The spirit of Aloha — it's tranquil and breezy, warm and welcoming — infuses all aspects of Hawaiian life. And the feeling of oneness with nature, family, and community extends to marriage celebrations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Here are some of our favorite spots to get lei’d.
By: Jenna Mahoney-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
The spirit of Aloha — it's tranquil and breezy, warm and welcoming — infuses all aspects of Hawaiian life. And the feeling of oneness with nature, family, and community extends to marriage celebrations throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Here are some of our favorite spots to get lei’d.
Montage Kapalua Bay
Photo: Montage Kapalua Bay
Set on 24 lush acres of Maui, affording privacy, endless tropical foliage and awesome views of neighboring Lanai and Molokai islets, this modern-meets-Aloha traditional property offers 50 one- to four-bedroom villa accommodations. Weddings here are hosted at the refurbished wood-planked circa 1940s Kapalua’s Cliff House. The breezy building is fittingly positioned on a rocky outcropping over the eponymous bay (wedding packages start at $7,500 and include an officiant and ceremony setup for 10 guests, a wedding cake, lei exchange and champagne toast).
Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
Photo: Grand Wailea
On Maui's brilliant white sands is an aptly named luxury property with all the happily-ever-after amenities for romance. Among the gorgeous spa and outstanding eateries, the sparkling pools and towering palms sits a photogenic white clapboard chapel that’s positioned on a waterway and has gorgeous views of the tropical foliage-rich grounds. Ceremonies may also be hosted at the private Molokini Bluff with its uninterrupted vistas of classic Hawaii and ocean scenery (wedding packages start at $7,500 and include site fees, an officiant and wedding-planning services).
Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort
Photo: Andaz Maui
The chic hotel brand has made a splash with this sleek beachfront hotel on the state’s most popular island with its hip pool, cool restaurants and mod design. Ceremonies here are most often held on the pretty lawns that overlook the only-in-Maui ocean and neighboring islands. Receptions are hosted in charming spaces with wood accents or outside and lit by torches (wedding packages start at $9,500 and include ceremony setup and site fees, an officiant and wedding planning services, photography, bouquet, boutonniere and lei exchange, some music, a cake and more).
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Photo: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Of all of Hawaii's beautiful resorts, this low-rise vintage property with its renowned architecture and celebrated art collection is one of the most prized. It's a haven for aesthetes as much as it is for beach lovers, foodies and active travelers thanks to its position on one of the most spectacular coves in the country, amazing cuisine and robust fitness programming that includes tennis, golf and yoga. Weddings here reflect the understated elegance of the property, with many opting for the micro offerings that showcase the pristine property’s natural beauty and bountiful food program (wedding packages start at $7,500 ceremony set up and site fees, an officiant and wedding- planning services, photography, bridal bouquet, boutonniere and lei exchange, some music, a cake and more).
Legally Wedded: In Hawaii, most resorts help with the paperwork and some include transportation to the Health Department (that is where marriage licenses are issued) in the wedding package. The couple must both be present to apply. Each must furnish, along with the application, a certified birth certificate or other valid proof of age and if applicable, an original divorce decree or death certificate, as well as the $60 fee in cash. There is no waiting period; the license is valid for 30 days.
