This Maui adventure elopement is brimming with inspiration and unique views! We went to not one but two color sand beaches on The Valley Isle for this sunrise elopement and they did not disappoint. Read on to see what I mean.

Maui is a Great Place to Elope

Maui is a strong contender for my favorite island. There is so much to see and do on this big, beautiful isle that you can take weeks to explore it. I’ve been fortunate enough to see the deep valleys in the middle, lush with tropical greens, as well as the heights of the cliffs on the northern side. I’ve driven Road to Hana and chased waterfalls. We’re still planning our sunset trip to Haleakala. There are craters to snorkel, paths walked by Hawaiian royals to explore, and so many interesting beaches to enjoy. For this elopement, we chose to seek out the black and red sand beaches!

I met Cortney + Owen before the sun came up and we hiked down to the lava rock cliffside to watch as it rose above the Pacific. The view was unforgettable as the rays crested the ocean. I particularly loved the way it enhanced the texture and contrast of the dark lava rock!

Having watched the sunrise, we wandered over to find palm trees and cute little seabirds in the far distance, nesting on the rocks in the bay. It was so sweet watching how Owen helped Cortney navigate the lava rock and kept her comfortable in the misty morning.

A couple of times, the skies opened up and gave us some showers but we embraced the moodiness of the clouds and the way the water darkened the rocks. The black sand beach managed to look even more dramatic + adventurous as we made our way down to it!

Later, we headed over to another spot for their ceremony. Cortney + Owen had chosen to exchange vows just between each other, waiting until the moment felt just right. It’s a little crazy to think I was their witness and officiant + photographer, but it’s such a cool, humbling thing to know that I was a part of the beginning of their story. I will always remember the laughter and emotion that their vows evoked.

What would an adventure elopement be without some crazy epic shots though, right?! I knew I wanted to get this larger than life overview of the cliffs and beach along with the couple so I sent them down ahead of me to wander the length of the shore. I stayed high up on the cliff to get these shots.

As I joined them on the beach, I found the rocks out in the shallows an inspiration and decided to use them for a few portraits. I especially wanted to create a double exposure of Cortney and this unique rock formation.

Nature inspires me more than anything apart from light, so this beach was just a photographer’s dream and I know it made for such a special location to tie the knot as well. Having started the morning so incredibly early, we wrapped up just in time before the sky really opened up and poured down on us. These final shots really have that hint of rain coming down through some filtered sun and it turned out beautifully.

Thanks to Dawn Romero + Floralette for making beauty & floral dreams come true for this adventure elopement on Maui!

If you are looking for an adventure elopement photographer, don’t hesitate to fill out the contact form below to get in touch with me! We can start planning your dream elopement anywhere in the world or right here on Maui.

You might also be interested in: Road Trip Elopement on Maui, Scottish Highlands Elopement, & Oahu Adventure Elopement at Crouching Lion.