A Few of Our Favorite Things

Over the years, we’ve had the joy of helping couples create beautiful, romantic, and truly unforgettable celebrations. One of the best parts of being a wedding planner on Maui is meeting couples from all around the world and bringing their unique vision to life. No two weddings are ever the same—that’s what keeps the magic fresh and exciting!

To inspire your own big day, I’ve gathered a list of my 10 favorite wedding details that always make an event stand out and leave guests talking long after the celebration is over.

1. Photo Booths

Photo booths never go out of style! Whether you choose an old-school booth, a luxury setup, or a modern selfie station, they’re guaranteed entertainment. Plus, your guests get to take home a keepsake with your names and wedding date printed right on the strip. Instant memories!

2. The Aloha or Love Marquee

Big, bold marquee letters instantly set the vibe and make the perfect statement backdrop. Whether it’s ALOHA, LOVE, or your initials, these glowing letters double as décor and photo ops your guests will be lining up for.

3. Shaved Ice Station

Cake is sweet, but nothing beats the refreshment of shaved ice after dancing the night away. We love working with a local company that serves shaved ice from the cutest old-fashioned bike cart—adorable in photos and made with all-natural ingredients. It’s as delicious as it is Instagram-worthy.

4. Champagne Tower

Few moments feel as glamorous as a champagne tower. Guests gather around as the couple pours that first sparkling cascade into the top flute, and suddenly everyone is cheering. It’s elegant, celebratory, and makes for unforgettable photos.

5. Fire Knife Dancer

Talk about a “wow” factor! Imagine surprising your guests with a private fire knife performance or a full Hawaiian luau show. From hula dancers at cocktail hour to fiery entertainment to kick off the evening, it’s a cultural experience your guests will never forget.

6. Coconut Station

A fresh, chilled coconut on a warm Maui afternoon? Yes, please! Catered coconuts are not only refreshing but also bring the tropical vibes to life. The setup is absolutely adorable, and it’s a great way for guests to cool down after the ceremony while getting the cutest cocktail-hour photos.

7. Neon Signs

There’s just something about neon that instantly makes a space feel modern, playful, and a little bit edgy. At weddings, neon signs aren’t just décor—they’re an experience. Whether it’s your new last name glowing in script, a favorite phrase like “Better Together”, or a custom symbol from your love story, neon signs create a glowing focal point. They light up the dance floor, point the way to the bar, and give guests the ultimate photo backdrop.

8. Flower Petal Toss

There’s something so timeless and joyful about a flower petal toss. Whether it’s right after the ceremony as you walk back down the aisle or staged later for dreamy photos, it adds a burst of color and movement that looks stunning on camera. Plus, guests love being part of the moment!

9. Late-Night Snack or Sweets Station

When the dance floor is still packed at the end of the night, nothing makes guests happier than a surprise late-night bite. Think sliders, fries, cookies, or even a donut wall—the options are endless! A snack station keeps the energy up and sends everyone home smiling (and full).

10. Bridal Send-Off

The end of the night deserves just as much magic as the beginning. A thoughtful send-off gives your wedding a true finale instead of an abrupt ending. Whether it’s bubbles, sparklers, LED wands, or even balloons, it creates that perfect last photo-op and a memorable farewell for the newlyweds.

I hope this list sparks some ideas for your own celebration! If you’d like help bringing these details (and so much more) to life, I’d love to chat. Planning a wedding on Maui is all about creating unforgettable memories—and I’d be honored to help you make it happen. Contact me at www.aperfectparadisewedding or 1-800-969-6281 to start dreaming up your perfect day!

Say “I Do” in Paradise: Planning a Dream Beach Wedding in Maui

If you’re dreaming of a romantic wedding surrounded by turquoise waters and swaying palms, a beach wedding in Maui might be your perfect match. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and laid-back luxury, Maui offers a truly magical backdrop for saying “I do.”

Why Choose Maui for Your Beach Wedding?

