Sunrise Proposal and Engagement Session on Great Head in Acadia National Park

Is there a better way to start your day than by sitting on the cliffs of Acadia, watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean and Schoodic Peninsula? There is when you share it with person you want to spend the rest of your life with, and they say “Yes!”

Couple cozies up sitting on the cliffs watching the autumn sunrise over the Atlantic ocean off the Great Head Trail with Great Head in the background

Nick and Maddy met in Colorado a few years ago and spent a lot of time hiking together there. They had always wanted to visit Maine, but hadn’t yet had the chance. They had a trip planned for October, and Nick felt the timing was right.

Glowing red autumn sunrise from Great Head in Acadia National Park

Nick wanted a spot that would offer a great sunrise view, some privacy, and not be a long hike from the car.

Kneeling in front of her, he proposes to his girlfriend at sunrise on the cliffs near Great Head in Acadia National Park

Over a phone call we talked through different locations that would work for his vision, and he settled on Great Head.

A newly engaged woman hugs her fiancee on the cliffs over the Atlantic during sunrise after he proposed in Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine.
A couple backlit by the sunrise embraces after an oceanside surprise proposal in Acadia National Park.

Once Nick and Maddy arrived, Brian signaled that he was ready and it was up to Nick to find the right moment. As the sun crested the horizon over the Atlantic, Nick slid the ring out of this pocket and kneeled in front of Maddy.

A golden sunrise reflects off the ocean between a couple holding hands and smiling at one another after a surprise proposal in Acadia near Great Head.

Nick was right - Maddy had no idea what was coming, and she was literally jumping for joy!

A newly engaged couple backlit by a fiery sunrise shares a kiss on the cliffs near Great Head in Acadia National Park.
He wraps his arms around her waist as they smile during an engagement session in Acadia National Park.
A couple shares a laugh and a special moment after a surprise proposal at sunrise on the cliffs near Great Head in Acadia.
The water swirls around the rocks at the base of the cliffs as the couple poses in the glow of the sunrise during their engagement photos in Acadia National Park near Bar Harbor, Maine.

Thinking of proposing in Bar Harbor or Acadia National Park? Let’s talk! No matter how much (or how little!) planning you’ve done, we’re happy to jump in and make sure your special moment is captured beautifully. We live on the island year round and spend most of our time in the park; one of our favorite things to do is find little hidden corners of beauty.