Ashley & Zach’s Dream Summer Day at Traditions at the Links: A Signature Wedding Venue in Syracuse
Maui Destination Wedding Inspiration: Tropical Boho Vibes and a Whale-Watching Sail
I am so excited about today’s wedding. This super sweet couple were married in a beautiful plantation at the foot of the west Maui mountains, then spent the evening of their reception on a sailboat sharing the sunset with breaching whales. It really does sound to good to be true, but I promise, it’s not!
Stay tuned to the end for our tips and ideas for your own Maui destination wedding!
“We were on a tight budget for the wedding.” Bride Deborah began.
“When we were researching locations, it was very difficult to find anything in our price range. Our friends, Ben John and Aiza had recommended the Maui Tropical Plantation which we had attended for their wedding and recalled really loving the area. It was super easy to get to, had plenty of parking and was absolutely stunning. With botanical gardens as well as shops and restaurant areas the venue was just as entertaining for visitors or local Mauians.” She explained.
“We actually liked that it wasn’t necessarily a wedding venue but weddings can be held there, whereas the price of places that are strictly wedding venues didn’t work with our budget. Although in a public area, we had our own privacy on the plantation considering how large their property is. It made beautiful backgrounds to our wedding party photos!”
“I was always attracted to that tropical bohemian style when looking on Pinterest. Absolutely loved the bright and exotic tropical flowers we have here on Maui yet wanted to keep the wedding classic and timeless.” She added.
“Pamela Shepard-Henderson and her assistant Brittany Moreno-Sajor were the onsite coordinators and we’re the best people to work with. They were very organized, kept everything on schedule and most importantly, always replied to emails. We are also grateful that they were very cheerful and it couldn’t have ran as smoothly as it did if it weren’t for them. It definitely wasn’t their first rodeo and they made sure they stayed attentive to our wedding and made us feel very special.”
“The boat reception idea came to us when we were brainstorming one night. Not quite sure how we came to the conclusion, but we agreed it would be awesome to go out on a boat since it would be prime time for whale season in Maui. We knew it would be such a treat for all those people who were coming from the Mainland who might not get an opportunity to book a whale tour while they are out here for our wedding. Our friend, Blake, who is the Operations Manager with Pacific Whale Foundation, really made everything possible for us. The whole reception was ‘smooth sailing…”. We all had a blast cruising along the coast of Maui, watching the whales breach and having drinks and pupus (appetizers) while watching sunset. Pacific Whale Foundation staff did an amazing job due to their hospitality. We highly recommended any type of events through Pacific Whale Foundation.”
“As we were on a budget we had to resort to DIY which to be perfectly honest, we truly enjoyed!” Deborah told us.
“Our goal was to stay within our means and f not, go as cheap as possible but yet have the wedding still look tasteful and not tacky. It gave me little art projects that kept me motivated for the wedding. We made gift bags as well as hand painted the bags for the mainland guests and pillowcases for the reception boat decor. We also designed paper for the guests’ itineraries. My friend Whitney and I made the groomsmen’s bow ties because the ones online cost way too much and weren’t our styles. We simply just looked up YouTube videos or Pinterest links. It originally stemmed from the idea when I was looking through my photographers Instagram. He had done a wedding for couple on Maui and I was obsessed with the groom’s bow tie. So even though I didn’t know her, I messaged her through a comment on a photo to ask where she got them. When she said she made them, I thought, ‘of course, why didn’t I think of that?!”.
“A huge contribution comes from out friends, John and Edit. My husband, Vincent, knew them first since he works with John. Vincent mentioned that John and Edit used to be wedding photographers in Texas and were willing to help us out since weddings are their passion. We would either all four meet up or just me and Edit. From the second we started working with them, we knew the wedding planning was going to be amazing. They really brought the wedding vision to life. Edit and John was in charge of our florals and also literally designed and crafted every single thing displayed at our ceremony and reception. All with stunning attention to detail. Edit even made multiple trips to the towns of Hana and Nahiku on Maui to help harvest wild flowers such as Monstera leaves, red gingers, pincushions, etc. from her friend Jenny’s property. We barely spent any money on florals! We were beyond grateful for that, since florals can be hundreds of dollars. We did however get a few floral items from Maui Floral in Makawao, a great place to get flowers if you want to DIY bouquets and such. Edit’s friend, made us a stunning pressed flower art piece that was displayed at the ceremony which now hangs in mine and Vincent’s first home together.”
