The Ultimate Guide on How to Plan a Hawaii Elopement
Imagine this – your airplane starts slowly descending from the clouds. You see the ocean waves hitting the breathtaking lush islands of Hawaii underneath you. You lean towards your airplane window and see more of the Pacific Ocean. The contrast of blue ocean water, green trees, and red dirt immediately makes you forget all the heaviness of the world and the stressors in your life.
Are we being too much? No, we are not. Hawaii is truly a magical place and after traveling here for multiple elopements and intimate weddings we understand why people refer to this place as paradise or heaven on earth.
From endless beautiful locations throughout the islands to the chill vibe this tropical heaven can bring, Hawaii is the best place to elope on the West Coast. Heck, Hawaii is one of the best places to elope in the WORLD.
Hawaii is made up of 6 major islands: Kaua’i, O’ahu, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and The Big Island. Each is so unique from the other.
If you are looking for a place with a fun nightlife scene, you can’t go wrong with O’ahu. If you are looking for something quieter so you can truly relax and connect with nature, Kaua’i has lots of beautiful hiking trails.
With that being said, you cannot go wrong with eloping on any Hawaiian island because they are all so pretty. And if you truly can’t pick just one, the best thing about these islands is that with around $50 – $200 you can island hop and visit multiple islands while you’re here.
In this article, we will provide some insights on how to elope in Hawaii. We will also provide some tips on how to pick the best island that speaks to your heart.
Explore Some Of The Most Adventurous and Beautiful Hawaii Weddings, Elopements, and Engagements
How To Elope In Hawaii: Everything You Need To Know To Plan For An Unforgettable Elopement Experience
1) Determine Whether an Elopement is the Right Decision for You
Anyone can elope but elopements are not for everyone. You don’t have to know exactly where, when, or even how many guests you want to invite to your Hawaii elopement. One thing you do want to understand though is: Is Eloping The Right Decision for You and Your Partner?
If you are unsure if eloping is right for you, read our article, 6 Things To Consider Before Eloping. You can also explore the Elopement Stories on our blog to learn more about what an elopement day can look like.
You don’t want to regret anything about the day you marry your partner for life.
2) Find The Right Hawaii Elopement Photographer & Book Your Hawaii Elopement Package
This is usually the part where we are supposed to “sell” ourselves. However, we don’t enjoy talking about ourselves or trying to “sell” you anything you don’t need.
We do, however, love sharing with you how we view and live our lives. Adventure elopements have been quite trendy lately but for us, it was never a trend. Henry and his husband Viet eloped when eloping meant one thing: running to the courthouse to get it done. And Sergio and his wife Pamela eloped because they wanted to have an intimate wedding day that was truly THEIRS!
We give 110% of ourselves into all our elopement couples because we were in your shoes not so long ago.
We understand the importance of intimacy and intentional experience that couples seek when they elope. Eloping is so, so, so much more than epic photos. It’s about you and whom you love. All of you together, experiencing one of the most important moments in life.
Last but not least, we believe the right Hawaii elopement photographer does more than just take pictures on your wedding day. They capture the important moments but also know how to prepare you for the experience of eloping. They also assist with location scouting, elopement planning, photography permits, and so much more.
3) Choose the Best Location to Elope in Hawaii
This post wouldn’t be complete without sharing some of the best locations to elope in Hawaii. Scroll down to read all about the beautiful landscapes these islands have to offer.
If you know that you want to elope in Hawaii for sure but don’t have an exact location in mind, it’s ok. Feel free to reach out anytime. We have way more beautiful locations in our little notebook that we’ve been waiting for the right couple to elope at.
4) Book Your Elopement Date
While Hawaii is relatively warm and summer year-round, however, each of the islands have their own microclimates. Continue reading this article to learn more about Hawaii landscapes and weather elements so you can choose the best elopement date for the vibes you have envisioned.
Once you are ready to take the next step, please reach out. We can provide insights, tips and tricks, plus our top recommendations for your Hawaii elopement plan.
*Pro Tip: Whether you consider us for your Hawaii elopement or any other photographer, the sooner you find and book a photographer, the better. Most photographers book out anywhere between 6 – 18 months in advance, so we always recommend couples reach out as soon as possible to secure their preferred date.
5) Continue Your Hawaii Elopement Planning: Wedding Permit, Marriage License, Elopement Checklist, and Everything Else
With a traditional wedding, your venue is your private event site. With an elopement, we use public lands like National Parks, National Forests, or State Parks. This usually means some sort of wedding permit will be required.
