How to Elope on Maui: The Ultimate Guide
Planning to elope on Maui? We’ve got you covered! We would love to make the process of planning your elopement as smooth as possible, so we've put together a guide on how to elope on Maui. Whether you're already set on Maui as your elopement location or merely considering it as an option, our guide will help you find all the information you need to know to have the Maui elopement of your dreams!
Reasons to Elope on Maui
1. The Diverse Nature
From Ironwoods Beach to Upcountry Maui, the island has tons of beautiful landscapes. So if you want to say your vows with the sound of the waves in the background or hike up the mountains and overlook the Waihe'e Coastal Dunes, then Maui is the perfect location for your elopement.
2. The Beautiful Weather
Maui's tropical climate means that the weather is pretty amazing all year round. Despite its wet season from November to March, the weather is warm most of the time. So when you elope on Maui, you'll probably be met with beautiful weather along with the stunning landscape!
3. The Variety of Beaches
Maui has more than 80 beaches that feature sandy shores, lava rock shores and cliff sides. The beaches are perfect to hold your elopement ceremony or your post-elopement celebration together. The vision of walking along the shore, dancing and soaking in the just-married feeling on the beach couldn't be more romantic!
4. The Dreamy Honeymoon Spots
Maui has numerous resorts, so it's no wonder that it's one of the best honeymoon destinations! After you elope on Maui, there are many other things to enjoy during your stay. If you're an adventurous couple, you can snorkel or cliff dive. To admire the scenery, you can go whale watching or take a sunset air tour. And, of course, there are lūʻaus that you can attend too!
How to get to Maui, Hawaii
As we mentioned before, Maui pretty much has beautiful weather all year round. But we highly suggest that if you want to elope on Maui, make a longer trip out of it! Staying for just 2 or 3 days can feel rushed and it won't give you the time to soak in all the events of your elopement. So taking at least a week to relax and enjoy Maui before and after your elopement day would really make it a more memorable experience!
Figure out the legalities for your Maui Elopement
Requirements for your Maui Elopement
If you decide to elope on Maui, there are a few requirements that you need to know of:
You must be 18 years or older
You must provide proof of age (birth certificate, passport)
You must provide photo ID (driver's license, passport, state ID)
Both applicants must appear together in person before a marriage license agent
It isn't necessary to provide blood tests and there are no Hawaii residence or U.S citizenship requirements to elope on Maui.
Obtaining Your Marriage License for Your Maui Elopement
To elope on Maui, you'll first need to get your marriage license, which allows you to legally have your elopement ceremony on the island. There are two ways that you can apply for your marriage license. You can either apply online (this costs $65) or arrange an appointment with a license agent in person. After applying for your marriage license, you'll need to pick it up no later than 30 days before your elopement ceremony. Keep in mind that if you're planning on having a beach ceremony, you'll also need to obtain a Right-of-Entry permit.
It's recommended to find a licensed performer (also known as an officiant or minister) before applying for your marriage license. They will help to file your marriage license on your behalf.
Your elopement should take place within 30 days of picking up your marriage license (don't forget to bring it with you!)
Once your license has been filed, you'll receive your marriage certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks. If you aren't a Hawaii resident, but you live in the States, your certificate is still valid. But if you live outside of the States, you may need an apostille to validate your marriage certificate in your country.
Set Your Budget
Although you won't be having a traditional wedding, there are a few things you should consider when setting a budget for your Maui elopement. Have a chat together, plan everything you'd like to include and figure out a budget that works best for you. This includes:
Travel fees
Permit fees
Attire
Vendors
Food
Accommodation
Book Your Maui Elopement Photographer + Vendors
Once your elopement date and location are confirmed, book your vendors! This doesn't just have to be your photographer, videographer and officiant, you can also book a florist, hair and makeup artist, planner and designer. Visualize what you want your dream Maui elopement to be and see which vendors will make your vision come to life. Have a look at their websites, socials and reviews then enquire with them as soon as possible.
Best Maui Elopement Locations
Waihe'e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands
Waihe'e Costal Dunes is a perfect Maui elopement location for adventurous couples who love being surrounded by nature. Not only will you enjoy the green landscape, but you can also enjoy the beach nearby too! For example, Nina and Anthony hiked up the mountains on Waihe'e Costal Dunes and Wetlands for their elopement ceremony then celebrated at the beach after!
The Waihe'e Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge is protected by the Hawai'i Land Trust and is an important cultural site. When you elope on Maui, whether it's at Waihe'e Coastal Dunes or another location, it's important to respect the ‘āina (land and sea) and to leave no trace.
Palauea Beach (White Rock Beach)
Palauea Beach is a quiet, small stretch of sandy coastline, which is ideal for a Maui elopement ceremony away from crowds. The beautiful landscape featuring rock formations, greenery and palm trees makes it a wonderful location for a sunset ceremony.
Much of the coastline is owned privately, so for your elopement, you'll need to head to the beach access path that leads through the kiawe trees.
Ironwoods Beach/Cliff (Oneloa Beach)
Ironwoods Beach and Cliff are located in a secluded area that will give a sense of privacy and intimacy for your Maui elopement. This is because it's located on the west side of Maui and is hidden behind private residences, so many won't realize the beach is there!
You may face windy weather at Ironwoods, especially in the afternoons. So to avoid loud winds and constantly fixing your hair and attire, consider having a morning ceremony.
Secret Cove (Makena Cove)
Secret Cove features dreamy tropical views of the beach including palm trees, golden sand and lava rock formations. You will even have the view of Molokini and Kaahoolawe as your Maui elopement backdrop! It’s a pretty popular spot for ceremonies. So to avoid crowds and other ceremonies taking place, it's recommended to have an early morning ceremony.
Ready to Elope on Maui?
We hope this guide was useful for your Maui elopement planning! We love hearing our couples' elopement plans and how we can help them capture it all on photo and film. So if you're up to the elopement planning stage where you're looking for a photographer and/or Super 8 videographer, don't hesitate to reach out to us through our contact form! We can't wait to hear from you!
