But here’s the thing: while Maui is an incredibly romantic destination, it also comes with its quirks. A picture-perfect proposal doesn’t just happen. You’ll want to think through a few important details ahead of time so you can focus on the “yes” moment instead of worrying about logistics. That’s where we come in at Engaged on Maui. We’ve helped hundreds of couples plan unforgettable Maui proposals, and today we’re sharing our top 5 Maui proposal tips to make sure your big moment is everything you’ve dreamed of (and then some).

1. Weather in Maui

Maui is known for its gorgeous weather, but like any tropical island, it can be unpredictable. You might have sunshine one minute, a quick rain shower the next, and then a rainbow ten minutes later. That’s just part of the island’s magic.

The key is flexibility. If it drizzles a little during your proposal, don’t panic—it often makes the photos even more romantic, with that moody sky and misty glow. We’ve seen couples embrace a little rain and end up with photos that look straight out of a movie. And if the weather really doesn’t cooperate, we’ll do everything possible to adjust plans so you still get your dream proposal.

Pro tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to book. Having a planner (hi, that’s us!) means you’ll have a backup plan and someone local on your side who knows how to pivot when Maui’s weather has a mind of its own.

2. Timing Your Maui Proposal (Sunrise vs. Sunset)

One of the first decisions to make is whether you want to propose at sunrise or sunset. Both times are insanely beautiful, but the vibe is completely different.

• Sunrise Proposals in Maui: Imagine having the beach almost entirely to yourselves, soft pink skies, and the peaceful quiet of a new day. Sunrise proposals are perfect if privacy matters most to you. Bonus: the light is super flattering for photos.
• Sunset Proposals in Maui: This is the classic Maui engagement setting. The golden glow, the fiery sky, the palm trees silhouetted against the horizon. It’s a little busier (since everyone loves a Maui sunset), but it’s undeniably romantic.

Ask yourself: does your partner love mornings or are they more of a night owl? Do they dream of quiet intimacy or vibrant energy? There’s no wrong answer. Just what feels most authentic to your love story.

You can check out some sunset proposals here and some of our sunrise proposals here!

3. Privacy for Your Maui Engagement

Here’s a little insider tip: all beaches in Maui are public. That means there’s no such thing as a 100% private beach proposal. But don’t let that scare you! Privacy is still possible with the right planning.

We’ve scouted out countless hidden gems across the island and know the best times and places to avoid crowds. Whether it’s a tucked-away cove, a cliffside overlook, or a stretch of sand that most tourists don’t know about, we’ll help create a proposal that feels intimate and personal even in a public space.

And honestly? Sometimes having a few bystanders cheering when your partner says “yes” just adds to the magic.

4. Maui Proposal Permits

This is the part that doesn’t sound romantic, but trust us…it matters. Maui requires permits for professional photography and for setups on the beach. If you’ve seen those dreamy photos of giant “MARRY ME” letters, flower circles, or styled picnics, all of that has to be approved with the right permits.

The good news? You don’t have to stress about it. At Engaged on Maui, we handle all of the paperwork and logistics so you don’t accidentally end up with fines or your setup being taken down. Having a Maui proposal planner means you get peace of mind and can focus on the moment, not the red tape.

5. What to Wear for Your Maui Proposal

Your proposal photos will be cherished forever, so what you wear matters! Maui weather is usually warm and breezy, but keep in mind you’ll likely be on sand, near the ocean, or maybe even hiking to a lookout.

Here are a few tips:
– Choose lightweight fabrics that breathe and move easily.
– Neutral colors, pastels, or earth tones always look amazing against Maui’s natural backdrops.
– Ditch the heels (they’ll sink into the sand) and go for sandals, wedges, or even barefoot.
– Remind your partner to bring a backup outfit if you’re transitioning to a post-proposal photo session.

The goal is to look amazing without sacrificing comfort. When you feel good, the photos show it.
(Check out our Pinterest to see what other couples have worn!)

Why Planning Matters for a Maui Proposal

At the end of the day, proposing in Maui isn’t just about dropping to one knee – it’s about creating a memory you’ll never forget in one of the most beautiful places in the world. With a little planning (and a dedicated Maui proposal planner on your side), you can avoid stress and focus on the joy of the moment.

Whether it’s choosing between sunrise and sunset, finding the perfect hidden beach, or setting up a flower-filled picnic with glowing “MARRY ME” letters, we’re here to make sure your vision comes to life. A Maui proposal is once-in-a-lifetime, and we’re here to make sure it feels like pure magic.

So if you’re ready to turn “Will you marry me?” into the most unforgettable moment of your lives, let’s start planning.

Looking for more Maui proposal tips? Check out our other blogs!

The post Top 5 Things to Think About Before Proposing in Maui appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

At Engaged on Maui, we’ve planned hundreds of proposals, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned—it’s better to be prepared. Maui’s tropical beauty comes with a few unpredictable elements (wind, waves, and the occasional rogue mosquito), so here’s our tried-and-true list of what to pack for your proposal just in case:

Bug Spray

You’re in paradise… and so are the bugs. Especially for beach or garden proposals, a quick spritz will keep the “ouch” out of your romantic moment.

Small Towel

Whether you’re wiping off sweat, brushing off sand, or dealing with a happy tear overload—this one’s a lifesaver. Bonus points if it fits in your back pocket.

Water Bottle

Stay hydrated! Maui’s sun is no joke, and a bottle of cold water will keep you feeling good and looking fresh in your proposal photos.

Safety Pins

Wardrobe malfunctions, meet your match. You never know when you’ll need to secure a stray strap or tag that’s popping out mid-photo.

Makeup Blotting Paper

Perfect for beachy proposals or warm afternoons—blotting paper keeps you both shine-free and photo-ready.

Breath Mints or Gum

Because you’ll want that kiss after the “yes” to be minty fresh.

Fully Charged Phone (on silent!)

You might not use it during the actual moment (especially if we’re capturing it for you), but having it on hand to call your family after? Essential.

Extra Hair Ties or Bobby Pins

If the wind picks up, these little lifesavers can help keep everything in place—especially for long hair.

Bonus Tip: Let us carry the stress so you don’t have to. At Engaged on Maui, we help plan and photograph surprise proposals all over the island, and we’ve got backup supplies (and backup plans) ready to go.

