How to elope in Hawaii // A stress free guide
So you’re thinking of eloping in Hawaii – congrats!! Hawaii has so much to offer in scenery and experience. A Hawaiian elopement is perfect for those that love adventure and want to plan a day that is totally them. If you’re ready to say “I do” on the beach, at a waterfall, or at the top of a hike, Hawaii is the place for you!
I know that when you start to Google for anything elopement related in Hawaii you are bombarded with a lot of information. It can be overwhelming, so I’m very familiar with helping couples narrow down their options for their dream day. To make things even easier, I put together this stress free guide to help answer some of your questions. Below you will find some common questions, and some things you might not have even thought about. Happy planning! 🌴
Where to elope in Hawaii
Hawaii has 4 major islands, and each of them offers something unique. Here’s a quick breakdown of what each island has to offer, and I have a complete guide for things to do on each island right here.
Oahu – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Honolulu – HNL
The most populated island with a little bit of everything! We have white sandy beaches, easily accessible lookouts, beautiful hikes for all skill levels, and lots of shopping. Beaches and attractions are more crowded, but ya girl knows the secret secluded spots! Best for beach and hiking elopements.
Maui – Kahului Airport, Kahului – OGG
Maui has a lot of country side, and very easily accessible waterfalls. You may have heard of the Road to Hana which is an insanely gorgeous coastline where you can pull over pretty much anywhere to go on an adventure. There’s still a bit of shopping and nightlife in Lahaina, but overall it’s a pretty quiet island focused on outdoor activities. Best for waterfall elopements.
Kauai – Lihue International Airport, Lihue – LIH
Kauai is less populated than the other major islands and it’s amazing for adventures. You can hike along the Napali Coast or see it by boat, and Waimea Canyon aka the Grand Canyon of the Pacific is a must see. Best for beach and adventure elopements.
The Big Island – Kona International Airport, Kalaoa – KOA Hilo International Airport, Hilo – ITO
There’s sooo much to do on the Big Island that you won’t find anywhere else. Liiiike hello active volcano?! There’s also a green sand beach, black sand beach, epic cliffside lookouts and great diving spots. The beaches are less accessible here than the other islands, but if you are ready to explore and find your own path, this is the island for you! Best for adventure elopements.
Beach or adventure?
The beauty of eloping in Hawaii is that we have so many options! What is speaking to you? Are you adventurous and want to celebrate at the top of a hike? Or maybe you want to exchange vows at a waterfall? Deciding what kind of vibe you are going for will help you decide which island to visit for your elopement. Feel free to browse my wedding blogs to see what kid of location stands out to you!
Getting your marriage license
You can apply for your marriage license and pay the $65 application fee online, but you will both need to appear in front of a marriage license agent upon arrival. You do not need to be a US citizen to apply for a marriage license in Hawaii. Make sure that you bring proof of your age such as a birth certificate or a valid ID. As soon as your marriage license is approved you can get married! Liiike, that day. And your marriage license is valid for 30 days. You can get the full list of official instructions here.
Who can marry you
The state of Hawaii requires that you are married by someone who is officially state approved. Since I am ordained in the state of Hawaii, I can make things official for you! But if you prefer a more traditional ceremony, I have a few favorite officiants I can recommend. While your friends and family can’t legally perform the ceremony, they can work along side a state-approved officiant during your ceremony. You can find a complete list of marriage performers in the state right here.
What time of year to choose
While Hawaii has great weather all year round, we do have a rainy season (November – March) that you may want to avoid. July and August are our hottest months. Besides weather, another thing to take into consideration is our whale season! Your best chance of spotting whales is November – May, but the peak time is between January – March.
Other vendors to consider
While some couples prefer to keep their elopement low-key, others like to mix traditional wedding day elements into their day. Other vendors to consider besides your photographer and officiant are florists, rentals (for arches, picnic set ups, or lounge areas), and hair & makeup artists. There are planners on the islands who specialize in elopements if you want to make the entire experience stress free. You get access to my complete list of preferred vendors when you book with me. My preferred vendors are amazing professionals who specialize in elopements that I’ve had the honor of working with throughout the years!
Need more help?
I understand that planning an elopement from thousands of miles away can be challenging. I specialize in Hawaii elopements, and I take on a limited number of clients each month to ensure that I am readily available to help you plan. If you’re still wondering how to elope in Hawaii, I’d love to talk details and see how I can make your dream day happen! Click here to get started!
