The first time I photographed in Acadia engagement photos, I remember thinking, “This doesn’t even feel like a photoshoot, it feels like spending a day together.” Every time I go back, that feeling shows up again. There’s no pressure to perform and no rush from one spot to the next. Just space to walk, talk, laugh, and enjoy being engaged without all the noise that comes with wedding planning in Portland!
For couples getting married in Portland, Acadia is such a great change of pace. It’s only a few hours from the city, but the day feels completely different in the best way! It’s so beautiful and so easy, and it shows up in the photos every single time! If you’ve been looking for engagement photo locations that give you time to breathe and enjoy this season, Acadia is genuinely one of the sweetest spots in Maine.
Why Acadia Belongs on Your List of Engagement Photo Locations
Acadia engagement photos are always so unique and full of movement! There’s just something about being in a national park that naturally pulls you closer to each other and into the moment! You just get to be yourselves and enjoy this beautiful sliver of time in your engagement season.
Acadia gives you a mix of beach, rock, pine trees, and open views all within a short drive. You can experience so many different looks in one session without rushing or feeling like you’re running all over the place. It’s one of the few places in Maine where each little corner feels usable and photographable, which makes the whole experience easy and fun.
Shelby and Shaun’s Vision for Their Session
Shelby and Shaun are getting married in Portland next summer, and they both love being outside, exploring new places, and spending time near the water. They didn’t want stiff or overly posed photos in some random spot. They wanted images that truly felt like them, which made an adventure engagement session the perfect choice!
We talked through ideas, looked at their schedule and the forecast, and chose a few spots that fit their vibe. We started along Park Loop Road at one of my favorite beach areas, where you can walk right onto the sand and have room to move around without distractions.
Then we ended on top of Cadillac Mountain, which, if you’ve never watched the sun set on Cadillac Mountain, it’s honestly such an experience! It’s also such a great spot to finish an adventure engagement session because it feels peaceful at the end of the day!
Why Portland Couples Love Acadia for Engagement Photos
Most couples I work with in Portland want something that feels different from their wedding day. They already have a venue, a timeline, and a whole celebration planned for the city. Their engagement photos are a chance to slow things down and create a totally different kind of memory (and it’s always fun to have a different vibe for your save-the-dates!)
Acadia is perfect for that! It gives you space away from crowds, traffic, and planning mode. Couples tell me all the time that this is the first moment they actually felt engaged! Your engagement always goes by so fast, and I think it’s so important to just spend time together before everything gets busier.
And because it is still close to Portland, you get the adventure without committing to a full travel weekend. It’s the perfect balance of ease and meaning, which is exactly what so many of my couples are looking for!
Tips for Planning Your Own Acadia Engagement Photos
Since adventure engagement photos are a little different from a typical session in Portland, here are a few things that make the whole experience feel smoother and more enjoyable. These are the things I walk my couples through, so they know exactly what to expect.
Choose a location that fits your personalities
Some couples love cliffs and views. Others prefer quiet beaches or trails. Acadia has all of these, so we can pick a spot that feels right rather than choosing a location just because it’s popular! The more “you” the location is, the easier it is to relax into the photos.
Plan around the best light
Acadia is gorgeous all day, but the timing matters.
• Park Loop Road is great in the early evening
• Cadillac Mountain works really well for sunset
• Beaches photograph beautifully on cloudy days
If you’re not sure what works best for your session time, I’ll walk you through it!
Bring one outfit that feels elevated and one that feels comfortable
Adventure engagement photos look best when you can move, sit, walk, and stay warm. I usually suggest one slightly dressier outfit for the cliffs or overlooks and something cozier for the beach or trails. We’ll choose what works best based on your locations and comfort!
Build in extra time
Acadia definitely isn’t the place to schedule back-to-back plans. Give yourselves room to enjoy it. Grab food or coffee before or after, explore town, and make the day part of your story instead of rushing in and out!
Think about how you want your photos to feel
Do you want playful and energetic? Quiet and relaxing? More candid and documentary? A mix of everything? Knowing the energy you want helps me guide you naturally without forcing anything that doesn’t feel like you!
Let the weather be what it is
Acadia is such an amazing spot because even on cloudy, foggy, or breezy days, you can get the best photos! Some of my favorite sessions ever happened when the sky was grey, or it was super windy! So don’t worry about the weather too much, and if anything does come up, we can plan accordingly!
