Getting Married in Hawaii – Best Island, Cost & Time Of Year

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Karma Hill

Are you considering getting married in Hawaii? Look no further! We’ve gathered all the information you need to make your dream destination wedding a reality. Whether you want to exchange vows on a beautiful beach or plan the ultimate venue wedding. Keep reading to find out the where, when, and how of creating the ultimate Hawaii wedding.

We’ve got you covered, from the best beaches to the most popular wedding packages.

Where Should You Get Married In Hawaii? Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or Big Island?

There are four main islands in Hawaii, each of which has its own unique characteristics and features. Together, these islands boast a total of 367 breathtaking beaches.

Choosing which Hawaiian island to get married on can feel like trying to decide between precious gemstones – all of the islands are beautiful and unique in their own way. It can be hard to choose the perfect island and venue with so many to choose from! Let’s dive into the differences and characteristics of each in order to find the perfect location for your wedding ceremony.

Getting Married on Oahu

Oahu promises plenty of excitement and adventure for all who choose to say “I do” on Oahu. Oahu, the most populated Hawaiian island, is an ideal destination for many couples looking to experience a mix of luxury and outdoor activities. Sun-soaked streets, luxurious shopping spots, and mesmerizing sandy beaches along the Waikiki strip make up this incredible paradise! With so much variety on offer, from nature hikes to all kinds of beach fun Oahu won’t disappoint anyone on your guest list.

Oahu Population Statistics

Oahu has a plethora of beautiful beaches and wedding venues to choose from! It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! From the picturesque sunset views from Waikiki Beach on the Leeward side to the rustic beauty of the North Shore’s white sand beaches, there is a beach on Oahu to suit every taste. With so many beautiful location options and things to explore, getting married in Oahu will be a treat for all your wedding guests.

Oahu has some breathtaking Oahu beach wedding venues to choose from. Not far outside Waikiki lies Paradise Cove in Ko’olinga which has stunning views of the ocean and sunset. For a quieter wedding location, there’s Kualoa Beach Park in East Oahu. This location sits in a perfect location for a great wedding beach with majestic mountains and picturesque valleys as a secondary backdrop. Oahu has beautiful beach ceremony sites perfect for small and intimate ceremonies.

Oahu has an excellent variety of unique Oahu wedding venues to choose from, from lush valley locations to traditional luaus and even private beach oases. Oahu truly has some of Hawaii’s most scenic wedding venue options. Royal Hawaiian Golf Club is known for its lush tropical scenery and ultra-private venue setting. Venues such as Paradise Cove Luau meld beach beauty and the opportunity for the perfect built-in after-party entertainment. Oahu’s variety of wedding ceremony locations is constrained only by your budget.

Oahu Traffic and Lodging

Because of its dense population, Oahu does have quite a lot of traffic. On the positive side, that also means there are plenty of accommodations to choose from. The island offers a range of lodging options, from hostels to deluxe resorts, making it easy to find a budget-friendly place to stay. There is something for everyone! And Oahu is home to multiple military bases, making it a great destination for military members too. Because Oahu’s residents and visitors come from many different places and cultures, the island’s food scene is just as varied and delicious. It offers a wide range of unforgettable dining options available throughout the island — you won’t go hungry; it has a rich foodie scene!

Getting Married on Maui

Maui is the perfect balance between a populated and secluded destination, offering a blend of natural beauty and “old” Hawaii charm. It is ideal for couples seeking a break from a faster-paced city lifestyle but still wanting access to upscale retailers and familiar amenities like Starbucks or Target. Maui is often referred to as the “Goldilocks” of the islands because it is not too crowded or isolated but just right!

It has a plethora of stunning beaches but lacks the traffic and crowd issues of Oahu. If you’re looking to get married in Maui, you’ll in for a treat with the natural splendor and peace the island provides.

Maui Population Statistics

If you hope to get married in Maui, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches and venue locations to choose from. Maui boasts beautiful sunsets and beaches less crowded than those on Oahu. During the winter months, humpback whales are often seen jumping and swimming on the coastline!

Maui is chocked with gorgeous Maui beach wedding venues perfect for smaller ceremonies or elopements. On the west side of the island, some of the top Maui beach wedding locations are Ironwoods Beach and Dt Flemming Beach. On the south side of the island, in the Wailea area, are some of the top beaches for weddings on the island. Our client’s top beach ceremony sites are Southside Beach and Maluaka Beach. These gently sloping beaches make for the perfect location to catch a sunset while you say ‘I Do’.

