You’ve weighed the drawbacks and benefits of an elopement in the Hawaiian islands and the latter won by a mile. Was there ever any doubt? Maybe not, but you still have one key question – how to elope in Hawaii? It may feel a little intimidating given that the islands are at least a 6-hour flight from your mainland home. Thankfully you’ve arrived here ahead of time. Islander Weddings has the step-by-step answer you’re looking for. Without further ado, let’s review!
Next to the romantic notion of an intimate ceremony for two, the biggest benefit of an elopement is the fact that it’s budget friendly. That being said, you’ve decided to enjoy your special day (and honeymoon) in the most romantic place on earth – Hawaii. You’re now wondering if the financial trade-off of an inexpensive wedding is balanced out by the fact that you’ll be eloping in the most expensive state in the USA. So how much does it cost to elope in Hawaii? Not as much as you may think if you choose Oahu for your destination wedding and Islander Weddings as the facilitator. We offer outdoor and beach wedding packages that provide an idilic setting while keeping your budget in check. Below is a breakdown of what it costs to elope on Oahu depending on what you desire for your special day.
You have realized that one of the key benefits of a destination wedding is that you can limit the “guest list” to just the two of you without offending anyone. Moreover, you know that Oahu is the best island for a destination wedding. The puzzle pieces are coming together quite nicely; now you just need to find Oahu wedding packages for two that suit your desires. That’s where Islander Weddings comes in. Below is everything you need to know to book your private nuptials with confidence.
The earth contains approximately 670,000 islands. The United States alone accounts for 18,617 of them. This can make choosing an idyllic isle for your upcoming union a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re big on doing research. The good news, is that your online search for “best island for destination wedding” has brought you here. With just under two decades of experience in facilitating paradisiacal weddings for couples from the U.S. we have already done the homework for you. We’ve chosen Oahu as our home base because we have come to the conclusion that there is nary a better option to get married than right here at The Gathering Place. Let’s review!
You surely didn’t need this basic geography lesson, but you may benefit from some clarity on the matter. Given that Hawaii is a U.S. state, you enjoy all of the advantages that you may not otherwise get with islands in other countries and regions. You don’t have to worry about variances and unknown variables in currency, legalities, health and medical coverage, and more. The rights and conveniences that you are afforded in your home state carryover the 2500 miles from the coast of the continental U.S..
One of the benefits of a destination wedding is that you can limit your guest list without offending anyone. That being said, you may want the most important people in your life to attend. If you have the island wedding in a remote corner of the world (Indonesia, Caribbean, etc.) you limit treasured guest ability to make the trek. This is not a problem when it comes to Oahu. Hawaii’s biggest airport – Honolulu International Airport (HNL) – receives hundreds of flight arrivals from the USA over a 24 hour period. LAX alone averages 12 flights to HNL per day. Southwest Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Delta, American Airlines, Alaska and United along with international partners all fly directly from the U.S. mainland to Oahu. This fact makes the island the most accessible of all other islands in the North Pacific archipelago, and the world.
Oahu is the most “outfitted” Hawaiian Island (or among any other island for U.S. residents to consider) as far as infrastructure and amenities are concerned. While certain parts of the island (North Shore, Kaneohe, etc.) may feel far removed from civilization, you’re never more than a stone’s throw from a major highway, shopping center, luxury accommodation, or Zippy’s. Furthermore, there are a bounty of activities (snorkeling, scuba, surfing, hiking, etc.) and attractions (waterfalls, galleries, museums, etc.) to make a part of your pre-wedding and honeymoon experiences.
Whatever you need before, after, or during the big day, it’s all accessible on Oahu.
You want to have a destination wedding on an island because you desire to say your vows against the backdrop of sand, sea, and swaying palm trees. While most tropical islands can offer as much, they are limited as far as accessibility to ideal beaches. As a result, the beach (or nearby park) you want to get married on could be packed with other couples, all waiting for their turn to tie the knot. Oahu however, boasts 227 miles of coastline, and much of it is accessible for your wedding with an easy to secure (through here) permit. Have a look at the following locations, made accessible via Islander Weddings:
The final thing that makes Oahu one of the world’s best islands for a destination wedding is reasonably priced access to outdoor wedding packages. Whether you have an elopement or something more extravagant on the mind, you can have exactly what you desire for your outdoor wedding. View available Hawaii wedding packages here.
