I feel really lucky to do this work on Maui. I’m drawn to images that feel alive, where you can almost feel the sun kissing you, hear the waves crashing, and your heart strings are pulled. My hope is that couples look back at their photos and remember how it felt: the warmth, wind, sunset, and lots of love…”
Lexi McGhee, Photographer, Hitched In Maui
Lexi McGhee is an American wedding and elopement photographer based on Maui, Hawaiʻi. Her company, named ‘Hitched in Maui’, produces work known for being romantic, natural, and emotional…
C&B: “Lexi, you work in one of the most beautiful and dramatic locations – how many weddings do you shoot per year, on average?”
LM: “I photograph around 75 to 100 elopements and weddings per year. Maui has beautiful weather year-round and every wedding feels different – Maui’s glow shows up in various ways depending on the couple, location, weather, and sunset…”
C&B: “Talking of sunsets, what is your favourite location on Maui for capturing golden hour portraits?”
LM: “I love the Wailea and Mākena coastline. Maui is known for its sunsets, and that side of the island shows it off. The ocean reflects the sky, the light turns gold or pink, and lights up a couples love in the most beautiful way…”
The light here changes everything. Mornings are soft and pastel, midday is bright and bold, and golden hour makes everything warmer and more emotional. I’m always watching how light moves through palms, reflects off the water, or catches a veil…”
Lexi McGhee, Photographer, Hitched In Maui
C&B: “What would you say is the most breathtaking creative concept you have ever had the opportunity to photograph on the island?”
LM: “One of the most breathtaking scenes I’ve photographed was an elopement at Haleakalā National Park, above the clouds at sunset. You’re standing at 10,000 feet, the clouds are below you, and everything is so quiet. The weather is unpredictable, but when it comes together, it’s unreal. The couple was open to whatever the mountain gave us, which is the best mindset to have up there. It can be clear, cloudy, freezing, windy, peaceful, or all of that in one hour. The sunset above the clouds reminded me why I love this work. It was pure magic!”
I think luxury still has to feel like real life. Maui is naturally beautiful, so I don’t feel like we have to overdo everything. I guide when needed, but I also leave space for wind, laughter, movement, quiet, happy tears, and hugs. The images can feel elevated and editorial, but still warm and emotional…”
Lexi McGhee, Photographer, Hitched In Maui
C&B: “What hidden gems or unique backdrops on Maui can you and your couples get most excited about?”
LM: “Lately I’ve been drawn to Upcountry Maui: private mountain ranches, open fields, old trees, gardens, and places that feel quiet and unexpected. I love the beach, but Maui has so much more than the shoreline. Maui Tropical Plantation and Kula Botanical Garden both have a softer, romantic feeling…”
Maui gives us ocean, cliffs, lava rock, palm trees, gardens, open fields, forests, mountains, and wild sunsets. I try to use the landscape in a way that supports the couple instead of overpowering them. Timeless and editorial doesn’t have to mean overly posed. It’s about light, feeling, and letting the moment breathe…”
Lexi McGhee, Photographer, Hitched In Maui
C&B: “The Hawaiian culture is very distinctive; which elements do you love incorporating into your images?”
LM: “I love photographing lei exchanges, Hawaiian music, florals, and moments where family and community are present. There is so much meaning in those details when included with care and respect. I’m also mindful that Hawaiian culture is not a prop. It’s important to respect the island, follow location rules, honour sacred spaces, and work with local vendors…”
C&B: “What moments during a multi-day destination wedding weekend do you find most inspiring to shoot?”
LM: “I love the moments outside the ceremony timeline: welcome dinners, beach picnics, getting ready, friends arriving from far away, family hugs, and quiet little in-between moments. A destination wedding is more than one day. Sometimes the most meaningful photos are where everyone is simply happy to be together…”
CONTACT: http://www.hitchedinmaui.com
