Maui Wedding Wedding in Maui, Wedding Photographers

We have been planning a backyard wedding, and a couple of weeks ago learned that the family member who was offerering their gorgous and spacious backyard will NOT allow alcohol. So...that's out.

We have been looking around at a local winery and other venues, but nothing seems to work out just right. My fiance has asked we reconsider his original "dream wedding" which is elope and get married on a beach in Hawaii.

I've been opposed to this, not b/c the beach wedding isn't lovely, but b/c I do NOT want to "elope"- I want to have at least our core group with us to be a part of our big day.
For me- my sister, aunt and best friend are my world and heart.
For him...definitely his parents and brother. He is extremely close to them, and they are such beautiful people.

So- now that we are considering the Hawaii wedding again, I brought it up with his mother and she seemed...to not love it. Basically I get that she would make the trip but begrudgingly. It seems that she would feel and think the entire time "wow, Hawaii- really? How expensive and how rude" but would NEVER say it out loud. She would act non-enthused, force a smile and seem half-hearted the entire planning process and maybe even on the trip. As I get to know her, I'm seeing this is her nature.

I realize that many people will not be able to attend, and do not expect anyone to come if they cannot realistically afford it. But if you can, and you want to- we'd LOVE to have you!! I do NOT want anyone to come all the way to Hawaii out of obligation, especially his mother.

I'm stressing out! I want his mother of all people to really love being with us. Maybe I should reconsider and elope...yuck!

Should I say something to her, be direct? Delicate situation!! How should I handle this appropriately?
When I say "be direct" I do not mean that I would be blunt and rude...I would ask her point blank if she likes the idea and if not...why. Try to talk it out diplomatically- thats my way. But I just don't know if it would solve anything in this type of situation or just make it worse.
WE ARE PAYING FOR THEIR STAY. We would rent a condo on the beach, they wouldn't be paying for a hotel.
Airfare right now is $900 per ticket coach.
my heart is not set on Hawaii. But my fiance's is. He is unwavering that our beach wedding be Hawaii. Really stubborn about it.
Luv2Answer: YES, I would. I try not to judge those who have dry weddings (though I find them utterly dull) so don't judge those of us who like to enjoy ourselves and celebrate. =)