Want to learn more about why Oahu is the best island for your destination wedding? Or are you convinced and ready to book your wedding package? Contact Islander Weddings today!
You’re struggling to decide between a wedding in your home city/town or within the archipelagic embrace of Hawaii. While the latter may seem too whimsical to be realistic, there are actually practical benefits of a destination wedding in the 50th state. Before you send out your “save the dates” have a look at the advantages of wedding in our far-flung paradise.
With each passing year, the island of Oahu continues to be among the top-ranked honeymoon destinations in the USA. By tethering your wedding to the very place you desire for your honeymoon, you make life much easier for yourselves. Logistically speaking, you will enjoy having the whole affair occur in one place. Moreover, you can save money by packaging two experiences (wedding and honeymoon) into one destination. SImply out, this is the most practical (and obvious) benefit of a destination wedding.
The size of the guest list is what ultimately consumes most of a couples’ wedding budget. Wedding Calculator reports that the average cost is $250 per person. This fact encourages couples to mitigate expenses by cutting down the guest list. The problem with this, is that you risk offending friends, family, coworkers, and associates with each and every exclusion. This puts you in a very tough spot when getting wed near home. Conversely, when you have a destination wedding, you can be sure that a significant percentage of invited guests will not RSVP. Many will not have the time to attend a wedding in Hawaii. Furthermore, you may omit inviting a number of prospective guests. People you work with, neighbors, and distant cousins (etc.) would not expect to be invited to a destination wedding.
When it comes to managing your guest list, a wedding in Hawaii delivers a win-win scenario.
The top two benefits (above) of a destination wedding allude to saving money. It doesn’t stop there. When you plan a wedding in Hawaii, you enjoy another cost-saving option that may not have been viable on the mainland – an outdoor wedding.
Not every city and town in the USA is conducive to such a thing, especially if y0u plan a wedding outside of ideal summer months. When getting married on Oahu, you can skip expensive resort chapels and ballrooms, and instead leverage the island’s bounty of 227 miles of shoreline. Along the shores are numerous beach parks and other lush properties that are equally idillic (if not more so) for your wedding than the designated square footage of a 5-Star resort. All that it costs is a wedding permit (click here) and affordable wedding package of your choosing.
Thus far, we’ve featured very practical benefits of a destination wedding. This last perk may not be “practical” but it’s very important. You want your wedding day to be perfect, Of course, perfection is often unattainable, and when it comes to the big day something can go wrong. Guests may arrive late, you may tear or stain your dress, you may forget to bring something important, and more. It can be a tough pill to swallow when getting married in your current area code. But when you’re in paradise, the potential challenges and stresses slide off of your newly tanned shoulders to disappear into the golden sands.
Note: Ensure greater odds of success of a perfect wedding by choosing a package that includes everything you need and desire.
Want to learn more about how to best reap the benefits of a destination wedding on Oahu HI? Or are you convinced and ready to book your wedding package? Contact Islander Weddings today!
Some of the best Hawaii wedding venues are right outside your hotel at Waikiki Beach. Once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty, who went to enjoy surfing, Waikiki Beach in Honolulu is a two mile stretch of white sand beach with the ocean a crystal clear torquoise color. It is one of the most recognized, iconic, and romantic beaches in the world, no doubt. Visitors come from all over the planet to experience the Aloha of Hawaii.
A Waikiki Beach Wedding with the iconic Diamond Head mountain for a backdrop will leave you with a lifetime memory. The atmosphere is alive, thriving with ocean activity all along this scenic stretch of coastline. Here you’ll find the perfect oceanside beach venue for an unforgettable sunset wedding ceremony. There’s Duke Kahanamoku Beach, Hilton Beach, Fort DeRussy Beach, Royal Hawaiian Beach, Queen’s Beach, and Kaimana Beach at the very east end of Kapiolani Park. So when considering a wedding in Hawaii, there are many choices. Which beach is closest to your hotel or condo? This is something to consider.
