Elegant Elopement at Maluaka Beach in Maui, Hawai'i

I know that I say this with pretty much every single wedding/elopement— But Morgan and Brent’s elopement has to be one of my absolute favorites from the past year! This sweet couple lives in Canada (and luckily, there is no issue with non-US citizens getting married in Hawai’i. Read this for more info on the legal requirements to marry in Hawai’i.) Morgan has a special connection to Maui with having visited frequently as a child, and the couple also wanted to get married in a place where it would be fun to return and visit every year. That is definitely an advantage to choosing Maui as your destination elopement location— it’s such a special place to return to and celebrate your anniversary.

Morgan and Brent celebrated their elopement with just the two of them, and they knew that they wanted to invest in photos in order to document and share their day with family and friends. The minimum photography coverage that I offer for elopements is one hour, which is enough to capture the ceremony and then a short portrait session following the ceremony. For some couples, this is adequate— but Morgan and Brent knew that they wanted a little extra! They booked two hours of photography coverage, which gave us breathing room to capture additional individual portraits of the bride and groom, detail shots, and lots of varied images of the two of them together. They weren’t concerned with a first look, getting ready images, or traveling to an additional location, but those are all options that additional photography coverage can allow for as well.

This elopement took place on Maluaka Beach on Maui’s South Shore. This beach is one of my favorites for Maui beach ceremony locations as it features a large stretch of white sand, some lava rocks, views of nearby islands, and lots of visual interest/varied spots for photography (such as the palm fronds that you’ll notice in the first few images below).

Morgan and Brent were hoping for a stunning sunset, but as it happened, the sunset was underwhelming that evening. I always tell clients not to worry if that’s the case— the lighting is actually a little more ideal for photography when there are some clouds! Regardless, Morgan and Brent were just SO in love and so very happy that day.

Kind words from the couple:

AHHHHHHHH!!!!! Screaming! Katy, I love these photos I’m crying!!!!’ 

You are so kind and talented and shared such a talent with us. I’m sending you so much love right now! I can never thank you enough for capturing this special moment.

Ho'omaika'i 'ana (Congratulations), Morgan and Brent! I can’t wait to see you back on Maui when you return for your anniversary!

Location: Malauaka Beach in Wailea-Makena, Maui

Hours of Photography Coverage: 2 hours

Wedding Officiant: Richardo Hanakoo

Hair and Makeup: Meilia Autumn Beauty

Florals: Stems and Bloom Maui

Photographer: Kathryn Haldiman