As adventure elopement photographers, oftentimes, we are the only resource for couples. Therefore, part of our service is to help you navigate permits and licenses to make your marriage official. We also help by equipping you with elopement resources and checklists so you have everything you need to plan your elopement day.
6) Elope & Celebrate Your Marriage YOUR WAY
Once your elopement day arrives we’ll adventure around the location you picked, take in the beauty of Hawaii, create memories, and photograph the heck out of you guys.
Eat the cake, pop the champagne, and celebrate your marriage! Yay!!!
Best Places to Elope in Hawaii
Since each island of Hawaii is so unique, the most important thing to consider is what kind of landscape you care most about. Do you care more for tropical beaches with beautiful palm trees? Or secluded black sand beaches with a bit of a hike? Do you want a dramatic backdrop like the beginning scene of Jurassic Park or would you like a relaxing resort vibe with an oceanfront view?
You might wonder how to approach this when Hawaii has so much to offer. This is why we always encourage all our couples to read 6 Things To Consider Before Eloping. In that article, we composed a little guide so you can feel confident about making the decision to elope and actually learn how to plan an adventurous elopement.
Once you have some sort of image in your head, the following list will be extremely helpful:
THE BEST OF THE BEST – OUR TOP PICKS FOR MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS TO ELOPE IN HAWAII
1. Kaua’i
2. Maui
3. O’ahu
4. Hawaii (Big Island)
KAUA’I ELOPEMENT
Why Elope in Kaua’i
Kaua’i is the best island to elope in Hawaii 1000%. You can hike through the tropical forest to a waterfall or a mountaintop or you can run wild and free on the beach. For some unique elopement ideas, you can also do a helicopter ride or a boat cruise to take in all the beauty of this place and celebrate your love in the most adventurous way ever.
Best Places to Elope in Kaua’i
Waimea Canyon Elopement
This place is quite iconic. We like to call this place the tropical version of the Grand Canyon. With its red dirt and beautiful mountain views mixed with waterfalls from afar, Waimea Canyon is definitely on top of the list for any kind of adventure elopement. Located on the west side of Kaua’i, it’s a quick 20 – 30 mins drive from Poipu, one of the best places to stay on the island as well.
Kokee State Park Elopement
If you are looking for a home with the best trails on Kaua’i, make sure you check out Koke’e State Park. Located on the west side of the island, the road to Koke’e is the same as Waimea Canyon. From lookouts to trails that allow hiking and camping, this place has the most beautiful backdrops for your adventure elopement.
South Shore Beach Elopement
Named “America’s Best Beach”, Poipu Beach Park is located on the south shore of the island. With that being said, Poipu is not the only beautiful beach in this region. If you are looking for a cliff-side elopement experience, South Shore would be your best place. For more photos of what an elopement on the South Shore of Hawaii would look like, check out this beautiful engagement session of Kiersten and Emily.
North Shore Beach Elopement (Waioli Beach Park, Haena Beach Park, Tunnels Beach, etc..)
Northside is my (Henry’s) favorite side of the island. If you are thinking of a typical Hawaii movie scene with a gorgeous beach and cute little food trucks and beautiful mountain views in the back, you HAVE TO check out this place. One thing to keep in mind – if you stay near Lihue airport or near Poipu, you need to time yourself right in order to not get stuck in traffic. Of course, all these details will be discussed and planned during our planning process.
*Pro Tip – Most of these beach elopements require very minimal hiking (we would consider it more like walking). They are perfect for intimate weddings and elopements that involve guests and family members. Then afterward, we can go on a more adventurous hike (if you wish) for more epic and moody photos 🙂 For more unique views, hiking can be anywhere between 1 – 3 miles on average.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Kaua’i
Like most Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i experiences mild (but tropical) weather year-round, meaning it’s truly up to you when you want to get married here. That being said, we truly think April – June is the ideal time to elope in Kaua’i. During these months you’ll have more warm days and you’ll avoid the island’s wet months (November – March). If you aren’t afraid of a bit of rain and want to get more moody elopement photos, September – November is a great time as the weather is still warm enough to be enjoyable.
Since Kaua’i is a popular tourist destination, you may want to consider eloping during shoulder season which takes place during the spring and fall months. During this time, the island will be less crowded, allowing you to have a more private and intimate experience.