Oahu’s picture-perfect shoreline along Waikiki Beach is an ideal destination wedding venue. Couples looking to tie the knot and start their romantic honeymoon need look no further. Also many couples choose to renew their vows in such an enchanting setting. The great thing is, these beaches are walking distance from just about any hotel making a Waikiki Wedding really convenient since transport is not really necessary.
Let’s start planning the Waikiki Beach wedding of your dreams, with a customized, all inclusive, full-service wedding package designed to cover all the details so you can effortlessly celebrate your special day. Whether you want to elope in Hawaii, or bring family and close friends, it’s easy to get started. We offer one full hour of professional wedding photography and videography, ready to capture those breathtaking moments. So start planning your wedding in Hawaii today and come to paradise.
Located in the spectacular west end of Waikiki in Honolulu, Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park was recently the beautiful setting for a late afternoon sunset wedding . Ala Moana means “path to the sea,” which is reflected in the white sandy beach, swaying palm trees, and the serene turquoise blue waters. It’s the best location in Honolulu for a sunset wedding.
So, for one special couple, Magic Island Beach was more than magical. They booked their wedding on short notice (less than one week). The Islander Weddings team recommended the stunning Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park for this special celebration. With help from the team, every task was completed on time, and their Hawaii wedding was amazing.
The couple’s closest friends and family were present to stand with them. They exchanged vows before a stunning ocean view of Waikiki, with a backdrop of the iconic Diamond Head Mountain. The ceremony was complete with decorated tiki torches, rose petals, and beautiful orchid leis to sweeten the mood. After wedding vows were exchanged, the couple enjoyed a full beachside photo shoot. From Magic Island the wedding party headed back into Waikiki for a fabulous dinner at the Hilton Hawaiian Village nearby.
During their stay in Waikiki, guests found a variety of activities and scenic attractions to enjoy. By day, they could take in a hike to Manoa Falls, a stroll through a botanical garden, or sightseeing on a circle island tour. For those that love the nightlife, Waikiki has everything for dining or shopping. For the adventurous, there was plenty to do on the water including swimming, surfing, snorkeling, or a sunset cocktail cruise.
Magic Island is a dream-filled sunset wedding destination. Let Islander Weddings on Oahu, Hawaii, be your wedding planner for a magical, lifetime celebration at the famous Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park. Plan ahead or come on short notice. We can make some island magic happen as you desire.
Looking into Hawaii destination wedding packages? Below is a list of our Wedding Packages. These are suggestions to give you an idea of what we offer compared to the average cost for a wedding in Hawaii. Start here to choose from our; Essential Plan $295., Extra Plan $645., Elite Plan $945., or Extravagant Plan $1545. We strive to keep our wedding packages affordable, simple, and all inclusive. Thus, taking the stress out of planning a Hawaii wedding from afar. Contact us today and begin planning your dream with Islander Weddings. For the most stunning beach wedding locations we love Waimanalo Bay, Makapu’u Beach, Sandy Beach, or Kahala Beach.
Have you been pondering the romantic idea of eloping in Hawaii? Hawaii destination wedding packages provide everything you will need. A complete elopement package will always include planning and consulting time with an experienced wedding planner. Additionally, a licensed officiant to perform the ceremony and license filing with the State of Hawaii. Additional package options may include limousine transportation in either an 8 or 14 passenger limousine, a live musician, flower leis, professional photography, videography, and more.
The best thing about elopement packages on Oahu is that there are different options available for every couple. We can customize your wedding package to exactly what you would like. Are you trying to save for airfare and accommodations? Then you can choose just the right package, beautiful and affordable. On the other hand, if you have a bit more to spend, you can choose one of the more expensive packages like the Extravagant Plan for an even more complete experience.
