How to plan an intimate wedding near Portland, Maine? If you’re looking for a secret gem with sweeping ocean views, but want to be away from tourists and still close to the city, a Two Lights State Park elopement is perfect for you.
If you are planning a Maine elopement, Two Lights State Park is an ideal location with picturesque views of the ocean from rocky cliffs, towering green pines and access to the beach. Lots of people think of Acadia National Park first when they think of top Maine wedding locations, but as photographers who specialize in Maine elopements, we think Two Lights State Park is a secret gem. It’s closer to Portland, Maine, providing access to hotels and top-rated restaurants, and it’s not as far of a drive. Two Lights State Park elopements provide much more privacy compared to the crowds of tourists the flock to Acadia, and the photos will leave you with beautiful coastal Maine views.
For this Two Lights State Park elopement in the fall of 2021, we met the couple at their hotel in Portland for their getting-ready photos and then headed to the park together to exchange vows. This couple lives in NYC and contacted us to help plan their Maine elopement. They wanted photos that captured that unique Maine look, but also wanted a location that offered the convenience of being near the city of Portland. As a Maine elopement photographer with years of experience under our belt- we knew Two Lights State Park was the perfect elopement destination for them. We were honored to help them plan their elopement day from start to finish.
Getting ready at a charming hotel in the city
The getting ready photos on an elopement day tell such a special part of the story. Without others around to participate, the couple often ends up spending the morning together preparing, writing vows, and helping each other get dressed. While it’s different than a traditional wedding, getting ready together offers connection and emotion, which makes eloping so special. When helping our couple’s plan their elopement day, we always suggest dedicating time for these intimate moments that help tell an important part of their story.
This elopement couple stayed at the Blind Tiger in Portland, Maine which was a 10-minute drive from the park. Portland has tons of great hotels to stay at, but the Blind Tiger is perfect for couples looking for a quiet stay with vintage charm. The couple wrote their vows and got dressed together in the Diavolo Suite. We highly recommend this hotel for any wedding or elopement stay- the photo ops were incredible.
Exchanging vows on the Maine coast
Arriving at Two Lights State Park for the elopement, the couple met their officiant in the parking lot, and we all headed into the park together to find the perfect spot on the cliffs for the ceremony. The bride slipped on her hiking boots to trek across the rocky cliffs, and her groom helped guide her up the ledges. The cliffs are super close to the parking lot area, while still being completely secluded from the cars. That makes Two Lights State Park an ideal location for an elopement ceremony, because it’s easy to get to the ceremony spot and a small group of people could join if you wanted guests.
This location also allows for incredible portrait opportunities after the ceremony. We walked around the park and stopped at different spots to capture some candid celebration moments with the couple. Two Lights is great for couples that want elopement photos with a sense of adventure, but don’t want to spend 6+ hours hiking around on their wedding day.
Celebrating the elopement in Portland, ME
After the elopement ceremony at Two Lights, the couple ventured back into Portland to celebrate. With tons of great restaurants and breweries, there were lots of options to toast your newlywed status. Here’s some of our favorite spots for post-elopement celebratory food and drink:
Hiring the best Maine elopement photographer for your day
When you work with us as your Maine elopement photographer, we start by helping you pick the place, then work with you to create a timeline. We also help connect you with vendors for assistance with officiating, flowers, accommodations, etc. We connected this bride with Bounty O Blooms who made this epic fall themed bouquet. Our photography packages are crafted for couple’s looking for the perfect Maine elopement experience and are super helpful for couples like this one who aren’t from Maine. You can learn more by visiting our site here or, if you fill out or contact page, we’ll reach out to get the ball rolling.
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