Traveling all the way from Lithuania to the Aloha state, couple Albertas and Zivile were seeking something quintessentially Hawaii. The conundrum was that Zivile was specifically drawn to the green mountains while Albertas wanted a beach setting. What to do? The answer was simple, says Maui wedding photographer Angela Nelson: an Haleakalā National Park elopement, where you can say your “I Do’s” 10,023 feet above the ocean in a picturesque Mars-like environment with volcano-top views…or at a much lower elevation that’s lusher and greener, with waterfalls and tropical forests. It even has a black sand beach that is easily accessible.

Luckily, the photographer’s Haleakalā National Park solution helped create an elopement around both their desires, with their wedding ceremony taking place on top of the dormant Haleakalā volcano, known to locals as the House of the Sun.

With stunning natural beauty surrounding them, elements used in typical wedding ceremonies were not necessary. Nelson says the bride’s bouquet was purchased at a local farmer’s market and she did her own hair and makeup. “For them, this day was much more about experiencing the magic of Maui together than it was about little details.”

After the couple exchanged vows, they shared cookies and some sparkling cider before moving on to experience the Crater. “It was really cold up there, but they didn’t seem to mind,” says Nelson. “That evening we had some incredible clouds, and the sunset did not disappoint.”

Nelson especially loved helping Albertas and Zivile experience as much of Maui as possible on their wedding day. “We did a little bit of everything: mountains, beach, palms, the volcano and more. All the spots were distinct and we covered a lot of ground in only 6 hours!”

While every wedding photographer focuses on the connection between the couple, Nelson takes it one step further by focusing on the landscape as well. “We have such incredible vistas here, so sharing these special spaces allows me to highlight their connection and cover the reason they chose Maui for their wedding. Love and land continually inspire me to create art for my couples.”

See more work from Angela Nelson here or visit her website.

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Vendor Credits:

Photographer: Angela Nelson

Venue: Haleakala National Park, Hawaii, USA

Officiant - Vene Chun

For Photographers:

Nikon D850, Nikon Z8
35mm 1.4
14-24mm 2.8
70-200 2.8

Profoto A1 flashes

MagMod modifiers