Our list of the best Acadia National Park proposal locations isn’t one you will find in a guide book. And it’s probably not one you could get by asking a Park Ranger, or even the bartender at Side Street Cafe. Christian found this out quickly. He called looking for photographers for the surprise sunrise proposal he was planning. Not being from the area, it was a guess as to the #1 spot for an Acadia National Park proposal location. Our having the park in our backyard, we could tell you our favorite spots for most any type of day or situation.
You are probably thinking Cadillac Mountain for an engagement proposal. Sure, it’s the first place in the US to see the sunrise (but only during a certain part of the year), and it’s certainly the most popular spot in Acadia National Park for photography and tourism. All the more reason why we wouldn’t suggest it! On any given morning you’ll find loads of people taking in the sunrise, and even more photographing the sunset.
Christian’s vision was for an early morning hike and a surprise sunrise proposal at the summit. By looking at a map and Google Images, he came up with the North Bubble. It’s a short hike to the top, and a great view of Jordan Pond. Not bad thinking for someone who has never been to Maine’s Acadia National Park.
However, all we could think of was the lump of Pemetic Mountain being in the way, and not getting to see the sun crest over the horizon. In other words, probably not fulfilling the vision he had in mind when asking Stefani to be his future wife.
Now, here is where you’re probably thinking we’re about to tell you where we ended up going. Not so quickly (you’ll see down further.) 🙂 First, we need to tell you about why Stefani & Christian made this so epic. They met in college half way across the country in Texas. Christian moved to Arizona for work, and is sent to Southern Maine for weeks at a time. Stefani still lives in Texas, working in healthcare with patients who adore her enormous heart.
We gave Christian three options for locations, based on time of year, day of the week, weather and of course, the view. He selected the option with the longest hike involved! This instantly got us excited! We started at 4am to hit the summit before them, pretending to set up for photographing the sunrise. The mountain top was virtually empty, and while Stefani was none the wiser, Christian gave us a thumbs-up behind her back as the sun began to peak out.
Thus began the moment that turned Stefani’s day into one she won’t be forgetting. One she will forever be happy about setting the alarm clock for, regardless of the unreasonable hour on a Sunday during her vacation.
Stefani said “yes” without the slightest hesitation, having known this was the guy that made her life’s downs seem not-so-down, and ups even uppier (that’s a word, right?) since they met.
We spent the next hour hiking and smiling before heading into Bar Harbor to Two Cats, our favorites breakfast spot for their famous biscuits and strawberry butter. We quickly became friends with this couple, whose energy is infectious, appreciation for life palpable and respect for the world around them exactly what is needed today.
Thank you, Christian, for trusting us with this part of planning the engagement! This day was incredibly meaningful for us and we are so grateful to have been a part. We’ve loved sharing in the excitement with late night texts, Skype calls and planning dilemmas and can’t wait to share in your future!
Acadia National Park Proposal
Are you looking for a Acadia National Park proposal photographer, engagement shoot, wedding or other equally epic adventure? Send us a message, we’d love to hear all about your plans!