Important Information You Should Know About Eloping in Kaua’i
When eloping in Kaua’i (or on any of the islands, really) it can be helpful to rent a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle as some of the locations require a bit of off-roading to get to.
When looking for accommodations, keep in mind where your ceremony location will be. While most of the islands are not too large, there are usually only one or two roads meaning you will have to spend a couple of hours driving to get from one side of the island to the other.
Kaua’i Wedding and Elopement Permits
When eloping in Kaua’i, you typically need a permit for a beach or park wedding. To start, check with the County of Kaua’i or the Department of Parks and Recreation for the most current permit requirements. When applying for your elopement permit, you will need to specify the exact location where the elopement will take place. While Kaua’i has many beautiful locations, not all of them are open for elopements, so it’s important to only choose a permitted location out of respect for the land and the people of Hawaii. Depending on the location, you may also need a photography permit, but don’t worry that’s something we help all of our couples with when they book us for their Kaua’i elopement.
See more adventure elopements in Kaua’i
MAUI ELOPEMENT
Why Elope in Maui
The second largest of the Hawaiian islands, Maui is a popular island to visit, and for good reason. It’s commonly referred to as the Vally Isle because of the West Maui mountains and Haleakala which are located on either side of the island. Not only is Maui home to Haleakala National Park and the Road to Hana, but it’s also well-known for its beaches, making this one of the best places to elope in Hawaii!
Best Places to Elope in Maui
Red Sand Beach (Kaihalulu Beach) Elopement
Definitely one of the most unique elopement experiences in Hawaii. To get to this beach, you will need to go on a cliffside hike that is super fun and breathtaking. The beach, as indicated by its name, has red sand that is so unique and beautiful to photograph. Also, how awesome would it be to jump into the ocean after your elopement at one of the best beaches on the island!!!
Update on Kaihalulu Beach: If you have done a quick Google search, you can see multiple photos at Kaihalulu Beach on Maui. While technically, this beach is a permitted location for your Hawaii elopement, we discourage clients from eloping on this beach out of respect for the land, and the people of Hawaii, as well as safety reasons. In order to get to this location, visitors must trespass through private property – there is no public access. The trail is also considered quite dangerous and has become eroded and slippery due to frequent use. Others might still take photos there but we are no longer taking on elopements at this location out of respect for the people of Hawaii. There are plenty of other gorgeous locations on the islands that we have gathered over the years that we are confident you will fall in love with as well. If you want to learn more about this location and the impact it has, please check out the Hana Highway Regulation website.
Honokalani Black Sand Beach Elopement
Located on the Road to Hana, this black sand beach is iconic. The black sand against the lush green plants as well as the deep blue ocean creates such a beautiful contrast for your elopement photos.
Haleakalā National Park Elopement
We’ve witnessed the best sunset we’ve ever seen in our lives here. We saw sun, rain, clouds, and fog all together within minutes at the summit. Haleakala National Park truly is the best national park in Hawaii when it comes to beautiful views for your elopement. One key important thing to keep in mind: Just as in any other national park, you don’t want to share your intimate vows and intimate moments in front of a crowded group of tourists. Therefore, during your adventure elopement planning stages, we will work on timelines and transportation in order to prepare for the best elopement experience and photos.
Best Time of Year to Elope in Maui
There truly is no bad time of year to elope in Maui and it really all comes down to what you envision for your day. We usually recommend late spring – early summer to our couples. During the months of April to June, you’ll experience more warm days and less rainfall, which is the perfect weather for outdoor weddings and elopements. If you aren’t afraid of a bit of rain (and hey, neither are we) and want to get more moody elopement photos, September – November is a great time as the weather is still warm enough to be enjoyable and there are typically fewer people on the island as well.
Important Information You Should Know About Eloping in Maui
When eloping in Maui (or on any of the Hawaii islands, really) it can be helpful to rent a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle as some of the locations require a bit of off-roading to get to.
When looking for accommodations, keep in mind where your ceremony location will be. While most of the islands are not too large, there are usually only onev or two roads meaning you will have to spend a couple of hours driving to get from one side of the island to the other.
Maui Wedding and Elopement Permits
When eloping in Maui, you typically need a permit for a beach or park wedding. To start, check with Maui County Parks and Recreation for the most up-to-date permit requirements. When applying for your elopement permit, you will need to specify the exact location where the elopement will take place. While Maui has many beautiful locations, not all of them are open for elopements, so it’s important to only choose a permitted location out of respect for the land and the people of Hawaii. Depending on the location, you may also need a photography permit, but don’t worry that’s something we help all of our couples with when they book us for their Maui elopement.
