How to Elope in Hawaii
FROM ALL THE BEST TIPS, LOGISTICS, THE MOST EPIC LOCATIONS AND EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN PLANNING YOUR HAWAII ELOPEMENT.
With its tropical rainforests, sandy beaches, and stunning cliffs and mountains, Hawaii has a landscape like no other! Made up of eight different islands, this tropical state truly has something for everyone! Keep reading to learn more about how to plan an elopement in Hawaii!
If you’re thinking of eloping in Hawaii, you’ve come to the right place!
If you’re dreaming of a tropical elopement, then you’ll definitely want to consider eloping in Hawaii! Of course, Hawaii is filled with beautiful beaches but that’s not all it has to offer! From waterfalls to rainforests, to mountains, to cliffs, Hawaii is an idyllic spot for adventurous couples to tie the knot.
If you’re thinking about eloping in Hawaii, and are wondering where to start, I’ve gotcha. This Hawaii elopement guide will answer all your questions from Where do we elope? What do we need? When should we do it? and more!
How to Elope in Hawaii | How to legally get married in Hawaii
Hawaii Elopement Logistics:
MARRIAGE LAWS IN HAWAII
- Marriage License: In order to get legally married in Hawaii, you’ll need a marriage license and both parties will need to be at least 18 years old. The first step will be to complete the application online and pay the $65 fee. Within 30 days of your wedding or elopement, you’ll need to go in person to pick up the license from an approved marriage license agent. There’s no waiting period, so you can get your license in the morning and get married in the afternoon, but it does need to be used within 30 days of receipt.
- Permitting: One thing to keep in mind about eloping in Hawaii is that the permit rules can be strict. Hawaii is a beautiful state, but much of its wildlife is going extinct making it necessary, and a bit more difficult, to travel to certain areas. You’ll want to do your research to understand which locations allow visitors and if a permit is needed. In general, if you want to elope on a public beach or protected land area, you’ll need to obtain a permit. The cost will depend on the location you choose, so make sure that you understand what you can and can’t do before planning your celebration.
*With any elopement (but especially in places like Hawaii), I always strive to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Read more about LNT here!
- Officiant/Witnesses: In order to make your marriage legal and official, you will need an officiant at your ceremony. Keep in mind that your officiant must be licensed in the state of Hawaii before performing a marriage. No witnesses are required in Hawaii, making that part of the process very easy!
How to Elope in Hawaii | Best time of year for your Hawaii Elopement
When to elope in Hawaii?
THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN HAWAII:
When planning an elopement, one of the first questions couples have is: When should we do it? What’s the best time of year? While that answer really depends on where you want to have your big day, there are some things to keep in mind when choosing when to plan your elopement.
Spring: Spring is one of the best times to elope in Hawaii. The weather is warm, and there aren’t as many tourists, making it an ideal time to visit!
Summer: Summer in Hawaii means hotter days and more tourists, so if you want more privacy, consider eloping in Spring.
Fall: Temperatures start to cool down in the fall, but with that also comes the beginning of the rainy season. I have plenty of experience photographing the rain, so if the chance of showers doesn’t bother you, this is another ideal time to visit!
Winter: The moodiest season in Hawaii is Winter. While you can expect some rain, you may also experience incredible fog, dramatic skies, and yes, even sunshine!
How to Elope in Hawaii | Top Hawaii Elopement Locations
Where to elope in Hawaii:
THE BEST ISLANDS FOR YOUR HAWAII ELOPEMENT
With eight islands and each offering something unique, Hawaii has plenty to offer in terms of the landscape! Each island has its own personality and things that it is best known for, so it all comes down to what you envision for your Hawaii elopement. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach wedding or saying “I do” underneath a cascading waterfall, you’ve picked the perfect place for your elopement.
Remember – this is your big day, so choose a location that speaks to you. Where you choose to elope will set the tone and mood for the entire experience.
KAUAI:
Kauai island is filled with incredible views and it is easily one of my top recommendations for adventure elopements in Hawaii. This island is made up of red dirt canyons, rugged coastlines, and amazing hikes! While this island tends to be quieter than some of the other popular Hawaiian islands, it is filled with incredible scenery!
OAHU:
If you’re looking for a Hawaii elopement location that has more to offer in terms of things to do then you should definitely consider Oahu! This island offers a great mix of city and sea, allowing you to experience the best of both worlds! Many of the hikes are super accessible, so you could have an adventure elopement in the day and then a fancy dinner at night.
MAUI:
Maui is another great island to visit that also offers a mix of nightlife and tropical sceneries. This island is best known for its waterfalls, red & black sand beaches, and the famous Road to Hana. It is also very easy to road trip around the island and experience all the best this tropical paradise has to offer.
BIG ISLAND:
Fun fact, the Big Island, the biggest of all the islands, has more land than all the other islands combined! This means you will have plenty of adventure to experience! While this island can also be a sleepy island, the Big Island offers a green sand beach, an active volcano, and lots of hiking trails, beach towns, and off-road adventures.
These islands are some of Hawaii’s most popular islands and each has something unique to offer. It all just depends on the vibe and scenery you want to experience for your Hawaii elopement.
Want to Elope in Hawaii?
Are you ready to start planning your Hawaii elopement? I know the perfect person for the job. In addition to being your elopement photographer, I can also help you plan your special day. Let’s chat about your elopement in Hawaii. I’d love to hear more about your hopes and dreams for your wedding day.
Your Hawaii Elopement Photographer + Videographer
that’s me, Rylee!
& I’m going to be your guide on navigating this whole eloping in Hawaii thing. While I live in the pnw, my adventures have taken me all over the country – so I’m not just another photographer, writing another guide on where happens to be Hawaii. I’m kind of an expert when it comes to adventure elopements so if there’s something you need to know about planning a Hawaii elopement or intimate wedding – I’m your lady!
Hawaii Elopement Packages
Planning and Resources:
- From phone chats, happy hour, brewery dates to multiple questionnaires. I want to get to know your love & values so I can create a timeless experience that reflects the most authentic you that will last forever through imagery
- Complementary planning assistance from me
- locations ideas, checklists, timelines, & vendor recommendations
- Fully edited, High-Resolution photos
- Custom Online Gallery
- Personal Printing Rights
- Sneak Peek Photos
- Custom GIF’s & Double Exposures
- Traveling Included