Maui isn’t just a beautiful destination — it’s an experience. With its golden sand beaches, dramatic sunsets, and lush tropical scenery, every moment feels cinematic. Plus, the island is rich in Hawaiian culture, offering couples the chance to blend tradition with natural beauty in a truly unique way.

Best Beaches for Weddings in Maui

Not all beaches are created equal when it comes to tying the knot. Here are a few favorites:

  • Makena Cove (Secret Beach): Intimate and stunning, this hidden gem is ideal for smaller ceremonies.
  • Kapalua Bay: With calm waters and a crescent-shaped shoreline, Kapalua Bay is perfect for sunset vows.
  • Po’olenallena: Long sand beach, islands in the distance and beautiful lava rock & greenery for the perfect back drop.

Tip: All Hawaii beaches require permits for weddings — a professional planner can help secure the right location legally and seamlessly.

Local Touches to Make It Extra Special

Incorporate local traditions to honor Hawaiian culture and make your ceremony even more memorable:

  • Lei exchange: A heartfelt symbol of love and respect.
  • Conch shell blowing: Traditionally signals the beginning of a special event.
  • Hawaiian blessing or officiant: Add spiritual depth and cultural authenticity.

Practical Tips

  • Work with a local planner: They’ll know the legalities, vendors, and best spots.
  • Keep attire light: Lightweight fabrics are your friend in Maui’s tropical climate.
  • Timing is key: Sunrise and sunset are the most magical (and photogenic) times of day.
  • Consider your guests: Provide info on travel, accommodations, and what to expect — a Maui wedding can be an unforgettable mini-vacation for everyone.

Final Thoughts

A beach wedding in Maui isn’t just a ceremony — it’s a memory woven into paradise. With the right planning and a touch of aloha spirit, your special day will be as effortless as the island breeze and as unforgettable as the ocean view behind you. Contact us today at 1-800-969-6281 to start the planning process or visit our website at www.aperfectparadisewedding.com

Maui Wedding Planner: A Perfect Paradise Wedding

Photographer: Shayla Tierra

Officiate: Pastor Valentine Rosete

Love, Elegance & Style at the Olowalu Plantation House, Maui!

Alana & Robbie’s Elegant wedding & reception at the Olowalu Plantation House was pure magic, draped in sophisticated grace!

All the way from Australia, the couple & I began planning their destination wedding a year and a half prior to their chosen date. They wanted to make sure to give their family & friends plenty of time to plan to attend their Maui wedding.

The historic Olowalu Plantation House, with its captivating charm, proved to be the perfect backdrop for Alan & Robbie’s special day.  Surrounded by swaying palms and the gentle ocean breeze, guests gathered to witness the beautiful union of our stunning couple. The ceremony was intimate and filled with love, marking the beginning of Alana and Robbie’s new chapter together.

The reception took place beneath a canopy of twinkling lights and as the sun dipped below the horizon the guest’s enjoyed cocktails and appetizers while the couple finished their romantic sunset shots on the pier. 

Every detail, from the delicate floral arrangements to the thoughtfully curated menu, echoed the couple’s vision of understated elegance and heartfelt celebration. Laughter mingled with the rhythmic sounds of the nearby surf, and as evening unfolded with unforgettable moments, from the couple’s dreamy first dance to their champagne tower, ensuring Alana and Robbie’s celebration was as unforgettable as their love story.

Maui Wedding Coordinator:  www.aperfectparadisewedding.com

Wedding Venu: The Olowalu Plantation House

Maui Photographer: Matius

Florist: Dellables

Rentals: Rio Events

DJ: Del Sol

Bar: Aloha Bars

Officiate: Pastor Valentine Rosete

Hair & make up: Maui Make up Artistry

Hawaiian Guitarist: Kalo Deleon

Catering: Café O’ Lei Catering

Bakery: Maui Wedding Cakes

PURE WEDDING DAY MAGIC AT GATHER ON MAUI!