Styling Tips for Acadia Engagement Photos
Most guides for Acadia sessions focus on hiking boots and athletic clothes, but that’s not the vibe my couples want. You can definitely dress in a way that feels elevated and still be comfortable in the park!
Here are a few things I recommend:
Stick with fabrics that move well.
Flowy dresses, linen, cotton, or clothes that catch a bit of wind always photograph really well. Stiff fabrics tend to bunch on the rocks!
Avoid anything too short or too tight.
You’ll be walking, sitting, leaning, and moving. Comfort always looks better than forcing an outfit.
Neutral colors work beautifully in Acadia.
Soft browns, tans, creams, muted greens, denim, and black pair really well with the granite, water, and pines!
Plan hair with the wind in mind.
Claw clips, half-up styles, or having a backup plan help keep you comfortable if the breeze picks up.
Bring a second outfit if you’re unsure.
Sometimes we start the session dressed up on the cliffs and switch to something cozy for the beach or trails.
This isn’t about “posing perfectly.” It’s about choosing outfits that let you move naturally.
What to Pack for Your Acadia Engagement Photos
Here’s a simple checklist for adventure sessions so nothing feels stressful:
• Comfortable shoes for walking
• A warm layer
• A blanket to sit on if you want seated photos
• Hair ties or clips if it’s windy
• Water and a snack (just in case we adventure around!)
• A backup outfit in case the first gets sandy or wet
Nothing fancy. Just little things that help you feel comfortable and cared for during your session.
Why Acadia Is Such a Great Choice for Portland Couples
Even though Acadia is a few hours from Portland, choosing it as your engagement session location still supports your Portland wedding planning and gives you a gallery that feels intentional and different from your wedding day images!
I love it when couples choose one location for their session and another for their wedding. It adds more variety to your photos and helps tell a fuller, more meaningful story! Plus, it’s always fun to get a little bit of city energy on your wedding day and a little bit of adventure during your engagement session!
Shelby and Shaun are a perfect example of this. Their Acadia engagement session gave them something totally different from what they’ll experience in Portland next summer, and the two balance each other beautifully.
Make It a Full Experience For Your Acadia Engagement Photos
If you’re already making the drive from Portland, turn your engagement session into something special. Here are a few ideas couples love:
Start with a slow morning in Portland.
Grab coffee at Tandem Coffee Roasters or Arabica before you head out.
Stop for lunch in Bar Harbor.
There are plenty of local spots within minutes of the park. Side Street Cafe and Village Green are always really easy and relaxed.
Plan a simple picnic.
Throw snacks and drinks in the car. We can always take a small break during the session if you want to sit and enjoy the view together!
Stay overnight.
There are great inns and boutique stays near the park if you want to wake up slowly the next morning!
This session can be more than photos. It can be a memory you come back to for years! And it’s always more fun to make a little trip out of it!
A Few Words From Shelby and Shaun
Here’s what they shared about their experience:
“Working with Jess was an absolute dream. She is truly one of the sweetest, kindest, and most talented photographers we’ve ever met. Her eye for artistic, meaningful photos is unmatched. Every image she captures feels like a piece of art.”
I am so grateful for couples like them who trust the process and lean into the experience with an open heart!
FAQ: Acadia National Park Engagement Photos
Do we need a permit for engagement photos in Acadia?
You do not need a permit for simple portrait sessions. Larger sessions or styled shoots may require one, and I can help walk you through anything you need.
What time of year is best for Acadia engagement photos?
Late spring through early fall gives you the most flexibility. Summer evenings and early fall tend to be the easiest for couples coming from Portland.
What if it’s foggy or cloudy?
Acadia engagement photos are so pretty here, no matter the weather. Fog softens the background and creates really intimate, calm images. Some of my favorite galleries were shot on gray days.
Is Acadia safe and easy to walk around?
Yes! We choose areas with safe footing, simple trails, and short walks. You do not need to hike for photos unless you want to.
How long will the session take?
Most Acadia sessions last two hours, but with driving between locations, plan for a half-day experience!
Ready to Plan Your Adventure Engagement Photos?
If Acadia feels like your kind of place or you want help choosing engagement photo locations that feel personal and honest, I would love to talk more! You can reach out through my contact form, and we can start planning a session that feels true to you!
Your engagement photos should feel super unique to you, but I also want you to leave thinking, “That was so much fun!” and Acadia is a beautiful place to make that happen!
