Places like Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor feature those rocky, rugged coastlines that Maine (click for my post on how to elope in Maine) is famous for – but there’s a town near Portland that features similar scenery. Freeport is a charming coastal town, with gorgeous views, miles of forested and coastal hiking trails, and tons to do! This guide will tell you how to elope in Freeport, Maine, with some tips for planning to say “I do” out in nature. 

What’s in This Freeport Elopement Guide

Here’s what you’ll learn in this guide:

• Why you should elope in Freeport
• Freeport through different seasons, and the best time for you to elope
• Tips for finding an elopement location
• Things to do to personalize your elopement experience

Why You Should Elope in Freeport, Maine

You know you love the natural beautify of Coastal Maine, but maybe you’re not feeling a trek too far up north to a place such as Acadia National Park. The great thing is, you have SO many other beautiful coast options in Maine.

Is Freeport a place you might want to consider eloping in? Choosing an elopement location is a big part of the journey to your true-to-you marriage celebration adventure, so here are a few reasons that Freeport might be the place for you. Highly recommend this town 🙂

Location, Location, Location

You don’t have to drive for hours or travel far to find yourself in nature, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Freeport is only 20 miles north of Portland, Maine, and the easy access makes this a convenient elopement location!

Freeport’s Scenery & Outdoor Adventures

Freeport is SUCH a hidden gem in terms of natural beauty. The scenery of Freeport can be compared to that of Acadia National Park – rocky coastlines, ocean views, and serene wooded trails. You get the stunning views, the myriad of adventures and activities (like hiking and kayaking), and an elopement location that connects you to nature and the outdoors. Plus, this area is not as popular to elope in as some other coastal areas in Maine, so it’s a great option for more secluded location enjoyment.

A Charming Town

The town of Freeport is quaint and charming, with a vibrant downtown area that features boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite and celebrate after your ceremony, and a great place to stay and explore. A quick drive will bring you to Portland for the balance of seclusion and downtown energy.

The Best Time to Elope in Freeport

When deciding what season is best to get married in Freeport, it really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

Summer

Summer is definitely the most popular time to visit Freeport. The weather is warm and sunny, and there are lots of festivals, events, and concerts going on. Being on the coast means it doesn’t get terribly hot, and highs usually stay in the high 70s to low 80s. This is a great time to elope in Freeport and to enjoy hiking and being out on the water, but because of the busy season, you can expect to see more people, and higher prices for accommodations.

Fall

Overall, one of the best times to elope in Freeport is early fall – September through October. The weather cools down a little but is still warm enough to enjoy outdoor adventures, and you can see the leaves turn and the area light up with fall foliage. As the summer crowds disperse, it’ll be easier to find a quiet, private spot to have your ceremony. 

Winter

Winter elopements are totally possible, and magical in their own way! Though the weather gets cold, with most days being below freezing, there are still plenty of adventures to have in Freeport. You can snowshoe some of the trails, go ice skating, and enjoy the holiday decorations and festivals. I promise, off-season elopements are magical, especially in coastal regions of Maine where there will be WAY less people in otherwise highly popular destinations.

Spring

Spring is another great time to elope – as the weather warms up, flowers start blooming, and the area comes to life. The mild temperatures make it a great time for hikes, and spring festivals and farmers markets start to appear in town! 

How to Find an Elopement Location in Freeport

The best thing about eloping in Freeport is getting to choose where you’ll exchange vows! Freeport has some gorgeous trails, parks, and beaches that would make the perfect place to kick off your adventure – and when you’re trying to find the right one for you, here are some things to consider.

Accessibility

First, how hard do you want to work for the views? Are you inviting friends or family to your elopement? Are there any mobility restrictions to consider? Decide whether you want a spot that you can drive right up to, if you want to hike to your elopement location (and how long you want to hike), and what kind of experience you want on your elopement day. And remember – you can always have your ceremony in an easy-to-reach spot, then take off for an adventure on your own afterwards. That’s the beauty of full day, or even multi day elopements.

Scenery in Freeport

An important factor in deciding where to elope is what kind of scenery you want to see. Freeport has shoreline and forest scenery, so decide whether you want to tie the knot with a view of the ocean, or in the woods. Or maybe both 🙂

Privacy When You Elope in Freeport

A big reason that couples choose to elope is for an intimate, private experience – and that can quickly start to feel less possible if you’re in a place where people are constantly walking by. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to increase chances of more privacy for your ceremony.

First, choosing an elopement location that’s lesser known. This is the best way to avoid crowds!. But no matter where you elope, I recommend planning your ceremony for a weekday, as those are always less busy. Having a sunrise ceremony helps a lot too, as most people won’t be out and about yet.

Book a Freeport Elopement Photographer to Help You Find the Perfect Location

This is hands down the best thing you can do for your elopement day – hire an elopement photographer who really specializes in the region and feel of what you want for your elopement day. My job goes beyond documenting your day, I also turn your dreams into a day that’s true to you, and completely tailored to be your best day ever. That includes location recommendations, so you tell me what you’re looking for, and I create a personalized list of the best places for you to elope. I’ll do the deep diving work and find those off the beaten path spots.

Things to Do When You Elope in Freeport

Eloping means creating YOUR own authentic adventure! Freeport has lots of options for fun adventures and things to do when you elope, so here are just a few ideas for how to celebrate marrying your best friend:

• Go for a hike along the coast
• Camp at a quiet spot in the forest
• Have a sunset picnic by the ocean
• Enjoy fresh seafood at local favorites, like Harraseeket Lunch and Lobster Company
• Rent a kayak and explore the bay’s islands
• Relax at one of Freeport’s spas
• Visit an art gallery and check out local artists’ work
• Go shopping downtown

Freeport, Maine Elopement Packages

As an elopement photographer, my job is to help you create an elopement day that’s absolutely unforgettable. I pour my heart into being a thoughtful, caring guide and collaborator as we turn your dreams into your wedding day, and I want each part of the process to feel relaxed, organized, and fun. Together, we’ll find the perfect elopement location, plan a unique adventure, and make sure your experience is exactly what you dreamed of.

If you’re ready to elope in Freeport, contact me here.

For some elopement inspiration, check out this couple’s elopement day in Freeport, Maine. They had a beautiful combination of Portland family time, Freeport coast adventure and private vows, and lighthouse/waterfront celebrations afterward to close out their adventure.