How to Elope in Hawaii: The Complete Hawaii Elopement Guide

a couple eloping on a beach in Hawaii at sunset

If you’re dreaming of exchanging vows somewhere surrounded by turquoise water, dramatic mountains, lush tropical landscapes, and some of the most incredible sunsets you’ve ever seen, eloping in Hawaii might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Hawaii is one of those places where your elopement can feel like so much more than a wedding day. You can watch the sunrise from the top of a volcano, hike through a tropical landscape, exchange vows beside the ocean, snorkel with sea turtles, explore waterfalls, or end the evening barefoot on the beach as the sun disappears over the Pacific. And with several islands to choose from, each offering a completely different experience, there’s a little something for every kind of couple.

But planning a Hawaii elopement also comes with a few things you’ll want to know ahead of time. From choosing the right island and figuring out the best time of year to understanding marriage licenses, permits, weather, travel logistics, and where you can actually hold your ceremony, there’s a lot to consider before booking your flights.

That’s exactly what this guide is here to help with.

In this complete guide to how to elope in Hawaii, I’m breaking down everything you need to know to plan an intentional, stress-free wedding experience in the islands, including the best places to elope in Hawaii, when to go, what permits you may need, where to stay, activity ideas, sample timelines, and plenty of tips I’ve learned from photographing elopements throughout Hawaii.

Whether you’re picturing an adventurous day exploring the island or something slow, intimate, and centered around the two of you, this guide will help you start turning that vision into an actual elopement day.

a couple swimming in a waterfall after their Hawaii elopement

Step 1: Choose a Location

HOW TO FIND YOUR HAWAII ELOPEMENT LOCATION:

This is one of my favorite parts of the planning process! Hawaii has such an incredible variety of landscapes that choosing where to elope can feel a little overwhelming at first. You have black sand beaches, lush tropical forests, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, rugged cliffs, mountain views, and turquoise water all within the islands.

Start by dreaming about what you want your elopement day to actually look and feel like. Here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing your Hawaii elopement location:

What type of scenery do you want to be surrounded by? Think beaches, mountains, cliffs, waterfalls, rainforests, lava fields, or a combination of several landscapes.
What activities would you love to include in your day? Hiking, snorkeling, swimming, surfing, taking a helicopter tour, sailing, having a picnic, watching the sunrise, sharing a private beachside candlelit dinner or exploring the island in a Jeep are just a few ideas.
Do you want an easily accessible location or are you comfortable hiking or adventuring to somewhere more secluded?
Which Hawaiian island feels most like you? Each island offers a completely different experience, scenery, and pace.
How far are you willing to drive from your lodging to your ceremony and portrait locations?
Are you bringing guests? If so, consider how accessible the location will be for everyone attending.
What matters most to you about your elopement experience?

Your answers can help narrow down not only your exact ceremony location, but also which Hawaiian island is best for your elopement. Kauai might be perfect if you’re dreaming about lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, while the Big Island offers volcanic landscapes and incredible diversity. Maui has everything from beaches to mountain and volcanic scenery, while Oahu can be a great option for couples who want beautiful landscapes combined with plenty of activities, restaurants, and amenities.

And don’t worry if you have absolutely no idea where you want to go yet! Part of what I do for my couples is personalized location scouting. You tell me what you’re envisioning, what kind of scenery you love, how adventurous you want to be, and what your dream elopement day looks like, and I’ll help you narrow down the locations that fit you best.

I want planning your Hawaii elopement to feel exciting, intentional, and as stress-free as possible. Contact me to get started!

