Acadia National Park Weddings
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Acadia National Park preserves much of Mount Desert Island, and associated smaller islands, off the Atlantic coast of Maine. The area includes mountains, an ocean shoreline, woodlands, and lakes. In addition to Mount Desert Island, the park comprises much of the Isle au Haut, a small island to the southwest of Mount Desert Island and parts of Baker Island, also nearby. A portion of Schoodic Peninsula on the mainland is also part of the park. In total, Acadia National Park consists of 30,300 acres (47 square miles or 123 km²) on Mount Desert Island, 2,728 acres (4.6 square miles or 11 km²) on Isle au Haut and 2,366 acres (3.5 square miles or 9.2 km²) on the Schoodic Peninsula.
Acadia NP encompasses more than 47,000 acres, 30,300 of which are on Mount Desert Island. 2,728 acres of the park lie on Isle au Haut and 2,266 more on Schoodic Peninsula. Acadia is one of the smaller national parks in the country, yet it attracts nearly 3 million visitors per year. It is important that those who do visit and explore this wonderful park follow some basic guidelines in order to keep the park as clean, natural, and undisturbed as possible. Please review the Leave No Trace principles if you're planning a trip, and remember them while you are having a great vacation. Help keep Acadia the way it should be. Friends of Acadia is a group that offers additional details about respecting this natural wonder.
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Acadia National Park Weddings
Have your Maine Wedding in one of the most stunning locations in Maine
One of the undisputed jewels of New England, Acadia National Park encompasses over 47,000 acres of woodlands, seacoast, lakes, and mountains. Its Cadillac Mountain is the tallest mountain on the east coast, and during certain times of year is the first place in the United States to greet the sunrise. The park is open year-round, and its spectacular scenery draws enthusiastic visitors from all over the world. Hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, camping, kayaking, climbing - you name the outdoor activity and Acadia has it. Or try a horse-drawn carriage tour along the 45 miles of specially-constructed carriage roads. Acadia is also a great place for artists and photographers, or just sitting and quietly contemplating the scenery. And don't leave without having lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea at the Jordan Pond House overlooking the famous Bubble Mountains! In this exceptionally beautiful state of Maine, Acadia may well be the most beautiful place of all.
Traditions
Marriage License Requirements
Maine residents must apply in the town/city where they reside. The license is valid in any community in Maine for a period of 90 days from the date the intentions are filed. Note: Couples who maintain separate Maine residences must apply in one of the communities of residence.
Out-of-state residents may apply in any town/city in the state of Maine. The license is valid for a ceremony performed in any community in Maine for a period of 90 days from the date the intentions are filed.
If either the prospective bride or groom is a Maine resident, and the other resides out-of-state, then individuals must both apply in the town of residence of the Maine resident. The license is valid in any community in Maine for a period of 90 days from the date the intentions are filed.
Town clerks are listed below. They may be able to give you a list of notary publics that are interested in performing marriages in the park.
Town Clerk - Bar Harbor 93 Cottage Street Bar Harbor, ME 04609 207-288-4098
Town Clerk - Mount Desert Sea Street Mount Desert, ME 04660 207-276-5531
Town Clerk - Southwest Harbor P.O. Box 745 Southwest Harbor, ME 04679 207-244-5404 207-244-7914 (fax)
Town Clerk - Winter Harbor Harbor Road Winter Harbor, ME 04693 207-963-2235
Why Acadia National Park?
How To Get There
Get in
Acadia National Park is located along the rugged, rocky coast of "Downeast" Maine. Most of the park is located on Mount Desert Island, which is accessible by vehicle. The park is approximately six hours north of Boston.
By Car
From Boston take I-95 north to Augusta, Maine, then Route 3 east to Ellsworth and on to Mount Desert Island. For an alternate route, continue on I-95 north to Bangor, Maine, then take Route 1A east to Ellsworth. In Ellsworth, take Route 3 to Mount Desert Island.
Distances from Other Cities
- Bangor, ME 50 miles, 1 hour
- Portland, ME 161 miles, 3.5 hours
- Kittery, ME 211 miles, 4.5 hours
- Boston, MA 264 miles, 6 hours
- New York, NY 492 miles, 10 hours
- Saint John, New Brunswick 227 miles, 5 hours
- Montreal, Quebec 424 miles, 8 hours
- Halifax, Nova Scotia 500 miles, 10 hours
By plane
Direct flights from Boston's Logan Airport land at the Hancock County Airport, located 10 miles from Acadia National Park. National airlines serve the Bangor International Airport, about one hour from the park. Car rentals are available at both airports.
By ferry
A ferry to Nova Scotia sails between Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. Schedules vary depending on the season. Phone (888) 249-SAIL or (207) 288-3395.
Fees/Permits
There are:
- 7-day (vehicle) entrance permit, $20 in-season, $10 off-season
- 7-day individual park pass, $5
- Annual Acadia pass, $40
- Commercial mini bus (capacity 16-25), $60 for 1 entrance
- Commercial sedan (capacity 1-6), $25 + $5/visitor for 1 entrance
- Commercial tour bus (capacity 26+), $150 for 1 entrance
- Commercial van (capacity 7-15), $50 for 1 entrance
Get around
The free Island Explorer Buses, Phone: +1 207 667-5796, can take you through the park, stopping at points of interest. There are bicycle racks on the front of each bus if you'd like to combine transport methods as you explore.
Insider tips
Best Time To Go
Climate
Acadia's weather is largely a product of latitude and marine influences. On a daily and annual basis, Mount Desert Island temperatures are more moderate than those of inland Maine. The Maine coastal climate has been ranked second only to the Pacific Northwest in annual precipitation. This moisture occurs in every form at Acadia. Ice storms are regular in winter and early spring, and rain is frequent in every month. Fog is common during June, July, and August.
Spring can be foggy with temperatures ranging between 30 and 70 degrees F. Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeve shirts, and long pants for protection. Annual rainfall is 48 inches.
Summer daytime temperatures range from 45 to 90 degrees F. Evenings are cooler. Dressing in layers is advisable for any boating or hiking activities. Ocean water temperatures range from 50 to 60 degrees F. Lake water temperatures range from 55 to 70 degrees F.
Fall temperatures can range from low 70s during the day to freezing during the night. Come prepared for all types of weather, from sun to fog, from downpours to flurries. Fall foliage often peaks during the first couple of weeks in October. Weather conditions over the summer, such as drought, may alter the time that the leaves peak.
In the winter, due to Acadia's coastal location, snow and weather conditions change rapidly. Temperatures vary from mid-30s to below zero. The park averages 61 inches of snow annually. For the latest in weather information, call the local weather phone line at 207-667-8910 or call the park at 207-288-3338.