When eloping in a national park, you have to work around the weather as much as possible. Jackie and Sean’s rainy fall elopement in Acadia National Park is a prime example of staying flexible and optimistic when confronting a moody forecast!
The week of their elopement, we kept a hopeful eye on the weather. A few days before, we realized the chance of heavy, persistent rain on their day was highly likely, and started exploring our options.
Originally, they wanted to elope in Acadia the 14th of October. The weather was looking pretty awful that day, so I gave them a backup option:
I was going to be shooting an engagement session the day before, and would have time to fit in one of their elopement hikes that afternoon.
We decided to go for it, and see what happens!
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Beech Mountain Trail, Fall elopement hike in Acadia National Park
We met around noon of the 13th to hike the Beech mountain trail in Acadia. It was a bright and sunny afternoon, and the fall colors were peaking. Early on, Jackie and Sean told me what they really wanted was an intimate day where they could be themselves. They were so excited about the fall colors and the water in the area!
It ended up being a great portrait session for them, especially with what was waiting for us the next day…
Otter Point vows, Acadia National Park
On the 14th, the weather forecast followed through on its promise. It absolutely poured the entire morning as they got ready in their cozy hotel room. The mood was good though, as we felt lucky to get some of the sunny portraits and hikes in the day before. It made this portion of their rainy fall elopement in Acadia sting a lot less, and we just enjoyed the moodiness of the day.
The forecast showed a break in the rain, and we were determined to make the most of it. We arrived at Otter Point to meet their family for seaside vows. It was cloudy, but the rain had finally stopped.
Sean’s dad was given the task of officiating, and they gave him full creative reign! Still, when he showed up with a half foot tall, potted Japanese maple, we were all pretty curious.
He led their ceremony with an anecdote about “growing their love” together - and he did an amazing job. It was a well thought out moment and shows how special it is when a family member is given the task of officiating.
The final touch was the heirloom champagne glasses Sean’s family brought along. They had passed through numerous weddings and toasts in the family, and now, theirs. Everyone enjoyed the bubbly together before posing for family portrait under the still dry skies.
Bubble Rock elopement portraits: a very Rainy Fall Elopement in Acadia National Park!
Optimistic, we split from their family and headed to hike Bubble Rock. The window for dry weather was closing, and by the time we reached the top, we were standing in what felt like gale force winds - no exaggeration.
Still, the fall colors were so golden and beautiful, the fog, wind and rain only added atmosphere. After a few shots up top, we ducked down out of the wind and headed off the mountain to get dry.
In the end, their elopement day shows how it pays to be flexible on your elopement day. If there is a window for better weather, take it! Otherwise, a rainy fall elopement in Acadia National Park is just as beautiful as long as you take it all in stride.
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