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN CHOOSING WHERE TO ELOPE IN HAWAII:

Consider the experience you want beyond your ceremony. Choosing your island isn’t only about finding the prettiest ceremony spot. Think about how you want to spend the rest of your trip, too. Maybe you want to snorkel, hike, take a boat along the coast, explore waterfalls, visit a volcano, eat incredible local food, or simply spend a few days relaxing on the beach.
Popular beaches and viewpoints can get busy. Some of Hawaii’s most recognizable locations are also incredibly popular with visitors. Sunrise, weekdays, and less-trafficked locations can sometimes give you a more peaceful experience. You also don’t have to choose the most famous spot on an island to have an incredible backdrop for your vows.
You don’t have to choose just one type of scenery. One of my favorite things about eloping in Hawaii is how much variety you can experience in a single day. You could exchange vows beside the ocean in the morning and spend the afternoon exploring a completely different landscape. You can also turn your celebration into a two-day elopement if there are several places or activities you want to experience without rushing.
Think about weather when choosing your location. Hawaii has tons of microclimates, which means the weather can be completely different depending on which side of an island you’re on or how high in elevation you travel. Some areas are significantly wetter, windier, or cooler than others, so this is something to consider when choosing your ceremony location and time of year.
Check permit requirements before finalizing your plans. Beaches, state parks, national parks, and other protected areas can have different rules surrounding weddings, photography, guest counts, and where ceremonies can take place. I’ll talk more about Hawaii elopement permits later in this guide, but it’s something you’ll want to consider before officially choosing your ceremony spot.

WHICH HAWAIIAN ISLAND SHOULD YOU ELOPE ON?

One of the first decisions you’ll make when planning a Hawaii elopement is which island to choose. While every Hawaiian island is beautiful, they each offer a completely different experience. Some are known for dramatic mountains and lush greenery, while others have volcanic landscapes, incredible beaches, waterfalls, or a bigger variety of restaurants and activities.

There really isn’t one island that is perfect for everyone. The best Hawaiian island for your elopement depends on the scenery you’re dreaming about, the activities you want to experience, how much exploring you want to do, and whether you’ll be traveling alone or bringing guests along.

Here’s a breakdown of the four main islands to consider:

a couple swimming along the Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii after their boatside ceremony

Oahu

Best for: Couples who want a little bit of everything

Oahu is an amazing option if you want beautiful Hawaiian scenery without giving up easy access to restaurants, lodging, activities, and other amenities. While Honolulu and Waikiki are the busiest parts of the island, venture outside of the city and you’ll find dramatic green mountains, tropical forests, turquoise water, rugged coastlines, and beautiful beaches.

Oahu can be especially great if you’re bringing family or friends along for your elopement. There are plenty of lodging options and things for guests to do, and getting around the island is relatively straightforward.

You can spend your elopement day watching the sunrise beside the ocean, exploring the mountains, swimming, snorkeling, hiking, or taking a sailboat out at sunset. It’s also a great choice if you want to turn your elopement into a longer vacation without feeling like you have to adventure every single day.

If you want a combination of adventure, convenience, beaches, mountains, and plenty to do, Oahu might be the perfect fit.

If Oahu sounds like the perfect fit for your day, check out my complete Oahu elopement guide for the best places to elope, permit information, where to stay, activity ideas, sample timelines, and everything else you need to start planning your Oahu elopement.

Maui

Best for: Couples who want variety, adventure, and a romantic island getaway

Maui gives you an incredible amount of variety within one island. You can experience beaches, waterfalls, lush rainforest, volcanic landscapes, winding coastal roads, and completely different environments depending on where you explore.

One of the biggest reasons to choose Maui for your elopement is everything you can incorporate into the experience. You could watch the sunrise from Haleakalā, spend part of your day exploring the Road to Hana, visit waterfalls, snorkel, take a helicopter tour, sail along the coast, or end your wedding day watching the sunset from the beach.

Maui also has plenty of beautiful resorts and vacation rentals, making it a great option if you want your elopement to feel like an adventure and honeymoon wrapped into one trip.

If you want tons of scenery and activities while still having a relaxing, romantic vacation experience, Maui is definitely worth considering.

Dreaming of an elopement on Maui? Head over to my complete Maui elopement guide for my favorite Maui elopement locations, permit information, where to stay, things to do, sample timelines, and more tips for planning your day.