The post The Proposal Emergency Kit: What to Pack (Just in Case) appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

From Surprise to Snapshot: How It Works

When you book your proposal with us, we help plan every detail—including how to naturally flow into a post-proposal portrait session. Once the ring is on and the happy tears have been shed, we’ll gently guide you into a few relaxed, candid photos to preserve that just-engaged glow. Think of it as an impromptu celebration where the champagne is your smiles and the confetti is the Maui sunset.

How to Prep for a mini engagement session

1. Dress with Confidence: Choose an outfit that looks great on camera and makes you feel amazing. Neutral tones, soft fabrics, and beachy textures always photograph well. We can even help with outfit inspiration before the big day!
2. Let Us In On the Secret: The more we know ahead of time, the more we can help. Share any special details you’ve planned (like a special ring box, a gift, or family surprise) so we can guide the session seamlessly.
3. Trust the Process: After “YES,” you’ll be in the moment—and we’ll take care of the rest. Our photographers are pros at giving just enough direction so your photos feel natural and true to you.

Capture the Just-Engaged Joy

Your proposal is just the beginning. A mini engagement session right after the moment adds so much depth and emotion to your story—and creates images you’ll treasure forever. Ready to plan your stress-free, beautifully documented Maui proposal?

Let Engaged on Maui help you plan the moment—and the magic that follows.

Want to see some proposals for inspiration? Check out this Maui Picnic Proposal or this Oceanfront Helicopter Proposal!

The post Turning Your Proposal into a Mini Engagement Session appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

Planning a proposal is exciting — but let’s be real, it can also be a little overwhelming, especially when it’s a destination like Maui. Between figuring out the timing, picking the perfect location, and making sure your partner doesn’t suspect a thing, there’s a lot to juggle. That’s where Engaged on Maui comes in. We specialize in crafting unforgettable proposal experiences so you don’t have to stress. Here’s your go-to guide on how to pull off the perfect Maui proposal — seamlessly and stress-free.

1. Timing is Everything

One of the first things to consider is when to propose. Sunset is a classic for a reason — golden light, dreamy skies, and a romantic vibe. But early mornings can be just as magical and more private. We’ll help you pick the best time based on lighting, crowds, and your schedule. Want to keep it a total surprise? We’ve got tricks for that too.

2. Let the Pros Handle the Logistics

Planning a proposal from afar can be tricky, especially if you’re not familiar with the island. That’s why we take care of all the behind-the-scenes details — permits, weather monitoring, set-up, and more. Whether it’s a beach picnic, a helicopter ride, or a mountaintop moment, we handle the logistics so all you have to do is show up and pop the question.

3. Always Have a Backup Plan

Maui weather is usually a dream, but we’re always prepared just in case. We’ll build in flexibility and have an alternate location or timing lined up. That way, your proposal stays stress-free no matter what the skies decide to do.

4. Choose the Right Vendors

Florals, photography, hair and makeup, even musicians — we’ve built strong relationships with Maui’s best vendors so your proposal feels personal and polished. We’ll match you with a team that fits your vision and vibe.

5. Don’t Go It Alone

The best way to avoid proposal stress? Don’t try to DIY it. We’re here to help you make it beautiful, meaningful, and easy. Whether you need full-service planning or just a little help pulling off the surprise, Engaged on Maui is your behind-the-scenes support.

Planning the perfect Maui proposal doesn’t have to be stressful — it can actually be fun. Let us help you dream big, stay relaxed, and create one of the most unforgettable moments of your life. Ready to propose in paradise? Get in touch here!

Check out a few perfect maui proposals

Haiku Mill Proposal and a Romantic Maui Proposal

The post How to Plan the Perfect Maui Proposal Without the Stress appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

However, there are some tasks you can do on your own to prepare. Here are all the things you should do before you pop the question.

Make sure you and your love are on the same page

Before you think about asking, “Will you marry me?” you should be confident the answer will be, “YES!!!”

Marriage should be something you have discussed as a shared plan for your future together. Most importantly, you should make sure that the timing is right. If your sweetie has talked about life or career goals they want to accomplish before getting engaged, honor their goals and don’t jump the gun to get down on one knee just because you are coming to Maui.

Save up and get the engagement ring

We can’t tell you how many times engagement rings have been delayed. Please don’t be one of those people who wait until the last minute to order an engagement ring. When you start saving up for a ring, research how long it will take for the ring to be ready before you start planning your proposal. Then take the estimated arrival date and add a few weeks. You should have extra time in between when the engagement ring will be ready and your proposal date. It’s better to have the ring in hiding than to risk it not arriving in time for your proposal.

You are responsible for getting the ring on time. We can’t refund you if the ring isn’t going to make it and you don’t want to propose without a ring.

Talk to the people who matter

Asking for permission to marry, especially when phrased that way, can sound old fashioned. However, if your sweetie is close to their parents (or people who raised them), talking to those family members to get their blessing before you propose can be very meaningful. It’s a great way to show respect and grow your relationship with your future in-laws and is sure to gain you bonus points with your new fiancé.

If you tell loved ones when you are planning to propose, make sure they wait to hear from the two of you before they send texts of congratulations or champagne to your room. You don’t want them to spoil the surprise if they forget about the time difference or in rare cases where we have to reschedule due to weather.

If family members are going to be at the proposal, please let us know in advance as that may affect location options and what we do before or after the proposal.

Set yourself up for success

This tip comes in extra handy if your sweetie is normally the planner in your relationship. If you know you want to propose in Maui, use going on vacation as an excuse to take the lead on planning and make your proposal part of your vacation itinerary.

You can say you were looking at fun things to do and want to pick a day (or a couple days) during your vacation where you get to choose what to do. Your partner can pick a different day to be in charge, and other days you can plan together. That way, you can plan your day strategically to make sure you are in the right place at the right time to pop the question.

Alternatively, you can start planning more dates and surprises before you go on vacation, so you taking the lead on planning something doesn’t seem so out of character and arise suspicion.

It’s all in the details

If you aren’t able to pick a vacation day to plan, you still have to figure out how to get to the proposal spot at the right time.

Look at GPS to estimate how long it will take you to get there, so you know when you have to leave. Be aware that we don’t want you to arrive too early because you can’t beat the photographer there or show up before they are ready.

