Are you planning a destination wedding? Hawaii might be the perfect place to exchange vows and make new beginnings. As home to some of the world’s most gorgeous and scenic beaches with laid-back vibes, the islands are often considered an ideal destination for romantic weddings. Planning for the new chapter is a task that takes a lot of work, and you may wonder where to start. Surely, you have loads of questions: What are the legal formalities? Where to get a marriage license? What is the best time to get married? That’s why you need a Hawaii wedding planner to take this load off your shoulders.
In this article, we will address all your concerns in detail and explain how you can plan a stress-free event.
Checklist for planning a wedding in Hawaii:
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Choose a reputable Hawaii wedding planner/coordinator
When it’s a local event, we recommend partners look for the venue first. But when it comes to Hawaii weddings, every bit of advice is valuable, especially from locals. Therefore, you should put together a list of who your Hawaii wedding planner or coordinator can be. When planning a destination wedding, trust is really important, and you should hire a planner who has a proven track record. They can help you plan out the epic day you have always envisioned. An experienced organizer can find the right balance between the island’s unique vibe and your vision of the perfect event. With that in mind, hiring a local coordinator can eliminate all the unnecessary tension and focus on enjoying your wedding.
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Wedding venues
You might have already thought of a specific location for your celebration. If so, go ahead and inquire about the booking. Otherwise, you may ask the Hawaii wedding planner for recommendations. There are wedding venues in Hawaii that offer indoor, outdoor, beachside, and garden setups. Even though beaches are the most popular, gardens and barns provide amazing views and gorgeous backdrops. So, be sure to communicate your preferences ahead of time with an organizer so they can also suggest referrals based on your vision.
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Budget
Setting aside a specific budget for a wedding is important, especially if it involves more traveling. Despite Hawaii being a relatively inexpensive place for special day gatherings, it can still get pricey during peak times. Therefore, work around the budget, as it will allow you to prioritize the aspects of the wedding that are essential for both of you.
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Book local vendors
If you are getting married in Hawaii, look at what your package includes and list everything you need. You may check with the Hawaii wedding planner for local vendors, including catering, decor, photography, and videography. Their referrals can be very helpful as finding vendors familiar with the island and well-versed with the settings would be much better. However, that is not all; there are other considerations when selecting suppliers. For instance, make sure to check with the florist on the seasonal flowers and check with the caterer on local dishes you can include in the menu. Feel free to ask about your requirements and see what best fits your plans.
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Engagement session
Do you plan to have an engagement session? There are plenty of beautiful locations in Hawaii which can help solidify your wedding theme. While this is an option, visiting the island and meeting vendors in person can make you feel confident and build trust, especially with your wedding photographer. Additionally, It will help you stay more relaxed before the big day arrives.
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Wedding License & Legal Formalities
Marriage licenses in Hawaii are valid for a period of 30 days. It can be applied and paid online, but you have to be there in person to finalize the application and claim the license. Ensure to set aside enough time as you arrive and have all the documents ready to complete the license formalities. Also, Hawaii requires ceremony permits for public areas. Luckily, we have a wedding planner to help you complete all the necessary documentation.
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Choosing wedding package
Once you get an idea of the island and the type of ceremony you would like, it is time to narrow the wedding or the elopement packages. Each Hawaii wedding planner has their own approach regarding what they provide. That said, our offers are different depending on what services you require. This includes a commemorative certificate, registration of marriage paperwork, and location of your choice of up to 20 guests. There are other popular items that the couple can opt for in the other packages, too. We have four different customizable packages that can fit your style and preferences. These include:
- Aloha Package (Basic package)
Budget-friendly package that includes all basic items listed above. - Mango Package
An upgraded version of the Aloha package includes all the necessary insurance and permits you would need. - Coconut Package
It offers additional professional photography services with a 60-minute photo session and a minimum of 80 images. - Pineapple Package
This is our best package and includes all of our services. Moreover, you can take advantage of our in-room hair and makeup services for the bride.
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Best time to get married
When deciding about your wedding, the day of the week is more important than anything else. Why? Beaches and gardens are popular choices amongst the locals and travelers on weekends. Therefore, weekdays are more relaxed, offering the seclusion and privacy you need. Additionally, we suggest opting for a non-holiday weekday over anything else.
In terms of weather, Hawaii is beautiful all year round; still, September to November is the best period as there are fewer crowds and lower costs. Meanwhile, winter months from November to February see more rain than other months, but most beach locations look more or less the same, whether in July or December. While Hawaii welcomes everyone with open arms, there are a few peak periods when you should avoid traveling. These include:
- Winter Holidays (December to mid-January)
- Spring Break (early March)
- Japanese Golden Week (late April to May)
Another thing to keep in mind is to avoid certain holidays and festivals, as they can draw crowds to the island. You should also avoid traveling during those times, as the traffic and prices can exponentially go up.
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Wedding Attire
Hosting a Hawaii wedding is actually more casual than in other parts of the world. It’s your special day, so we recommend wearing whatever you want. We have couples wearing from casual beach wear to gowns and tuxedos. Wear anything that suits you well and aligns with your wedding theme. Our biggest tip to ladies would be to wear flats, as heels are uncomfortable in the sand.
Finally, Get Married!
Congratulations – all your efforts have finally paid off! Relax, enjoy, and bask in this tropical retreat’s glorious moment of getting married.
If you are interested in learning more about Hawaii weddings, get in touch. Put an end to all your worries by opting for a Hawaii wedding planner and officiant, allowing us to take care of the rest. We are more than happy to discuss and answer all your questions. We have a range of services and packages for couples who are looking to enjoy and make timeless memories from the day.
Don’t forget to read through our blogs if you find our article helpful and need more inspiring information. Moreover, fill out the contact page below or continue to check out our “Locations“, “Wedding packages“, or “Services” pages to learn more about our offers.
It’s your wedding, and we know how important it is, so rest assured, our team will help you with the best services you deserve.