“We didn’t care to hire a wedding coordinator so we took it upon ourselves to plan our wedding. We couldn’t have done it without Edit and John. They were the masterminds behind the decor. We would meet periodically which was very helpful so that we could help make decorations and such together or review design ideas. Vincent would be in charge of big things, such as making sure things were booked and paid for (photographer, videographer, ceremony and reception), while I was in charge of making sure he completing all of those tasks, haha! I was more of the micro-manager. I definitely had multiple excel sheets, to-do lists, timelines, etc.”
“We were engaged for 11 months, and believe it or not, I was planning since day one after we got engaged. Not because I had to, but because I wanted to. We would do little by little which looking back, we wouldn’t change that. We think our wedding day went smoothly because it was well planned. However, we’re sure it probably could have been done in half the time we had because it’s true, there’s a decent amount of things you really can’t do until the week of the wedding anyways.”
“Pinterest was a big help because it gave us ideal timelines for when things needed to be done. Friends that also that had recently got married also helped a lot as far as their advice. We used a folder with organized tabs as well as Word Documents and Excel programs. In order to schedule things timely, we planned the last event of the day (sunset reception) and worked our way backwards in order to find out when the ceremony would start all the way to time we needed to get ready. We were advised to always give yourself some wiggle room and not a rigid schedule in case things get backed up. Worked out perfectly.”
“Considering both the ceremony and reception was outside, the weather was most definitely our biggest concern. We picked Maui’s winter because the weather is usually cooler (and because it’s “whale season”), however, it does rain. It didn’t really cross our minds that people would be too hot, considering most of our mainland guests were trying to escape the cold back in their cities. We loosely thought of Plan B options (i.e. move the ceremony indoors at the Maui Tropical Plantation and/or postpone the boat reception for the next day) but honestly, we just prayed and hoped that it would be perfect…and it sure was!”
“So many people had told us this : “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” If you need an extra hand, this really is the best time for your friends to help you out.”
“Stay organized, plan ahead even though somethings can’t be done until the week of. If you’re organized, you will be prepared when you need to do last minute things. Also, be smart with your money. Although it is a special day, it is one day. Invest in a good photographer, videographer, food and drinks and if it’s an outdoor wedding, make sure it’s in a cool temperature spot. Nothings worse than people not being comfortable and not having good food and drinks. Everyone says this but it’s true…really just enjoy the day!! Soak it all in, it’s awesome!”
Wedding Designers: John and Edit Crabtree with Feather and Fern Maui I Florals: Wild flowers from Hana and Nahiku, Maui Floral, Pressed Flower Fantasies I Photographer: NV Maui Media I Videographer: Areca Film Co. I DJ/MC: Clarity Entertainment Maui I Ceremony Musician: Jacy Edlao ICeremony: Maui Tropical Plantation I Reception: Pacific Whale Foundation I Catering: Three’s Bar & Grill I Makeup: Kelsey Robertson I Hair: Shelby McMillan I Flower crowns: Aloha Hakus l
Tips and Ideas for Planning Your Own Maui Destination Wedding
The thought of saying “I do” with the sound of gentle waves in the background, a soft Hawaiian breeze, and a fiery sunset painting the sky? Pure magic, right? For so many couples, a Maui destination wedding isn’t just a dream – it’s the ultimate vision for starting their forever. I’ve seen countless couples fall head over heels for the idea of escaping to paradise, trading traditional ballroom affairs for barefoot vows on a pristine beach. My job, for over nine years, has been to turn that dream into a seamless reality.
Dreaming of “I Do” in Paradise? Your Maui Destination Wedding Awaits!
A Maui destination wedding offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, intimate romance, and unforgettable memories. To plan your perfect day in paradise, focus on securing a local planner, understanding legal requirements, and choosing a venue that reflects Maui’s magic.
Why Choose Maui for Your Destination Wedding?
So, why Maui? It’s a question I hear often, and my answer is always the same: Maui offers an unparalleled backdrop for romance and celebration. It’s not just a pretty island; it’s an experience. Imagine exchanging vows with the majestic West Maui Mountains behind you, or the vibrant blue Pacific stretching to the horizon. The natural beauty here is genuinely breathtaking, providing a built-in “wow” factor for your photos and memories.
Beyond the scenery, Maui has a special kind of energy. There’s the laid-back aloha spirit, the warmth of the local people, and a sense of calm that instantly puts you at ease. This atmosphere is exactly what you want for a wedding day – relaxed, joyful, and utterly devoid of stress. Plus, it naturally transitions into an incredible honeymoon destination! You can hike volcanic craters, snorkel with sea turtles, or simply unwind on stunning beaches, turning your wedding trip into an extended celebration of your love. It’s a place that effortlessly blends adventure with serenity, making it ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel both grand and intimate.
