Cliffside Elopement at Kapalua Ironwoods

Cherylyn and Mark chose to do a cliffside elopement at the stunning Kapalua Ironwoods, which happens to be one of my favorite elopement spots on the island (it’s even in my top five; you can read here!). Seriously, the ocean views from the cliffs here are sweet. They decided to keep things simple with just the two of them, with a quick elopement ceremony that they would be able to do right before sunset. They wanted to make sure they caught golden hour light for some Maui sunset portraits!

But here’s the thing: elopements can be much more than just a quick ceremony if you want them to be. They’re a chance to create a full-day experience of adventure, fun, and memories without impressing guests and worrying about the wedding day hustle. So don’t cut yourself short! If you’re curious about amplifying your special day, check out my Elopement Timeline 101 blog for some rad tips.

Groom stand cliffside as he waits for his bride to walk down to their elopement ceremony

Groom stands with a smile on his face as his bride walks down for their cliffside elopement ceremony

A Cliffside elopement ceremony at Kapalua Ironwoods

meet the couple

Cherylyn was out with her family at Stoney’s, a country bar in Vegas, when Mark showed up with his friends. Cherylyn’s brother, who happened to be buddies with Mark from high school, introduced them, and it was an instant spark. Her mom was with them that night, and as they left, Cherylyn turned to her mom and sister and confidently told them she was going to marry that guy.

Fast forward a few days to their first date, and just one year later, Mark had a surprise up his sleeve. He told Cherylyn they were meeting friends for dinner and a show at the Cosmopolitan, a place they frequented since his best friend worked there. Little did she know, he had a different plan. When she opened the “meeting room” door, her heart stopped, and she was greeted by a walkway lined with lit candles leading to the most stunning suite she’d ever seen. Mark took her hand, led her to the balcony overlooking the Vegas Strip, and got down on one knee. With just the two of them, he proposed. They celebrated with family and friends later that night, but the magic of that intimate moment was one reason they chose to elope. Nothing felt quite as memorable as that quiet ceremony on the cliffs of Maui.

Bride reads her vows during their Cliffside elopement ceremony at Kapalua Ironwoods

A close-up shot of the officiant holding the grooms ring in her hand.

Mark and Cherylyn’s Cliffside Elopement at Kapalua Ironwoods

Cherylyn and Mark envisioned a magical and intimate elopement day and that’s exactly what it was. They wanted their wedding photos to convey the beauty of the cliffs and the closeness of their special day, so we focused on capturing those moments that captured their emotions. The officiant and I were smiling ear to ear as they read their unique and personal vows. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any more beautiful, a light rain began to fall, but instead of dampening the mood, an incredible rainbow appeared, creating the most epic backdrop many people aren’t lucky enough to get.