Fun facts and unique elopement ideas in Maui: Did you know that during the wintertime (December – May), humpback whales migrate from the cold waters like the Pacific Northwest to Maui to breed and then they return to those cold-water places during May – November? So during certain months, we can even do a private boat or catamaran elopement so you and your family and celebrate and have the best whale-watching tour.
See more adventure elopements in Maui
O’AHU ELOPEMENT
Why Elope in O’ahu
O’ahu is probably the most versatile island in Hawaii. You can choose to stay in Honolulu before or after your elopement to enjoy the nightlife activities. Our favorite thing to do is just to walk on Kalakaua Ave to visit all the cute shops, watch street magic, listen to live music, and enjoy shave ice at Island Vintage Shave Ice (seriously, you have to get shave ice here.) Or you can choose to stay away from the busy tourist areas and stay near the North Shore where life is a bit more relaxed and calm. When people ask us what North Shore is like, We usually refer them to the movie “50 First Dates”, it’s kinda exactly like that 😍.
Best Places to Elope in O’ahu
Kahana Bay Elopement
Located on the east side of the island, this is probably the best location to elope on the island of O’ahu. You can run around the beach or hike up the mountain, this area has the most epic views. You can run around the beach, which is perfect on its own or you can hike anywhere between 1 – 3 miles (total).
Makapuʻu Lookout Elopement
The closest to Waikiki and Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, this lookout is super easy to get to with minimal hiking. From the lookout, we can go down to the beach and end the day with a sunset adventure on the sand. It’s breathtaking. Also, there are some epic blowholes nearby as well 🙂
Ka’ena Point State Park Elopement
Located northwest of the island and probably the furthest from the tourist-filled Waikiki, Ka’ena Point is the best for a true adventure elopement experience. From off-roading to adventure hiking, there is so much you can do to celebrate your wedding day in the most unique ways.
Best Time of Year to Elope in O’ahu
Choosing the best time to elope in O’ahu really comes down to a few things: weather, crowds, and your budget. Considering all of these things will help you decide the best time to elope on this beautiful island. That being said, we truly think April – June is the ideal time to elope in O’ahu. During these months you’ll experience more warm days and avoid the island’s wet months (November – March). If you aren’t afraid of a bit of rain and want to get more moody elopement photos, September – November is a great time as the weather is still warm enough to be enjoyable.
Since O’ahu is the most popular island in Hawaii, you may want to consider eloping during shoulder season which takes place during the spring and fall months (specifically April and November). During this time, the island will be less crowded, allowing you to have a more private and intimate experience.
Important Information You Should Know About Eloping in O’ahu
When eloping in O’ahu (or on any of the islands, really) it can be helpful to rent a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle as some of the locations require a bit of off-roading to get to.
When looking for accommodations, keep in mind where your ceremony location will be. While most of the islands are not too large, there are usually only one or two roads meaning you will have to spend a couple of hours driving to get from one side of the island to the other. For O’ahu elopements, the most common place to stay is near Waikiki Beach as this is where most of the activity happens on the island so no matter where your ceremony is held, it’s a nice option to be able to come back to your hotel and celebrate with a dinner reception somewhere along the main strip.
O’ahu Wedding and Elopement Permits
When eloping in O’ahu, you typically need a special use permit from the City and County of Honolulu, as well as potentially from the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources. When applying for your elopement permit, you will need to specify the exact location where the elopement will take place as this will determine the type of permits needed. While O’ahu has many beautiful locations, not all of them are open for elopements, so it’s important to only choose a permitted location out of respect for the land and the people of Hawaii. Depending on the location, you may also need a photography permit, but don’t worry that’s something we help all of our couples with when they book us for their O’ahu elopement.
See more adventure elopements in O’ahu
BIG ISLAND ELOPEMENT
Why Elope on the Big Island
You might already know that Hawai’i (aka the Big Island) is the biggest of all the Hawaiian islands and, fun fact, this island is twice the size of all the other islands combined!!! Like Kaua’i, the Big Island is full of beautiful nature to explore and the island is quite remote, meaning you will have tons of privacy for your Hawai’i elopement.
