Choosing to Elope in Hawaii
Jamie and Daniel’s Hawaii destination wedding was a reminder that you don’t need an audience for it to feel profound. Just the two of them, a place they had never been before, and a day designed to feel calm, romantic, and grounded in intention.
Traveling from Florida, they chose Maui not just for its beauty, but for the experience of stepping into a landscape completely different from home. Mountains instead of flat horizons. Lava rock instead of sand dunes. A sense of scale that makes everything slow down and feel more present.
Their elopement unfolded across two locations in South Maui, blending dramatic volcanic scenery with a quiet beach ceremony at sunset.
A First Look Among Lava and Mountains
The afternoon began at the Andaz Maui in Wailea, where Jamie and Daniel got ready surrounded by the hotel’s clean lines, natural textures, and soft island light. We spent time capturing quiet moments in the room, subtle details, and the calm anticipation before the day truly began. The lobby’s signature wooden arches and open-air design created a beautiful, grounded backdrop as Jamie made her way out, and from there we headed to pick her up for the first look, allowing them to arrive separately and experience that moment with intention and presence.
The first look location, chosen by the couple from our curated list of Maui beaches, is known for its raw lava rock formations, and the combination of ocean and mountain views.
Seeing each other for the first time against such a raw and powerful backdrop felt fitting for a couple who values depth over spectacle.
Jamie wore a simple, elegant dress that moved beautifully against the lava rocks and wind. Daniel brought a calm, playful energy that balanced the intensity of the landscape. Between laughter and quiet pauses, their connection felt effortless.
A Sunset Ceremony in Wailea
After some fun couple portraits, we made our way to the beach, just in time for golden hour. With the ocean stretching out behind them and soft evening light settling in, Jamie and Daniel held their Jewish ceremony led by Joseph, their officiant.
No guests. No distractions. Just vows written on paper, exchanged slowly, and a ceremony centered on presence rather than performance.
They had shared that candid moments mattered most to them, especially the vows and the kiss. The ceremony flowed naturally, leaving space for emotion without feeling rushed or staged.
As the sun dipped lower, we transitioned into sunset portraits. The light softened, the sky turned pink, and the beach grew quieter. It was the kind of ending that stays with you long after.
An Intentional Elopement Experience
Jamie and Daniel met six years ago and quickly became best friends. While Daniel joked about “interrogating” Jamie on their first Tinder date, it was clear early on that they had found something solid and real.
With Daniel’s family roots in Israel and an understanding of large, high-energy weddings, they intentionally chose something different. A private elopement. A new place. A day focused entirely on their connection.
Their Maui elopement reflected exactly that.
From location choices to timeline flow, this day was designed to feel unhurried, thoughtful, and true to who they are.
Planning Your Own Maui Elopement
If you’re dreaming of a Maui elopement that feels intentional, scenic, and grounded in your story, reach out and start planning your own unique wedding experience.
Congratulations, Jamie & Daniel. It was an honor to document this chaprter of your story! ♥️
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