Julie and Jeff’s Otter Cliffs adventure elopement in Acadia will be one that I will forever look back on with such joy. The weather, the people, the scenery, and most of all – the two of them. Everything came together so beautifully, and it was so special to be a part of.

They ditched their planned big wedding, and downsized

If you’re reading this, you may be able to relate. Large traditional weddings can be so stressful. If you’re not a planner, it can really suck the joy out of this time in your life. That’s what kept happening to Julie and Jeff. The more they planned, the more they kept saying “I wish we went with our gut and did something smaller.” The financials, the stress – everything made them realize that this was not the right direction.

They finally decided to cancel everything and start from scratch. That’s when they found me, and we brainstormed together what this new vision could look like.

What was most important to them was being together with their closest loved ones. They had envisioned getting married in the outdoors in a National Park, and Acadia won.

Not sure if an elopement is for you? Read all about the pros and cons of eloping here.

Their new (and improved) elopement vision

Coming from Ohio (and Pennsylvania, their current home), this was a destination wedding for them. They wanted to be by the cliffs for the Maine vibe, but also incorporating a small hike for the two of them to enjoy.

We started the morning off at their Airbnb getting ready. Their Airbnb was the most beautiful historic building that had several unique characteristics that I was inspired by. The glass stained windows, large beautiful mirror, velvet furniture, and a porch surrounded by light. It was truly a photographers dream.

Julie and Jeff got ready separately, then did their first look in the stained glass room. They drove together to their ceremony locations at Otter Cliffs hand in hand.

Otter Cliffs Adventure Elopement with family

Otter Cliffs and Point are a popular locations for an easily accessible ceremony location. There are plenty of spots for several guests to stand and enjoy with the views around them.

Jeff along with their guests walked down the steps to their ceremony spot, with Julie and her dad not far behind them. They had a beautiful ceremony performed by their officiant, and a reading from Julie’s dad. It was so sweet to see how proud he was of her, and you could tell from his emotions as he walked back to his place. And as he should be! Julie is such a peach!

As their ceremony ended, they embraced their families with all the joy and happiness. Their families have now combined, and their closest people were all there to witness it.

Small hike at sunset

After we did family photos, we left for their alone time on their hike. We got the most BEAUTIFUL sunset with the sun rays hitting off the mountain onto Julie and Jeff as they walked on the ledge.

On the top, they shared their personal vows. This has been one of my favorite things about elopements with families, is that you can still create private and intentional moments for eachother. Sharing private vows was important to them to do in seclusion, and that’s exactly what we got. We had no one else on the mountain, just the two of them and nature.

We adventured around, and enjoyed watching the sun go down.

Photos at Jordan Pond and the after celebration

We had a little more time, so I suggested to them that we make one more stop at Jordan Pond. The colors were just so beautiful in the Fall, and with blue hour, I wanted to capture them in even more beautiful locations. They played around the rocks and took in the last light before heading back for their after party.

We left to head back to their Airbnb where their loved ones had cake, champagne and charcuterie waiting for them. We snacked, had many laughs, and cut their amazing cake. They also poured champagne and had their first dance surrounded by their closest people.

Reception at Atlantic Harborside

To end this magical day, they had a beautiful reception planned at Atlantic Harborside. Here they had a few speeches, then a delicious meal to end the celebration.