Southwest Harbor Elopement – A Quiet, Coastal Adventure
- Caroleanne Moralez
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever dreamed of an Acadia National Park elopement that feels slow, intentional, and completely crowd-free, then let me introduce you to the magic of this Southwest Harbor Maine elopement. Tucked away on the “quiet side” of Mount Desert Island, this little slice of coastal heaven is where rocky cliffs meet the rhythmic sound of waves — and where S + A chose to share their vows in the most peaceful, intimate way.
Mid-summer in Acadia can get busy, but here’s one of my favorite secrets: if you plan for off-the-beaten-path locations for your elopement like Southwest Harbor and pair it with a sunrise start, you can have the trails all to yourself. That’s exactly what we did.
A Sunrise Start on the Quiet Side of Acadia
S + A reached out to me just a few months before their date, wanting a short, simple, but elegant elopement. We planned their day for a part of Acadia most visitors skip over. We met at a small coastal trailhead just as the first light started touching the horizon.
Backpacks on, we headed down the trail, stopping at little overlooks where the ocean stretched endlessly in front of us. The morning was quiet, the air salty, and the only sounds were seabirds calling overhead and waves brushing against the rocks.
Vows on the Cliffs
After a bit of exploring, we found a gorgeous cliffside spot for their vow exchange. There were no other people in sight — just them, the cliffs, and the ocean. The stillness made it even more romantic. They read their vows with the wind in their hair and the waves far below, and it felt like the park itself was their witness.
Click here for more inspo on: How to Elope in Acadia National Park
From Coastal Cliffs to a Seawall Picnic Area Elopement Celebration
Once vows were sealed with a kiss, we wandered back along the trail and made our way to one of my favorite low-key spots in the park — the Seawall Picnic Area. It’s the perfect location if you want to celebrate with a post-ceremony picnic, cut a cake, or just relax by the water.
On the way, we even spotted a couple of deer casually grazing nearby, which felt like a sweet little wedding gift from the park.
S + A set up a cozy blanket and unpacked their raspberry almond cake — the perfect size for just the two of them. They toasted to the start of their marriage with ocean views, sea breezes, and a few curious seagulls hovering nearby (probably hoping for cake crumbs).
Why I Love Southwest Harbor for Elopements in Acadia
The quiet side of Acadia is ideal for couples who want all the beauty without the bustle. The trails are less crowded, the coastal views are just as stunning (if not more so), and you can truly slow down and soak in the day. Pairing this with Seawall Picnic Area is a dream — it’s beautiful, easy to access, and perfect for a post-hike celebration.
Why I Love Seawall Picnic Area for Elopements
If you’ve never been, Seawall Picnic Area is like a postcard version of a Maine shoreline — wide open views, easy access, and plenty of space to spread out a picnic blanket. It’s perfect for couples who want a little post-vow celebration without booking a formal venue.
And bonus: you can spot plenty of wildlife here, from deer to seabirds, and sometimes even seals out on the rocks.
Planning Your Own Southwest Harbor Maine Elopement
If this sounds like your dream day — peaceful cliffs, a sweet sunrise ceremony, and a seaside picnic — I’d love to help you plan your own Southwest Harbor elopement. Whether you’re imagining a quiet morning hike or a full-day Acadia adventure, I can help you find the perfect spots, avoid the crowds, and capture every moment.
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