Frequently asked questions.
Maui wedding guide
Yes. Every couple that wants to legally be married on Maui needs a Hawaii marriage license. Apply online through the State of Hawaii website before you arrive. You will get a Locator ID number once the application has been paid for, and you need to bring that number with you. Once you are on Maui, both of you appear together, in person, before a licensed marriage license agent with your valid photo ID. There is no waiting period and no blood test required, so you can pick up your license and get married the next day. The license is valid for 30 days from the day it is issued. We always recommend picking it up a day or two before your ceremony to keep things relaxed.
You need to bring a government-issued photo ID for each of you (driver's license, passport or military ID). If either of you was divorced or widowed within the last 30 days, you need to bring the original divorce decree or death certificate. Anyone under the age of 18 needs a certified birth certificate and parental consent.
Yes, all of Maui's beautiful beaches require a commercial use permit for ceremonies. We will obtain this permit in your name. We need to be insured with the State of Hawaii in order to be able to issue those permits to you.
Yes. There's no residency requirement; couples from anywhere can get married on Maui. Most non-American countries require an Apostille, which we will apply for in your name.
Maui is wonderful year-round. High season in Hawaii is from the middle of December through the middle of April, which means that flights and accommodation tend to be pricier during this time. April to October is considered the dry season, with less rain, calmer trade winds in the mornings and the most reliable sunny days.
We recommend that you reach out to us as soon as you have a date in mind, especially for sunset ceremonies and popular beach locations or private gardens, which book up quickly. That said, we have also brought together beautiful ceremonies in less than a week's notice. Please reach out and we will let you know what is possible.
Your ceremony will be officiated by one of our licensed ministers. You are also able to bring a minister with you, but he or she needs to be licensed for the day through the State of Hawaii.
Absolutely! Many of our couples come to us for what is legally called a “vow renewal experience” rather than filing the legal paperwork here. We design the ceremony exactly the same way.
Every arrangement includes your personal coordinator, who will also be on site during your ceremony, a beach including the beach permit, a Hawaiian minister in traditional attire, flower leis, a Hawaiian musician and a professional photography package. The number of photos and the extra touches (traditional wedding leis, circle of flowers, hula dancer, video) can be added on to any existing package.
Yes, we offer both. The only difference for a vow renewal is the fact that you no longer need a marriage license. Any arrangement can be used for a vow renewal.
Maui wedding costs vary widely depending on your vision — from an intimate elopement on the beach to a full ceremony and reception. Since 1995, we have helped couples find the right balance between an authentic Hawaiian ceremony and a budget that makes sense to them. Our packages start at $1,975.
Your officiant files your signed license with the State of Hawaii on your behalf. Your official marriage certificate typically arrives by mail within 4–6 weeks.
Maui's showers tend to pass quickly, but if you have decided to celebrate on a beach and a storm is coming in, we will have to either move your wedding to a different day or try to reserve a private garden last minute. Reserving a private garden to begin with eliminates this situation, as all gardens offer shelter.
It's no surprise Maui has become one of the world's most sought-after wedding destinations as the island practically does the romance for you. If you're planning to say "I do" here, we've gathered a few tips worth keeping in mind. Having guided couples from all over the globe through their Maui weddings, here are some of the most valuable lessons we've learned along the way:
We know how this may sound, coming from a wedding planner. But skipping the stress of every last detail means more time to actually enjoy your engagement, and that trade-off pays off. A planner who knows Maui's wedding locations, has real vendor connections, and understands this island we call home is worth every penny, and probably fewer pennies than you'd guess.
There's a rumor that Maui doesn't really have seasons, and that's mostly true. But we do notice slight shifts depending on the time of year, think of them as mini-seasons. Most days hover around 87 degrees and sunny, though fall and winter bring more clouds and a slightly better chance of rain. We host weddings year-round, and plenty of couples actually love the soft light and dramatic sunsets that come with overcast skies. It's worth planning around the weather to give your day its best shot.
Getting to Hawaii means covering roughly 2,500 miles from the Western US mainland. Travel and accommodations should factor into your timeline early. Fortunately, Maui makes it easy with wonderful hotels and vacation rentals near the best beaches, plus fresh local food and things to do for guests of every age.
The old saying still holds: keep it simple. There's no shortage of information online about planning a destination wedding, and it's easy to let that picture-perfect vision spiral into overwhelm. After planning thousands of weddings on Maui, we've heard the same thing from couples again and again: what mattered most was having time to actually enjoy the day with the people they love. Part of hiring a professional is handing off the stress of the details, so you're free to be present with your people and soak in everything this island has to offer.
At Ancient Hawaiian Weddings, we've had the joy of helping thousands of couples bring their dream Maui wedding to life. Whether you're ready to start planning or just have a few questions about this island we call home, we'd love to talk story with you.