Don’t let a global pandemic ruin your big wedding plans. Pivot, and consider a destination elopement to Maui once the quarantine is lifted. Stunning backdrops include tropical aqua seas, steep volcanic cliffs and endless blue skies. While big gatherings are discouraged and budgets are tight, you can design a magical elopement for two, and already be on island for an unforgettable honeymoon vacation.
The last few years have seen an explosion in popularity for elopement. Last year, Pinterest reported that searches for elopement ideas increased by 138 percent. This year, more than ever, couples are looking for romantic and affordable alternatives to the traditional wedding. Spending some romantic couple time on Maui not only avoids large gatherings during COVID-19, it also solves the question of where to go on the honeymoon.
Make it Maui
Instead of dumping thousands of dollars into tuxedos and printed napkins, spend a more modest amount, have a great Maui vacation and put wedding savings toward saving for furniture or a down payment on a house. Less formal dress options means you can choose from a variety of colors and styles.
You can get married on the lunar landscape of a 10,000 ft volcano, in a rain forest with a waterfall background, or a beautiful oceanfront estate. There are 70 state controlled beaches on Maui where you can get a permit to get married (plus a few County ones). Maybe even say “I do” while ziplining or scuba diving! It’s all up to you.
There is no huge expense of catering when you elope, and even if you did bring a bridesmaid and best man along, casual fare along with a glass of champagne, just fits in with the easy island lifestyle. Your entertainment might be the minister picking up his ukelele and singing the Hawaiian wedding song. Beautiful!
An Amazing Place to Stay
If you have the budget for a fancy hotel, go for it! However, it turns out, condominiums have distinct advantages over hotels for post-pandemic travel. Benefits include being easier to social distance because you have your own self-contained home, better controls over cleaning and sanitation, and with a full kitchen you can avoid crowds when you want to along with saving money cooking some meals at home.
With a condo, you get more space at a far lower cost than a hotel room, along with more design character. With the space and comforts of home, you can afford a longer stay in a condominium.
Destination Maui Vacations specializes in boutique oceanfront condominium resorts in South, West and the Central coast of Maui. Check out all of the beautiful vacation condominiums here.
Find an Officiant
There are plenty of wonderful officiants on Maui to help you tie the knot, whether you are going fancy at a high-end beach house or getting married barefoot on the beach. All of the listings below are also LGBTQ friendly.
Note: Please check well in advance as these listings were accurate prior to COVID-19, and businesses may have different hours, rates or closures.
Distinctive Weddings by Joseph Narrowe $240+
Puunene, Hawaii
(808) 727-2449
www.distinctiveweddingsmaui.com
jnarrz@gmail.com
Maui Aloha Weddings $345+
Maui, Hawaii
(808) 344-8805
www.mauialohaweddings.com
mauialohaweddings@gmail.com
A Happy Maui Wedding $295+
Maui, Hawaii
(808) 667-7007
www.ahappymauiwedding.com
happymaui@hawaii.rr.com
Reverend Pia Aluli $325+
Kihei, Maui, Hawaii
(808) 760-2344
www.piaaluli.com
alulip001@hawaii.rr.co
Maui Wedding Adventures $299+
Maui, Hawaii
(808) 298-2952
www.mauiweddingadventures.com
mauiweddingadventures@gmail.com
HI Minister (officiant services only) $200+
Maui, Hawaii
(808) 463-6262
www.himinister.com
Gay Hawaii Wedding $395+
Maui, Hawaii
(808) 891-1208
www.gayhawaiiwedding.com
info@hawaiiwedding.com
Bring it Home
Make sure and capture the event on video to stream for folks back home. The absolute best way to do this is with The Guest app, available for free through wedding planning site The Knot. Not only can you upload and share wedding pictures for “guests” back home, you can also add pre-Maui events like the proposal, and your friends and family can add all of their photos and videos of you too. Media is private, available only to who you share it with the view and download for a year.
Why is Eloping Becoming Such a Huge Nationwide Trend?
Around the country, couples are leaving unnecessary traditions behind in favor of being economical and entertained.
There’s also a practicality behind why elopement is becoming so popular. It can’t be argued that traditional weddings come with a big price tag. Elopements certainly reduce costs by eliminating a lot of the superfluous aspects of the ceremony. Simply the reduced amount of guests can save a couple thousands of dollars.
The nationwide average costs for weddings are around the $30,000, with elopements being considerably less, at around $5000 or less, depending on the type of ceremony and the location.
A more economical option is a game changer for millennials and other couples feeling the pressure of a rough job market, crushing student debt, and rising healthcare costs. These facts alone make the prospect of elopement quite appealing.
Why Maui
Hawaii has a magic that is unparalleled that you can share with turtles, dolphins, melodic song birds and fragrant flower scented breezes. Have more fun, more sun and more romance eloping Maui style.