Renewing your wedding vows in Hawaii mixed in with a family vacation makes for a very memorable family time. If this all sounds like a dream, you can definitely see this dream come true for you, your spouse, and children. A vow renewal ceremony in Hawaii is a stress free and meaningful way for couples to recommit to each other. It’s a great way to celebrate your love and commitment to one another. There is no better place than Hawaii. Whether you’ve been married for fifty, forty, twenty-five, or even just one year, a vow renewal is a way to tell each other that you would marry them again all over again.
Some vow renewals include a few special guests, but couples also choose to have a celebration with just themselves and their kids. No matter what you choose, you’ll see that Hawaii was the perfect place for your Hawaii vow renewal.
A Paradise Cove Beach Wedding or Vow Renewal is a great experience. Located at Ko’olina Resort, it is a small white sand beach tucked away down a beach walk path next to the Paradise Cove Luau grounds. In winter the waves can be seen rolling in and breaking on the protective outer reef of the cove. It’s truly spectacular to watch. Picturesque, golden sunsets can be a experience here, it’s quite amazing. Families with young children like to use the beach. The water is rather calm due to the natural volcanic rock wall that acts to protect the beach area. It’s not unusual to spot a sea turtle in the cove or a Hawaiian monk seal resting on the beach. If you do spot a monk seal on the beach it is recommended to keep your distance. They come in during the daytime to rest.
The best time of day is in the early morning or late afternoon for photos. Sunset time is ideal. It is a public beach but parking is limited unless you plan to go to the luau after your ceremony. In this case you can park at Paradise Cove Luau. If you are staying at Aulani Resort or Four Seasons Resort Oahu you can easily walk to this beach. If you are staying at the Marriott Beach Club, you may consider driving as it is about a 20-30 minute walk. So, Paradise Cove Beach is really ideal and convenient if you are already staying at Koolina Resort. If you plan to drive from Waikiki give yourselves 1.5 hours of drive time in the afternoon. We recommend this beach for a small group of 10-20 guests.
So, we highly recommend having a Paradise Cove Beach wedding or vow renewal. If you are a guest at the Koolina Resort then stay put and take full advantage of this resort beach. Not to mention, there’s a fantastic luau right next door.
It took awhile, but we’re happy to say, welcome back to Hawaii! 2020 was a challenging year due to the coronavirus. But now, couples that are ready to schedule or reschedule their Hawaiian wedding event can do so now! Since October 15th Hawaii began welcoming back many couples once again to the islands. Many area hotels and restaurants are open for business too. So, we want to share some guidelines you and your family and guests must follow to ensure a safe and healthy celebration. Hawaii has started a Hawaii Safe Travels Program for your convenience. It’s a fairly easy and streamlined process.
Are you ready to plan your upcoming beach wedding or vow renewal? Keep in mind that the State of Hawaii requires all incoming travelers have a negative Covid-19 test result from 72 hours before departure. Then you can begin the final leg of your flight into the Honolulu International Airport. Anyone without a negative test must quarantine for ten days upon arrival. You will also be required to pass Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program including a temperature screening. There’s also a simple health questionnaire to fill out. From there it’s “welcome aboard”!
At Islander Weddings, we are excited to welcome you back to paradise. At the same time, we are following the guidelines defined by The State of Hawaii to ensure a safe and wonderful event for you, your family, and your guests. We believe you as couples can now safely plan or reschedule your long-awaited Hawaiian wedding. Just be sure to follow some easy guidelines.
Whether planning an elopement in Hawaii or vow renewal your Hawaii wedding planner is here to help. It’s going to be a busy year at Islander Weddings, as 2020 had us shuffling and rescheduling more than a few couples plans. We look forward to helping you plan your beautiful Hawaii wedding on Oahu in 2021. We are step by step getting back to doing what we love. Don’t wait to schedule your most treasured beach wedding at one the many beautiful venues on Oahu. We are here to serve you and provide a safe, happy and healthy celebration of marriage.
Please visit the Covid-19 State of Hawaii portal to learn more prior to planning your 2021 celebration with Islander Weddings. We want to safely welcome you back to the islands with Aloha!
