Destination weddings in Hawaii are trendy lately, but many couples don’t know where to start. And it is understandable. Organizing such a big day requires meticulous planning, and the stakes are even higher when doing it from a distance. But with so much misinformation everywhere you turn, it is time to clear the air and give couples precise and concise answers. Therefore, we have made this short guide about everything you need to know about your beach wedding.
Permits for Beach Weddings
Beach weddings are legal in Hawaii, which is the main reason couples choose this beautiful island for their special day. However, a wish to get married in Hawaii is not enough—to have your special day on a beach in Hawaii, you need a permit. The purpose of permits is to regulate the use of public space while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of beachgoers.
Each county may have its specific Hawaii wedding regulations. This is why it is essential that you do thorough research on the requirements in the area where you are planning to tie the knot.
How to Obtain a Beach Use Permit
The purpose of the permit is to ensure that your beach wedding doesn’t interfere with the public and the beach activities. But to obtain the permit you need to go through a general process that involves filling out an application form, obtaining insurance, and paying a fee.
To help you understand the steps, here is a more thorough approach:
- Identify Your Location: Once you start planning your wedding, you’ll need to select the exact beach where you wish to hold the ceremony. We have already mentioned that there are different Hawaii wedding regulations and permit requirements. This is why you’ll need to research and learn the specific laws for your location.
- Contact the Relevant Agency: To get your permit, you must contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), which manages most of the beaches in Hawaii. Therefore, get in touch with the DLNR or the specific agency responsible for beach weddings in Hawaii before you get to the island or plan the wedding so you can inquire about the permit requirements.
- Submit Your Application: Once you sort this out, it’s time to complete and submit the application. You will need to provide information such as the date, time, number of attendees, and any equipment or structures you plan to bring (e.g., chairs, arches.) Luckily the application form is available online so you don’t have to travel or bother mailing documents. However, you may need to adhere to some rules and restrictions that the issuing authorities set forth.
- Permit Fee: The next step is paying the fee. The cost varies depending on the location and size of your event. The permit fees usually cover administrative costs and help preserve and maintain the beach.
- Permit Approval: Once your application is approved, you can pick up your beach use permit. Always keep a copy of the permission on the day of your wedding. Why? Because enforcement officers may ask to see it.
Other Considerations
When planning a beach wedding, you need to be aware of other considerations that may affect your special day. For instance, Hawaii has limited the number of guests for beach gatherings to 25 people. There are also restrictions on setup equipment, which covers chairs, arches, and amplification speakers.
Additionally, if your wedding includes additional elements like large structures or catering, you need to request a special beach wedding permit. This permit is for those who organize more significant events that have a bigger impact on the environment and public access. The application process for a special license is similar to that for a regular license. However, you may need to provide more information and a higher fee.
All public beaches require a certification for a beach wedding in Hawaii. But there’s one exception: a permit will not be required if you decide to have a marriage on private property. In such a case, all you need is permission from the owner to have the ceremony on their property.
Environmental Protection
We all know that Hawaii’s beaches are beautiful, which is why many of us choose them for special events. But not many of us are aware of their fragile environments. When you apply for a beach wedding permit, the authorities will also provide you with guidelines for cleanup and waste disposal during the event. It’s crucial that you follow these rules to protect the natural surroundings. Some of the regulations that you will have to follow are:
- Use of Floral Arrangements: Always try to use native or non-invasive plant species in your floral arrangements. Ask a local florist to help you create bouquets and floral arrangements with local flora like lei.
- Don’t Leave Any Trace Behind: You must dispose of the trash, and no decorations or structures should be left behind after your beach wedding. If you have some leftover food, think about donating it to some of the local shelters.
- Direct Foot Traffic: Avoid walking or damaging the delicate dune and vegetation areas. Consider setting up lanes where people should walk or signs telling them where they shouldn’t go. This will preserve the surrounding flora.
Conclusion
Planning a beach wedding in Hawaii is more than just thinking about wedding attire, floral arrangements, and choosing a venue. It also involves understanding the legal requirements of organizing such an event and obtaining the necessary permits.
Once you secure a marriage license, it is mandatory that you apply for a permit for the appropriate beach use, or a special use permit if you are organizing a larger event. You’ll need to follow environmental guidelines and consider additional factors like timing, weather, accessibility, and accommodations.
Ready to start planning your dream beach wedding in Hawaii? Fill out our contact page for personalized assistance, or continue to the “Locations” or “Wedding Packages” pages to explore your options. Let us help you create the perfect Hawaiian beach wedding!
Looking for more Hawaii wedding tips? Then, make sure to check out our other blogs!
