Plan Your Hawaii Elopement in Four Steps

So, you have made the decision to plan a Hawaii elopement – congratulations!  Deciding to skip the traditional route for the path less traveled might seem overwhelming. Hawaii is the perfect place to host your elopement, and in a few easy steps, we will get your day planned and perfect. We are here to walk you through planning your Hawaii elopement in four easy steps!

Step One: Choose your Hawaii elopement location

There are many beautiful places in the world to plan an elopement.  Our favorite is Hawaii!  We actually planned a Hawaiian elopement for our own wedding, and fell in love with the ease and beauty of the island. Whether you choose The Big Island of Hawaii, or one of the outlying islands, each is magical in its own way.  Every island is beautiful. Kauai offers stunning terrain and jungle areas no island can match.  Oahu is mostly a big city, but still has some secluded spots up north that are breathtaking.  Maui has beautiful beaches and stunning coastlines.  And lastly, The Big Island of Hawaii offers sweeping views with lava rock cliffs, sandy beaches, and lots of room which means more privacy.  One of the reasons we love the Big Island SO much – it’s big and perfect for your Hawaii elopement! You also have so much variety on the Big Island; from coffee farms, to ranches, to private estates with views for days, and of course beautiful beaches and coastlines. The Big Island is an amazing place to elope in Hawaii!

Step Two: Choose who you invite to your Hawaii elopement

Traditionally, Hawaiian elopements consist of fewer than twenty-six guests.  We are allowed to have up to thirty total individuals for the beach for a permit, so you can invite up to twenty-six guests (plus us and you two). Once you have decided who you’d like to have attend your beach elopement, the best advice I can give is start a wedding website so you can list things like hotels, activities, and wedding site directions, all in one location.  If you choose to make it just the two of you, that is wonderful! We love to be your “guests” at your witnesses. You can also choose to invite fewer guests physically, but can live stream and invite as many as you want, so best of both worlds. Our rule is there are NO rules, so you can make your elopement in Hawaii exactly what YOU want, so invite those that best suit your vision. Remember, you chose this route for less stress and headache, so plan accordingly!

Step Three: Choose which upgrades mean the most to you

We include leis for the lei exchange portion your Hawaiian elopement, but you may want to add more personal touches or upgrades to your day. Items such as flowers (bouquet, boutonniere, flower circle, etc…), a musician, a sand ceremony, cake by the ocean, personal vow exchange, a private picnic for two on the beach can set the tone for your wedding. We are here to bring your vision to life!  Let us know what you want to add, and we will make it happen. You can read more on our Big Island Elopement Packages and a la carte additions in our brochure. Your officiant will also help you customize your ceremony, so it’s perfect for your big day. Again, it’s your day and your rules, so make it exactly what you have envisioned. We are here to bring your ideas to life!

Step Four: Book a dinner or brunch reservation after your Hawaiian elopement

Time to celebrate! Whether is a private dinner under the stars for just the two of you, or a celebration for the guests who have attended, we can help you find the perfect place to celebrate. This could be a good portion of your budget, so if you estimate $150 per person, that is a good place to start.  We can help you find semi-private locations, or help set you up with a catering company for your private estate. The options are endless! 

That is the short and sweet recipe for a successful Hawaiian elopement. When you book with Dawn and Mike Eicher, we help you with each step, every step of the way.  Our goal is for you to just show up, look amazing, and get married!  Our Hawaii elopement packages are just the beginning of the resources we offer. Contact us for more information on how to start planning the Hawaii elopement of your dreams.