Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Hawaii

Let’s be real—getting married in Hawaii sounds like a dream. And honestly? It is. Before you go all-in on the island vision, let’s step back and ensure it fits your vibe.

Here’s who Hawaii is perfect for:

• Couples who love nature and don’t mind getting a little sandy or sweaty
• People who care more about connection than tradition
• You’re cool with plans shifting (because sometimes it rains, and sometimes the best moments aren’t planned at all)
• You want your wedding to feel more like a meaningful experience than a perfect event

If you’re laid-back, love an ocean breeze, and want your wedding to be simple but special—you’ll probably feel right at home here. Now, how’s Hawaii different from other destination spots? For starters, it’s not just palm trees and beach resorts. The islands are full of energy, rich culture, and crazy beautiful landscapes. You can get married on a beach, but you could also hike to a waterfall, stand on a cliff at sunset, or say your vows in the middle of a rainforest. The Hawaii wedding experience is about slowing down, being present, and soaking it all in—with your partner, your people, and the land. Let’s keep going and see how to make it happen.

Getting Married in Hawaii Legally

Getting married in Hawaii isn’t hard, but there are a few important boxes to check if you want it to be legit.

First up: the marriage license

You can apply online through the Hawaii Department of Health before your trip.

• It costs $65
• No waiting period
• No blood tests
• Once you land, you meet with a licensed agent in person to finalize it and grab your license

Pro tip: don’t wait until the last minute—agents can book out during busy seasons.

What if you’re coming from out of state (or even out of the country)?

Totally fine. Hawaii doesn’t make things weird for mainland or international couples. You’re good to go as long as you apply for your license and meet with an agent in Hawaii before the ceremony. I have an entire guide on destination wedding tips here!

About Uncle Bob officiating your ceremony…

We love Uncle Bob. But he can’t legally marry you here unless he’s licensed in Hawaii. You’ll need a registered officiant who’s authorized by the state. If you’re working with a planner or photographer, they probably have recs for folks who keep things meaningful, personal, and official. (Some vendors are also licensed to officiate—win-win!)

Permits

You’ll often need a permit if you’re getting married outdoors in Hawaii and not at a venue. That includes beaches, forests, state parks, and even some private properties. It’s all about protecting the land and keeping things respectful, which I’m fully on board with.

The process isn’t complicated, but it can be a little confusing if you’ve never dealt with it before. Different islands and locations have different rules, and some spots book out or require extra steps (especially if you want to fly a drone or bring in vendors). I help all my couples figure this out. I’ll point you in the right direction for what permits you need, how to apply, and what’s realistic for your day.

Building Your Hawaii Wedding Day With Your Budget in Mind

Getting married in Hawaii is exciting. Whether you’re going all-out or keeping it low-key, here’s how to make it feel magical and manageable.

Do You Need a Hawaii Wedding Planner?

If you’re eloping with just the two of you and keeping it simple, you might not need one—especially if you’re working with a photographer (hi 👋🏼) who knows the area and can help guide you through permits, timelines, and location logistics.

But if you’re inviting guests, booking a venue, or want everything handled for you while you sip a mai tai—hire the planner. Trust me, a local planner is worth their weight in gold when managing vendors, timing, transportation, and last-minute curveballs.

Choosing the Right Location (Not Just the Prettiest One)

Yes, that secret beach you found on Instagram looks amazing… but is it accessible? Do you need a permit? Is it packed with people by 10 a.m.? When I help my couples scout locations, we’re not just thinking about aesthetics. We’re considering light, tides, crowds, privacy, accessibility, and backup plans. The right spot is the one that feels good and actually works for your day.

Timelines, Light, and Nature

Golden Hour in Hawaii is epic. Midday sun on a white sand beach can be harsh and sweaty. We’ll build your timeline around when the light is softest, when the location is least crowded, and how much time you want to spend hiking, walking, or driving around.

Let’s Talk Cost

• A complete wedding in Hawaii (venue, guests, vendors, etc.) averages anywhere from $20k–$40k+, depending on how big you go.
• An elopement or micro wedding is way more flexible. With the right vendors and thoughtful planning, you can keep it under $10k and still have an amazing experience.