Kauai

Best for: Couples who want lush, wild, adventurous scenery

If the Hawaii you’re imagining is filled with dramatic green mountains, waterfalls, tropical forests, rugged cliffs, and wild coastline, Kauai might be your island.

Known as the Garden Isle, Kauai feels incredibly lush and adventurous. The scenery here is some of the most dramatic in Hawaii, especially along the Nā Pali Coast and around Waimea Canyon. It’s an incredible choice for couples who want nature to be one of the biggest parts of their wedding experience.

Your elopement could include hiking through tropical landscapes, taking a helicopter tour over the island, sailing along the Nā Pali Coast, kayaking, exploring waterfalls, snorkeling, or simply finding a quiet beach to watch the sunset together.

Kauai also tends to have a slower, quieter feel than Oahu, which can make it especially appealing if you want your trip to revolve around spending time outdoors and soaking everything in.

If your dream elopement involves lush greenery, dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, hiking, and an adventurous island experience, Kauai might be exactly what you’re looking for.

If lush mountains, waterfalls, and wild coastlines are calling your name, check out my complete Kauai elopement guide for the best places to elope on Kauai, permit information, where to stay, activity ideas, sample timelines, and everything you need to plan your adventure.

The Big Island

Best for: Couples who want volcanic landscapes and the most diverse scenery

The Island of Hawaiʻi, commonly called the Big Island, feels completely different from the other major Hawaiian islands. It’s especially incredible for couples who want their elopement to feel adventurous and a little more unexpected.

You can explore black sand beaches, lava fields, tropical forests, waterfalls, rugged coastline, and volcanic landscapes all on the same island. It’s also home to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, giving you the opportunity to experience landscapes you simply won't find on the other islands.

Because the Big Island is, as the name suggests, big, you’ll want to be intentional about where you stay and how much driving you want to do. Rather than trying to fit the entire island into one elopement day, I recommend choosing one area to focus on or turning your celebration into a multi-day experience.

If you want volcanoes, lava fields, black sand beaches, fewer tropical-resort stereotypes, and incredibly diverse landscapes, the Big Island could be the perfect place for your Hawaii elopement.

If you’re leaning toward the Big Island, check out my complete Big Island elopement guide for the best places to elope, permit information, where to stay, things to do, sample timelines, and more tips for planning your Big Island elopement.

What About Moloka’i & Lana’i?

Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi are also part of the Hawaiian Islands, but they offer a very different experience from Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.

Lānaʻi is small, quiet, and remote, making it an option for couples looking for a secluded, slower-paced experience. There are fewer lodging and dining options than you'll find on the larger islands, so planning tends to require a little more intention.

Molokaʻi is even less tourism-focused and has a strong local community and cultural identity. If you're considering an elopement here, it's especially important to approach the island thoughtfully, research where visitors and ceremonies are appropriate, and respect local communities, private property, and culturally significant areas.

For most couples planning a destination elopement in Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island will offer the easiest combination of beautiful locations, accommodations, activities, vendors, and travel logistics.

The good news is that you really can’t compare the islands based on scenery alone. Instead, think about what you want your entire elopement trip to feel like. Once you know whether you're dreaming about dramatic mountains, lush rainforest, volcanoes, beaches, adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of everything, choosing your island becomes so much easier.

CONTACT ME TO GET STARTED PLANNING YOUR HAWAII ELOPEMENT

a wedding couple walking among the Red Dirt Waterfall in Kauai, Hawaii

Step 2: Pick a Date or Timeframe

The next step in planning your Hawaii elopement is choosing a date or general timeframe! The good news is that Hawaii is truly a year-round elopement destination. Temperatures stay relatively warm throughout the year, and there really isn’t a “bad” season to get married here.

That being said, the experience can look a little different depending on when you visit. When choosing your Hawaii elopement date, I recommend considering two main things: weather and crowds.