Come up with a cover story if you need to. Usually the best cover stories are simple, especially if you’re a bad liar. It can be something like, “I saw that this beach is known for turtles, and I wanted to check it out on the way to dinner.”

Pro tip: It’s okay to fib about your dinner time and restaurant if it puts you in a better position for your proposal location to seemingly be convenient and “on the way” to your dinner plans. Planning your proposal is the only time it’s okay to lie to your partner. When you’re celebrating your engagement, you can reveal all the lies you had to tell to cover your tracks.

If you are sending us a special item to place at the proposal location or want a message in a bottle, make sure you get the item shipped to us or write out your message. We like to have those ready about a week in advance.

Think of what you want to say when you get down on one knee. In order to get epic proposal photos, we ask that you stay down on one knee for at least 20 seconds. This gives us enough time to get close ups and a wide shot of the proposal moment. Even though it may be nerve wracking, try to practice your speech out loud so you’re not tripping over your words when it’s time.

You’ll also want to ponder what you want to wear. Consider that you should be comfortable but look nice in photos. Don’t forget to wash your clothes so you can pack them.

Pro tip: Many guys tell us they know their sweetie will want to be dressed up for photos but don’t know how to get her dressed up. If you wear something a little dressier and get dressed before her, she may pick out something fancier either subconsciously or on purpose to match your level.

Use a thin ring box

Don’t use a bulky ring box from the jeweler. It’s too obvious in your pocket and will ruin the surprise.

We recommend getting a thin ring box or pouch and trying it on with your desired clothes to make sure it’s undetectable.

If you don’t have time to get a thin ring box, then put the ring straight in your pocket or the last resort would be to put it in a backpack. We don’t love the idea of putting the ring in a bag because it can get in the way during the proposal or be an eyesore in photos. If you decide to hold the ring in a backpack, make sure to put the backpack on the side so it’s not blocking your knee.

Do your homework

Once you book your proposal with Engaged on Maui, we send you a Proposal Guide and Dining Guide. Those were made with you in mind. Read them over when you receive them. If you don’t get them, check your spam folder. If it’s not in your spam folder, let us know. It means you aren’t receiving our automated emails and you will miss some important info.

About one week before your proposal after your final balance has been paid, we send your itinerary over. Carefully read through your itinerary and the email it came in. If your itinerary email came with a video walkthrough, watch that too. 95% of the time, the itinerary and video will answer any remaining questions you have about the plan.

Make dinner reservations

You should make dinner reservations as soon as you have your proposal date and time set. You can use our Dining Guide or check your favorite restaurant review sites.

If you have a proposal that is planned to end at sunset, we always recommend leaving a little buffer time in between the end of your proposal and your dinner reservations. Don’t make dinner reservations that force you to leave the beach right after sunset to get to dinner on time.

Once you’re engaged, you won’t be paying attention to the time. We’ve seen couples opt to hang out on the beach after we leave. It’s very likely you will be late to dinner if you have to rush, and most restaurants will only hold your table for 15 minutes before they give it away.

Picture-worthy hands

If there’s one time for a manicure, this is it. Your sweetie should have their nails done. If they get manicures regularly or will get one because you’re going on vacation, then you won’t need to worry about this.

If they don’t typically get their nails done, then maybe you can enlist a family member or close friend to invite them to get manicures before you leave. Or you can schedule a nail appointment on Maui if their nails aren’t photo ready when you get here.

Don’t forget about yourself. Your hands will also be in photos too, so take a little extra care of them before you get engaged.

These tips cover everything to do before getting down on one knee in Maui, except where and when to propose. For help with all your Maui proposal needs, contact Engaged on Maui today!

The post 9 Things to Do Before You Propose appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

Engaged on Maui works exclusively with Air Maui for our helicopter proposals. Their team coordinates with our team to get your flight scheduled and ensure you have the best time seeing Maui from the sky. Their pilots are not only experienced professionals but also act as tour guides, telling you interesting facts so you can learn about what you are seeing. Above all, we were sold by their 100% safety rating. Air Maui adheres to the highest standards of safety and has a perfect safety record of over 25 years to show for it.

How does a helicopter proposal work?

For a helicopter proposal, it will just seem like you are going on a helicopter tour as guests. Air Maui will be aware that you are going to pop the question but won’t give away the secret. You’ll be given instructions and treated like any other passenger, so your sweetie won’t suspect a thing.

Your photographer will be on board with you during the flight, pretending to be another tourist on the helicopter.

You will be asked to check in at the heliport 30 minutes before take off. This time is needed for you to watch a short safety video and get instructions before you board the helicopter.

As long as it works out with weight requirements, you and your soon-to-be fiancé will be seated in the front of the helicopter next to the pilot, where you’ll get the best view. The photographer will be in the back where they will be able to document highlights of the tour and discreetly snap a few candids of you enjoying the sights before the proposal.

Once you get to the landing, it’s go time! You only have 15-20 minutes at the landing, so you should walk to your proposal spot right away to make the most of your time.

Don’t worry! We will give you an itinerary that tells you where to go and what to do for the big moment. Your photographer will be hanging back, pretending to take pictures of the scenery, while secretly waiting for you to get down on one knee so they can capture every second.

After the proposal, you can reveal it was all a set up. Your photographer will come over and introduce themselves and you’ll do a quick mini engagement session at the landing before getting back into the helicopter.

What are the helicopter tours offered?

There are two helicopter tours that will work for proposals: Cliffside Landing – Hana & Haleakala and Oceanfront Landing – West Maui & Molokai.

Cliffside Landing – Hana & Haleakala
For Cliffside Landing, you begin the tour by flying above Haleakala. Haleakala translates to the “House of the Sun.” In Hawaiian legend, Haleakala is known for being the spot at which the demigod Maui ensnared the sun, freeing it only after it promised to linger longer in the sky.

After getting a bird’s eye view of our dormant volcano, you venture to east Maui to the rugged area of Kaupo where you will propose.

At Cliffside Landing, there are multiple spots to get down on one knee…

With the ocean in the background

With the mountains in the background

Or angle yourselves on the left side of the cliff

Or the right side of the cliff

Once you ask the all-important question, you can relax and enjoy your engagement session at Cliffside Landing!

