Wanting to get married in Hawaii, but don’t know where to get started? I’ve got you covered! Keep reading BELOW!
Which Hawaiian ISLAND Should We Pick to Get Married?
01. KAUAI
With more than 70,000 people live in Kaua’i County which consists of the islands of Kauaʻi, Niʻihau, Lehua, and Kaʻula. “Kauai is a volcanic island, rich with rain forest, swamp lands, lush valleys, waterfall lined craters, dramatic coastlines as well as the longest white sand beaches in all of Hawaii.” Kauai is the perfect sport to zip-line, snorkel, scuba dive, off-road ATV, and take a helicopter tour.
02. MAUI
Maui is an island in the Central Pacific home to more than 165,000 people. “The island’s 30 miles of beaches include golden-crescent Kapalua, sheltered from strong currents by lava-rock promontories.” Maui is the perfect spot to whale watch, snorkel, kayak, watch the sunrise, or learn to surf!
03. OAHU
Oahu has a population of over 1,000,000 people that call this beautiful island home. Oahu is nicknamed the “Gathering Place” and is the most visited Hawaiian Island. Best known for its “state capital of Honolulu, historic Pearl Harbor, North Shore surfing mecca, and world-famous Waikiki Beach”.
04. BIG ISLAND
Big Island is the biggest of the islands in Hawaii, with a population of over 200,000. Spend your time stargazing, seeing sunsets, night diving, snorkeling, and seeing red-hot lava at the Hawaii Volcano National Park–the only active volcano in Hawaii!
05. OTHER ISLANDS
There are multiple other islands in Hawaii, including Lanai, Moloka’i Ni’ihau, etc, that are also areas to consider. However, some of the islands are only accessible through a special invitation, boat, or small plane!! SO, I highly recommend one of the four other islands for your wedding to celebrate your marriage!!
*Some Photos from Pinterest*
WHEN Should We Get Married?
Weddings in Hawaii are popular, so it’s important that you know the best time of year to get married when islands aren’t overly crowded with tourists and visitors!
The peak wedding season in Hawaii is typically during the summer months, so March through August can be busy on certain islands. Tourists typically peak in the middle of summer and around the holidays, so these are great times to avoid! Early spring and late fall are the BEST times of year to get married in Hawaii!!
WHERE Should We Get Married?
Hawaii is one, if not my favorite, state to get married because of how diverse every single island truly can be! If you and your fiancé love the beach and the mountains, Hawaii will be the perfect place to tie the knot. STILL, there are so many venues, hotels, resorts, and beaches to choose from, so I made a list of my favorites from each!!
My Top Venues Throughout Hawaii
01. KUALOA
“Kualoa offers two amazing venues for private events, corporate meetings, luncheons, or other special occasions. For an even more authentic and unique Hawaiian culinary experience, inquire about using KUALOA GROWN beef, pork, lamb, oysters, shrimp, fish, fruits, vegetables, tropical flowers, and even chocolate … for a true “farm to table” dining experience.”
02. DILLINGHAM RANCH
Dillingham Ranch in Mokuleia on the North Shore of Oahu is the perfect serene venue! This historic property spans 2,7000 acres that showcases oceanfront, forest, and mountain views. This rare estate is a great fit for a couple that wants to be surrounded by white sandy beaches, mountain terrain, acres of open green space, and the largest coconut tree grove in Hawaii! Book your wedding at Dillingham Ranch today and enjoy horseback riding, surfing, hiking, and parasailing, and more!
“To nature lovers, it is paradise…to the romantic, it is a fabulous wedding locale…to the ill or stressed, it is a rejuvenating getaway…to equestrians, it is the birthplace of Hawaiian polo…to the adventurous, it is a playground…to ohana, it is a gathering place.” – Dillingham Ranch
03. NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN
“Start your journey together or host your next event in a lush, tropical paradise where beauty is as abundant as the tropical blooms that surround you. McBryde Garden is 200 acres of solitude surrounded by majestic cliffs and unparalleled beauty. The garden is home to nearly 20,000 living plants and the largest collection of native Hawaiian flora in the Pacific.” – National Tropical Botanical Garden
Best Hotels & Resorts for Your Hawaii Wedding & Visit
The Sheraton Kauai Resort is the perfect hotel to “feel the Hawaiian energy at the Kauai beachfront resort nestled on the shores of Hawaii’s world-famous Poipu Beach. Kauai beachfront resort offers guests intimate access to the Garden Island’s charms—from spectacular beaches, lush rainforests to world-class golf courses. Relax in our newly-renovated guest rooms and suites, where either oceanfront or garden views await. Spend your days soaking in the sun on Poipu Beach or relaxing in a shaded cabana next to our Ocean Pool. Dine at our authentic eateries, serving fresh Hawaiian fare in a tropical setting; RumFire Poipu Beach is our signature restaurant boasting spectacular sunset views. Showcasing many indoor and outdoor event venues, our hotel is also a brilliant location for a corporate retreat, wedding or family reunion. Whatever brings you to our particular Kauai oceanfront resort, our golden-sand beaches and misty sea breezes ensure you’ll never want to leave!”