WEATHER:

Hawaii doesn’t experience four distinct seasons in the same way that much of the mainland does. Instead, you can generally think of the year as having a drier season from roughly April through October and a wetter season from November through March.

But Hawaii is also filled with microclimates! Weather can vary dramatically from one island to another and even from one side of the same island to the other. You might have sunshine along the coast while rain is falling in the mountains just a short drive away.

Elevation also makes a huge difference. If your elopement takes you somewhere like Haleakalā on Maui or Mauna Kea on the Big Island, temperatures can be dramatically colder than they are at the beach.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO ELOPE IN HAWAII?

There isn't one single best month to elope in Hawaii, but April through early June and September through October can be especially great times to consider.

These months often give you a nice balance between beautiful weather and avoiding some of Hawaii's biggest tourism periods. You'll also be outside major holidays and much of the summer vacation rush.

If having the best chance of dry weather is one of your biggest priorities, the summer months can also be a great option. Just keep in mind that summer is a popular time for families to visit Hawaii, so some beaches, trails, accommodations, and attractions can be busier.

No matter when you choose to elope, I always recommend going into a Hawaii wedding day with a little flexibility. A passing rain shower doesn't mean your entire day will be rainy, and sometimes waiting 15 minutes or traveling a short distance can give you completely different conditions.

WINTER HAWAII ELOPEMENTS: NOVEMBER – MARCH

Winter can be an absolutely beautiful time to elope in Hawaii, especially if you're trying to escape cold weather back home!

Temperatures are still warm compared to most of the mainland, but this is generally Hawaii's wetter season. Some parts of the islands receive significantly more rainfall than others, so your exact location becomes especially important during these months.

Winter also overlaps with humpback whale season, making it an incredible time to plan a whale-watching tour or boat trip as part of your elopement experience, particularly around Maui.

Keep in mind that the winter holidays are also one of Hawaii's busiest tourism periods. Christmas through New Year's can bring higher lodging prices and significantly more visitors, so I recommend avoiding those weeks if privacy and fewer crowds are priorities.

SPRING HAWAII ELOPEMENTS: APRIL – MAY

Spring is one of my favorite times to consider for a Hawaii elopement.

You'll generally be moving out of the wetter winter months, while still avoiding the summer travel rush. The islands are beautifully green, temperatures are warm, and you can have a better chance of finding quieter beaches and trails if you plan around spring break and major holidays.

If you're looking for that sweet spot between weather, crowds, and travel costs, April and May are definitely worth considering.

SUMMER HAWAII ELOPEMENTS: JUNE – AUGUST

Summer is part of Hawaii's drier season and can be a great time for couples who want to spend a lot of their elopement trip outdoors.

This is an amazing time to plan activities like snorkeling, swimming, hiking, sailing, kayaking, or simply spending your wedding day exploring the island.

However, summer vacation also brings more visitors to Hawaii. Popular beaches, viewpoints, and trails can get busy, especially around the Fourth of July and other holiday weekends.

June through November is also the Central Pacific hurricane season. Direct impacts on Hawaii are relatively uncommon, but tropical systems can still affect rain, wind, waves, and travel plans. If you're eloping during these months, travel insurance and a flexible mindset can be especially helpful.

FALL HAWAII ELOPEMENTS: SEPTEMBER – OCTOBER

September and October can be another amazing window for a Hawaii elopement.

You'll still be within the generally drier part of the year, but the summer vacation crowds begin to taper off as families head home and school starts again.

This can make early fall especially appealing if you're looking for warm weather, plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, and potentially fewer people at popular locations.

Just remember that September and October are still within hurricane season, so keeping some flexibility in your plans is always a good idea.

CROWDS:

Hawaii is an incredibly popular vacation destination, which means some beaches, hikes, overlooks, and other scenic areas can get busy throughout the year.

If having a private and intimate ceremony is important to you, I highly recommend eloping on a weekday whenever possible.

