Hawaii Wedding & Elopement Information 

Are you considering getting married in Hawaii?  Well, you’ve come to the right place.  I’m a wedding photographer and expert in Hawaii who has photographed 100’s of weddings on Maui and across the state.  The 21 questions below are intended to provide guidance and be a useful resource as you research and plan for your Hawaii wedding or elopement. 

1. Can you legally get married on a beach in Hawaii?

   Yes, you can legally get married on almost any public beach in Hawaii. You will need a Hawaii beach wedding permit issued by the DLNR called the “Wiki permit” if you are hiring any vendors.  Professional photographers, officiants, and/or planners can obtain this permit for you.  There are a few off limit beaches, so check with your vendors if the beach you want is allowed.

2. Do you need a permit for a beach wedding in Hawaii?

   Yes, you will need a Hawaii beach wedding permit, known as the “Wiki permit” to get married on the beach in Hawaii.

3. What time of year is best to get married in Hawaii?

   Spring and Fall are some of the best times of year for a wedding, however Hawaii’s weather is amazing year-round. Summers can be hot and are busier with visitors.  Winter has a higher chance of rain.

4. How do you legally get married in Hawaii?

   You fill out the marriage license application online, then meet with a license agent in person when you arrive in Hawaii. The in person meeting must be within 30 days of your wedding date.  After your ceremony, the your officiant submit and file the marriage license with the State of Hawaii.  You will receive your marriage license in the mail in about 4-6 weeks.  

State of Hawaii Marriage License Application

5. Do we both need to be in Hawaii to obtain our marriage license?

   Yes, you both need to meet with the license agent within 30 days of your wedding date in person. It is a quick and easy meeting; you need to bring your id’s and have already completed the application.

6. Do you need witnesses for a Hawaii wedding?

   No, you do not need any witnesses to get married in Hawaii.

7. How far in advance should we plan our Hawaii wedding?

   For an elopement with just the two of you, or under 20 guests typically you will want at least a couple months to plan. For destination weddings from 20-75+ guests you usually want to have 9 months to a year to plan.  Keep in mind each wedding is unique, so it depends on how many guests and where you are planning your wedding. 

8. What is the best time of day to get married in Hawaii?

   Late afternoon (or sunrise) are typically the best time of day to get married in Hawaii. It’s usually timed based on the sunset time that day.  Ceremony timing is usually 3PM-4PM.  If you are eloping, then a sunrise ceremony is a nice option, just be prepared for a very early wake up to get ready.

9. Which island is best for a Hawaii wedding?

   The best islands for a Hawaii wedding are Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. Each island is beautiful in its own way.  Oahu and Maui are going to have the largest selection of venues, vendors, and accommodations.  Kauai is known for its lush landscapes and the Big Island is known for its black lava rock landscape.  You can also get married in Lanai, it is very limited and secluded on Lanai.  Molokai has less options than all the rest of the islands.

10. What does a Hawaii wedding cost on average?

    Costs range from about $40,000-$60,000+ for a full wedding day with guests. However, costs can vary a lot.  If you are eloping you could do so for $5,000-$10,000.

11. Is it cheaper to have a weekday wedding in Hawaii?

    Yes, many venues charge less for weekday weddings, and it is a great way to save a few thousand dollars. The rest of your vendors will charge the same for a weekday or weekend wedding.

12. How much do wedding vendors cost in Hawaii?

    Wedding vendor costs in Hawaii vary, but typical ranges include:

    1. Venues $5000-$12000
    2. Planners $1200-$6000
    3. Photographers about $4000-$8000+
    4. Videographers $4000-$8000+
    5. Catering about $150-250+ per guest
    6. Bar $30-$80+ per guest
    7. Florist $1000-$6000+
    8. Hair and makeup $300-$500 per person
    9. DJ $1000-$4000+
    10. Officiant $200-$400
    11. Cake $300-$500+

13. What are the most beautiful wedding locations in Hawaii?

    The most beautiful locations are usually oceanfront, beachfront, mountain views, cliffside, forests, gardens and lush landscapes. If you are having an afternoon ceremony, and evening reception it’s most beautiful to be able to see the sunset from your venue.  Check if the sun sets on the side of the island you will be on.

14. Can we get married in a state or national park in Hawaii?

    Yes, you can get married in a state of national park in Hawaii but you will need a special permit that is different from the beach permit.

15. What are some non-beach wedding locations in Hawaii?

    Non beach wedding locations are in a tropical garden, at a farm or vineyard, at a historic site, and at a church. There are many amazing non-beach locations to get married in Hawaii which are highly underrated so be sure to do lots of research and talk to your vendors when searching for a location.

16. What if it rains on our wedding day in Hawaii?

    The best bet is to have a backup plan, if your ceremony and reception are outdoors, you should have a tent at least reserved. Some tent rental companies will let you cancel the tent a few days before. 

17. What is the difference between a Hawaii elopement or traditional wedding?

    An elopement is usually just yourselves, and no guests or a very small number of guests under 20 or so. A traditional destination wedding usually has 30-80+ guests and has a reception with dinner, speeches, and dancing.  There is no definitive way to separate them, as each celebration is unique but this is a rough idea.

18. Do you need a planner for a Hawaii wedding?

    It’s highly suggested to hire a planner. They will guide you through numerous tasks and things to consider that would not cross your mind if you do not live in Hawaii.  If you are eloping with just yourselves or a small group, then your photographer or officiant may be able to assist or guide you with the plan.

19. What type of wedding venues are in Hawaii?

    There are private venues, hotels, beaches, cliff-sides, restaurants, churches, boats, helicopter locations, private estates, gardens, forests, golf courses, and other unique ideas.

20. How do you elope in Hawaii step by step?

    1. Decide which island & date
    2. Research vendors (photographer, officiant, planner)
    3. Book your flights & accommodations
    4. Plan your day with your vendors
    5. Arrive in Hawaii
    6. Obtain your marriage license at your appointment
    7. Get married and celebrate the best day ever

To learn more about eloping in Hawaii be sure to check out our resource How to Elope on Maui- The Best Guide.

21. What are some unique ways to get married in Hawaii?

    Aboard a sailboat, via helicopter to a private location, at a non-oceanfront venue such as a historic building, at a restaurant, or in a garden. The ideas are almost endless so be sure to reach out to your vendors to chat over your vision.

If you are interested in learning more be sure to set up a free consultation call from the contact page in the upper right.

Tara Lee Photography is a destination wedding and elopement photographer based in Maui, Hawaii. From spectacular wedding celebrations to small adventure elopements across Hawaii and beyond.

Follow us on social media for Hawaii wedding & elopement photo inspiration @taralee.photography

Interested in hearing more about photography for your Maui wedding or elopement? Click here to learn more and here to get in touch!