After the proposal and engagement session on the landing, you get back in the helicopter and fly over Hana. This is our more jungle-y side of Maui, so it’s really lush and green, perfect for viewing waterfalls! Whether or not you decide to drive the infamous Road to Hana, it’s also a really neat perspective to see the twists and turns of the road from the air.

Oceanfront Landing – West Maui & Molokai
Oceanfront Landing is only available on weekdays. For Oceanfront Landing, you actually fly over to Molokai first, where you get to see the tallest sea cliffs in the world on the north side of the island and waterfalls in the rainforest.

Towards the end of your flight, you’ll return to Maui and land in Kahakuloa, a small, secluded village that offers a glimpse of old Hawaii.

Oceanfront Landing has one ideal proposal spot. If you follow our directions, we can get the palm tree, ocean, and the head of Kahakuloa in the background of your proposal.

Oceanfront Landing is smaller than Cliffside Landing, so we’ll capture you by the prettiest backdrops before continuing across the West Maui Mountains and back to the heliport.

Air Maui does offer other helicopter tours, but we don’t offer them for proposals because no landing takes place.

Similarly, you may notice that Air Maui has a “Marry Me Tour” on their website. This option is a quick tour that includes flying over a beach. On the beach, there is a “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” banner with your sweetie’s name written in the sand.

With this tour, there is no landing, so you don’t get down on one knee. Since the photographer would be seated in back of you and wouldn’t be able to capture your faces, Engaged on Maui does not have a helicopter proposal package with this flyover tour. However, if you decide to do a beach proposal flight with Air Maui and not document your proposal, we can help you with an engagement session after your flight instead.

What are Engaged on Maui’s helicopter proposal packages?

Engaged on Maui has two helicopter proposal packages: Air Maui Ala Carte and Air Maui Private Charter.

Air Maui Ala Carte Package
Our Air Maui Ala Carte package includes three seats – one for you, your other half, and your photographer. The helicopter fits up to six passengers, depending on weight, so there will at least be another couple on board with you, if not three other people besides the photographer.

To preserve your memories, Air Maui Ala Carte comes with a 5×5″ 10-page highlight album as well as digital backups of the images in your album.

Air Maui Private Charter Package
The Air Maui Private Charter Package means you rent out the entire helicopter so it’s completely private. The photographer brings along an assistant so it’s less suspicious. Or if you choose to add on videography, the videographer and photographer can pretend they are traveling together.

The Private Charter package also includes two leis and champagne upon return to the heliport.

The 10-page highlight album is upgraded to a bigger 8×8″ size, and of course, those digital backups are included to make sharing with family and friends a breeze!

What else can you add on to make a helicopter proposal special?

A helicopter proposal brings plenty of wow factor as it is, but we do have a few favorite add ons.

24-Hour Sneak Peek
Our number one recommendation is always to add a 24-Hour Sneak Peek to your proposal package. Our turnaround time is 2-4 weeks, so that sneak peek will give you a photo of the proposal to make that announcement on social media within 24 hours.

Mini Engagement Session
Your engagement session at the helicopter landing is short and sweet. Adding a Mini Engagement Session prolongs the fun and adds diversity to your images. After the helicopter tour, you follow your photographer to a nearby beach to capture those quintessential Maui vacation photos.

Videography
Video really has the ability to let you relive your big moment. Something about the movement and seeing the two of you interacting gives us all the feels.

Videography can be added on to the Private Charter package. Your videographer joins your photographer aboard the helicopter and edits your footage into a short film set to music.

Is a helicopter proposal the right fit for you?

If you are looking for an activity and proposal in one, a helicopter proposal may be calling your name!

The advantage of pairing a proposal as a surprise during your helicopter tour means that you don’t have to come up with a cover story to get your sweetie to a certain place at a certain time. You can simply tell them you booked a helicopter tour, and Air Maui told you when you need to be at the heliport.

We can even send you a PDF that looks like it came straight from Air Maui. This comes in handy if your sweetie is the type who likes to print out itineraries and organize your vacation.

A helicopter proposal is also perfect for those who want their proposal to be a more intimate moment. Of course, the Private Charter guarantees you the most privacy. But the Ala Carte still gives you a remote setting with only a few witnesses.

Both tours are impressive. The view from the helicopter is a unique way to experience the majesty of Maui, and the landings are picturesque proposal backdrops.

When is a helicopter proposal NOT the right fit?

A helicopter proposal may not work if either of you have a fear of heights or get severe motion sickness.

Since the helicopter tour is an activity and a proposal, it is among our higher priced packages.

Lastly, a helicopter proposal doesn’t allow for anything to be set up at the proposal site. If you’re wanting flowers or some other details to be waiting at the place you pop the question, we can help you select a location that is best suited for a beautiful proposal set up.

How do you reserve a helicopter proposal?

The first thing to do is fill out our inquiry form, so we can schedule a phone call with you and start planning.

Once you have an idea of your desired proposal date, proposal package (Private Charter or Ala Carte), and tour (Cliffside Landing or Oceanfront Landing), we can check availability with Air Maui and our photographer calendar. If you are inquiring last minute or during a busy travel time, we may have to expand checking availability to several days while you are here on Maui.

Once we have a tentative date and time frame, we can send you a booking link to reserve your helicopter proposal. The booking link requires a signed contract and 50% deposit to secure your date.

When we have a completed booking link, your names, and approximate body weights, we will be able to officially reserve your tour!

From here, you are pretty set until you pay your remaining balance and we send your itinerary over with proposal instructions about a week in advance.

Ready to get started planning your helicopter proposal? Fill out our contact form here!

The post Everything You Need to Know About Helicopter Proposals appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

At Engaged on Maui, a lot of thought goes into our proposal locations. We don’t simply offer any place on the island that looks nice.

Here are the boxes a spot has to check in order to be on our list of Maui proposal locations.

Is this proposal location photogenic?

First and foremost, a proposal location has to be beautiful.

Beyond that, since we not only plan proposals but photograph them, we think about timing, lighting, and angles. All of those aspects affect how your proposal location is captured in photos.

Is this proposal location legal?

There are certain places on Maui that are completely off limits.

For example, Ka’anapali Beach does not allow any commercial activity. This means we cannot provide professional photography, amazing set ups, or any kind of services on Ka’anapali Beach.

Venturing somewhere we aren’t allowed could result in fines or even jail time. The state has shown they aren’t afraid to enforce rules of where we are able to go, so we make sure to play by the rules.