In terms of Maui wedding venues, the island provides a variety of possibilities for wedding locations such as opulent resort locations, rustic ruins, and beachfront lawns. No matter what type of setting you’re looking for, you’re sure to find a memorable location for your special day in Maui. Venues such as Gannon’s provide an affordable venue location with a built-in ceremony and reception site on the premises. Wedding venues such as Wailea Beach Resort offer truly oceanfront lawns with the perfect spot for sunset nuptials. There are so many amazing venues in Maui to choose from.

Maui Traffic Lodging & Weather

Despite Maui’s size and low traffic levels, getting across the island is generally straightforward and easy. The majority of the accommodations are high-end, despite the island having a limited population and a high tourist rate. However, there are some affordable options if you book well in advance. Maui receives average rainfall. However, the beach towns are warm and dry for the majority of the year since Haiku and Hana experience the majority of the precipitation. Either way, Maui offers the best of both worlds in terms of convenience and seclusion.

Getting Married on Kauai

For those looking for a genuine escape and a taste of “Old Hawaii,” Kauai is the ideal location. The island, which is primarily made up of valleys, is distinguished by its abundant, verdant vegetation and streams. It is obvious to see why Kauai is dubbed the “Garden Isle!” It’s a lush paradise that offers some of the most dramatic Jurassic views in all of Hawaii. The south side of the island in the Poipu area is the ideal location for a wedding ceremony, as it is the driest area of the island.

Kauai Population Statistics

When you get married on Kauai, there are several gorgeous beaches to enjoy and choose from. The sandy coastlines of Kauai are among Hawaii’s most remote due to its small population and low visitor density. Its seclusion and small-town feeling make it slower-paced and quieter than the other neighboring islands. It’s truly a romantic escape from it all!

Kauai Traffic and Lodging

Because of its low population and visitor rate, Kauai, fortunately, sees very little traffic, but in turn, that means limited accommodation options. Although Kauai experiences considerable rainfall, its misty atmosphere contributes to its allure and lush natural beauty. With its wide range of activities, from snorkeling and hiking to surfing, it is an ideal wedding destination for couples looking for a unique and romantic experience.

The island also offers a variety of high-end resorts as well as stunning private homes for rent throughout the region. Whether you are looking for accommodations that offer ocean views or a more secluded getaway, you can find something that suits your needs.

Getting Married on The Big Island

Since Hawaii (commonly referred to as the Big Island) is the youngest island, there is active volcanic activity there. The fact that both Mauna Loa and Kīlauea are still active volcanoes means that the island is still expanding and rumbling with strength. However, the island has a laid-back and tranquil atmosphere. Hawaii Island is perfect for couples who desire a hideaway combined with a more dramatic backdrop. Sites such as Simple Hawaii Wedding provide beach and venue Hawaii wedding packages for ceremonies near Kona, Hawaii.

Big Island Population Statistics

On the Big Island, there are numerous beautiful beaches where couples can get married. Although the shoreline is typically a little rougher and rockier than on the older islands, the volcanoes have produced some exceptionally stunning black-sand beaches and a wide range of scenic backdrops.

Big Island Traffic & Lodging

Hawaii Island is BIG — it’s big enough to fit every island on this list inside its borders and still have empty land left over! Traffic is great with wonderful state highways that are kept immaculately. The island offers a wide variety of locations to explore if you enjoy nature adventures and sightseeing. This island is small and intimate, with few residents and few guests, but it still offers a variety of hotel choices for any budget. Although it rains frequently, the Hilo rainforest regions receive most of the moisture, making it a lush jungle area.

Best Time of Year For Getting Married in Hawaii

Hawaii boasts some of the planet’s best weather. Ample sunshine and warm temperatures year round! Hawaii’s beaches are calm and bright throughout the year since they are situated just north of the equator and are shielded by numerous tropical reefs. Therefore, the only actual factor in deciding when the ideal time of year for getting married in Hawaii is how well it will work for your travel plans.

Hawaii does experience seasons, including temporal changes between summer and winter, despite how mild they are. In general, rain tends to be a little more frequent throughout the winter and spring months, while it is uncommon near Hawaii’s coastal sections and varies by the island and the town.

In terms of the seasons, Hawaii is a great place to get married year-round. Here are the typical daylight hours for each time of year, though, if you’re hoping to get in as much beach time as you can!

