If you started planning your big day, you’ve probably realized that weddings can get really expensive, especially destination weddings. Naturally, this is one of the most important days of your love journey, so wanting to celebrate it in an exotic place such as Hawaii is more than justified.
However, once you start creating your Hawaii wedding budget, you’ll see that the cost of hosting a big celebration can get pretty high. Consequently, you may look the other way and reconsider your options.
Well, we’re here to tell you you don’t need to do any of that! Getting married in Hawaii on a budget is very possible and won’t cost you a small fortune. Simply put, your dream day can become a reality with a Hawaii civil wedding.
In this blog, we’ll take a detailed look into the Hawaii civil wedding cost, including its contributing factors. With some smart financial planning, you won’t have to worry about overspending on your most special day.
What Is The Average Hawaii Civil Wedding Cost?
The average Hawaii civil wedding depends on multiple factors, but the prices can range from $500 to $2,500.
If you go with the most cost-effective option, such as a Honolulu courthouse wedding, don’t expect any staggering costs. This makes it perfect for couples who don’t want to spend a lot on their celebration and save some money for the honeymoon.
Alternatively, factors such as location, officiants, photography, and additional services can drive up the cost, meaning you should plan your Hawaii wedding budget meticulously.
Factors That Contribute To The Hawaii Civil Wedding Cost
To get a better understanding of “How much does a Hawaii civil wedding cost?”, we’ve rounded up the most influential factors. Once you decide on your priorities, you can easily create the wedding of your dreams.
- Marriage License
Before you start planning your Hawaii civil wedding, you first need to think about the legal documents – specifically, the marriage license.
The State of Hawaii requires you to obtain a marriage license before the ceremony. Luckily, this is very easy to do! All you have to do is fill out an application online and pick it up once you arrive in Hawaii. The application costs $65 plus an additional $5 for the processing fees. Note that both of you have to be present to collect it, and the marriage license will be valid for 30 days.
Keep in mind that this is a non-negotiable cost, meaning your Hawaii civil wedding won’t be possible without it. Fortunately, its cost is fairly low compared to other aspects of the planning process!
- Location
As you can imagine, Hawaii is filled with magnificent spots for your ceremony. From pristine beaches tucked away in the most serene atmosphere to lush landscapes that create an awe-inspiring backdrop for your photos, you have countless options to choose from. So, let’s go through all of them, specifically how they affect the Hawaii civil wedding cost, so you know which one is right for you.
Firstly, you can get married in a courthouse. This is the simplest option for your Hawaii civil wedding, costing up to $150. With courthouse weddings, you simply bring your marriage license to validate it, and a court official or an officiant pronounces you as a married couple. Naturally, these ceremonies are quite short and don’t allow too much customization, making them ideal for couples who want to focus on different aspects of their weddings.
Next, and arguably the most popular option, is to have a Hawaii civil wedding on a beach. They are practically everywhere you turn, meaning you don’t have to worry about creating a spectacular backdrop – you already have it! Beach wedding locations usually cost around $450, depending on which one you go for. However, it’s important to mention that you may be required to obtain permits and cover travel fees to get married on the beach.
Finally, there’s also the option of getting married in one of Hawaii’s national parks. Unlike beaches, the atmosphere here is enriched with lush greenery, making it perfect for outdoorsy couples. Those who decide to have their Hawaii civil wedding in a national park should expect to pay around $300 for the ceremony.
- Marriage Officiant
The Hawaii marriage officiant you choose also plays a big role in the cost of your wedding. However, the pricing of their services depends on what kind of ceremony and features you decide to include.
As previously mentioned, getting an official courthouse judge to marry you is the most budget-friendly option. However, you should keep in mind that there’s not a lot of space for customization in regard to how the ceremony will unfold.
On the other hand, a private Hawaii wedding officiant can make all the difference! First, they’re flexible with their location, meaning they can crown your love wherever you decide! On top of that, private officiants can often incorporate local traditions into your ceremony, such as a lei exchange or a candle-burning ceremony. Obviously, considering the opportunity to create a ceremony like you always imagined, a private Hawaii wedding minister can drive up the cost of your civil union.
- Photography Services
No matter your ceremony’s size, you’ll want to have memories of it. Wedding photography will do that for you!
However, given that Hawaii civil weddings are typically private, many couples believe they don’t need professional photography services since their friends and family can take most of their photos. Still, this is not quite the case!
Even though our smartphones have high-quality cameras, not all of us are skilled photographers. Professionals are able to capture the setting’s atmosphere and make your photos look stunning. Every time you look at them, you’ll be transported back in time.
So, simply put, having a professional photographer for your Hawaii civil wedding is a must!
With this information, now you’re ready to create the budget for your Hawaii civil wedding. Remember to carefully decide on your options and try sticking to your budget. Luckily, thanks to Hawaii’s versatility, you can get married here at any cost!
Discover our Wedding Services, as well as gorgeous Locations where you can host your ceremony. For more information, contact us directly. If you want to discover more tips, browse through our blogs!