When a potential spot is private property or we aren’t able to get the necessary permission needed to photograph there, it’s a no go for us.

Is this proposal location accessible?

You can’t propose somewhere if you can’t get to it.

Even if a spot looks like it’s off the beaten path, we try to select proposal locations that are easy 5-10 minute walks. We don’t want to arise too much suspicion out of your partner on your way, and we want you make sure you two to still look good when you get there.

Some of our proposal locations are seasonal. There are certain beaches where big swells take away the sand every year. The beach and place our clients would normally propose disappears, and we have to wait for the sand to return before we can offer that spot as a proposal location option again.

At our seasonal locations, we have a good idea of when this happens, but sometimes obstacles occur unexpectedly.

Although beaches don’t close often, it can happen if there is a tsunami warning, shark sighting, flooded parking lot, or some other safety concern. When this happens on your proposal day, we quickly make a plan for a nearby backup location.

How busy is this proposal location?

A place can be stunning and easy to get to, but if it is known to be very crowded in a way that is tough for your photographer to work around, we cross it off our list. A busy location takes away from the intimacy of your special moment and is also very risky for photography.

If there is a high chance that someone (or several people) could walk in between where you are proposing and where your photographer is, that is simply not a risk we are willing to take. There is not much Photoshop can do if someone walks right in front of you as you get down on one knee.

Some of the beaches that we don’t offer for proposals due to crowds are Kapalua Bay, Wailea Beach, and Makena Cove.

How busy a place is could change depending on the day of the week. There are a few beaches that we love for weekdays but we don’t offer on the weekends and holidays because the atmosphere changes. We have more gatherings and local families hanging out at those beaches when they have the day off. This means there are people all over, it’s louder (think people are laughing and having a good time, music is bumping, kids are yelling), and parking is all taken up.

What can the cover story be?

The majority of our proposals are a surprise. Most of the time your sweetie doesn’t know you have to meet your photographer for a photo session at a certain place and time. The surprise part is part of what makes planning proposals more stressful than a regular photo shoot.

While you are responsible for getting your future fiancé to the proposal location at the agreed upon time, we do think about possible cover story ideas you can say as an excuse to go there.

We also consider your photographer’s cover story. Many of our proposal spots allow your photographer to hide or pretend they are there another reason – either just hanging out or taking pictures of the scenery.

For some places, we have your photographer discreetly follow you from behind, so they have the right angle to capture your big moment.

Questions we ask when considering places to propose in Maui

As you can see, we have certain criteria a location needs to meet in order to be added to our list of places to propose in Maui.

Here’s a recap of the questions we answer about our proposal locations.

– Are we allowed to shoot here?
– Is this location picturesque?
– What does the location look like during engagement photography time (sunrise, morning, sunset)?
– Where does the photographer need to be to get the proposal shot?
– What is the weather like here?
– Are there any other conditions we need to be concerned about (ie: high tide, prone to wind or rain, lighting, lack of cell phone reception, safety)
– Is the location fairly easy to get to?
– Is there enough parking nearby?
– What is the crowd level like here?
– Is this somewhere that our clients will be able to convince their future fiancé to go?
– Is the photographer able to discreetly hide or follow the couple, or is the location situated in a way where the photographer would be too obvious?
– What does the surrounding area look like?
– What other locations are nearby if clients choose a proposal package that includes coverage at more than one location?

Engaged on Maui policy for public access locations

For public access locations – we’re talking about beaches and other places out in nature – it is Engaged on Maui’s policy not to reveal our list of exact locations until you book.

Back when we first started, we used to talk about locations by name but quickly learned that potential clients would pump us for information and then ghost us.

Now, before you say, “I wouldn’t do that to you. Of course, I wouldn’t.” That’s what they all said. Everyone else said, “I’m definitely going to hire you for my Maui proposal. Just tell me the name of this spot in this example picture so I can plan around it.” Then we told them what they wanted to know and never heard from them again. It was a bummer and a waste of our time, so we learned our lesson.

Some folks we talk to are very particular about the type of location they have in mind. They have a vision in their mind or specific requirements of what they want or don’t want in a proposal location. While we cannot provide names of potential locations, we can show you example pictures of spots that might work for your vision – as long as we have enough time.

This is super important. If you are coming to us within two weeks of your desired proposal date, we don’t have enough time to go back and forth on details. At this point, if we are even available, we need you to make quick decisions.

We also need you to understand that if your proposal is being planned last minute, you may have less location options to choose from. Maui doesn’t have many private venues as it is and those get reserved months or even years in advance for weddings. Helicopter tours usually get booked ahead of time.

It’s common for us to have 2-3 proposals on the same day, but we never schedule our couples at the same location. If one of our other clients has already chosen a place on your day, that location doesn’t get offered to you.

When you have a specific idea of what you want your proposal location to look like, the biggest thing we ask is to be upfront with us from the beginning. Don’t wait until you book and see our location options to tell us you don’t see anything that you like. Sharing your thoughts will allow us to better help you.

Picking your location during the proposal planning process

If you have selected a private venue, a helicopter tour, or Haleakala for your proposal, then you are pretty set on your location. Likewise, if you looked at example photos before you booked and chose somewhere you liked based on pictures, then we reveal the name of your spot and mark it as your proposal location.

However, most of the time, you choose your proposal location once you officially become our client, after signing your contract and paying a 50% deposit.

At this point, your proposal planner will send you an email with location recommendations and example galleries to look through. We send recommendations because you hire Engaged on Maui to make the proposal planning process easy.

In the past, we used to tell our clients to look through our blog and IG and send us screenshots of places they liked. This process worked, but sometimes it was extra work. We found clients would send us screenshots and links to not only locations but any photos they liked. We would get examples of epic sunsets, ring shots, close ups of couples – none of which showed us which locations they liked. Sometimes, clients would send us photos of locations they liked but those were only locations we used for engagement photos, not a place that would work for a surprise proposal. Or they would go back 5+ years and show us locations we had in the past that we could no longer use anymore.

Now, we prefer to send you location recommendations because it saves everyone time. We have already vetted our locations. They have passed the checklist and we know they work well for a proposal in Maui.