Weekday mornings, sunrise ceremonies, and less well-known locations can make a huge difference in how private your experience feels. Sunrise can be especially magical because you'll often encounter fewer visitors, temperatures are cooler, and you still have the entire day ahead of you to explore.

I would also pay attention to major travel periods when choosing your date. Christmas and New Year's, spring break, summer vacation, and major holiday weekends can bring larger crowds and higher accommodation prices.

If your schedule allows, consider planning your Hawaii elopement during a shoulder season like April, May, September, or October and choosing a Monday through Thursday date.

And remember, you don't need to exchange vows at the most famous beach or viewpoint on the island! Some of my favorite elopement experiences happen away from the places you'll see all over Instagram. Choosing a quieter location, planning around peak visiting hours, and staying flexible can give you a much more intimate experience without sacrificing the incredible Hawaii scenery you came for.

Ultimately, the best time to elope in Hawaii depends on which island you choose, what activities you want to do, the scenery you're dreaming about, and what kind of experience you want your wedding day to have. Once you've narrowed those things down, choosing the right month becomes so much easier.

Step 3: Find Your Ceremony Location & Obtain Proper Permits

Once you’ve chosen your island and elopement date, it’s time to narrow down the exact spot where you want to exchange your vows!

As I mentioned earlier, one of the most important things to research before officially choosing your Hawaii elopement location is whether you’ll need a permit. Just because a beach, trail, or viewpoint is open to the public doesn’t necessarily mean you can hold a wedding ceremony there without permission.

Permit requirements will depend on who manages the land and what you’re planning to do. Beaches, state parks, national parks, and other protected areas can all have their own rules regarding ceremonies, photography, group sizes, decorations, chairs, arches, and other wedding-related activities.

Many beach ceremonies on state-managed shoreline areas require a permit, while locations within places like Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park or Haleakalā National Park may have their own designated ceremony locations, restrictions, and special-use permit requirements.

This is also why I recommend choosing your general island and timeframe before becoming completely attached to one exact ceremony spot. Sometimes the location you initially fall in love with may not allow weddings, may have guest-count restrictions, or may require a permit that changes how you can use the space.

And remember, your ceremony location doesn't have to be the only beautiful place you visit! You can exchange vows somewhere that works well for your ceremony and then spend the rest of your elopement exploring different beaches, mountains, waterfalls, forests, or volcanic landscapes for photos and activities, as long as photography and access are permitted in those areas.

If researching land management agencies, permits, and ceremony restrictions already sounds overwhelming, you don't have to figure it all out by yourself!

As an elopement photographer, I help my couples navigate locations, permit requirements, timelines, logistics, and vendor recommendations so you can spend less time stressing over the details and more time getting excited about your experience.

If you're looking for a Hawaii elopement photographer who can help you plan an intentional, adventurous wedding day from beginning to end, fill out my contact form below to get started!

FILL OUT MY CONTACT FORM HERE

HAWAII MARRIAGE LICENSES:

Couples can choose to legally get married during their Hawaii elopement or have a symbolic ceremony and take care of the legal paperwork at home. If you want to make your marriage legal while you’re in Hawaii, the process is actually pretty straightforward!

You do not need to be a Hawaii resident or U.S. citizen to obtain a Hawaii marriage license, and there is no waiting period once your license has been issued. Hawaii also does not require witnesses for your ceremony, which makes it an especially easy option for couples planning a true just-the-two-of-us elopement.

To obtain your marriage license, you'll first complete an application online through the State of Hawaii. Both of you will then need to appear together in person before a marriage license agent in Hawaii, where you'll show your government-issued photo IDs and any other required documentation.

You can meet with a marriage license agent up to 30 days before your ceremony, and once your license is issued, you'll have 30 days to legally get married. Your marriage must take place within the State of Hawaii during that period.

You'll also need to have your ceremony performed by an officiant who is licensed by the State of Hawaii. If you're bringing an officiant with you from the mainland, make sure they complete Hawaii's marriage performer registration requirements before your wedding day.