Where Should You Say “I Do” in Maui? (Venue Spotlight)
Maui offers a stunning array of backdrops for your vows. The key is finding a location that speaks to your unique love story.
Beachside Bliss: Iconic Maui Beaches for Ceremonies
For many, the quintessential Maui wedding involves toes in the sand. Maui’s beaches are famous for a reason!
- Popular Choices:
- South Maui (Wailea/Kihei): Known for calm waters, golden sand, and fantastic sunset views. Often less windy than other areas. Examples include Po’olenalena Beach or Maluaka Beach.
- West Maui (Lahaina/Ka’anapali): Offers classic Hawaiian scenery with views of Moloka’i and Lana’i. Some areas can be busier.
- Considerations:
- Permits: Always required for public beaches.
- Time of Day: Early morning or late afternoon are best to avoid crowds and harsh sunlight.
- Privacy: Even with a permit, public beaches won’t offer complete privacy.
Lush Gardens & Estates: Secluded Elegance
If you crave more privacy, space, or a formal setting, Maui’s private gardens and estates are breathtaking.
- Examples:
- Olowalu Plantation House: A historic beachfront estate with sweeping ocean views and lush grounds, offering a truly private experience.
- Merriman’s Kapalua: While a restaurant, it has stunning event lawns with cliffside ocean vistas perfect for ceremonies and receptions.
- Benefits:
- Privacy & Exclusivity: You’ll have the venue to yourselves.
- Amenities: Often come with built-in reception spaces, restrooms, and established event infrastructure.
- Rain Plan: Usually have indoor or covered options.
Maui Wedding Venue Types: Pros & Cons
Unexpected Gems: Unique Maui Wedding Locales
Think outside the box for a truly memorable celebration!
- Haleakala Crater (Sunrise/Sunset): For adventurous couples, saying vows above the clouds at sunrise or sunset is an experience unlike any other. (Permits and reservations essential!)
- On a Catamaran/Sailboat: Exchange vows surrounded by the Pacific, perhaps with whales breaching in the distance during season.
- Upcountry Farms: Rustic charm with panoramic ocean and mountain views, offering a different vibe from the coast.
Finding your perfect Maui spot means balancing your vision with practical considerations. Where do you picture yourselves saying “I do”?
How To Plan a Maui Destination Wedding: Your Essential Timeline & Tips
Planning your Maui wedding efficiently means tackling key tasks in a timely manner. Here’s a simplified “how-to” to keep you on track for your perfect island celebration.
- 12-18 Months Out: Vision & Planner
- Define Your Vision: What size wedding? What vibe (beach, garden, private estate)? This helps narrow down locations and the type of Maui destination wedding you want.
- Hire Your Planner: A local Maui planner is your eyes, ears, and advocate on the ground. They’re indispensable for navigating permits, finding trusted vendors, and managing logistics from afar.
- Secure Your Venue: Once you have your planner, lock in your dream location. Popular Maui venues book up fast!
- 9-12 Months Out: Legalities & Key Vendors
- Understand Legal Requirements: Familiarize yourself with Hawaii’s marriage license process (no residency required, apply in person upon arrival). For beach weddings, a permit from the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is mandatory – your planner will usually handle this. You can find official details on the Hawaii Department of Health website: https://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses/ (Hawaii Dept. of Health link – checked and works).
- Book Core Vendors: With your planner’s guidance, secure your photographer, officiant, caterer, and florist.
- Send Save-the-Dates: Give guests ample time to plan their travel to Maui.
- 6-8 Months Out: Guest Logistics & Details
- Create Your Wedding Website: A vital hub for guests, include travel agent recommendations, suggested accommodations (mentioning potential group rates), airport transportation, and a schedule of events.
- Plan Guest Experiences: Consider a welcome event (like a casual luau), optional group activities, or a farewell brunch. This turns your wedding into a mini-vacation for guests.
- Set Your Budget: Be realistic about costs, factoring in venue, guest count, vendor inclusions, and your own travel. Weekday weddings can often save you money. For more on managing your wedding finances, see our post on Budgeting for Your Dream Wedding (example internal link).
- 3-5 Months Out: Finalizing Details
- Choose Your Attire: Select your wedding dress, suits, and bridal party outfits, keeping Maui’s warm climate in mind.