Fall: 11:18 hrs

Winter: 10:50 hrs

Spring: 12:25 hrs

Summer: 13:23 hrs

How to Get a Hawaii Marriage License

Apply for a marriage license or civil union in Hawaii online at the Department of Health website or by talking to a marriage license agent in person. You can legally marry in Hawaii if you are a resident of the United States or another country. To learn more, visit our easy-to-read Hawaii Marriage License Guide, where all the important information is laid out in an easy-to-read format. The above guide will lead you through the process of getting your marriage certificate and making your marriage legal.

Cost of Getting Married in Hawaii 

Curious to know how much it costs to get married in Hawaii? It depends on whether you plan to say “I do” on a beach or at a venue. 

The average total cost of a Beach Hawaii Destination Wedding comes out to $10,659, ranging from $8,295 – $23,995 (depending greatly on your reception choice). With the average beach ceremony ($3,200), plus simple restaurant reception ($528), plus travel and accommodation ($6,931).

While the average total cost of a VENUE Hawaii Destination Wedding comes to $16,838, ranging from $11,123 – $33,208. With the average venue ceremony ($5,200), plus the average venue Reception ($4,707), plus travel and accommodation ($6,931). 

To learn more about how we got these numbers, visit our comprehensive article: Hawaii Destination Wedding Cost – Ceremony, Lodging & Airfare.

Choosing Hawaii Wedding Packages – A Destination Wedding

Hawaii wedding packages are an amazing way to craft your dream wedding in paradise with ease. Each wedding package starts with the basics of any wedding: location, minister, photographer, and floral.

With this base wedding recipe in place, choose the elements perfect for your destination wedding in Hawaii. We strongly advise choosing a Hawaii wedding planner you can communicate with directly, either in person or remotely. Hawaii wedding planners are experts on local customs and culture, incorporating natural elements, and securing permits to ensure a perfect day. Once your team is in place, you’ll be ready for the fun stuff, like selecting floral designs, location elements, decorations, and more.

Simple Maui Wedding and Simple Oahu Wedding are two award-winning companies offering gorgeous Hawaii wedding packages designed with simplicity and beauty in mind. (Prices stated below may be subject to change at any time.)

Maui Wedding Packages: Elopements, Beaches & Venues

Maui Elopement Packages

Eloping is a fantastic option if you want to get married in Hawaii, especially if you want a relaxed and budget-friendly wedding. Going with a wedding package like Simple Maui Wedding’s “Maui Elopement on the Beach” is something we highly advise doing because it includes elopement enhancements and add-ons that let your family witness your Maui elopement live and in high definition. You may also enhance the experience of your loved ones back home by ordering gorgeous orchid leis or shells to be sent right to their door!

Not only does eloping in Hawaii provide a stunning backdrop for your special day, but it also allows you to avoid the stress and pressure of planning a large wedding. With an elopement wedding package, all the details are taken care of for you, leaving you free to simply relax and enjoy your time together.

One of the great things about choosing an Hawaii elopement package is that it can be customized to fit your specific needs and desires. Whether you want a simple ceremony with just the two of you or a small gathering with close family and friends, there are options available to make your dream wedding come true.

But why choose Maui as your elopement wedding destination? Well, for starters, it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world

Maui Beach Wedding Packages

The “Simply Beautiful Beach Wedding” package by Simple Maui Wedding is recommended for elopements or weddings with 7–15 guests. It comes with a minister/officiant, leis for ceremony exchange, a bridal bouquet of your choice, 1.5 hours of photography coverage by the Karma Hill Photography team, 100 retouched high-resolution images, an on-site coordinator, a Maui beach wedding permit and liability insurance, and much more for only $3,475.

Maui Venue Wedding Packages

The Gather’s Grassy Knoll Package by Simple Maui Wedding offers gorgeous views of Maui’s south shore in the comfort and luxury of a venue. This wedding package includes up to 2 hours of use of the grassy knoll, a minister or officiant, leis for ceremony exchange, a bridal bouquet, 1.5 hours of professional photography coverage by the Karma Hill Photography Team, 100 retouched high-resolution images, up to 30 white garden chairs, an on-site coordinator, and much more for around $4,800.

Oahu Wedding Packages: Elopements, Beaches & Venues

Oahu Elopement Packages

Simple Oahu Wedding also offers elopement enhancements and add-ons for their “Oahu Elopement on the Beach” that allow your family to watch your Oahu elopement live and in high-definition. You can even upgrade your loved ones’ experience back home by ordering beautiful orchid leis or shells! 

