How to Plan the Perfect Destination Wedding in Hawaii
Picture this: the sun is setting and a warm, pinkish glow fills the sky. You and your spouse-to-be are standing on a white beach, your bare feet sinking into the sand as you exchange your vows. The waves gently brush against the shore, creating a soothing melody to your “I dos”, like a lullaby that washes away your worries. The salty scent of the ocean fills the air, awakening the memory of the first summer you two spent together, and making you imagine the many summers to come.
If the thought of a Hawaiian wedding has always made you swoon, why not throw your day of “I dos” on this island? The dreamy destination of Hawaii boasts a wealth of breathtaking backdrops that will cater to all tastes, not to mention a rich culture that can be incorporated into your celebration.
Within this article, we’ve put together a few tips on how to craft the perfect Hawaii wedding. So grab a Mai Tai and relax—we’re here to guide you every step of the way as you prepare for a magical, memorable experience.
Hire a local wedding planner
If you’re tying the knot in the Paradise of the Pacific, it would be wise to work with a Hawaiian wedding planner. It’s more cost-effective as local planners will have long-established connections with local vendors, allowing them to negotiate the best rates on your behalf. Their knowledge of the area will also allow them to work out the logistics of your wedding with ease, giving you peace of mind knowing they’ve got it all under control.
Plus, a wedding planner from Hawaii will be able to add local touches to your day, making for a truly one-of-a-kind celebration. For instance, they can curate a menu infused with local flavors—this is a great way to take your guests on a culinary tour!
Work with a local wedding photographer
Why fly in a photographer from your hometown when you can hire a local photographer from Hawaii? Not only will they be more familiar with your venue, but they’ll have plenty of experience with Hawaiian weddings, allowing them to capture the most meaningful moments of your ceremony.
They’ll also feel closely connected to Hawaiian culture and will make sure that each photo showcases the stunning beauty of their home. What’s more, they can take you to the most magical places, from waterfalls in Kauai to coves in Oahu, and leave you with dream wedding photos you’ll cherish forever.
Give your guests a heads up
For destination weddings in Hawaii, it’s a good idea to send out your invitations as soon as you’ve set your date and venue. Don’t forget that your guests may have to take time off work, so give them enough leeway to file for leave. Sending your save-the-dates ASAP will also allow them to save up for airfare and be on the lookout for the best deals, as plane tickets to Hawaii tend to be pricey.
Decide on your “when” and “where”
Hawaii has a wide variety of wedding venues, from sea cliffs in Molokai to gardens in Kauai, so selecting the best one can feel a bit overwhelming. The good news is that you really can’t go wrong as each location has its own charm. Just remember to go for the one that aligns with your wedding vision and feels true to you as a couple—regardless of which you choose, it’s going to be beautiful.
Along with your “where”, don’t forget to set the date. Hawaii’s weather is always lovely, so the “right” time to tie the knot is whenever you want to. But if you’re on a budget, you might want to tie the knot during the low season, which falls from May to November. Or if you want to avoid the crowd (Hawaii welcomes visitors year-round, but some months are more popular than others), plan around the peak travel season of mid-December to March.
Choose customs to incorporate into your day
If you’re planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, you might want to weave a few traditions into your day of “I dos”. Not only does it show your respect for their culture, but it also adds depth to your nuptials and is a symbolic way to begin your life together.
You could perform the “Pili ā Nai Kealoha”— this is where you and your sweetie’s hands are tied together with maile le (a type of wedding lei) to signify your union. Or, you could start your ceremony with the “Blowing of the Pū”, an ancient tradition that signals the arrival of the couple.
Plan fun things to do for your guests
Sure, welcome parties and city tours can be fun, but you’re in Hawaii—you might as well do things you can only do on this island! A Hawaiian wedding gives you the chance to take your guests on a variety of adventures they wouldn’t get to do on the mainland, from chasing waterfalls to snorkeling with sea turtles. By going out on excursions with your guests, you’ll be able to treat them to a memorable experience that everyone can bond over for years to come.
Don’t forget to get a marriage license
Out-of-state couples can get legally married in Hawaii, but their union will only be considered valid if they’ve applied for a marriage license. Fortunately, the process is fairly straightforward—all you have to do is pay the $65 fee and fill out the application online. Your license will be valid for 30 days within the state of Hawaii, so make sure to tie the knot within a month of picking it up, otherwise, you’ll have to apply all over again.
Apply for a permit if you’re planning a beach wedding
Hawaii has strict rules when it comes to weddings by the water. You can’t show up at the beach of your choice, put up your wedding arch, and say your vows while being surrounded by 100 loved ones whenever you want. You’ll have to apply for a Right of Entry permit (also known as the Wiki Permit) first. Again, this is why it’s a good idea to hire a professional planner from Hawaii— they will be familiar with the rules of beach weddings (e.g. time limit, guest count, etc.) and obtain permits for you.
Say aloha to a wedding in paradise
Hawaii’s warmth, culture, and wealth of sceneries create an ideal environment for you and your partner to relax and immerse yourselves in this once-in-a-lifetime experience. With these practical tips, you can put together the wedding you’ve always dreamed of, in one of the most idyllic places in the world. For more tips on planning a wedding in Hawaii, check out the Couple Cups blog.