When a location doesn’t work for your Maui proposal

We have had some people scour the web and send us pictures of places to see if that spot would work for their proposal on Maui. If you have officially booked with us and we have enough time to plan, this is something we might be able to entertain, however you should be prepared to hear that a spot picked solely from a picture on the internet won’t work.

Here are just a few of the popular reasons that we have had to say no to a potential proposal spot:

– The place in the picture isn’t on Maui
It’s common for folks to search for “places to propose in Hawaii” but that will result in locations that are on other Hawaiian islands and not on Maui.

We specialize in Maui proposals and engagement photography, so if you fall in love with a location that is not on Maui, it makes sense to use a photographer that is local to that area.

– The location is not accessible or there isn’t a reliable way for our photographer to get the view you want
We are seeing more drone photography online because that bird’s eye view is amazing. When we are shown an inspiration photo that is taken by a drone or from a helicopter, we know we likely wouldn’t be able to access that same spot by land and, even if we were, the perspective we would be able to get would be much different than what you are envisioning.

We don’t like to depend on having a proposal photographed by drone because a drone can only be deployed if the weather cooperates. If it’s rainy or too windy, it’s too much of a risk to fly.

We once had a drone crash into the ocean because it was a little too windy. We were so thankful that the drone was only getting coverage of the couple after their proposal and we weren’t depending on it to capture their big moment.

– The place no longer looks the same as it does in the photo
When you are browsing online, you can run into all kinds of information and it’s tough to tell if that info is recent or accurate.

We know for a fact there are websites out there with outdated info on Makena Cove and Nakalele Blowhole.

As we mentioned earlier, Makena Cove aka Pa’ako Beach is one of the spots we don’t shoot proposals because it’s too crowded. However, it used to be known as Secret Cove because way back when, it was actually uncrowded.

With the reputation of being an intimate beach, Makena Cove became popular with weddings and also gained the nickname Wedding Beach. There are still websites out there saying this is a nice quiet beach, but that really isn’t true nowadays.

In fact, if a place has “secret” in its name, there is a good chance that it isn’t secret anymore. With the rise of social media and tell-all books, there are few places that are truly a secret on Maui.

Another place that you can read inaccurate info on is Nakalele Blowhole. There used to be a rock nearby that looked like it had the shape of a heart cut out of it. Sadly, part of the rock fell into the sea, and it no longer looks like that any more.

Bottom line: If we aren’t confident that we can capture your Maui proposal at a particular location and that you will have an enjoyable experience there, we can’t approve it as a proposal location.

Alternative solutions when a location doesn’t work for a proposal

Certain places that don’t work as a proposal location may be suitable for engagement photos after you’ve already popped the question. Once you’re engaged and reveal you have an engagement photographer, it’s much easier to go to other locations. You don’t have to come up with an excuse to go there. You can follow your photographer to make sure you’re at the right place. Plus it’s easier for your photographer to work around other people since they don’t have to hide anymore. Your photographer is able to be out in the open, move around, and direct you so there aren’t a ton of other people in the way or in the background.

If you have a place that you absolutely love for sentimental or aesthetic reasons and that place doesn’t fit the criteria for a proposal location, then perhaps we could use it for an engagement session instead. There are two ways we could go about this.

If you still want your actual proposal documented, you could pick a proposal package that includes more than one location, select a spot nearby that is better suited for your actual proposal, and plan to go to the other spot for the rest of your engagement session.

If it’s not as crucial for you to get photos of your proposal but more important to get engagement photos at a specific location, you could propose on your own without a photographer there and then we do an engagement session at your desired spot. With this plan, you get to propose wherever and whenever it feels like the right moment. Your proposal can be a bit more spontaneous because a photographer isn’t there waiting for you to get down on one knee and capture your sweetie’s reaction.

Ryan wanted to propose at Makena Cove because it was the first beach he and Jenna visited on a previous visit to Maui. We comprised and he popped the question at a nearby beach that has a lot more space.

Then they ended with sunset engagement photos at Makena Cove.

Choosing your own unique Maui proposal location

For those of you looking for a place to propose in Maui that has not been used before, you may be in luck! Engaged on Maui has some new locations we would like to add to our list.

The downside of picking a new proposal place is that you don’t get to see example galleries of engagement sessions at that spot.

The upside is that you get to be the very first person to propose there. Our photographers would love to shoot at somewhere different, so your engagement pictures will be awesome. We also have other incentives in place. If you are interested in hearing more about our new proposal locations, we would prefer to have at least 6 weeks notice, but if it’s sooner, don’t hesitate to ask.

At Engaged on Maui, we know the best places to propose on Maui, especially when you want your proposal documented. Fill out our inquiry form to get started on planning your Maui engagement and schedule your initial consultation.

The post Places to Propose in Maui: How We Choose Our Proposal Locations appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

A Non-Beach Proposal Location

Although we are experts at beach proposals, that’s not all we do! We often have clients who specifically request proposal locations that aren’t on a beach.

Sometimes, they are apologetic and say the beach is beautiful but they “just aren’t beach people.” Or they want something different and unexpected. Or they know their sweetie won’t want to get sandy.

Whatever the reason, we support you. It’s our goal to help you find the right location that matches what you’re envisioning and is somewhere that your future fiancé will love!

Private Venue on Maui

If you describe your ideal proposal as private, intimate, taking place somewhere that’s not crowded, then private venues immediately jump to the top of our minds as possible options for you.

We are ecstatic to introduce Haiku House as our newest private proposal venue, especially since it adds to our list of non-beach locations.

About Haiku House

Haiku House is tucked away on Maui’s north shore, a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the resorts in south and west Maui. This 20 acre slice of paradise is filled with the beauty of mother nature. The driveway is lined with royal palms. There are fig trees and an orange orchard. Majestic trees throughout the grounds create a canopy overhead so that you feel like you’re in your own world.

The estate boasts a rich history as well. In 1849, King Kamehameha III deeded 530 acres, including the 20 that Haiku House sits on, to missionary Richard Armstrong for a dollar. This was considered payment for Armstrong’s help in writing and implementing the Great Mahele, an act that allowed private ownership of land in Hawaii for the first time.

The property changed hands several times, with each owner making their own enhancements. After Armstrong, it was owned by Henry P. Baldwin, co-founder of local corporate giant Alexander & Baldwin. The Baldwin family built the original part of the house in 1860 and hosted many lavish galas for esteemed guests, including King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs. Haiku House is currently owned by the Chan family, who live in Vancouver but maintain close ties to Maui as the owner of Wailea Golf Club.