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina is a “laid-back luxury resort on Oahu’s sunny western coast! Stay at the Ko Olina and enjoy the beachfront island Resort that sits on Oahu’s wild and rugged western coast, where vast ocean views and lively pools and lagoons provide the setting for an unforgettable adventure. Take the family for a ride on an outrigger canoe, splash around in the turquoise waters of our white-sand beach, play a round of golf as you weave through waterfalls at Ko Olina Golf Club, or spend the day reconnecting with your inner self at Naupaka Spa & Wellness Centre. Whatever the perfect vacation looks like to you, we’ve got it here – mai ka la hiki a ka la kau (“from sunrise to sunset”) and long into the star-filled night.”
Royal Kona Resort is an oceanfront paradise where “ocean waves crash against lava rock shores. Lush gardens burst with color and tropical scents. Refreshing sea breezes and warm sunshine wash over bare skin. Royal Kona Resort invites you to enjoy a sensory escape and the aloha spirit any time of the year. Savor delectable cuisine from award-winning chefs at our oceanfront restaurant. Sip a hand-crafted Mai Tai poolside under a shady palm. Discover authentic Hawaiian culture at our Voyagers of the Pacific Luau. Explore active volcanoes or scuba dive with manta rays. Stroll to the quaint seaside village of Kailua-Kona for an afternoon of dining and shopping. Pamper yourself in our serene spa. Everything you crave in an island escape is at your fingertips, ready to help you make unforgettable memories at our Hawaii hotel on the Big Island.”
Montage Kapalua Bay is the perfect spot to embrace the Maui lifestyle “Set along the picturesque waters of Namalu Bay, Montage Kapalua Bay welcomes you with genuine island hospitality and authentic culture. As you relax across 24 acres of tropical paradise, the spirit of Hawaii merges with your own to create pono — a true sense of balance and harmony.”
My Favorite Airbnbs for Your Wedding or Elopement
Luxury Villa w Pool & Close Walk to Beach in Koloa, Hawaii
Private Oceanfront Home w/ Pool & Spa in Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Panoramic Views, Lush Mountains, & Blue Waters in Kilauea, Hawaii
Oceanfront Home w/ Pool & Hot-Tub in Paia, Hawaii
Modern Elegant Home in the Jungle in Pahoa, Hawaii
Romantic, Luxury Maui Condo with Ocean Views in Kihei, Hawaii
Best Hawaii Parks & Public Beaches!!
Hawaii is known for its beautiful beaches across every single island! Additionally, if you visit for a while or the island of Kauai, you will be able to see the famous Napali Coast by boat, plane, or a hike across the island!! Here are my top beaches and parks to get married or elope in Hawaii!!
- Waimea Canyon State Park – Kauaʻi
- Kōkeʻe State Park – Kauaʻi
- Tunnels Beach Makua – Kauai
- Waialae Beach Park, Oahu – Honolulu
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park – Hawaii County
- PLUS a SECRET BEACH spot that is given to clients; work with me to find out!
**One thing to note is that for some, if not all, of these spots, you need to apply for a permit prior!
How Much Does it COST to Get Married in Hawaii?
Weddings in Hawaii vary in cost depending on how much you want to spend. Below I created a breakdown of THREE TIERS to wedding spending. Hawaii weddings are accommodating to all couples & budgets!! The tiers below factor in everything wedding-related: flights, lodging, marriage license, florals, wedding planner, etc.!
| BUDGET | $10,000 or less |
| AVERAGE | $10,000-$30,000 |
| BOUJEE | $30,000 or more |
ALSO – Don’t forget to fill out your application for your marriage license! You need to do this months prior to your wedding date to secure it with the state!!
* Some Photos from Pinterest*
Planning Your Wedding Day Activities:
Making a plan for what you want your wedding day to look like is the best idea–to ensure you’re spending your day doing all of your favorite things!! Some of the best wedding day activities are attending a Lūʻau, celebrating by going on a helicopter tour, having wine on the beach, catching a sunset, or swimming in the ocean!
I would suggest hiring a wedding planner or photographer to help plan out your day!!!!!
My Hawaii Wedding & Elopement Photography Packages
If you are interested in working with me for your wedding or elopement at any of the islands of Hawaii, CLICK HERE to check out my services! I hope this guide was helpful to you, and I can’t wait to hear about your dream wedding in one of the most beautiful places in the world!!
**I also offer custom packages & add ons as well!** Click HERE to book me or inquire today wedding!!!
Check out my past Hawaii Weddings, Elopements & Couples Sessions below!
