Proper footwear for your Acadia elopement is important not only for your safety and the safety of your guests, but also for staying comfortable and confident as you explore the park. Nobody wants to be limping around with blisters or stuck with wet shoes on the day that is supposed to be filled with so much joy. Read along with this guide to learn how to prepare for unexpected rain, shoe malfunctions, slippery trails, and everything else your Acadia National Park elopement day might throw your way.

How to keep your feet comfortable on your elopement day

When choosing footwear for your elopement day, comfort should always come first. While it’s nice for your shoes to match the overall vibe of your day, you’ll enjoy your adventure so much more if your feet aren’t hurting after the first mile!

For some couples, comfort means a trusty pair of hiking boots. For others, it’s their favorite pair of broken-in trail shoes or supportive sandals they wear every day. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best shoes are the ones you can confidently walk, hike, climb, and explore in without worrying about blisters or sore feet.

If you’ve purchased new shoes for your elopement, make sure to wear them several times before your wedding day. Breaking them in ahead of time can help prevent blisters and ensure they feel comfortable when it matters most. I also recommend packing a backup pair of shoes, extra socks, and blister patches just in case. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping you comfortable and focused on celebrating your day.

Choose Your Footwear Based on Your Acadia Elopement Location

Your elopement location should be one of the biggest factors when choosing your footwear. The perfect shoes for a mountaintop hike aren’t necessarily the best choice for a sandy beach or a stroll through downtown Bar Harbor. Every location in Acadia National Park offers a different type of terrain, so thinking about where you’ll spend most of your day can make a huge difference in both your comfort and safety.

Before purchasing a new pair of shoes, consider the type of adventure you’re planning. Below are some of the most common elopement locations I photograph in Acadia and the footwear I recommend for each.

Rocky Shores

Examples: Thunder Hole, Otter Cliffs, Schoodic Peninsula

• Waterproof hiking boots or trail shoes with excellent grip
• Avoid heels, smooth-soled boots, and flimsy sandals
• Be prepared for slippery seaweed-covered rocks

Sandy Beaches

Examples: Sand Beach, Echo Lake Beach

• Barefeet if it fits your vibe and comfort!(always such a perfect add to the storytelling aspect)
• Supportive Sandals for any walks to the beach
• ALWAYS bring flip flops for a quick change and walk to the next spot on the beach itself

Hikes/Mountain Top Elopements

Examples: Cadillac Mountain trails, Beehive, Gorham Mountain, North Bubble

• BROKEN IN Hiking shoes or trailrunners
• Wool socks ALWAYS (prevents blisters)

On the water (on a boat, kayak,etc)

Examples: Islesford, Little Cranberry Island, private charters

• Rainproof boots with good traction on the bottom
• Weatherproof hiking boots
• Always a good idea to throw sandals in your bag just incase your feet get wet!

My Favorite Footwear for an Acadia National Park Elopement

Hiking Boots

Merrell Moab – The traction on these shoes are truly unmatched and they take very little time to “break in”

Salomon X Ultra – Super lightweight and comfortable (a fan favorite in the Albright household)

Danner Mountain 600 – More stylish but still practical and comfortable!

Blundstone All Terrain Boots – Super cute but still considered hiking approved boots

Sandals

Teva Original Universal – Extremely comfortable and practical sandals

Bedrock Sandals – Comfy and can be cute

Chaco Z/Cloud – Super cute and practical, they have a ton of different options for style

Casual Shoes

Converse – Perfect for downtown Bar Harbor photos while stylish they are still easy to get around in

Blundstones – Again perfect for quiet literally any occasion

Small heels – A chunky heel will be so much more comfortable than a thin heel as far as balance and being on your feet in town

Boots

Xtratufs – A Maine staple and such a cute add to your elopement day

Blundstones – Moral of the story is these are perfect for any and all weather/terrian

Bog Boots – water proof and they have some cute patterns

The socks you wear on your elopement day MATTER!

Overall, wool socks will be the best fit for any and all activities since they allow maximum comfort and resist blisters. They make all different thicknesses for summer to dead of winter too which is perfect!

Darn Toughs – Made in Vermont and has a lifetime warranty with cute patterns & very comfortable

Smartwool – comfortable and durable

What Most of My Couples Wear for their Acadia Elopement

After photographing hundreds of couples in Acadia National Park, here’s what I see the most:

• Hiking boots for the ceremony, then a quick switch into wedding shoes for portraits.
• Trail runners for longer hikes like Beehive or Gorham Mountain.
• Supportive sandals for summer beach elopements.
• White sneakers for easy-access locations and downtown celebrations.

Not sure where to begin planning your elopement? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Elope in Acadia!