Getting Married in Acadia National Park

If you are dreaming of getting married in Acadia National Park, you are probably envisioning rocky shores, a rugged tree-line and some mountains as your backdrop, just the two of you surrounded by the ones you love in a place you love. Wondering if it is possible to get married in the park is the question I often get as an Acadia elopement photographer. Short Answer is – yes you absolutely can get legally married in Acadia, but there are some rules/guidelines you must follow to do so!

Obtaining your marriage license in Bar Harbor, Maine

Getting your marriage license in Bar Harbor is a simple process that can be started via mail before your wedding day! The state of Maine has an intent to marry form that allows you to apply for your marriage license before getting to town as soon as 90 days before your ceremony date. This streamlines the process allowing you to go to the town office in Bar Harbor the day before and simply pick up your paperwork! No sitting in the office and filling out paperwork with the worry you will be missing something.

Check out Bar Harbor’s Intent to Marry form & Information

Officiants in Bar Harbor, Maine

Finding an officiant in Bar Harbor can feel overwhelming, especially since you have likely never had to look for one! There are a ton of options for finding an officiant in Acadia national park to marry you. A local Photographer is a great option since most Acadia elopement photographers are ordained and include this in their packages!(including me!)

Maine notaries: Public notaries commissioned by the State of Maine. List of Local officiants

Maine lawyers: Attorneys admitted to the Maine Bar (if the couple resides in Maine).

Judges or justices: Judicial officers of Maine (if the couple resides in Maine).

Friends or family: Anyone who obtains a certification. (Resources for families to get ordained)

Ordained Ministers: Religious leaders who are properly ordained.

Licensed preachers: Individuals licensed to preach by a religious denomination.

After your ceremony in Acadia

Once you conclude your ceremony, you will have to get two witnesses to sign the bottom of your marriage license. This can be your family, friends or simply a spectator in the park! Your officiant has to be the one to return the marriage license to the Bar Harbor office after your ceremony within a week of your ceremony.

Getting Your Official Marriage License

Once your paperwork is dropped back off at the Bar Harbor town office, you will receive the official copy via mail within a few months of your wedding day to the mailing address listed on the intent to marry form.

Bar Harbor Clerk Information:

Phone Number: 207-288-4098 Hours of operation: M-F 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Looking to get married in Acadia but unsure where to even start? Reach out to me and I will guide you throughout the whole process! Contact Christina Albright Photography here!