One of the best parts? No witnesses are required in Hawaii! That means you really can exchange vows with just the two of you and your officiant present.

If you'd rather keep your Hawaii ceremony completely symbolic, that's an option too! You can complete the legal portion of your marriage in your home state before or after your trip and simply use your Hawaii elopement to celebrate, exchange personal vows, and have the wedding experience you actually want.

Step 4: Plan Your Elopement Activities

The next step in planning your Hawaii elopement is deciding what you actually want to do on your wedding day!

One of the best parts about eloping is that your day doesn't have to revolve around a traditional ceremony and reception timeline. Instead, you get to build an entire experience around the two of you and fill it with things you genuinely love doing together.

When brainstorming activities, ask yourselves: If we could create our dream day in Hawaii from the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep, what would we want to do?

Maybe that means waking up before sunrise, exchanging vows beside the ocean, spending the afternoon snorkeling, and ending the day with a private dinner. Or maybe you'd rather hike through a tropical landscape, explore waterfalls, take a helicopter ride over the island, and watch the sunset from the beach.

And remember, you absolutely do not have to hike to have an adventurous elopement! Hawaii has so many incredible experiences that don't require hiking at all.

Here are a few Hawaii elopement activity ideas to get you thinking:

Watch the sunrise or sunset on the beach
Go hiking
Snorkel or scuba dive
Go surfing
Take a private sailboat or catamaran tour
Take a helicopter tour
Go whale watching
Swim in the ocean
Go kayaking or paddleboarding
Explore waterfalls
Visit a black sand beach
Explore volcanic landscapes
Go stargazing
Have a fancy beach picnic
Take a scenic drive
Go horseback riding
Take a surf lesson together
Explore a botanical garden
Take a traditional Hawaiian lei-making class
Visit a local farmers market
Cook a meal together at your Airbnb
Hire a private chef
Have a private candlelit dinner on the beach
Relax at your resort or in a hot tub
Have a backyard celebration with your closest family and friends
Spend the evening listening to live music
Book a couples massage or spa experience

Your elopement activities can also be completely different depending on which Hawaiian island you choose. Kauai is incredible for hiking, kayaking, helicopter tours, and exploring the Nā Pali Coast, while the Big Island gives you opportunities to explore volcanic landscapes and stargaze. Maui is amazing for snorkeling, sailing, scenic drives, and exploring Haleakalā, while Oahu offers everything from surfing and hiking to incredible restaurants and sailing.

You also don't need to cram ten different activities into one day. Sometimes the best elopement timeline is actually the simplest one. Pick a few experiences that genuinely sound like you, leave plenty of room to slow down and enjoy them, and build your wedding day around how you want it to feel, rather than how much you can fit into it.

Your Hawaii elopement can be as adventurous or as relaxed as you want it to be. That's the beauty of creating a wedding day completely around the two of you.

a couple cheering on a cliffside in Hawaii after their ceremony

Step 5: Nail Down Vendors & Find Lodging

Now that you have your location, date, permits, activities figured out—the nest step is to lock in some vendors for your day! Even though you’re not having a traditional wedding, plenty elopements still include a handful of wedding vendors. Here are the most common types of vendors that eloping couples hire for their day:

Florist
Photographer
Officiant
Hair & Makeup Artist
Videographer
Baker / Caterer
Planner / Stylist

ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER ADVICE:

I know I listed hiring your vendors as step 5, but really you can start to research and hire them whenever you want! My recommendation would be to hire your photographer ASAP. I know it sounds biased saying this (because I am an elopement photographer) but hiring an elopement photographer first can save you A LOT of work because most elopement photographers help their couples with ALL the things I mentioned in the previous steps. So when looking at elopement photographers, make sure you pick someone who actually helps with planning and is experienced in elopements!

