunrise, even if it’s just the two of you and part of your overall ceremony experience. Better to have privacy and to enjoy the view than to feel like your experience is compromised by people, sounds, parking chaos, and more

 

A Full-Day Maine  Elopement Timeline 

•  11 AM – 1 PM: getting ready in local Maine hotel, VRBO, Airbnb, etc

•  2 PM – 3 PM ocean ceremony 

•  3 PM – 4PM family and friend portraits, couples portraits, a walk on the water

•  4 PM – 5 PM appetizers and drinks at waterfront restaurant

•  5 PM – 7 PM dinner, live music 

• 7 PM – 9 PM sunset walk on the beach, bike in the city 

 

For more planning tips, head to my blog where there are TONS of resources, inspiration, and galleries. If you are interested in booking, know that my clients get ALL this:

• A full elopement guide that walks you through everythingggg
• Location, wardrobe, packing, hiking guides 
• Planning walk-throughs with me and as much communication needed! I’m a text/call/zoom away, and I’ve got you covered. 
• A customized timeline to ensure your day is beautifully organized so that you can just enjoy your day 
• A 24-hour sneak peek of images

• A 5-week delivery date of images.

• A 5-week delivery date of a client favorite: my music slideshows! Click for a slideshow example. 

• A professional, fine art printed album. Curated by me and shipped straight to your door.

Can you Elope AND have an intimate wedding?

Yes yes yes. You can literally have both worlds. Whether you spread out your timeline throughout a weekend, or have one epic day of everything you desire, having a combination of privacy  for your elopement AND an intimate celebration is ABSOLUTELY possible.

An Sample Timeline of a Multi-Day Elopement / Intimate Wedding

Day 1: Sunrise Hike, First Look, Vows

• 6AM sunrise hike overlooking stunning, private views (just the two of you!)
• 6-6:15AM: get dressed, ready for first look, have detail images photographed 
• 6:30-6:45AM: scenic, secluded, first look 
• 6:45-7:00AM: private vows in a popular location with ultimate privacy 
• 7:00-7:30AM: couple’s portraits, a walk along the coast, and a shared packed breakfast picnic 
• 9:00-10:00AM: airbnb private first dance, exchange of gifts, down time together 
• 10:00am-12:00PM: local activities: horseback riding through trails, kayaking, paddle boarding, culinary tours, or whatever feels most YOU

 

Rest of Day: nap, cuddle, hang with your dog at airbnb, and prepare for festivities tomorrow 🙂 

 

Day 2: Intimate Private Dinner and Dancing (can be same day as elopement or next day for more down time / rest)

• 5-6PM: guests arrive at private dinner location (at airbnb, at local botanical gardens, at rented indoor or outdoor location, at a campsite, soooo many options); drinks, greetings, photos together
• 6-6:30PM: toasts, settle in to dinner seating
• 6:30-8:00PM: privately catered dinner
• 8-9:00PM: dessert by the fire; smores, local homemade donuts
• 9-11PM: dancing, polaroids, lantern blessings, evening activities together 

Final Thoughts

New England Elopements are each unique and you will be SO happy you decided to embrace the nature of our region and celebrate your authentic love. Maine is dear to me because it’s such a beautiful balance of the coast, where I grew up, and the mountains, where I chose to call home. Maine welcomes you all, future adventurers! See you there 🙂 

 

Gallery 1: Sea Coast Elopement in Maine

(this was extra fun because I got to back up my pal, Jenn Marie Photography! New England has the best community of close, kind vendors).

 

Gallery 2: Botanical Garden Maine Elopement

(Getting Ready: airbnb oceanfront home; Ceremony: Vesper Hill Children’s Chapel; Reception: private botanical garden, catered evening under the stars)

Happy adventuring:) 

Love,

Kayla | Babel Photos

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