Proposing at Haiku House

The vast outdoor space at Haiku House means there are multiple places where you could get down on one knee. We scouted four unique proposal spots for you to choose from.

The first proposal area you come to is right in front of an impressive banyan tree. This is perfect if you want the jungle feeling without having to venture into the jungle.

Next, we have the platform. This area is also surrounded by trees, but it is a blank canvas. This space is ideal for customizing with romantic floral details.

Imagine strolling along a path, hand in hand with your sweetie, and popping the question under outstretched branches that form a kind of tree tunnel. The light streaming in and enveloping you in a warm glow… it was love at first sight for us when we laid our eyes on this proposal spot.

Lastly, if you want a proposal location that’s classic and traditional, there is a white gazebo on the property that would make such a picturesque proposal moment.

Haiku House Proposal Packages

We have two proposal packages designed for Haiku House.

The Haiku House Classic is made for the couple who vibe with all the greenery and want to stay on property for an hour during their proposal and engagement session to make use of all the ample backdrops Haiku House has to offer.

Haiku House does have a peek of the ocean…

…but if you do want engagement pictures on the beach (or another nearby location) as well, then our Haiku House Deluxe gives you 1.5 hours of photography and an additional location for your engagement session.

Interested in proposing at Haiku House? Reach out to us to chat about this beautiful private venue!

The post Spotlight on Haiku House, A Lush Estate for Private Proposals appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

Congratulations from your family

Having your new fiancé read messages of congratulations from your family is such a special way to start off this next step of your future together. Of course, you’ll probably get text messages and comments on social media once you reveal the big news, but going old school with hand-written congratulations shows you really put some extra thought into, not just your proposal, but afterwards too.

You could have your family members all sign a card and give your new fiancé this card after they say yes. If your family lives all over the place and signing one card isn’t feasible, each of them could mail you a letter or card by a certain deadline before you leave.

To prevent any suspicion, you can have the letters mailed to you at work. Or you could ask another family member or close friend to keep them safe for you until you’re ready to pack the cards into your suitcase. If it’s too risky to pack them, you can also mail your family letters directly to us.

This does require some advance planning, but if you have time to do this, it will be such a sweet gesture welcoming them to the family.

For Lawton and Maddy’s proposal, we took our message in a bottle add on and changed it to incorporate Lawton’s family. Normally, we use a message in a bottle before the proposal. You write a message on it for your sweetie to read right before you get down on one knee.

This time, we gave Lawton and Maddy the message in a bottle after the proposal. Lawton’s mom was in charge of getting family members to write messages of congratulations on a scroll. She mailed the scroll to us. We put it in a bottle and gave it to their photographer so Maddy and Lawton could read the messages while she captured their reactions.

If your family prefers talking to writing, another thought is to have them send you videos of them giving you well wishes that you can watch together after the proposal. Since this is likely to take a while to watch, we recommend playing the videos when you are back in your room, instead of during your photo session.

Presents after your proposal

A classic way to celebrate your engagement is with a bottle of champagne. If you’re staying at a resort, it’s easy for family to call and order a bottle to be delivered to your room. If you’re staying at an Airbnb or somewhere without a front desk or room service, then we may be able to help deliver the present during their photo session.

We love how Francis’ family contacted us to add champagne with a little note to his engagement session with Brianna. You can see their story here.

If your loved ones want to put a Hawaii spin on their surprise, leis are a beautiful addition to your photos.

Tony’s sister Brenda lives on the island of Oahu and worked with us to help plan his proposal to Katie. She wanted them to have beautiful leis after the proposal. Brenda purposely picked specialty leis that you can’t just find in the grocery store – maile intertwined with tuberose for Tony and a white orchid and pink rose lei for Katie.

Using technology to bring family to you

If your sweetie is super close to someone who won’t be there for the proposal itself, you can go above and beyond by calling that special person right before the proposal and putting your phone in your pocket. After the proposal, you can reveal that special person was “there” the whole time. Mikey introduced us to this idea when he proposed to Caitlin with her mom on the phone in his pocket.

If you decide to do this, put your phone in your back pocket or somewhere it won’t be bulky and distracting in photos. Do a test run by calling the person, sticking your phone in the pocket you’re planning on using, looking in the mirror to ensure it doesn’t create an unsightly bulge in pictures, and confirming they can hear on the other end.

You can also FaceTime loved ones after the proposal. Just keep in mind that any time you spend chatting will be taking away from your photography time, so you’ll want to keep it short or save the FaceTime for when you don’t have anything to do or anywhere to be.

You’ll also want to double check the time difference as it may be very late where relatives live. We’re 5-6 hours behind EST depending on the time of the year, so it could be midnight when you’re calling.

Conclusion

Your engagement is an exciting time, not just for you two but for your friends and families as well. We hope these ideas will inspire you on how you can incorporate your nearest and dearest when they won’t be here for the proposal in person.

If you have any new ideas on how you want to involve family in your proposal, we’re all ears! The sooner you contact us to start planning, the better!

The post How to Involve Family in your Destination Proposal – Part 2 appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.

There are so many ways to incorporate family into your proposal we split this topic into two parts. This first part will focus on a family proposal when they are here on Maui too.

If you want to involve loved ones in your Maui proposal but they won’t be able to travel, then part two is for you.

Since Maui is a vacation destination, you may be traveling here with family and using the trip as the perfect time to propose.

If they are on island with you and have the option to be at the proposal, you have to ask yourself the following questions:

– Do you want loved ones to watch the proposal?
– Or would you rather have that moment to yourselves and celebrate with them afterwards?
– Can family help you pull off a great cover story?
– Or do you think they will ruin the surprise?
– Do you want family to be part of your photo session?

Your answers to these questions will help us determine the best way for family to be involved, while still making sure you are happy with the plan. Your comfort in the proposal plan is key to its success!

If you want family to witness the proposal

If you want family to be able to watch the proposal take place, you can all come to the proposal spot together or family can arrive early to hide and watch the proposal in secret.

Family photo session cover story

When you arrive to the proposal location together, we often use the cover story that you are there for family photos. This gives you a reason to be dressed up for pictures and be at the proposal location at a specified time.

