A Kauai Micro Wedding with the Most Beautiful Sunrise and Reception Dinner

Katie & Justine

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Having visited Kauai several times, we have to say there is just something so special about this island. But what made it even more special during this visit was getting to witness Katie and Justine celebrate their love with a Kauai micro wedding. These two brides kept their celebration small and intentional, and focused on spending meaningful time with their loved ones in a place that felt like home. From waking up early for a sunrise adventure to ending the day with a sunset ceremony on the cliffs and a reception dinner back at their Airbnb, every part of their day felt fun, personalized, and true to them. 

The Couple and Their Decision to Plan a Kauai Micro Wedding

Katie and Justine first reached out to us to start planning a Washington elopement. But after spending some time thinking about what they really wanted (quality time with their family), they decided to plan a micro wedding in Kauai instead. 

Not only is Kauai one of the most beautiful places to elope in the world (no, this isn’t us exaggerating), but with lush landscapes and a relaxed pace of life, it’s also the perfect place to slow down, connect with loved ones, and celebrate the start of your marriage.

From Sunrise Adventure Photos To Sunset Vows on a Cliff, This Is How To Plan a Micro Wedding in Kauai

On the morning of Katie and Justine’s Kauai micro wedding, we woke up early and headed to Tunnels Beach on the North Shore for some sunrise adventure photos. If you’ve ever visited Kauai, then you know that Tunnels is one of the most beautiful and iconic beaches on the island…and also one of the most popular. But when we got there, we had the entire beach to ourselves and, in all my times visiting this island, it was the quietest I (Henry) had ever seen. Even the sky felt extra magical and lit up in colorful shades of pink and orange – a true vibe of what I think of when I think of Hawaii. 

For their adventure photos, the brides ran around the beach, let their outfits blow in the wind, and splashed in the water. These early morning moments allowed Katei and Justine to get to spend time with just each other before meeting back up with their loved ones. 

After our beach adventure, we all headed back to their Airbnb. The brides took a break for the afternoon and then wrote their vows, changed into their second outfits, and headed to the beach for their ceremony with family and friends.

Their guests gathered around them in a circle as the couple exchanged vows. This intimate setting made their Kauai micro wedding feel more like an elopement than a traditional wedding ceremony. Everyone was laughing and having so much fun!

Once they said ‘I do’ we all made our way back to the house where Rain and Pines had set up a beautiful reception in the backyard complete with colorful island florals and string lights. Just as he finished, it started to rain a bit (tropical rain is very typical in Hawaii), so we all hid under the roof to take cover. The rain passed almost as quickly as it arrived, and the brides kicked off the evening celebration with a first dance.

Henry’s Elopement Tip

When Katie and Justine were planning their micro wedding in Kauai, they had a lot of questions…like, “Should we elope or plan a micro wedding?” They knew they wanted something intimate with a small group of their loved ones, but they weren’t quite sure how to bring it all together. Once we started talking though and they learned what was possible, it became clear that a micro wedding was right for them.

Something we like to share with all our couples is that no matter what type of wedding or elopement experience you are envisioning, you don’t have to follow a script. You can read blog posts and see what other couples have done for inspiration, but then be free to make it your own.

If you want space to be alone and focus solely on each other, an elopement might be the way to go.

But if you also want to celebrate with loved ones, a micro wedding gives you the best of both. Katie and Justine brought 25 of their favorite people to join them in Hawaii, which made the day feel cozy and connected, while still giving them space to share private moments together.

Their celebration is proof that you don’t have to choose one or the other; you can create a wedding day that reflects exactly who you are. 

Still unsure of whether an elopement or intimate wedding is right for you? Click here to learn how you can have both.

Meet the couple & the best Kauai Micro Wedding Photographer everrrr!!! 🙂😘

Planning a micro wedding in Kauai is a perfect way to have a destination wedding that still feels personal and grounded. Whether you’re dreaming of an adventure elopement, an intimate cliffside ceremony, or a laid-back reception with your family and friends, Kauai offers something for everyone.

All of these reasons are why Kauai isn’t just a great place to travel, but it’s also one of the best destination wedding locations in the world!

Meet The Best Kauai Micro Wedding Vendors:

Photographer: Henry Tieu Photography

Planner & Florals: Rain and Pines

Hair & Makeup: Echelon Beauty Kauai

Cake & Catering: Back Yard To Mesa

Wedding Dresses: A & Be Bridal Shop / Anthropologie / Revolve / Abercrombie & Fitch

More Kauai Wedding and Elopement Inspiration

Ready to plan your Kauai micro wedding?

We’ve photographed couples on every Hawaiian island, and every time we go back, we fall in love all over again. Whether you’re dreaming of something low-key and meaningful or filled with celebration and sunshine, we’d love to help you plan it. Click here to learn everything you need to know about how to elope in Hawaii, or contact us if you are ready to start planning!