Elopement vs. Wedding: What’s Right for You in Maine?
Intimate Moments or Grand Gathering
A Photographer’s Insight to Help You Choose
Choosing How You Say “I Do”
In a state as timeless and breathtaking as Maine, couples are reimagining what it means to get married. Do you picture a quiet exchange of vows on a fog-kissed cliffside? Or are you drawn to the joy of a celebration surrounded by all the people you love?
Whether you lean toward the intimacy of an elopement or the tradition of a wedding, both are worthy, beautiful, and deeply personal.
At Beaux & Arrows, I’ve had the privilege of capturing love in both forms—from hidden waterfalls in Acadia to candlelit barns echoing with music and laughter. Below, I’ll walk you through the key differences between elopements and weddings to help you decide what’s right for your heart, your story, and your vision.
What Is an Elopement (Today)?
Modern elopements aren’t secretive courthouse visits or quick escapes to Vegas. They’re intentional, emotionally-rich experiences centered around just the two of you (or a few loved ones), often held in nature, at historic sites, or in private venues.
Why couples choose to elope:
– Simplicity & freedom – No rigid schedules, no guest list politics
– Deeper connection – Every moment is about your relationship
– Creative locations – Maine’s mountains, coastlines, and orchards become your altar
– Lower stress – No performance, just presence
🕯 Imagine: A sunrise ceremony on a rocky overlook, just before a handwritten vow exchange as fog curls through the evergreens.
What Defines a Wedding?
A traditional wedding typically involves a larger guest count, planned events (ceremony, cocktail hour, reception), and formal vendors such as catering, DJ, florals, and venue hosts.
Why couples choose a wedding:
– Shared celebration – You get to honor your union with the people who shaped your life
– Event atmosphere – Dancing, dinner, and memory-making on a grand scale
– Family involvement – Tradition, unity, legacy
– Timeless rituals – First looks, toasts, and elegant details
💍 Picture: A white-tented reception at a coastal estate, filled with laughter, lilacs, and the clinking of glasses as twilight settles.
How to Know Which Is Right for You
Ask yourselves:
– Do we want to feel surrounded or centered?
– Would we rather plan a journey or host an event?
– Is photography one of the only things we care about capturing?
– What makes us feel most like us—a party, or peace?
There’s no wrong answer. Only your answer.
Maine Elopements and Weddings I Recommend
– Ricker Orchards, Turner – Fall’s golden orchard rows
– Acadia National Park – Granite cliffs, mist, and solitude
– Private Forested Cabins – Think handcrafted vows by a woodstove
– Barn at Flanagan Farm – Elegant, modern rustic
– Portland’s Brick South – Industrial charm meets fine detail
– Spruce Point Inn, Boothbay Harbor – Oceanside luxury with timeless appeal
Photography for Elopements vs. Weddings
At Beaux & Arrows, I offer both:
– Elopements: Emotive, cinematic, natural light-heavy storytelling
– Weddings: From editorial portraits to heirloom moments that span every hour of the day
My approach remains the same: intentional, guided, and built on trust—whether I’m your only witness or blending into a 100-person celebration.
Closing Thought: It’s Not About Size—It’s About Soul
Whether you choose to whisper your vows into a mountain breeze or toast beneath string lights with friends and family, your love deserves to be seen and honored. Maine gives you space for both.
Ready to Begin?
Let’s bring your vision to life, beautifully and truthfully—whether it’s just the two of you, or everyone you love.
