Dreaming of your own romantic and intimate elopement in a tropical paradise? Then look no further than the sandy shores of the Hawaiian Islands! With Hawaii’s breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, and jaw dropping sunsets, the islands of Hawaii offer the perfect setting for an unforgettable elopement. Where do you start in your planning for an adventurous elopement on a beach in Hawaii? I’m glad you asked! Let’s go through 5 things you must know when planning your elopement!

Choosing an Island

First and foremost we need to decide on which island of Hawaii you plan to elope on to plan your beach elopement. While each island’s beaches are gorgeous there is some variation that can make some spots appeal to certain couples more than others. The islands of Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island are some of the more popular islands in terms of tourists, but still offer an incredible beach elopement experience. Oahu has the perfect mix of jaw dropping beauty combined with a ton of urban amenities to accommodate your stay. Maui is known for its white sand beaches and gorgeous waters. Lastly the Big Island offers some black sand beaches, stunning views, and an array of other adventures to round out your elopement experience.

The three remaining islands of Kauai, Lanai and Molokai each have their own unique draws to them. Kauai is still on the more popular side in terms of tourism so you’ll need to be prepared for more tourists being around similar to the previous islands. You’re still able to have some truly intimate experiences though on some of the beautiful beaches while enjoying the diverse terrain of the island. Lastly we have the islands of Lanai and Molokai which are perfect for couples looking for a more adventurous Hawaii beach elopement. Both islands, while a little more difficult to get to offer secluded beaches and a true sense of serene beauty!

What Permits Do You Need?

Before your elopement on one of the beautiful beaches of Hawaii you’ll first need to obtain a marriage license. Marriage licenses can be obtained through the Hawaii Department of Health’s site. Once you receive your marriage license you’ll have 30 days to complete it and have your elopement! It’s important to note that certain locations have their own permit requirements to have your elopement ceremony on the premises. Be sure to look into your specific location on their requirements. As a Hawaiian elopement photographer I’m always ready to help my clients meet the permit requirements of their dream location to make their elopement dreams come true!

The Best Season to Elope

Hawaii’s tropical climate means that no matter the season you’ll be able to have your beach elopement on your island of choice! There are some things to be aware of though with each season that may help you decide on which is best for you. First in terms of tourism, the busiest seasons are winter and summer due to people looking to escape the cold and then families with kids traveling for summer vacation.

In terms of weather, summer is the warmest and driest season on the islands. During the other seasons however even when there is a rain shower it usually passes fairly quickly! Lastly if you’re looking to be efficient with your budget, or spend more on the elopement festivities themselves flights to the islands are typically lowest in the off months for tourism, spring and fall. There’s no real right answer for when to elope in Hawaii, it depends more on your preference!

Best Time of Day to Elope

Choosing the right time of day for your elopement can significantly impact the atmosphere and feel of your photos. Hawaii’s picturesque sunrises and sunsets offer stunning lighting conditions that can enhance the romantic ambiance of your elopement on the beach. If you prefer a soft and dreamy atmosphere though, consider an early morning or late afternoon elopement to capture the golden hour’s ethereal glow. One final thing to note is that the beaches tend to be less crowded in the morning for sunrise, but if you’ve been following me for a bit you know that I am all about those Hawaii sunsets!

Finding an Officiant

You’ll need an officiant for your ceremony to make your marriage official. Luckily there are a ton of options available throughout the islands. First you can search online or ask your photographer if they have any recommendations for you. The other option if you are traveling with any friends of family is to have them register for their license to perform marriages in the state of Hawaii. They can do so through this link. This is a great option if you’re looking to make your beach elopement in Hawaii even more sentimental and personal.

Full Service Elopement

Now that we’ve covered my top 5 things you need to know when planning a beach elopement in Hawaii, there’s just one last thing I want to talk about. If the idea of an elopement on one of the many gorgeous beaches throughout the Hawaiian islands sounds like a dream come true to you, but you can’t or don’t want to go through the planning process, then leave it to me! Me and my team at Olson Productions offer a full service elopement option where we handle ALL the planning. Everything from location scouting, hiring vendors, and setting up the necessary decorations for your space. We handle everything so you can relax and focus on enjoying yourselves and your elopement. If you’d like an example of what this can look like, check out this elopement at Makapuu Beach!

Whether you end up planning everything yourself, or take advantage of our full service elopement offers, having your elopement on a Hawaii beach is an experience that cannot be beat! If you’re ready to take the next steps towards making your elopement dreams a reality head to my contact page to send me an inquiry.