MAUI WEDDING LOCATIONS
By Kelly Stoneman
Of all the destinations in the United States, Hawaii and especially Maui Wedding Locations will by far surpass your dreams! With white sandy beaches, stunning lava cliffs overlooking the ocean, waterfalls, Five Star Resorts, private estates and chapels, selecting the best venue for your special day is a breeze.
Maui Beach Weddings
All Maui Beaches are open to the public and they are abundant. The shores of South Maui, including Kihei and Wailea are prime spots for Sunset Beach Weddings. There are numerous spots ranging from long stretches of sand and parks overlooking the beach, to tiny hidden coves, surrounded by lava rock and tropical plants, with unhindered views of the West Maui Mountains, Molokini and the neighbor island of Lanai.
The West Maui beaches of Kaanapali, Lahaina, Na Pili and even Kahana are the perfect place for morning weddings as well as sunset for smaller groups. The mornings offer empty stretches of sand, calm, clear waters and little to no wind. The neighbor islands of Molokai and Kahoolawe are visible from beach locations on this side of Maui. During Humpback Whale season (mid April through mid May), you will often see whales in the very near distance from both sides of the island, especially in the early mornings.
Tropical Garden and Ocean Cliff Weddings
Very romantic Tropical Garden and Ocean Cliff sites are available in both public and exclusive spots and are ideal for small and large groups alike. Offering unsurpassed views of all the neighbor isles, ocean views, privacy and a variety of landscapes for your Wedding Photography, many of these enchanting sites are also overlooking or very near a beach. After the ceremony, this allows the newlyweds to sneak away for those first precious photos as Man and Wife, strolling hand in hand down the beach, into the sunset together.
Hidden Waterfall Weddings
If you are you an adventurous couple, why not opt for a Hidden Waterfall Wedding? Imagine, your friends and family are all there, the groom awaiting your arrival with anticipation. The cascading water falls in the background, tropical vegetation, lava rock provide a surreal setting and all stand ready as the bride and her party arrive from the skies with a dramatic entrance after a private Helicopter Flight from Kahului!
Private Estate Weddings
For larger or more formal wedding parties, private sites are ideal. There are a number of exclusive homes, restaurants and resorts available. These provide an ideal setting for both a romantic wedding ceremony and a reception while enabling your Wedding Planner to create a completely customized and ultra romantic setting for both.
Private Estates offer the best of everything. Booking one of these luxurious homes for your wedding and reception allows for complete privacy on your big day. These homes usually have a variety of backdrops within their grounds, enabling couples to create the ambiance they most desire. The homes are available for most of the day for preparations, and allow the bridal party a place to relax and be pampered before making a grand entrance, fully dressed.
Hawaiian Luau Weddings
Fully catered receptions at these estates can include full-service seated dinners, private Traditional Hawaiian Luau buffets, hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails or even a variety of food stations with offerings such as succulent fresh island fish, Haleakala beef and other local delicacies. These can include a dance floor with a DJ, Jazz Combo, a full band or just a roving Hawaiian Duo on guitar and Ukulele with Hula Dancers to entertain as you dine and dance the night away as a newly married couple!
Maui Resort Wedings
Numerous resort settings also enable couples to have more private and customized ceremonies. With gazebos, waterfalls, chapels, little gardens and hidden foot bridges, setting a luxurious stage for both wedding and reception is also easily accomplished. Many offer day spa services and all allow for in room pampering. Sit back and relax while you have a manicure and pedicure, personal hairstylist and even a massage before donning your wedding dress and making a grand entrance!
Receptions at these locations can also vary from simply appetizers and cocktails to full service, gourmet dining. Private receptions at Maui Resort locations allow the Chef and crew to create a custom dining experience that will far exceed any expectations. Many resorts will also allow for live music, DJ or IPOD set up and the party can continue until usually about 10:00pm.
Additional Wedding Enhancements
Your wedding consultant can also bring your dreams to life with the addition of personalized place settings, guest favors, topiary, flowers and other décor. Smaller groups often choose to have their wedding ceremony on the resort grounds and then either enjoy personalized chef services on the beach or simply dine at one of Maui’s top restaurants on the same grounds after. Public and private dining are usually both available, depending on the size of your party.
Maui Church Weddings
Looking for a Maui Destination Wedding but still want to be wed in a church? The Wailea Seaside Chapel, located in one the tranquil gardens of the Grand Wailea Resort, is a combination of New England and Hawaiian architectural influences. The chapel features beautiful hardwoods, 17th-century Italian glass chandeliers, a vaulted ceiling, and brilliant stained-glass murals that glow in the sunlight.
Keawala’i Church, also known as Makena Church is a lovely chapel situated literally steps away from the ocean. The church was built in 1855 entirely lava rock and coral, and sits on a tranquil sandy cove, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This is a Protestant Church and all weddings are officiated by the house minister.
Holy Innocent’s Chapel, located on Front Street in Lahaina, is a lovely, open air church with a beautiful garden setting overlooking the ocean. While it is a more casual setting, the hand-painted murals and rich fragrance from the abundant Plumeria trees make this a delightful place to exchange your wedding vows. While this is an Episcopalian Church by denomination, couples are able to select any officiant, of any denomination to conduct your ceremony.
Listed on both the State and National Registers of Historical Places, Holy Ghost Mission in Kula is a very special little church. Built by Portuguese immigrants in 1894, the church's unusual octagonal structure is the only one of its kind built in Hawaii during the 19th century. The 14 Stations of the Cross and the altar were brought from Austria in the late 1800’s and are cherished examples of 19th century museum quality ecclesiastical art. The stations are all hand-carved and painted more than a century ago by a master European craftsman and are the only artwork of its kind in Hawaii. The church and artwork underwent a complete restoration for their 1994 centennial.
Whether you dream of a simple sunset wedding on the beach with just the two of you or a lavish wedding ceremony and reception with all the frills, any couple would be sure to find their fantasies come to life on Maui!
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