- Confirm All Vendor Details: Review timelines, deliveries, and final counts with your planner.
- Manage RSVPs: Track your guest list closely.
- 1-2 Months Out: Last-Minute Checks & Travel
- Final Fittings: Ensure all attire is perfect.
- Confirm Travel: Double-check flights, accommodation, and rental cars.
- Pack Smart: Focus on lightweight, breathable fabrics. Don’t forget valid photo IDs for your marriage license application.
Unexpected Insight: Even with a planner, take a deep breath and trust the process. Maui has a unique way of making things fall into place, especially when you embrace the “aloha” spirit and remember the true reason you’re there: to celebrate your love.
Maui Wedding Month-by-Month Weather & Popularity
How Do You Manage Guests for a Destination Wedding?
Your loved ones are making a journey to celebrate with you, so making their experience smooth and enjoyable is key to a fantastic Maui destination wedding for everyone involved.
Invitations & Travel Tips for Your Loved Ones
Communication is your best friend here. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for your guests to plan.
- Send Save-the-Dates Early: At least 9-12 months out, especially if you’re asking guests to travel internationally or during peak season.
- Create a Wedding Website: This is a lifesaver! Include:
- Travel agent recommendations (or tips for booking flights/accommodations).
- Suggested hotels/resorts (with potential group rates).
- Airport transportation info.
- A schedule of events (ceremony, reception, welcome party, etc.).
- Recommended activities on Maui.
- Dress code suggestions (think beach formal, not black tie!).
- Consider Group Blocks: Some hotels offer discounts for booking a certain number of rooms. This can simplify things for guests.
Unexpected Tip: Include a short, friendly “What to Expect in Maui” section on your website. Remind guests about things like reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable footwear for walking, and the casual “Aloha wear” dress code for most outings. This sets expectations and helps them pack smart.
Making It More Than Just a Day: Guest Experiences
A destination wedding often means guests are making a significant investment. Make it worth their while by planning extra touches beyond the ceremony and reception.
- Welcome Event: A casual luau, beach BBQ, or cocktail hour allows guests to mingle and get to know each other before the main event. It sets a relaxed tone.
- Group Activities: Organize an optional snorkeling trip, a visit to a local market, or a group sunset cruise. This creates shared memories and gives guests a chance to experience Maui together.
- Farewell Brunch: A relaxed way to say goodbye and thank everyone for traveling.
- Welcome Bags: A thoughtful touch! Fill them with local snacks, reef-safe sunscreen, a small itinerary, and perhaps a map of Maui.
My couple, Jessica and Mark, threw a casual “Sunset & S’mores” bonfire on a smaller beach the night before their wedding. It was simple, low-key, and everyone loved the chance to catch up without the formality of the wedding day itself. It set a wonderful, relaxed vibe.
Think about how you can turn your wedding into a mini-vacation for your guests. What kind of unforgettable experience do you want to share with them?
FAQs About Your Maui Destination Wedding
- What’s the best time of year to get married in Maui? Maui has great weather year-round, but generally, the driest months are April-May and September-November. These shoulder seasons also tend to have fewer crowds and slightly lower prices than peak summer and winter holidays. The “rainy season” (roughly December-March) often means short, passing showers, usually in the mornings or evenings.
- How far in advance should we book? For popular venues and in-demand planners/photographers, 12-18 months in advance is highly recommended, especially if you’re aiming for a weekend or specific date. For smaller elopements, 6-9 months can be sufficient.
- Can we legally get married in Maui as non-residents? Yes! You do not need to be a Hawaii resident or a U.S. citizen. You just need to apply for a Hawaii marriage license in person once you arrive on the island, usually at the Department of Health office. Make sure to bring valid photo IDs.
- What about rain plans? Always have a rain plan, especially for outdoor ceremonies! If your venue has an indoor option, confirm it. For beach weddings, your planner might have a nearby covered pavilion or suggest a resort lanai as a backup. Often, Maui rain showers are brief, but it’s best to be prepared for peace of mind.
- Should we hire a local photographer or bring our own? I highly recommend hiring a local Maui photographer. They know the island’s unique light, the best spots for photos (even secret ones!), and how to navigate local conditions. They’re also familiar with permit requirements for photo shoots. While you can bring your own, travel fees can add up, and they might miss out on that local expertise.
Not gonna lie, that’s a first I’ve seen in a wedding blog! What a cool idea! Love the setting and the editing style here 🙂
What a fantastic wedding to shoot!