In addition to their all-inclusive Oahu elopement packages, Simple Oahu Wedding also offers a variety of enhancements and add-ons for couples looking to make their special day even more memorable. These enhancements are designed to elevate your Oahu elopement on the beach and allow your family and friends to be a part of the experience, even from afar.

One popular add-on is the live streaming option, which allows your loved ones who cannot physically be present at the ceremony to watch it live in high-definition. This is perfect for those with family members or friends who are unable to travel, but still want to be a part of your special day. The live streaming service is easy to set up and can be accessed through any internet-connected device

Oahu Beach Wedding Packages

“Simply Beautiful Oahu Beach Wedding” by Simple Oahu Wedding is recommended for weddings with 7–15 guests. It comes with a minister/officiant, leis for ceremony exchange, a bridal bouquet of your choice, 1.5 hours of photography coverage by the Karma Hill Photography team, 100 retouched high-resolution images, an on-site coordinator, an Oahu beach wedding permit, liability insurance, and much more for only $3,325!

Oahu Venue Wedding Packages

The Kualoa Ranch Secret Island Ceremony by Simple Oahu Wedding allows you to get married in Hawaii on your own private island! Surrounded by lush valleys and ocean views, this wedding package is an unforgettable experience for both you and your guests. It includes a minister/officiant, a bridal bouquet of your choice, leis for the ceremony exchange, 1.5 hours of photography coverage by the Karma Hill Photography team, 100 retouched high-resolution images included, up to 50 chairs, an on-site coordinator, and much more for only $5,895.

We also offer a cake cutting add-on for all of our Hawaii wedding packages on whatever island you choose! You can celebrate with cake and a cider toast right on the beach or at your ceremony site!

Big Island Wedding Packages: Elopements, Beaches & Venues

Simple Hawaii Wedding offers comprehensive Big Island Wedding Packages that are designed to alleviate the stress of wedding planning and ensure a memorable ceremony for couples. Their service includes all aspects of wedding coordination, from day-of logistics to securing necessary permits and insurance. They also offer quality local floral selections and recommendations for additional services like hair and makeup and transportation.

Big Island Elopement Packages

Big Island of Hawaii offers a variety of elopement packages that cater to couples desiring a stress-free, intimate, and personalized wedding experience. According to Simple Hawaii Wedding, these wedding packages typically encompass a comprehensive suite of services, such as professional wedding planning and coordination, photography, bridal flowers and leis, officiant services, assistance with location selection, and more. The elopement wedding packages also include necessary permits and liability insurance, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for the couple.

One of the main attractions of elopements on the Big Island is its stunning natural beauty. From pristine Big Island beaches to lush rainforests, there are endless options for couples looking to exchange vows in a breathtaking setting. The island also offers an abundance of activities and adventures, making it an ideal location for combining wedding festivities with a honeymoon.

Big Island Beach Wedding Packages

A beach wedding on the Big Island allows for a formal or relaxed experience where guests can enjoy themselves. With vast views of black lava rocks and views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea the Big Island offers a completely unique destination wedding look. With the option to incorporate Hawaiian traditions into your ceremony, a Big Island Beach wedding is not just a celebration of love, but also a cultural experience like no other.

Big Island Wedding Venue Packages

Big Island wedding venues offer a unique blend of breathtaking views, top-tier amenities, and flexibility cater to various budgets. For instance, the Royal Kona Resort offers private ceremony locations like Nohea Point, featuring a thatched gazebo amidst lush foliage overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing an idyllic atmosphere for your special day. The Fairmont Orchid in Waikoloa offers a gorgeous beach ceremony location or an oceanfront grassy lawn, catering to your preference. These wedding venues also provide seamless transitions from ceremonies to on-site receptions. Additionally, they offer flexibility in accommodation options for guests, ensuring a comfortable stay close to the ceremony.

Kauai Wedding Packages

Do you want to get married on Kauai? We can help turn your dreams into reality! With photographers available, we can craft a wedding package just for you. Contact us for more information. 

In Conclusion

There are a lot of gorgeous possibilities if getting married in Hawaii is your dream. A Hawaii wedding is a beautiful adventure of a lifetime! We have been wedding planners in Hawaii for more than 15 years, and we’ve streamlined the planning process. Our wedding packages give our couples more time to unwind and take in the sights of Hawaii. We’ve even worked last-minute miracles by organizing gorgeous Hawaii weddings with just a few days’ notice! Let our knowledgeable team assist you in getting married in Hawaii!