Small Wedding with Friends in Acadia National Park
Lauren and Shawn struggled to find the wedding plan that they were most excited about, until they discovered the idea of getting married in Acadia National Park! They knew they wanted it to be a day that was about them — relaxed, intimate, and fun. They envisioned a celebration surrounded by nature, and shared with Lauren’s best friend and her husband. We discussed locations and decided that Acadia National Park was going to be the best place for them to experience a small wedding with just their closest friends!
Their wedding day turned out to be everything they hoped for: a blend of love, laughter, adventure, and a little rain — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Maine's rugged coastline. Here’s a look at how Lauren and Shawn’s intimate celebration unfolded, and how you too can have a small wedding in Acadia with the ones you love.
Getting Ready for your Small Wedding in Acadia
Lauren and Shawn’s day began at their cozy Airbnb, tucked away in the heart of Acadia. Choosing to get ready in the comfort of a private space was a way to keep things intimate and low-stress. They didn’t need a grand hotel suite or a large bridal party — it was just the two of them, with Lauren’s best friend and her husband by their side. This laid-back atmosphere set the tone for the day ahead.
As a photographer, capturing these moments of calm and anticipation is always a highlight. The quiet moments — Lauren enjoying donuts with her best friend, Shawn slipping into his suit — felt incredibly personal and real, and was the perfect slow start to their day.
Private Vows at Schooner Head
After getting ready, we ventured out to Schooner Head, one of Acadia’s most scenic viewpoints. With the ocean in the distance and the towering cliffs of the park on one side, this spot was the perfect place for Lauren and Shawn to exchange their private vows. They had intentionally kept their wedding small, so this moment was theirs alone and a chance to speak from the heart without the presence of a crowd.
The rain was beginning to fall, but it didn’t dampen their spirits. Instead, it added a sense of intimacy and magic to the moment. Acadia is incredible in all types of weather, and this day was proof of that.
Small Ceremony With Friends On A Quiet Beach
Next, we headed to a moss-covered forest that leads to the most magical beach, where Lauren and Shawn held their ceremony. The ceremony was brief but meaningful. After celebrating the moment and exploring the rocky beach a bit more, we headed back onto the trail for a cake cutting and champagne — just as fun and joyful as any grand reception, but in a way that felt completely true to their relaxed vibe. Toasting to their new life together, they laughed and shared sweet moments with their two closest friends in the world. Lauren is a baker and loves a good wedding cake, so this was a must do for their wedding day!
What’s incredible about small weddings in places like Acadia is that the beauty of the location becomes your décor, and your moments together are infinitely more personal. There’s no rush to get through the day — just space to enjoy each moment fully.
Wedding Day Stop at Atlantic Brewing Company
When the rain picked up again, we decided to take a head to Atlantic Brewing Company, just a short drive from Acadia. The cozy brewery offered the perfect refuge from the weather, where they could warm up, share a drink and some BBQ, and as a suprise, some live music too!
As a couple who enjoys the simple pleasures in life, spending time at the brewery was the perfect way to take a break from the rain and continue their celebration. It was another example of how their wedding day was shaped by their personalities — low-key, unplanned, and always focused on enjoying the moment. Plus, who does love a good brew and BBQ sandwich!?
Small Wedding Gift Exchange and Photos in the Park
The rain eventually eased up, and Lauren, Shawn and their friends headed out to explore Acadia’s famous Park Loop Road. They drove along the scenic route, stopping to take in the misty views of the coastline. I still can’t decide if I prefer Acadia on a sunny day or a foggy day! With the fog rolling in and the coastline wrapped in soft layers of mist, the day felt like a dream.
At one of the overlooks, they exchanged personal gifts — another sweet, private moment for just the two of them. This was so fun, and all of us couldn’t stop laughing at how creative they got with gifting each other. It was such a fun, personal thing to them and something Lauren looked forward to all day!
Why a Small Wedding with Friends in Acadia is the Perfect Choice
For couples like Lauren and Shawn, Acadia National Park offers the ideal location for a small wedding with friends. It’s a place that’s filled with natural beauty, and its serenity allows couples to focus on what truly matters — their love for each other and the people who mean the most to them.
With breathtaking views, mossy forests, and quiet coastal roads, Acadia creates an atmosphere of calm and romance that’s hard to match. Whether you’re eloping with just a few people or having a small wedding with close family and friends, Acadia’s stunning landscapes will provide a perfect, unforgettable backdrop for your celebration.
Final Thoughts: Intimate Weddings and Elopements in Acadia
Lauren and Shawn’s wedding was everything they wanted: small, intimate, and full of joy. From the private vows at Schooner Head, ceremony on a rocky beach, to the cozy champagne toast in a mossy forest, their day was perfect for them. Even the rain couldn’t stop their celebration; it only added to the charm and magic of the day!
If you’re planning a small wedding with friends or an intimate elopement in Acadia National Park, you can create a celebration that’s all about what you want it to be. Whether you’re exchanging vows in a quiet forest, enjoying a cozy stop at a local brewery, or exploring the coast in the mist, Acadia offers the perfect location for your adventure.
If you're interested in planning a similar small wedding or elopement in Acadia, I’d love to help you capture your story! Reach out today to start planning your own small wedding in Acadia National Park!