Why Lupine Season Is Perfect for Surprise Proposals on Mount Desert Island
Late May through early June is one of our favorite seasons for surprise proposals on Mount Desert Island near Acadia National Park. That’s when Maine’s lupine fields burst into bloom. Magical purple, pink, and white flowers that briefly transform the landscape before summer fully arrives.
Lupine season is short-lived and weather dependent, which makes it feel even more special. These colorful wildflower fields create incredibly romantic backdrops for private proposals, engagement sessions, and intimate moments in coastal Maine.
The purple, white and pink blossom spires are a surprisingly controversial flower. The smaller native variety, Sundial Lupine, is all but erased from the Maine landscape. In its place is the Bigleaf Lupine from the Pacific Northwest. Portland, meet Portland! It was brought to Maine as an ornamental flower and has taken over. An invasive species, Acadia National Park restricts its growth, so it’s more common to find growing on private lands.
Controversies aside, it’s highly photogenic. So take the cons (seeds toxic to animals, crowding out native plants) along with the pros (nectar-rich for pollinating insects, with deep roots for erosion control) and admire them for what they are. Totally brilliant bursts of color signaling an end to the long dark winter.
We have three favorite locations for lupine-loving couples. They make epic backdrops for off-the-beaten-path surprise proposals near Acadia. And throwing proposees off the scent, as they aren’t the typically touristed Acadia hot spots. All three locations are on land we have access to, but which you won’t find on maps as they are privately owned. One being our home! But with precise maps, we guide the proposer there, along with carefully constructed back stories to fool their partner. Add in a little golden light, and it’s magic! The best Acadia surprise proposal locations – intimate, scenic, magical. And technically not in Acadia (ie dog friendly!)
Locations are also fantastic for Acadia engagement sessions. And, while we’ve never done it before, we’d even consider a lupine elopement in our field! Lupine season on Mount Desert Island is short, usually peaking between late May and mid-June depending on weather conditions. We live on island, so are certified lupine forecasters. Reach out to ask us how the bloom is shaping up!
Let’s Plan Your Intimate Lupine Field Surprise Proposal Photo Session on MDI:
It really is our favorite place on the planet and certainly one of the top National Parks in the country! Our process for Acadia proposals starts with getting to know the proposer and understanding what their vision of the event is. We’ll then work with you to find the best location and time of day to propose in Acadia and work with you in any way we can to help with the remainder of the planning and keeping it a secret.
If an Acadia proposal on Sand Beach at sunset is what speaks to you, then we’re all for helping you plan it. Or we can help you find the perfect spot with fewer people and stress-free parking. Kate has been visiting Acadia every year since she was born and introduced Keith when they shot their first wedding there. We now spend the majority of the season exploring the park while we stay at our family’s home in Somesville. It is with this passion and knowledge of the park that we can find the perfect place for your surprise proposal in Acadia National Park and be there with you to photograph the first chapter in your wedding story.
We intentionally don’t give out too many of our secrets here for the benefit of our couples. If you’re interested in working with us to photograph your surprise engagement in Acadia we’d love to chat with you! Let’s start making plans! Contact us now!
View more of our Acadia National Park proposals, engagements, and wedding photos! We are available in Acadia May-Oct. We then shift our operation to Kailua, HI for Kailua surprise proposal photography! Yes, we know we’re lucky!