Why You Should Elope in Hawaii

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your elopement or intimate wedding, I cannot recommend Hawaii enough!

This gorgeous and unique state is unlike anywhere else. While the state of Hawaii has eight main islands, the four most visited islands are Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

The first time that I visited Hawaii, I fell in love within minutes of arriving. The beauty of the islands is absolutely breathtaking, and there’s a peaceful energy here that is unlike anywhere else in the world.

With over 50 state and national parks, and over 100 unique beaches, there are so many places to choose from for your elopement or intimate wedding in Hawaii.

If you’re not sure yet if eloping is right for you, check out this blog post.

This blog post includes some of the top reasons why you should consider getting married in the gorgeous state of Hawaii!

1. So many choices!

There is no shortage of gorgeous locations for your Hawaii elopement! Despite what some may think, Hawaii has so much more than beaches. While there are many amazing beaches throughout the Hawaiian islands, there are also waterfalls, mountains, volcanoes, unique coastlines, forests, and unbelievable views.

If you love hiking, consider a hike for your day! Some of the most amazing views on the islands require a bit of hiking, but I can promise you that the views are worth it.

I provide all of my couples with custom location scouting to help them find the perfect spot for their day, and you can check out some location ideas for your Hawaii elopement or intimate wedding here.

2. The weather and wildlife.

This one may seem obvious, but the weather in Hawaii is incredible. Even when I’ve stayed in places on the islands with air conditioning, I never use it. The breeze makes most days very comfortable, especially if there’s some shade around.

While rain is common in certain parts of the islands, it is nothing like rain in other states. The rain is refreshing and still warm! Embracing the weather of the islands is part of visiting this magical place, but if you’re concerned about rain on your day, we can select a part of the island that rain is less likely in. The rainiest season is typically November – March. If it does rain, the warm weather and breeze will help dry you off quickly!

The best part of the weather in Hawaii? No cold spots and no snow! (Well, except occasionally on a few mountain summits on Maui and the Big Island).

There is also amazing wildlife in Hawaii! The singing of the birds make a constant, beautiful song in the background. In the ocean, you can see whales during their mating season (November – March). You can also spot dolphins and sea turtles in the ocean (and the turtles often lounge on beaches in the sun).

3. Endless activities.

There is so much to do in Hawaii! And one of the best things about choosing to elope is that your wedding day can truly be whatever you’d like it to be.

You can swim, snorkel, hike, walk along the beach, go scuba diving, get matching tattoos, kayak, surf, paddle board… Whatever you can dream of doing on your wedding day, you can!

This blog post has 50 fun ideas of things to incorporate into your elopement!

4. Secluded locations.

Believe it or not, you can still find secluded spots in Hawaii! The catch is that you’ll likely need to have your ceremony around sunrise (which might be rough if you’re not a morning person), but the morning light is my absolute favorite light in Hawaii! The temperature is also a bit cooler in the morning, keeping you from getting too sweaty in your wedding attire.

If you’re not too keen on a sunrise ceremony, consider a hike! While I still recommend hiking early to avoid it being too hot, reaching a summit before sunset can be absolutely breathtaking.

It helps to have a photographer or planner familiar with the islands if privacy is important to you on your wedding day!

5. The process is easier than you’d think!

The process of getting legally married in Hawaii is relatively simple, and it is open to anyone (not only United States residents). To get started, you fill out a marriage license application here, and then both of you will need to meet with a marriage license agent once you’ve arrived on the islands. The total cost is $65.

You will need an officiant who is registered with the state of Hawaii. While I cannot perform a complete ceremony (as I’ll be busy photographing!), I am legally ordained and can sign your marriage license as an officiant in the state of Hawaii. If you’re wanting to privately exchange vows without an officiant walking you through a formal ceremony, this could be a great option for you as I don’t charge any additional fees for this service. If you’d prefer a more formal ceremony or someone to walk you through your vow exchange, I can recommend some great local officiants.

You also have the option of getting legally married at home and then having your elopement or wedding in Hawaii. The date on your marriage license does not determine your anniversary date – you do!

The other consideration is the permit required for your location. The cost varies based on the location you pick, and weddings are not permitted at every spot on the islands. It helps to hire a photographer or planner who is familiar with the area and can help you with all of the permit requirements!

Learn more about the process of getting married in Hawaii here.

No matter where you choose to elope in Hawaii, I’m here to help guide you through the process. There are endless amounts of epic locations in the Hawaiian islands, and I would love to help you pick the perfect location and find a unique spot for the best day of your life!