How to Plan the Perfect Hawaii Elopement

Hawaii is one of my favorite places to photograph elopements. Kalalau Valley was so dreamy and I am so glad Keenan and Gisele decided to celebrate their big day here. Kalalau Valley is tucked away along the Nā Pali Coast and has rainbows, waterfalls, and a gorgeous beach. If you're on the fence about getting married in Hawaii, take this as your sign to go for it! The breathtaking views, lush greenery, and all-around adventure create memories of a lifetime. If you're wanting to learn more about how to elope in Kauai, don't worry I've got you covered! In this blog, I dive into all the necessary steps you need to take in order to have a successful and unforgettable elopement.

Best Hawaii Elopement Locations

Deciding which location to elope at is key to the planning process. The best part about eloping in Kauai is that there's an abundance of gorgeous settings to explore on your big day. The north shore is pretty much a tropical paradise. It has towering green mountains, taro fields, sandy beaches, and sea cliffs all around. You and your parter can take a helicopter or boat tour on the Napali Coast with views of the peaks or take a tour of the lighthouse situated on top of the mountain! If you and your partner want to wed by the beautiful blue water, then choose the south side. The beaches are what the south side is most well-known for. You can visit the Spouting Horn, a blowhole that releases a spout of water up to 20 feet into the air, or walk along "America's best beaches" and soak in the views.

The west side is much less populated, with crystal clear waters. The most famous attraction on the west side is Waimea Canyon, also called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” This side of the island is perfect for the couple that's looking for a scenic hike. Kokee State Park is another great place to elope on the west side of the island because of the endless miles of incredible overlooks. What better way to celebrate your big day than with an incredible view behind you! The east side is the most populated side of Kauai and the most similar to the north shore with thick jungles all around. If you're eloping on the east side, visiting the Opaekaa Falls is a must! It's one of Kauai's most accessible waterfalls and is absolutely breathtaking.

Once you've decided on a location, you'll want to consider which month offers the best weather for you and your parter during the planning process. Hawaii tends to have most of it's dry months in May-October and experiences more of a rainy season in November- April. The best weather for weddings in Kauai is usually March-May.

Marriage Licenses and Officiants

Getting a marriage listen in Hawaii is actually super easy. Check out this article on the simple steps to obtain your license before your big day! The best part is, you can get your license the same day you apply for it. Once you have your license ready to go and your ID in hand, you'll need to find an officiant. Only state-approved “performers” can legally marry you on any of the Hawaiian islands and handle the post-wedding paperwork. Visit this link to find the perfect officiant for your Hawaii elopement. One you have all these things squared away, you're one step closer to to tying the knot and officially say your "I do's!"

Traveling to the Island

Before traveling to the island, you'll need to obtain the necessary photo permit. Hawaii is very strict with their permit process, due to the many illegal weddings that have taken place in sacred areas, so it's crucial to have everything you need prior to eloping. Visit the Hawaii Film Office website to apply for your permit and ensure you have everything you need for a breezy elopement.

When it comes to actually traveling to the island, I recommend staying in a fun airbnb to make your elopement even sweeter. Some recommendations in Kauai include a Romantic Garden Cottage, Dali Hale Estate, or the Eco-Chic Tropical TreeTops Villa! What better way to end off the most incredible adventure than to enjoy a luxurious stay in a dreamy property with your loved one.

Ready to plan your own Hawaii elopement next?

Now that you're one step closer to celebrating your special day, you'll need to hire a photographer! Lucky for you, I am a Wisconsin based photographer who loves traveling to Hawaii for adventurous elopements. If you need any help with the planning process, I'm always happy to help dream up something that aligns with you and your partner's love story. Learn more about me and my mission here. If you think I'd be the perfect photographer for you, then contact me here! I can't wait to hear from you and join you on this great adventure of a lifetime! Check out more elopement's like this one on the blog for some inspiration in the meantime!