Sarah grew up on Maui and her fiancé, Vincent’s large group of family & friends were more than willing to travel to Hawaii for a destination wedding! 

The couple knew they needed a stunning venue that could host a guest list of 100+ and wow their local and visiting guests a like.   Gather on Maui checked all the boxes!  

√ Stunning Ceremony venue with the Pacific Ocean as the backdrop

√ 1 venue for the ceremony & reception for the guests convenience

√ Affordable

√ Amazing food & service with an easy all-inclusive approach

The day started with Scott Drexler, owner of Photos on Maui, doing prewedding photos of Sarah and her girls in their hotel room, then Vincent and his guys at his room.  Sarah and the girls came with their hair & make-up ready to go and slipped into their dresses at the dressing room at the Gold golf course.  First look photos of the bride to first her bridesmaids, then her parents was a lovely touch. Vincent presented all his grooms men braided ti leis for the ceremony which made for some great photo ops

 After the pronouncement & perfect recessional -complete with a dip & kiss, we went straight into a very large group photo which I always highly recommend, such an amazing memory to look back on!  We quickly moved to our shot list getting the important family & friends photos, then they were free to head to the lower lawn for cocktail hour & delicious appetizers from Gather. 

Scott took Sara & Vincent down to Po’olenalena beach for some epic beach & sunset shots while we directly everyone to find their seat in the main dining room.  The couple returned from the beach and were announced for their first dance as husband & wife!

After an incredible dinner, heart-felt speeches and speed table group photos, the party really got started!  Everyone was out on the dance floor having the best time! Gather on Maui is the perfect location for larger groups really wanting that high end reception feel and is one of the very few locations that you can extend the music till 10:45pm for those not ready to call it quits at 9:45pm which is Maui County’s noise curfew.  Sara & Vincent had the most amazing group of family & friends, it was very special to be a part of their day and what a fun night!

Maui Wedding Planner: A Perfect Paradise Wedding

Maui Wedding Venue & Food/Beverage: Gather on Maui

Photographer: Photos on Maui- Scott Drexler

Florist: Maui Blooms

2024 at a glance!

The Olowalu Plantation House

I want to take the time to express our gratitude to all of our wonderful clients of 2024!

Thank you for choosing & trusting A Perfect Paradise Wedding to help you plan one of the most important days of your lives. It can be very challenging to plan a destination wedding, we strive to make it stress free & fun! We are humbled by the incredible Thank you cards, emails and 5-star reviews! It really does mean the world to me!

Thank you for choosing the beautiful island of Maui as your dream destination wedding location! Things on Maui have been extremely challenging since the wildfire on 8/8/2023. Such a horrific experience and the long road to recovery continues, not only emotionally, but economically for Maui. With so many mixed messages regarding not to visit Maui, to honor it, have been devastating for the tourist & wedding industry. Lahaina & Kula are very small portions of the beautiful island of Maui, so Thank you to those who came and continued to support our Island. We need the support to continue to recover & rebuild, so many local families rely on the tourist industry, from hotel employees, transportation, tour guides to your waitresses at the local restaurants.

I began planning weddings on Maui in 1999 and started A Perfect Paradise Wedding in 2005. My goal has always been to provide excellent service with quality vendors and to maintain reasonable rates. My team and I are so blessed to do what we love and can’t wait for an amazing 2025!

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding the wedding venues featured in this blog, we would love to get you started in planning your Perfect Paradise Wedding!

The Westin Maui

Gather on Maui’s Wedding Knoll

The Kukahiko estate in Makena

The Olowalu Plantation House

Po’olenalena Beach

The Kukahiko Estate

Gather on Maui Wedding Knoll

The Kukahiko estate in Makena

Kapalua Bay Beach

Maui Tropical Plantation

The Kukahiko Estate in Makena

Gather on Maui

Kukahiko estate

Kapalua Bay Beach

North Malawaka Beach

Gather on Maui-Lower Lawn

Honolua Forest- Not available for ceremony, but for first look photos