Where to Splurge

Splurge on:

• A great photographer who knows the islands (hi again 👋🏼) Click here to read more about my wedding photography packages
• Local vendors who understand the terrain, the weather, and the cultural respect this place deserves
• Comfort—like private transportation, nicer lodging, or a private chef for a post-ceremony meal

Sneaky Expenses to Watch For

Nobody likes a surprise invoice. Keep an eye out for:

• Beach or park permits
• Parking fees for you and your guests
• Vendor travel charges if they’re coming from a different island or area
• Little things like leis, local delivery fees, and gear rentals (chairs, arch, coolers, etc.)

Choosing the Best Island for Your Hawaii Wedding

Still can’t decide where to land for your Hawaii wedding? I totally get it—each island has its own personality, and they’re all gorgeous in their own way. But if you’re feeling stuck, here’s a quick way to narrow it down:

Want a little adventure with your vows? → Head to the Big Island.

You love the idea of black sand beaches, volcano views, hidden waterfalls, and maybe even a stargazing session after the ceremony. You’re down to explore, take time, and do something different.

Craving luxury and ease? → Go with Maui.

You want dreamy views, world-class resorts, spa days, and sunset dinners—all without sacrificing style. You’re here to relax, feel pampered, and have everything within reach. It’s the most honeymoon-y island, in the best way.

Check out Jessica and Dustin’s wedding at Sugar Beach Events!

Dreaming of somewhere lush, wild, and romantic? → Kauai is your spot.

You want to feel tucked away in your own little world. Privacy matters more than convenience; you’re cool with a bit of rain for those misty, magical vibes. It’s moody, dramatic, and beautiful. Great for elopements or small weddings where nature is the main character.

Looking for variety, nightlife, and convenience? → Say aloha to Oahu.

You want a little bit of everything—beaches, city life, restaurants, hikes, cocktails, and late-night food runs. Guests might be flying in and want to keep things easy and fun. With the most direct flights and tons to do, it’s ideal for couples who want their wedding to feel like a weekend getaway with options.

Planning With Respect: Hawaiian Culture, Land, and Community

Getting married in Hawaii is stepping into a place with deep roots, a rich history, and a sacred land. If you’re celebrating your love here, it’s essential to do it in a way that honors the place you’re standing on. This doesn’t mean your day has to be super traditional or spiritual (unless you want it to be)—it just means being thoughtful about how you show up.

Work with Local Vendors

Choosing vendors who live in Hawaii means supporting the local economy, getting real insider knowledge, and working with people who know how to protect the land and respect the culture. Plus—they’ve seen it all and will probably save you from more than a few rookie mistakes. Win-win!

Choose an Officiant Who Honors the Space

If you’re having a ceremony that includes local traditions—like a Hawaiian chant (oli) or a lei exchange—make sure your officiant knows what they’re doing and isn’t just winging it for the aesthetic. A native Hawaiian or culturally respectful officiant will bring so much meaning to your ceremony and help you understand what the rituals truly represent.

Respect Local Customs

• Exchanging leis is a symbol of love, unity, and aloha.
• Oli or pule (chants or prayers) can bring a powerful grounding energy to your ceremony.
• Some areas or features of the land are sacred and shouldn’t be touched or used for ceremonies—always double-check if your location has specific guidelines.

If you’re unsure, ask! Photographers and vendors are very knowledgeable about this stuff.

Leave No Trace (Yes, Even for Weddings)

We love a barefoot beach moment, but we don’t love confetti, trash, or trampled plants.

Stick to these simple guidelines:

• Take everything you brought with you
• Don’t leave anything behind (yes, even flower petals)
• Stay on trails and avoid disturbing native plants or wildlife
• Skip things like heavy setups that damage the area

This land is beyond beautiful—and we want it to stay that way for future couples, locals, and the generations who come after us.

Wedding Timeline Examples

Maui Wedding Photographer | Rodrigo Moraes Photography

Getting married in Hawaii is about creating something that reflects who you are and what matters most to you. Don’t overthink it. Hawaii already brings the magic—your job is just to show up, breathe it in, and let the moment be what it is. Do what feels right. Skip the stuff that doesn’t. Celebrate in a way that honors the land, the people, and your story.

If you dream of getting married in Hawaii, I’m here to help you bring it to life. I specialize in capturing soulful, scenic weddings that feel as good as they look. Click here to read more about me! Ready to hear more? Let’s talk.