Getting Married on Maui
So you’ve decided on getting married on Maui…
First of all, congratulations. Maui is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and planning a wedding on Maui may not be as difficult as you imagined. In fact, many couples from the mainland and Japan take the plunge on Maui every year. And what’s more, you’ll already be on your honeymoon.
You’ll need a marriage license, of course. That can be obtained at the county office. There are six other locations on the island where you can obtain a marriage license, but they all require reservations and are open only Monday through Friday. A quick Google search will help you find the location that’s best for you.
Hiring a wedding coordinator is not completely necessary, but it will save you some headaches, and maybe even some money. For the sake of this article, let’s assume you’ve decided to plan this wedding yourself. Here’s what that entails.
Let’s start with the flowers. Since you’re getting married on Maui, you’ll want to give this wedding a Hawaiian feel. Consider purchasing fresh flower leis for your guests and loose plumeria petals for the guests to throw at you instead of rice. You should test the bridal bouquet at the florist, since you don’t want it to fall apart during the ceremony or in mid-flight when you toss it at the end.
In addition, consider exchanging leis during your vows, as that is an Hawaiian expression of love and honor. Getting married on Maui will feel extra special if you keep with Hawaiian traditions.
Beware of amateur photographers. A reasonable test might be to ask if they’ll release the negatives for less than $750. If they say yes, you should probably run.
Whether your reception will be for two or a hundred and two, make your reservations well in advance. Booked restaurants and resorts can sour your Maui wedding plans quite rapidly.
Consider bringing a hair stylist along as your maid of honor or best man. Humidity or island trade winds could mess up that perfect hair style faster than your touchy-feely Uncle Fred.
Of course, what’s a wedding on Maui without some Hawaiian music, specifically an acoustic guitar or ukelele player singing Hawaiian love songs? Very inexpensive and well worth the cost.
Finally, you’ll need to research which ceremony location fits best in your Maui wedding plans. In South Maui, check out Grand Wailea, Makena Cove, Polo Beach, Ulua Beach and Maluaka. In West Maui, you’ll want to see Kapalua Bay, Kaanapali Beach, Napili Bay and Kahikili Beach.
Aloha! You’re on your way to getting married on Maui…
