DownEast & Acadia Region

Highlights of the DownEast & Acadia Region

Welcome to the DownEast & Acadia Region of Maine, a coastal paradise that combines the rugged, untamed beauty of the Atlantic with the serene charm of New England, creating a magical setting for your wedding. This region, known for its iconic lighthouses, breathtaking national parks, and rich maritime history, offers a captivating backdrop for couples looking to tie the knot in an unforgettable locale.

Imagine your special day set against the majestic scenery of Acadia National Park, where the mountains meet the sea. The park’s diverse landscape of rocky beaches, granite peaks like the famous Cadillac Mountain, and lush forests provides a stunning array of natural settings for your ceremony and photographs. Sunrise weddings here are especially magical, offering a moment of pure enchantment as the first light of day illuminates your new beginning.

Along the rugged coastline, the quintessential Maine experience continues with historic lighthouses like Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse offering a romantic and picturesque setting for nuptials. These iconic structures not only provide a unique backdrop but also symbolize guidance and steadfastness, mirroring the journey of marriage.

The region’s charming coastal towns, such as Bar Harbor and Eastport, offer a blend of local culture and scenic beauty. Quaint chapels, elegant inns, and waterfront parks in these towns provide idyllic venues for both intimate gatherings and grand celebrations. The local maritime culture, reflected in the fresh seafood cuisine and warm hospitality, adds a distinct flavor to your wedding celebration.

In the DownEast & Acadia Region, each season brings its own charm: the vibrant hues of autumn foliage, the lush greenery of summer, the serene snowscapes of winter, and the fresh blooms of spring. This area is not just a location but a journey into the heart of Maine’s natural and cultural beauty, ensuring your wedding is not just a day, but an experience etched in memory for a lifetime.

Approximate distance from …

Bangor: 50 miles
Portland: 175 miles
Boston: 290 miles
New York City: 500 miles
Montreal: 340 miles

Nearest airports:

Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport (KBHB)
Bangor International Airport (BGR)

Where to get your marriage license:

Bar Harbor Town Clerk
93 Cottage Street
207-288-4098

Calais City Clerk
11 Church Street
207-454-2521 x1000

Ellsworth City Clerk
1 City Hall Plaza
207-669-6604

Machias Town Clerk
7 Court Street, Suite 1
207-255-6621 x8683

For more information:

Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce
207-288-5103

Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce
207-667-5584

Destinations in DownEast & Acadia

Cities and Towns in the Region

Addison | Alexander | Amherst | Aurora | Baileyville | Bar Harbor | Baring Plantation | Beals | Beddington | Blue Hill | Brooklin | Brooksville | Brookton Township | Bucksport | Calais | Castine | Centerville | Charlotte | Cherryfield | Codyville | Columbia | Columbia Falls |Cooper | Cranberry Isle | Crawford Cutler | Deblois | Dedham | Deer Isle | Dennysville | East Machias | Eastbrook | Eastport | Edmunds Township | Ellsworth | Forest Township | Franklin | Frenchboro | Gouldsboro | Grand Lake Stream | Great Pond | Hancock | Harrington | Indian Township | Isle Au Haut | Jonesboro | Jonesport | Lambert Lake | Lamoine | Long Island Plantation | Lubec | Machias | Machiasport | Mariaville | Marion Township | Marshfield | Meddybemps | Milbridge | Mount Desert | No 14 Plantation | No 21 Plantation | Northfield | Orland | Osborn | Otis | Pembroke | Penobscot | Perry | Pleasant Point | Princeton | Robbinston | Roque Bluffs | Sedgwick | Sorrento | Southwest Harbor | Steuben | Stonington | Sullivan | Surry | Swans Island | Talmadge | Topsfield | Tremont | Trenton | Trescott Township | Vanceboro | Verona | Waite | Waltham | Wesley | Whiting | Whitneyville | Winter Harbor

Regions in Maine

Aroostook

Beaches

DownEast & Acadia

Highlands

Kennebec Valley

Lakes & Mountains

MidCoast

Portland & Casco Bay