Aloha, lovebirds! If you’re dreaming of an intimate and adventurous destination wedding day, then a Hawaii elopement might just be your slice of paradise. From the lush, dramatic landscapes of Kauai, to the vibrant shores of Oahu and Maui, the Hawaiian Islands offer breathtaking backdrops for your big day!
If you’re wondering how to make it all happen, don’t worry, I got you! Here’s everything you need to plan a Hawaii elopement!
Why Elope in Hawaii
In case you’re still undecided whether or not you truly want to elope in Hawaii, just imagine exchanging your vows with the sound of waves in the background and under the warm, tropical sun! The weather is mostly wonderful, the beaches are gorgeous, and the culture is rich and unique.
Hawaii really is an absolutely gorgeous and unique location for your destination wedding or elopement!
How to Elope in Hawaii
Legal Requirements to Elope in Hawaii
So first things first, you need a Hawaii marriage license. What’s great is that you don’t need to make a prior trip to Hawaii to apply. Hawaii doesn’t have a waiting period after the license has been issued, so you can apply for it online before your trip, pick it up when you’re in Hawaii, and prepare to make things official the same day! This blog walks you through all you need to know!
Who Can Marry You in Hawaii
In Hawaii, your ceremony must be performed by people who are ordained and licensed by the State of Hawaii. So you can have your friend or family member go through the process or find a marriage performer here!
You don’t need any additional witnesses to make it official, your marriage performer serves as the witness.
Places to Elope in Hawaii
There are so many gorgeous places in Hawaii for your wedding or elopement! Here are some of my suggestions for you!
Oahu
Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu blends local culture, charming towns, and breathtaking scenery more than any other Hawaiian island. They have jaw-dropping mountain ranges, lava lands, and, of course, the stunning ocean with all the beaches. Oh, and let’s not forget the waterfalls, too. Most waterfalls require a bit of a hike, but it’s definitely worth it, because it also allows you to avoid large crowds!
Maui
With its world-famous beaches, stunning sunsets, and the majestic Haleakala, it’s no wonder Maui is a top elopement destination. If you’re planning for a beach elopement or beach wedding, keep in mind that most beaches there are public. While we can definitely try to find more secluded spots, there is always a chance of tourists unintentionally being in the background of your big day.
Kauai
Kauai is the perfect choice for couples looking for a more wild and adventurous type of elopement day. The island has gorgeous greenery, beautiful cliff and mountain views, colorful flowers, and waterfalls too! So if you love the outdoors and hiking and want a more intimate experience for your big day – Kauai might be the place for you!
Best Time of Year to Elope in Hawaii
Weather-wise, Hawaii is great for your wedding or elopement all year round! I still recommend bringing a raincoat, because a quick shower can pop out of nowhere and, as we know, Mother Nature can really be unpredictable at times.
In general, I’d avoid the winter months, as those are the busiest, so you’d get hit with higher travel and accommodation costs. I’d also avoid any public holidays, school breaks, and summertime due to crowds!
You’ll probably find that spring time and fall before Thanksgiving is the best time to get married in Hawaii!
Do I Need a Permit to Elope in Hawaii?
For most public spaces, yes. You’ll most likely need a permit if you want to get married anywhere in Hawaii that isn’t an actual venue, so all the state parks & national parks. Some locations may require your photographer to get a separate film or commercial permit.
Permits are regulated both through the county/city as well as the state, so depending on where you want to elope will change who you need to submit your application to. Furthermore, there are some locations on the islands that DO NOT allow any ceremonies or commercial activity. Here’s the list of those!
How Much Does it Cost to Elope in Hawaii?
This is the thing about eloping: it can be as budget-friendly or as lavish as you want it to be.
Visiting Hawaii in the off-season will allow you to keep your travel costs lower.
The rest of the costs really depend on what you’d like to do and what you want your experience to be like. There are going to be some mandatory costs, like the marriage license, any location permits you may need, the officiant fees, and, of course, the aforementioned travel-related expenses.
The one thing I definitely recommend you splurge on is your elopement photographer! Your elopement day is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you want to be able to look back on all those photos and be excited to see them! Hire a photographer you trust and you vibe with, and make sure you love their work! You don’t want to regret your elopement photos!
Ready to Plan Your Hawaii Elopement?
So that’s about it on how to plan a Hawaii elopement! I hope that this blog has been helpful!
If you’re looking for a Hawaii elopement photographer, I’m your girl! While I’m based in Philly, I love traveling to help you tell your love story! I’m also happy to help you plan your perfect elopement day and figure out the necessary permits if needed! Reach out to me anytime here! Can’t wait to chat!