Best Places to Elope on the Big Island
Waimea Elopement
Known as paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country this historic area of the Big Island is full of rolling, green pastures and is still home to cattle, cowboys, and ranches. From Waimea, you can easily get to any of the beaches on the north end of the island and this area is also home to some of the tastiest food and food trucks on the island!
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach Elopement
Located on the south end of the island is one of Hawaii’s most popular beaches, Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. The sand on this beach is a striking black color and it was formed as lava from the island’s volcanos flowed into the ocean and exploded as it reached the water and cooled. Not only does this beach have this beautiful black sand that makes for incredible photos, but you can often see green sea turtles swimming or lounging on the beach.
Best Time of Year to Elope on the Big Island
The Big Island has two primary seasons – wet season and dry season and choosing which time of year to elope on the Big Island really comes down to your preferences. Dry season typically runs from April to October while wet season occurs between November and March. Because the landscape on the Big Island is quite green, the wet season is actually the best time to experience the island’s lush greenery and waterfalls. However, you can’t go wrong when eloping on the Big Island at any time of year.
Important Information You Should Know About Eloping on the Big Island
When eloping on the Big Island (or on any of the islands) it can be helpful to rent a high-clearance, 4WD vehicle as some of the locations require a bit of off-roading to get to.
When looking for accommodations, keep in mind where your ceremony location will be. Being the biggest of all the Hawaiian islands, it can take a couple of hours to get from one side of the island to the other.
Big Island Wedding and Elopement Permits
Depending on where you choose to elope on the Big Island, you will need a permit from the Hawaii County Department. When applying for your elopement permit, you will need to specify the exact location where the elopement will take place.. While the Big Island has many beautiful locations, not all of them are open for elopements, so it’s important to only choose a permitted location out of respect for the land and the people of Hawaii. Depending on the location, you may also need a photography permit but don’t worry that’s something we help all of our couples with when they book us for their Big Island elopement.
See more adventure elopements on the Big Island
Besides being your elopement photographers, we are also there to plan alongside you to assist in finding and choosing a location that speaks to your heart. Therefore, we focus on and value the experience you’re going to get.
The best locations are the ones we haven’t shared publicly just yet, the ones that we’ve spent hours researching and scouting, making sure that we have permission to access them. And, when we do visit, we also make sure that we follow the Leave No Trace principles while we are there. This is all part of our services to you as your adventure elopement photographers.
Contact us if you’re ready to inquire 🙂
Best Time of Year to Elope in Hawaii
The most important thing to keep in mind to have the best time with your elopement in Hawaii is that no matter what we do, we cannot fully control the weather. If you embrace whatever the day brings, you’ll be able to enjoy the day for what it is and it will reflect on your photos. If it does rain, we can photograph in the rain and we will prepare you for the best experience. You can see more examples of what elopements in the rain are like on the Blogs and Instagram.
With that being said, the number one myth is that it’s warm and sunny all the time in Hawaii. In reality, Hawaii has microclimates through different parts of each island. What this means is that it could rain in one part of an island and the town next door could totally be sunny and all of this could change within minutes.
What does this mean in terms of Hawaii adventure elopement planning? This means we will need to prepare appropriate shoes, bags, covers, and any other equipment to prepare for whatever we might face. Of course, in addition to being elopement photographers, we are also here to assist with what we can and part of our elopement packages is to help with this planning process.
With that being said, here are something to consider when planning your Hawaii elopement:
- December – March: Although there are more rainy days than warm days, this might not be the ideal time to go for a tan but, to be honest, the moody weather can give you some very dramatic sky from a mixture of sun and clouds as seen in this Kaua’i Engagement Session. And hey, everyone should have at least one Christmas in Hawaii experience.
- April – June: We truly think this might be the best time to elope since you can get more warm days. In April, you can still get to see some whales before they migrate away from Hawaii. This timeframe is also better for avoiding the peak tourist season of the summer when school is out.
- July – August: Probably the hottest months in Hawaii. More warm days than rainy days but please keep in mind the microclimates nature of Hawaii.
- September – November: In September, it is less hot and perfect for eloping photos again. After that, these months are usually rainier. Although the Central Pacific Hurricane Season is typically from June 1st – November 30th, September to November is usually wetter than the rest.
Marriage License, Guests, Transportation, Accommodation, Pets, and EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW to Elope in Hawaii:
Marriage License: How to Apply for a Marriage License to Elope in Hawaii
Obtaining a marriage license in Hawaii is a relatively straightforward process.
