Including Friends & Family in Your Acadia Elopement
Elopements are often seen as private, just-the-two-of-you experiences, but that doesn’t mean you can’t involve your loved ones in meaningful ways. Here are some ideas for including family and friends, whether they’re with you in Acadia or celebrating from afar.
1. Bring a Small Group to the Ceremony
While Acadia National Park elopements are usually intimate, many locations allow a small number of guests. If you’d love to have your closest people witness your vows, check the National Park Service’s guidelines to ensure your chosen location permits a group.
Tips for a guest-inclusive ceremony:
Choose a spot with easy accessibility, like a scenic overlook or beach.
Have a designated guest limit to keep the moment intimate and stress-free.
Remind guests to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the park’s beauty.
2. Have a “First Look” With Family
A private first look isn’t just for couples! If a parent, sibling, or best friend plays an important role in your life, consider sharing a special moment with them before the ceremony. It’s a heartfelt way to include them without altering your elopement’s intimate feel.
3. Involve Loved Ones in the Planning Process
Even if they won’t be there on the day of, your family and friends can still play a role in your elopement:
Ask them to help you pick out wedding attire.
Have them write letters to read before or after the ceremony.
Let them contribute to small details, like a playlist or bouquet choice.
4. Celebrate With a Post-Elopement Reception
If you love the idea of eloping in Acadia but still want to celebrate with a larger group, a post-elopement reception is the perfect solution. Whether it’s the same evening or weeks later, here are some ideas:
An Intimate Dinner in Bar Harbor – Gather at a cozy restaurant for a laid-back meal after your elopement. Popular options include The Reading Room, Jordan Pond House, or a private dining space at Havana.
A Casual Backyard Celebration – Host a relaxed party at home with good food, twinkle lights, and a bonfire.
A Formal Wedding Reception – If you want the best of both worlds, plan a traditional reception with music, dancing, and speeches, but without the stress of a big wedding day.
An Outdoor Picnic or BBQ – Keep things low-key with a fun, nature-inspired gathering at a local park, beach, or scenic overlook.
5. Take a Post-Elopement Trip With Family & Friends
If you elope just the two of you, why not plan a mini getaway with loved ones afterward? A group trip to another national park, a cabin in the mountains, or a beachside retreat is a great way to celebrate without the pressure of a traditional wedding.
6. Incorporate Family & Friends Into Your Photos
Even if they aren’t at your ceremony, you can still make them part of your wedding story. Plan a separate photo session with family and friends where you dress up in your elopement attire and take portraits together. It’s a beautiful way to blend your adventurous elopement with a more traditional keepsake.
Final Thoughts
Eloping in Acadia National Park allows you to have a meaningful, adventure-filled wedding experience while still finding ways to celebrate with your loved ones. Whether you bring a few guests to your ceremony, live stream your vows, or throw a post-elopement reception, you can create a wedding experience that reflects both your love story and the people who support it.
Thinking about eloping in Acadia? I’d love to help capture your adventure! Let’s connect and bring your dream elopement to life.
