Welcome
to your guide for an adventure elopement in Hawaii
How to elope in Hawaii / infos and packages for an adventure elopement
So you’re dreaming of an elopement in Hawaii, but you don’t know where to start? You’ve come to the right place! This comprehensive guide has been written with you in mind, to help you:
– find the best location for your adventure elopement in Hawaii
– plan it step-by-step
– answer all your questions
– discover what if will look like if I photograph and plan it for your!
Let’s dive in so you can start your journey right away!
HOW TO ELOPE IN HAWAII?
The legal stuff
You have two options when it comes to eloping in Hawaii:
– make your elopement the legal day of your marriage. This is very easy to do as Hawaii has a very simplified process for marriage licence, even for foreigners. First, you’ll need to apply online on the EMRS website, and pay the $65 fee. Then, you’ll need to find an official performer, approved by the State of Hawaii. The comprehensive list can be found here. This celebrant will be the one issuing the official marriage licence to you, and you can then have your licence with you for your ceremony to be legal.
– make your elopement a symbolic day, and get legally married in your state or country of origin beforehands. This is another option if you don’t want or can’t get officially married in Hawaii. You can check your government’s website for marriage regulations and get legally married in your town, then have a symbolic elopement in a beautiful place in Hawaii, stress and legal-stuff free!
The best places to elope in Hawaii
The Na Pali coast
This beautiful mountain range merges into the sea with dramatic drops and a breathtaking forest landscape.
Kokee State Park
With beautiful viewpoints and deep forests, this state park is a beautiful place to elope!
Waimea Canyon state park
If dramatic landscapes are your thing, the Waimea Canyon is an absolute dream come true for exchanging your vows!
Mahaulepu beach
Hardly accessible, this beach is best visited by horse.
Hawaii volcanoes national park
A must-see during your visit in Hawaii, this state park requires a permit but is totally worth the hassle!
Pro tip: There are TONS of amazing, beautiful and inspiring places to elope in Hawaii. I have a long list of other places you might consider for your elopement in Hawaii!
5 steps to your most amazing elopement in Hawaii
From dreaming it to exchanging your vows
You will find many all inclusive packages from elopement companies in Hawaii. However, if you want something adventurous and comprehensive, an adventure, an experience to remember, maybe going the less travelled route is the best option for you.
1) Get your free elopement consult. We will go over what your’re dreaming about and make a plan together.
2) Reserve your date (I will help you choose the best moment as well)
3) Unlimited planning and ideas. We will create together the perfect elopement for you!
4) Exchange your vows and experience Hawaii like you always dreamed.
5) Relive this moment forever with the pictures you will receive.
The most beautiful elopement venues in Hawaii
If you want something less adventurous - at least to exchange your vows!
Elopement packages in Hawaii
WERIFESTERIA
Includes:
- 2-days photography coverage
- Help to find the perfect spots
- Elopement planning tips
- Vendor recommendations
- Unlimited consultations
PETRICHOR
Includes:
- 8-hours photography coverage
- Help to find the perfect spot
- Elopement planning tips
- Vendor recommendations
- Unlimited consultations
SIBYLLINE
Includes:
- 5-hours photography coverage
- Help to find the perfect spot
- Elopement planning tips
- Vendor recommendations
- Unlimited consultations
Other elopement vendors in Hawaii
• DO WE NEED A PERMIT?
Depending on where you decide to exchange your vows or organize your couples pictures, you might need a permit. They can be free or available for a fee, again depending on the place you choose. Your photographer will take care of all the details for you, and generally will be the one bringing that up if it is required.
• WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO ELOPE IN HAWAII?
The best months to visit Hawaii with great weather and less crowd are the months of April, May, September and October.
• WHAT IS AN ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT EXACTLY?
Since some couples (maybe just like you!) consider the outdoors their second home, adventure elopements are simply the best way for them to include nature into their wedding day. Generally, adventure elopements involve hiking, taking a helicopter to the top of a mountain, camping, or other outdoorsy activities of your choice.
• HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BEGIN PLANNING?
Elopements are pretty easy. They are way easier than weddings, even intimate ones, since you don't need to plan for a caterer, a venue, and all sorts of classical things. So I would say a 3-months delay is enough to plan an extraordinary elopement in Hawaii. I've even planned elopements 3 weeks before the date!
• WHAT DO WE DO IF IT RAINS ON THE DAY WE CHOSE?
I always plan a 2-days window before and after yhe day we chose, just for that reason. Storms happen very often in Hawaii and it's generally best to plan on an early arrival and late departure to give yourself some more time if we need to reschedule.
• DO WE NEED AN OFFICIANT?
It depends. If you choose the go the legal route and make your elopement day your legal wedding day, then yes, you will need a state-validated celebrant. If your elopement is more of a symbolic day, or if you're doing a vows renewal, a celebrant is optionnal.
• CAN WE BRING FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS?
Totally! An elopement doesn't have to be just the two of you! I've photographed elopements in Hawaii with up to 20 guests.
• ARE YOU WILLING TO HIKE WITH US TO THE CEREMONY LOCATION?
Definitely! I hike with my family since I'm a little girl, and I'm used to steep slopes and mountains. Plus, since I'll be the one helping you craft the perfect elopement, we'll choose the ceremony site together!
Need more inspiration for your elopement?
Discover this ultimate list of the best and most beautiful places to elope in the world.
Photography credits:
All elopements and couples: myself, Zephyr & Luna / Na Pali Coast: Garden State Hiker / Kokee state park: Eli Duke / Waimea canyon state park: Andy Baerst / Mahaulepu beach: Makuahine Pa’i Ki’i / Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park