- Step 1 is to find a marriage performer or officiant in the state of Hawaii. You can visit ehawaii.gov for a list of approved and licensed officiants.
- Once you have found an officiant, you will need to apply for a Hawaii marriage license online. Note – you will need to list the island for your ceremony, so it’s best to do this once you have decided on a location.
- After your application (and fee) has been submitted you will need to make an appointment with an agent who will issue you your marriage license. Applications are valid for one year. You both will need to be physically present and provide a government-issued ID to obtain your marriage license from a marriage license agent. Once your license is issued it is available for use immediately and expires 30 days from and including the date of issuance, after which it automatically becomes null and void.
- After your elopement, your officiant will confirm the ceremony using their online account. Your temporary certificate will be available within 3-5 days after confirmation and a certified copy will be mailed to you a few weeks afterward.
- The best thing about getting married in Hawaii is that you don’t need any witnesses. You only need an officiant to perform your ceremony (and us to photograph of course 😜😘).
More Information on your marriage license and where to apply can be found HERE (including the current application fee).
Permits: How to Apply For a Wedding Permit for Public Beaches and Lands in Hawaii
Hawaii is such an amazing place to elope, but one thing we do want to be honest about when it comes to planning an elopement is that Hawaii has some of the strictest rules when it comes to where we can go for an elopement. Unfortunately, social media has not done a good job for eloping couples since so many influencers go to illegal trails, take photos, and upload them to the internet.
Therefore, when it comes to planning a location for Hawaii, we do a lot of research to make sure where we can go legally AND beautifully.
Depending on where you are getting married in Hawaii, this will determine what kind of permit you might need. If the location you want to elope at belongs to the Division of Land and Natural Resources, you will need to apply for a permit there.
If all this sounds like a lot, don’t worry. We help our couples every step of the way to ensure that you can get legally married in the place that you love.
Guests: Can We Invite Guests? How Many People Should We Have at Our Hawaii Elopement?
Just because Hawaii does not require any witnesses in order to get married does not mean that you cannot have guests at your elopement (that is just one of many elopement myths, btw)! We’ve photographed elopements that consist of just the couple and we have also photographed weddings with 150 guests. There are no rules when it comes to having your wedding day as you envisioned it. If you want to read more on this topic, we have written a blog post on 6 Things To Consider Before Eloping.
Transportation: Tips for Getting Around the Islands
One thing about eloping in Hawaii is that many of the locations require a bit of off-roading to get to. If you are renting a car, we recommend renting a high-clearance vehicle so you can get around the island easily.
Accommodation: The Best Places to Stay for Your Elopement in Hawaii
Each island has its own regions so it’s hard to name them one by one here. However, two things we do want you to think about when renting an Airbnb for your elopement:
- We will be using this Airbnb for your getting-ready photos and potentially first look. If you do choose to have family and friends attending your elopement, you might use this space to host a cute backyard reception or picnic.
- The speed limit in Hawaii is slower than the mainland USA and with traffic, it might take hours to get from one side of the island to the other. Location is crucial but with that being said, it is common to drive around 30 mins – an hour from Airbnb to the ceremony location.
For Kaua’i elopements, we suggest looking into Airbnbs and vacation rentals near Poipu on the Southside or Hanalei on the Northside.
For Maui elopements, we suggest looking into cute hidden cabins among palm trees and tropical flowers on the East side towards Road To Hana. On the Southside, Kihei is only about 25 mins from Kahului airport which has lots of cute shops and restaurants.
For O’ahu elopements, we 100% recommend staying away from Waikiki to avoid tourists (at least the day before your elopement and the day of). To truly immerse yourself in the adventure elopement experience, we would look into condos and Airbnbs on the East Side or North Shore.
Although the list above is quite extensive, we did not list everything we’ve found since we don’t want to overwhelm you with information. When we plan your Hawaii elopement, we will narrow down places that are more relevant to your needs.
Thinking about planning inviting guests to your elopement in Hawaii? Check out some of our favorite Hawaii micro wedding venues at the link below!
Pets: We Have a Dog or Two – Can We Bring Our Pets Along With Us to Our Hawaii Elopement?