For my elopement couples, I help them find customized locations, get permits, choose other vendors, think of activities, find lodging, create a custom timeline, and SO much more. So if you’re looking for a photographer who will not only capture your day but also guide you through the planning process—learn more about my process below:

MY ELOPEMENT PROCESS

a wedding couple running on the beach at sunset in Hawaii

Step 6: Create a Timeline

One of the final steps in planning your Hawaii elopement is putting together a timeline that allows you to experience everything you’re dreaming about without feeling rushed!

Your timeline will look completely different depending on which island you choose, where your ceremony is, what activities you want to include, whether you’re bringing guests, and whether you want to experience sunrise, sunset, or both.

When creating your timeline, I always recommend building in more time than you think you'll need. Island driving times, parking, changing locations, hiking, getting ready, and simply stopping to enjoy the scenery can all take longer than expected. Your elopement day shouldn't feel like you're racing from one thing to the next!

If hiking is part of your day, I typically plan around 1 hour for every mile of hiking. This gives us plenty of time to take breaks, enjoy the scenery, take photos along the way, and make sure you don't feel like you need to rush up the trail in wedding attire.

I also love leaving intentional downtime in Hawaii elopement timelines. You might want time to swim after your ceremony, stop for shave ice, enjoy your picnic without watching the clock, or simply sit on the beach together and take in the fact that you just got married.

Here are a few examples of what your Hawaii elopement timeline could look like:

SAMPLE TIMELINE #2: RELAXED SUNSET HAWAII ELOPEMENT

12:30pm: Getting Ready at Airbnb or Resort
2:00pm: First Look
2:30pm: Drive to Ceremony Location
3:15pm: Arrive + Explore the Area
3:45pm: Private Vow Ceremony
4:15pm: Celebratory Picnic + Cake
5:00pm: Explore the Coast + Wedding Portraits
6:00pm: Sunset on the Beach + Photos
7:00pm: Head Back to Airbnb
7:30pm: Private Chef Dinner
9:00pm: Stargazing + Photos
9:30pm: End Photography Coverage

SAMPLE TIMELINE #1: SUNRISE + ADVENTURE HAWAII ELOPEMENT

4:30am: Getting Ready at Airbnb or Resort
5:30am: First Look
5:45am: Drive to Ceremony Location
6:15am: Arrive + Walk to Ceremony Spot
6:30am: Sunrise Vow Ceremony
7:00am: Explore + Morning Portraits
8:00am: Celebratory Breakfast Picnic
9:00am: Return to Airbnb + Take a Break
12:00pm: Lunch + Change into Swimsuits
1:30pm: Snorkeling or Kayaking Adventure
3:30pm: Return to Airbnb + Relax
5:00pm: Change Back into Wedding Attire
5:30pm: Explore a Second Location
6:30pm: Sunset Beach Portraits
7:30pm: End Photography Coverage

SAMPLE TIMELINE #3: FULL-DAY HAWAII ELOPEMENT WITH GUESTS

9:00am: Slow Morning + Breakfast Together
10:00am: Getting Ready Separately with Family
11:30am: First Look
12:00pm: Private Vows + Couple Portraits
1:00pm: Lunch + Break at Airbnb
2:30pm: Meet Up with Guests
3:00pm: Ceremony with Family + Friends
3:30pm: Family Photos + Celebratory Toast
4:00pm: Cake + Picnic with Guests
5:00pm: Say Goodbye to Guests + Head to Second Location
5:45pm: Explore the Coast Together
6:30pm: Sunset Portraits on the Beach
7:30pm: Return to Airbnb
8:00pm: Private Chef Dinner with Family + Friends
9:30pm: End Photography Coverage

elopement couple sharing vows on a private boat charter along the Na Pali Coast in Kauai

Step 7: Have The Most Epic Elopement Day!

YOU MADE IT!! Once you’ve finished all these steps you are well on your way to an EPIC Hawaii elopement. If you have any questions or are looking for an elopement photographer who can help guide you through the planning process, get in touch with me below! I would love to be a part of your wedding day.

CONTACT ME TO START PLANNING!