Sunrise Adventure Elopement in Acadia National Park
Meaghan and Eric’s summer elopement in Acadia National Park was the most epic, all-day adventure, starting with sunrise vows at Otter Cliff and ending with the dreamiest golden hour sunset at Jordan Pond. Two of my ALL TIME favorite moments of my career happened during their elopement. . . and both of them just so happened to include their pup, Auggie, who totally stole the show (and is about to steal your heart) 😉
Meaghan + Eric’s Sunrise Elopement in Acadia National Park
A grand adventure around Acadia with their pup
Oh man was this day absolutely unforgettable, from start to finish. Meaghan and Eric drove up to Acadia from Boston so that Auggie, their adopted Corgi/Australian Shepherd could join—and if that wasn’t the best decision ever, I don’t know what could be. He was the best man for the day (and the goodest boy), and seriously had to be one of the most wonderful dogs I’ve met in my life!!
(he even has his own Instagram page, if you wanna follow along with his future adventures)
Acadia has always been Meaghan and Eric’s favorite national park, so it only made sense that it would be the place they’d say their vows. Despite it being the middle of June, we lucked out with amazing weather—and were ESPECIALLY grateful because the entire week before + after their day, the area was hit with hard rainstorms. Sure, it was still hot and humid, but with such gorgeous sunshine and clear, blue skies, no rain was all we could ask for!
Want to learn how to plan your own unforgettable National Park elopement? We’ve got a killer guide for you to check out here.
A breathtaking sunrise ceremony at Otter Cliff
If you want to elope at a popular spot like Acadia National Park during peak busy season, I highlyyy recommend having a sunrise ceremony if you’re down for the early wake-up call. Meaghan and Eric were ready to do anything they could to avoid the big crowds, so we got up before the sun to get ready around 4am! They got ready at the adorable cottage they’d booked at Hanscom Cottages, opting to stay together rather than be in separate rooms. This is always one of my favorite ways to see couples break tradition on their elopement day, and spend more meaningful time together, rather than waiting until their ceremony to be together!
Once Meaghan, Eric, and Auggie were all ready to go—Meaghan in her stunning off-the-shoulder dress, Eric in his navy blue suit, and Auggie in his freaking adorable flower necklace from Etsy—we made our way to Ocean Path in Acadia. It was EPIC being able to watch the sun slowly rise up over the ocean as we hiked to Otter Cliff, where they were going to exchange their vows; the sky was painted in amazing shades of orange, yellow, pink, and blue, lighting up the dramatic coastal shores with every minute that went by.
Corey officiated their ceremony, and they read their vows as the clouds drifted over the water, the morning fog clearing out and making way for bright blue skies. He added a special little poem into the ceremony, because way back on their first date, Eric surprised Meaghan with a memorized EE Cummings poem—and as an English teacher, she LOVES poems. It was such a sweet touch to include, and I’m pretty sure even Auggie loved listening to it as he laid gently between his parents!
We wrapped up the ceremony by 5:30am, and we were so thrilled to have the perfect lighting + no one else around the entire time. It ended up getting SUPER busy by 8am, so we definitely made the right choice waking up at the crack of dawn to start their adventure in private.
Dramatic oceanfront elopement portraits with Auggie
While we still had a bit of peace and quiet, and the unreal coastal landscapes to ourselves, we walked along the ocean path for the most romantic early morning portraits. Or should I say climbed, with all of those rocks; thankfully Auggie was the biggest trooper, jumping the rocks with ease and being down for anything all day!
Now remember how I said that two of my all-time favorite, career highlight moments happened during Meaghan and Eric’s elopement? One of those happened down on these sun-lit rocks, when we were taking photos by the water. They got Auggie to howl, so they all “sang” with each other—and oh my god was it the sweetest and most WHOLESOME moment! These photos will have my heart foreverrrr.
Donuts, champagne, and a mountaintop first dance
The next part of our adventure took place on the Beehive Trail, which we hiked to find the perfect, scenic spot for a celebratory picnic. Meaghan and Eric popped champagne + munched on donuts as we admired the crazy beautiful views of the water from above—don’t worry, Auggie got his fair share of treats too!
Up on this mountaintop, they shared their first dances with the speaker we’d brought along: the first song a little slow and sweet (Baby I’m Yours, by Arctic Monkeys), the second song part slow, part upbeat and heartwarming (Forever, by Noah Kahan). Meaghan and Eric picked up Auggie and danced their hearts out together, making me cry immediately, as hikers from across the mountaintop cheered them on! We even talked to some of the hikers on the way back down Beehive, and they said these two were an inspiration. So sweet!
Golden hour letter reading at Jordan Pond
After a brief stop in Bar Harbor for lunch at a cafe, ice cream and coffee, and a little time to relax + stroll around town, Meaghan and Eric took a break to unwind, relax, and take in all the emotions of the day so far. As sunset rolled around, we joined together again to head to Jordan Pond, where they took the time to read letters their loved ones had written them. This was such an emotional and special moment to witness, and was the absolute perfect way to wrap up the most amazing day. Cheers to these two lovebirds—we’ll remember this one forever 🥂
Acadia National Park Elopement Photographer + Videographer
Looking for your own Acadia National Park elopement photographer—and videographer, and officiant?! Lucky for you, we’re all three rolled into one awesome duo 😉
We’re T & Corey, destination elopement + wedding extraordinaires who are ALWAYS ready for the next adventure. Whether it be on the rocky shores of Acadia National Park, in the enchanting mountains of the Colorado Rockies, or on the black sands of Iceland, we’d be so stoked to help you build your dream day.
Reach out here to start planning your wedding, your way! Plus, check out more of our favorite elopement resources + inspo below.