If are traveling to Hawaii for your elopement and wondering if pets are allowed, the short answer is yes. However, transporting animals into Hawaii is a somewhat complicated process to navigate. As Hawaii is the only rabies-free state, animal quarantine is required for all animals entering. You can read all about animal quarantine HERE. If you need information on Guide & Service Animal and entering Hawaii, please read more info HERE. For this reason, most of our couples do not bring their fur pets to their Hawaii elopement. However, we’ve seen some really unique elopement ideas where couples have socks with their fur babies’ faces on them or cake toppers made to look like their pets that allow them to include their fur baby on their elopement day.
If you are from the islands and are thinking about bringing your pets along for your Hawaii elopement, follow the BARK acronym:
- B: Bag your pet’s poop
- A: Always wear a leash
- R: Respect wildlife
- K: Know where you can go: Not all trails are dog-friendly
We understand how important it is to include your pets on your elopement day. This is why our job is more than just photographing your day. Rather, by assisting you from day one with planning, we can help make sure you can include everything that is important to you.
Hire Your Hawaii Elopement Vendors
A common misconception about elopements is that it is just the couple and an officiant. While this is sometimes true, elopements can also take just as much planning as a small wedding.
You don’t have to hire vendors for your elopement in Hawaii. However, doing so can elevate your overall experience and help bring your vision to life. The right vendors can also help showcase your unique style, making your elopement day truly your own.
Below is a list of the most common vendors you may want to consider for your Hawaii elopement or intimate wedding. We have also included links to a few vendors that we absolutely love!
Kaua’i Wedding & Elopement Vendors
- Florist
- Hair & Makeup Artist
- Officiant
- Elopement or Wedding Planner
- Cake Artist
- Chef / Caterer
- Videographer
O’ahu Wedding & Elopement Vendors
- Florist
- Hair & Makeup Artist
- Officiant
- Elopement or Wedding Planner
- Kellie Ulansey
- Rain and Pines
- Cake Artist
- Chef / Caterer
- Videographer
Big Island Wedding & Elopement Vendors
- Florist
- Hair & Makeup Artist
- Officiant
- Elopement or Wedding Planner
- Cake Artist
- Chef / Caterer
- Videographer
Plan Your Hawaii Elopement Activities
Eloping is all about creating a day filled with meaning and intention. One of the best ways to fill your elopement day with meaning is to incorporate activities that you both love and that SCREAM YOU!!
Activities can be as simple as getting ready together, hiking, or picnicking. Or, they can be more adventurous like going offroading, taking a helicopter ride, or kayaking together.
Elopement activities can mean trying something you’ve never done before. Or, it can mean revisiting a favorite activity that you both love!
This is the time to get creative and dream big! There isn’t a right or a wrong way to elope. Elopement means freedom so don’t feel like you have to do something just because other couples have done it.
One of the most important things we tell couples is that you don’t have to choose activities you think you “should have” for your elopement. The best activities are the ones that reflect you and your relationship. So, if hiking isn’t you, you don’t have to hike. If you’re afraid of heights, you don’t have to do a cliffside picnic.
We’ve written an entire blog post with Unique Elopement Ideas. There, we share some tips to help you choose activities for your Hawaii elopement.
What is “Leave No Trace” and Why Should We Care About It?
As experts in adventure elopement photography, we care a whole lot about “Leave No Trace”. LNT is where we go on adventures for photos but we also make sure to leave things the way we found them. By doing so, we ensure that we are doing our part to preserve the beauty of nature. Here are some things we do and expect our couples to do (not limited to):
- Stay on trails
- Not climbing over fences, roped-off areas, or places with visible signs of “Do Not Trespass”
- No meadow stomping
- No confetti inside national parks or any other places with fragile plants, flowers, and wildlife (doesn’t matter if they are bio-degradable or not)
- Each of these beautiful places has its own living organisms, plants, animals, etc… By us leaving things behind, we can harm these living organisms. Bio-degradable confetti takes a while to degrade and might need rain or water to speed up that process. In the meantime, other animals might still be able to ingest them. If you are thinking about confetti, we can do so at your cabin/Airbnb (if allowed)
Sample Hawaii Elopement Timelines
The best thing about planning your Hawaii elopement timeline is that we can customize it completely to whatever you envision for your day.
Want to have a reception meal before your ceremony? We can do that! Want to wake up early for a sunrise first look on the beach and then go hiking for adventure photos at sunset? Anything is possible!
Below are a few sample timelines to give you an idea of what’s possible for your Hawaii elopement.
Half Day Elopement
Half Day elopements are one of the most common elopement options. This timeline includes 6 hours of coverage and allows us to experience a beautiful location at either sunrise or sunset.