We also suggest you have your mom or their mom or whoever is planning your Maui vacation tell you and your future fiancé about the family photo shoot. That way, it seems like this photo shoot is not your idea and you are just going along with it.

The family photo session cover story works well if…
– you are not the planner in your relationship
– you would have a difficult time getting your sweetie to a certain place at a certain time without arousing suspicion
– you know they want to be dressed up
– family photos is something your family would appreciate (whether family photo shoots are a regular thing for you or your family is long overdue for photos)
– it would help you to have more direction from the photographer

In the family photo session proposal, we usually do spend the first portion doing family photos. When it’s time for couples photos, the photographer usually leaves you and your sweetie for last. Then it’s proposal time and the rest of the photo session will be focused on engagement photos.

Mona thought they were doing a photo session with her family until AJ got down on one knee.

Jamin and Lyndsay’s group included her mom and stepdad, sister and family, as well as Jamin’s son. One of the best things about these family photo session proposals is being able to see everyone’s reactions and feel the love in their congratulations.

Family present, photographer hiding

Maybe the family photo session cover story is not your style or something you think your sweetie would see right through. You can also use a different excuse such as watching the sunset before dinner. One family used the cover story that they had been to that beach on a visit years earlier and wanted to revisit it.

Since the photographer will be incognito and not able to direct you, we provide instructions on where family should be so they aren’t photobombing your proposal.

For Matt and Sara’s proposal, Matt asked his mom to take a photo of them right before he popped the question. Our photographer was waiting farther away at a different angle, so she could capture the proposal and Matt’s parents watching, without them blocking Sara’s reaction.

Family is hiding

What if you want family to be there when you get down on one knee but you don’t want your sweetie to know they are there? In that case, loved ones should arrive to the proposal location before you two arrive, so they can witness the big moment but be hidden.

This plan requires choosing from certain locations and an additional fee.

The location needs to either have tree cover or somewhere family can hide without being seen or be a long beach where the proposal can occur at one end and family wait at the other end. An open space or a small cove with nowhere to hide won’t work for this type of plan.

An additional fee is also required for a proposal with a family surprise because a proposal planner will need to be on-site to meet family at the proposal spot, hide them, and cue them when to come out of hiding.

Speaking of coming out of hiding, family can run out of hiding right after you propose. However we love to do what we call a two-stage or even three-stage surprise.

In a two-stage surprise, you would propose and family would stay hidden while you start your engagement session.

Your fiancé then believes the proposal is the only surprise. But when the time is right and your photographer is ready, we have family come out of hiding so your photographer is poised to capture everyone’s reactions.

With the delayed surprise, your fiancé gets a little bit of time to absorb that you are engaged before loved ones come out to congratulate you. We also get two genuine reactions – one for the proposal and another for the family surprise.

A three-stage surprise fits when you are traveling with one side of the family and your sweetie knows they are on Maui, but you have other family or friends that are flying in for the proposal and your other half has no idea they will be here. The party you are traveling with would come out of hiding first and be in some photos with you. Loved ones who are arriving as a surprise would come out last and your sweetie will be blown away.

We did a three-stage surprise for Tim and Leesa’s proposal. First, Tim asked Leesa to marry him at sunrise. After a few minutes of engagement photos, Tim’s mom and sister came out to congratulate them. Just when Leesa thought the surprises were over, her mom and stepdad came out and she was shocked! It’s always been a dream for Leesa and her mom to visit Hawaii together and she didn’t expect it to come true yet – and to have their dream come true to celebrate Tim and Leesa’s proposal was amazing!

Tim chose to add leis to their engagement session. We did a twist on a lei exchange, a Hawaiian marriage tradition where the couple gives leis to each other’s parents to symbolize the joining of families. Since both moms were there, we had Tim’s mom present Leesa with a lei and Leesa’s mom give Tim a lei.

Sometimes, we combine different techniques. For Giles and Kesslee’s proposal, they were traveling with Giles’ family, so we used the family photo shoot cover story as an excuse to get them to the beach. We pretended the photographer was running late when she was actually already waiting on the beach. This gave Giles an opportunity to walk Kesslee down the beach “while they were waiting on the photographer.”

Kesslee’s mom and grandma flew in to watch the proposal. Kesslee had no clue they were on Maui, so they arrived to the beach and hid among the trees until after the proposal when it was time for the big reveal! Check their engagement story out here.

If you want family there after the proposal

What if family is here on island, but you don’t want an audience for the proposal? How you involve them depends on if you want them in photos or not.

Family arrives after proposal

If you want a private proposal but you still want family photos, the best thing to do is select a proposal package with multiple locations and have loved ones show up to congratulate you at the second location.

With this option, and really any time you want to involve family in your proposal, please make sure you let your proposal planner know so we can write this into your itinerary. If family is arriving after the proposal, you may think we don’t need to know. However, in order for us to give you the best experience, it’s always helpful for us to know the full plan.

For Stephen and Brandee’s proposal, he got down on one knee and friends showed up later at their second location for celebratory photos.

Family joins you at dinner

Some couples want to have the proposal and entire engagement session to themselves. Having family meet you afterwards at dinner is a nice compromise to have your privacy and still invite them to be part of your special night.

Recap of options when family is on Maui

Please let your proposal coordinator know if you are thinking of involving family and/or friends in your proposal. We can help you figure out the best plan and make sure your photographer is aware of all the details.

If you want family to witness your proposal and it makes sense for you all to arrive together, you can go to the proposal location under the guise of doing a family photo session. You can use another excuse if you want family to go to the location together but have the photographer to capture the proposal sneakily.

If you want loved ones to be there as a surprise, they would arrive early and witness the proposal from a hiding spot. This requires choosing from locations with somewhere to hide and an additional fee for an on-site coordinator.

If you want a private proposal, family should arrive at a second location, after you’ve already popped the question. Make sure to let us know, so we can coordinate the details and ensure everyone is on the same page.

If you want your photo session to be just the two of you but still want to celebrate with family, then loved ones should join you at dinner.

How can you involve loved ones in your proposal when they aren’t here on Maui? Check out ideas in How to Involve Family in your Destination Proposal – Part 2!

The post How to Involve Family in your Destination Proposal – Part 1 appeared first on Engaged on Maui | Maui Proposal Photographer.