Planning on Getting Married on Maui?
Below are answers to a few of the more common questions.
What is an "Authentic" Hawaiian
Wedding?
Good question! Truth is, because early Hawaiians had no written
language, we have no way for knowing for sure what was involved
in a typical
Hawaiian marriage ceremony. It is believed that the formal marriage
ceremony was reserved only for the Ali'i (royal class). Unfortunately,
the Hawaiian wedding ceremonies offered today are largely based on
speculation.
Most companies offering Hawaiian wedding
packages are designing your special day around a central theme
of Hawaiian “Aloha” – the
expression of love and respect for each other, for the earth and
all her bounty.
Many Hawaiian weddings include:
• A Beach or Garden setting.
• An officiant who may or may not perform a Hawaiian blessing in the Hawaiian
language in addition to the English ceremony.
• Exchange of Leis. Traditionally, grooms wear a maile leaf lei which can
be worn alone or woven with ilima. Brides frequently wear the fragrant pikake
(white jasmine) which can also be entwined with maile.
• Some ceremonies include Hawaiian music and the blowing of the conch. What's
the best time to be married in Hawaii?
The Crowds:
The busiest time of year in Hawaii is between January
through April. The last week of December, through January 5 (Christmas & New
Years) is the absolute busiest period. If you're planning a beach wedding,
do not expect
to have the
beach to yourself. All beaches in Hawaii are public. The Weather
The weather on Maui between January - April
is exceptional. November - December is considered the "rainy" season, so by January everything is lush,
green and "tropical". The south end of the island (Kihei and Wailea)
generally receives less rain than other parts of Maui.
It is also considerably cooler during the winter in Hawaii, which
will make a difference if you're planning on being dressed to the
nine's! On the other
hand,
there is absolutely nothing more romantic than a walk on the beach beneath
the stars on a balmy summer night! August and September tend to be hot
and dry, with
temperatures averaging between 85-90ºF during the day, and 60-70ºF in the
evening.
Sunset
or Daytime Wedding?
A Hawaiian wedding on the beach at sunset! How romantic! The heat
of the day rises up through the warm, white sand; the afternoon
trades have died
down
to a gentle breeze; the crowds have thinned; the sun drops gently
beyond
the horizon,
filling the azure sky with brilliant trails of vibrant orange and
gold. If family and friends will be attending your wedding
on Maui, and you're planning your wedding outdoors, pay special
attention to where
your
guests will be seated.
If they are sitting facing directly into the setting sun they will
have a difficult time watching your ceremony!
How to choose a Maui
wedding planner?
We've got a whole page dedicated to this! Go
here.
Obtaining a marriage license
in Hawaii?
The Hawaii Department of Health web site goes into full detail
concerning the requirements. Below are the main points...
HOW TO APPLY FOR A MARRIAGE LICENSE
• The prospective bride and groom must appear together in person before
a marriage license agent to apply for a marriage license. Proxies
are not allowed.
• The prospective bride and groom should be prepared to provide the necessary
proof of age and present any required written consents and approvals.
All of the necessary documents should be obtained prior to applying for a
marriage license.
• The prospective bride and groom must prepare an official application
(you can fill most of this out before you get to Hawaii) and file
the application in person with the marriage license agent (this must be done
on Maui).
• Upon approval, a marriage license is issued at the time the application
is made.
• The marriage license costs $60.00, payable in cash at the time the application
is made.
• The marriage license is good only in, but is valid throughout, the State
of Hawaii.
• The marriage license expires 30 days from and including the date of issuance,
after which it automatically becomes null and void.
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