- 2:00 pm: Photographer arrives at cabin for getting ready and detail moments
- 3:00 pm: First look & travel to ceremony location
- 3:30 pm: Intimate vow exchange ceremony
- 4:00 pm: Sunset adventure portraits / Activity
- 7:00 pm: Travel back to cabin
- 7:30 pm: Reception, eating, dancing, celebrating
- 8:00 pm: End of a beautiful day. Start of a whole new beginning!
Full-Day Elopement
A Full Day elopement is great for couples who want to experience multiple locations or include lots of activities into their day. It’s also a great option for elopements or intimate weddings with guests as you will need more time for everyone to get to each location.
- 10:00 am: Photographer arrives at cabin for getting ready and detail moments
- 11:30 pm: First look & travel to ceremony location
- 1:30 pm: Ceremony
- 2:00 pm: Formal portraits with family and friends
- 3:00 pm: Reception, eating, dancing, celebrating
- 3:30 pm: Travel/Driving/Hiking
- 5:30 pm: Private vow exchange
- 6:00 pm: Sunset adventure portraits and private first dance
- 8:00 pm: End of a beautiful day. Start of a whole new beginning!
Two-Day Elopement
When you want to get the best light for both sunrise and sunset, or there are so many locations you want to try, or you have family and friends traveling to be there for your special day, then a two-day elopement is often the best fit. There are so many ways a two-day elopement can look and it all comes down to what you want!
Day 1: Intimate Wedding with guests
- 12:30 pm: Photographer arrives at cabin for getting ready and detail moments
- 2:00 pm: First look & travel to ceremony location
- 3:30 pm: Intimate vow exchange ceremony
- 4:30 pm: Formal portraits with family and friends
- 5:30 pm: Travel back to cabin
- 6:30 pm: Reception, eating, dancing, celebrating
- 8:00 pm: End of Day 1
Day 2: Private Adventure Elopement Portraits
- 2:30 pm: Getting ready together + cute indoor portraits
- 4:00 pm: Travel/Driving/Hiking
- 6:00 pm: Private vow exchange
- 6:30 pm: Sunset adventure portraits and private first dance
- 8:30 pm: End of a beautiful day. Start of a whole new beginning!
Want to learn more about how to plan your elopement timeline? Check out our guide below!
Hawaii Elopement Packages
– Explore anywhere in Hawaii. From tropical forests to towering cliffs and sandy beaches, this beautiful state has it all.
– Coverage from 4 hours to Full Day
– A personalized elopement experience with unlimited guides and resources as promised above
– All your breath-taking photos in a secure & private online gallery
– Travel fees included for anywhere in Hawaii
Starting at $7,900
(Ranges between $7,900 – $14,200)
Hawaii Elopement FAQs
Everything Else To Prepare For An Adventurous Elopement In Hawaii or Anywhere in The World
We know that when you seek an adventure elopement, you seek an experience. An elopement does not mean the day is “less than” a traditional wedding. Therefore, we decided to dedicate a whole page to our site with multiple blog posts and resources on Elopements.
Why eloping? How can we make this day unique and special? What else should we think about? If we can’t have our family with us, what are some other things we can do to let them be involved from afar? These are just some of the many questions we know you might have, and we will be there from day 1 to prepare you and plan with you for a day that none of us will ever forget. It all starts TRUST & INTENTIONALITY.
More information, resources, and what-to-pack reminders will be sent throughout our planning process together.
Thanks for reading and we hope you consider us as your Hawaii Elopement & Wedding Photographer. You can read more About Us, Pricing, Elopement Packages and Everything we are about.
Ready to elope? Need our help in finding the most perfect location for you? Need more clarification about how to elope in Hawaii?
Meet Your Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photographers
We’re Henry, Sergio, and Nick, the faces behind these honest, meaningful, and artful photographs of couples eloping in the most beautiful places. Since 2018, we’ve photographed more than 200+ intimate weddings and elopements all over the world and on 6 different continents. Our work has been published on Junebug Weddings, Green Wedding Shoes, Brides, Dancing With Her, etc…We’ve won international awards for best wedding photos but what’s most important to us is actually winning our clients’ hearts with our art.
With 15 years of combined photography experience, we’ve learned that the only way to a beautiful wedding experience & photos is through intentionality.
We’re here for you and with you from “let’s do this” to “I do”, one step at a time, each step of the way. We’re in this together