A wedding weekend at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is a dream for many couples – where vast Pacific Ocean views, lush tropical landscapes, and the quintessential Ritz-Carlton style of luxury come together to create a wedding in paradise. Whether you’re exchanging vows overlooking the ocean, indulging in a rejuvenating spa experience, or savoring locally inspired cuisine, every moment at this iconic resort is designed for romance and relaxation. Akiko Nakazato – Director of Sales and Catering – shares more suggestions about how couples and their guests may wish to spend a wedding weekend at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.
GO: What does a weekend wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua entail that makes it a memorable and unique destination wedding experience?
A: At The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, couples have complete control over their wedding weekends, giving them the flexibility to choose which events they would like to offer their guests. Before the wedding, couples often choose to host a welcome reception with Hawaiian music and hula as a casual gathering to enjoy the first night in Maui with their friends and family. Other popular activities include a 2-hour sunset cruise with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, a lei-making class, or experiencing the Tales of the Kapa Moe Lu’au held at the hotel for a taste of local culture.
On the day of the wedding, The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua gives couples a variety of options for how they can add to their special day. Couples can choose to have a Hawaiian officiant, who may begin the ceremony with O’li (a Hawaiian blessing) and blow a conch shell to announce the bride’s arrival and the newlywed’s recessional. At their reception, couples commonly have coconuts chopped live in front of their guests for fresh coconut water or end the night with a performance by a fire knife dancer and Tahitian drummer.
To round out the weekend, couples often choose to do a brunch the next day with a morning-after quench bar, featuring our “Detox Flush” beverage. Another option is to host a beach party at Casa Bella Lawn, our oceanfront space that can be set up as a picnic or BBQ for guests to enjoy a beautiful beach day and relax after the festivities.
GO: What are some of the special activities and amenities available for the couple, bridal party, and guests?
A: Those celebrating a wedding at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua have access to many special activities and amenities, including a couple’s massage – an ideal way to relax before the big day. The bridal party can enjoy a lei-making class, where they’ll learn the traditional art of lei-making using fresh, native vibrant flowers and greenery, or gather for a bridal luncheon to enjoy fresh island flavors. On the wedding day, the couple and their party are treated to a curated selection of tropical fruits, finger sandwiches, and bubbles with POG (passion fruit, orange, and guava juice) to keep them refreshed. For wedding guests, the resort offers a robust weekly calendar of activities ranging from Mai Tai mixology and sushi-making classes to coastal hikes and aquacise, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout their stay.
GO: What are the most popular venues within The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua that couples frequently choose for their various wedding events?
A: The Beach House Lawn is the most popular venue for ceremonies and receptions at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. It is our oceanfront lawn, right on the water and surrounded by tropical foliage making it very private and exclusive. Couples can also choose to get married at Maui’s Pineapple Chapel and host their reception at The Plantation Ballroom and outdoor lanai. The Anuenue Room is a beautiful venue to host a rehearsal dinner or welcome reception. It is an open-air venue with an outdoor balcony, offering stunning views of the golf course and ocean.
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is the only hotel on Maui that is not attached to a neighboring hotel or condominiums, ensuring full exclusivity and giving wedding parties the privacy they desire for their special day.
GO: Are there off-property excursions or events available for guests?
A: There are many off-property excursions and events available for our guests. A few activities that guests can enjoy on land include ziplining, horseback riding, a volcano tour, and a rainforest adventure. Those looking forward to enjoying the ocean can join a snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding excursion or set out on a whale-watching expedition.
Exclusive Wedding Promotion
The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua has a special wedding promotion for couples who meet $40,000 exclusive of service fees and tax from the ceremony and reception. Benefits include:
Complimentary Get Ready Suite: Sip chilled bubbles, fresh-pressed juices and light hors d’oeuvres for up to twelve guests as you prepare for your special day within the privacy of a spacious suite.
$500 Resort Credit: Indulge in a pampering treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua Spa or soak up the sun in undisturbed luxury from a private cabana.
Complimentary Ocean View Suite: On the evening of your wedding night, enjoy luxurious Ocean View Suite accommodations and drink in the tropical view from your private balcony.
Wedding Attire Pressing: Walk down the aisle with every detail perfectly pressed, carefully steamed and expertly ironed – a complimentary service provided for the wedding couple.
Marriage License Transportation: Enjoy an effortless marriage license appointment with complimentary round-trip transportation provided to and from The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua.
Visit ritzcarlton.com for more information.