Whether you are a local or visiting, getting married in Hawaii can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The stunning islands offer breathtaking beaches, mouthwatering food, and a ton of outdoor activities. As you plan your big day, you will find plenty of amazing wedding venues and locations across different islands.
However, once the preparations start, it is a good idea to ask yourself some important questions to make the most of your bridal experience. Planning your Hawaii civil wedding should be enjoyable, so you have to ensure that you are covering everything to avoid unpleasant surprises. That is why, in this blog, we have included several things you should take into account when getting married in Hawaii!
- Hawaii Has an Abundance of Different Locations
When it comes to finding the perfect spot for your Hawaii civil wedding, you will discover a wide range of locations across various travel websites. Think about whether you would prefer a beach ceremony or something more convenient for your guests, like a resort close to the airport. If you are looking for that quintessential Hawaiian vibe, there are a few standout islands you should consider, as they tend to offer everything you might want for your special day.
For instance, O’ahu is a top choice for couples and tourists alike, featuring iconic sites like Magic Island and Keehi Lagoon. Your guests will have a blast exploring the island before the big day, spending time at the stunning beaches, or checking out local shops.
Then there’s Maui, which is often the first island that comes to mind when you think of gorgeous beaches. Locations like Papailoa Beach and Waialae Beach are favorites among couples wanting to capture those perfect coastal photos, especially during sunset when the light creates a dreamy backdrop.
Moreover, Hawaii Island, the largest in the state, offers breathtaking jungles and unique black sand beaches, providing another option for nature lovers. Lastly, Kaua’i is known for its dramatic landscapes, earning it the nickname “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” but keep in mind that it tends to be rainier, so sunnier spots like O’ahu might be more reliable for your wedding day.
- Different Kinds of Packages Can Make Your Civil Wedding Easier
Most wedding packages typically focus on two main essentials: a Hawaii wedding officiant and a photographer. Besides those, some popular extras are available, like videography, in-room hair and makeup, and decor setups. Many couples also love to incorporate Hawaiian touches, such as local flowers and leis, a live Hawaiian musician, and even a hula dancer to make their day special.
Picking from different packages can help you find the ideal services for your Hawaii civil wedding. When planning a destination wedding in another country, it is pretty tricky to organize and plan everything from afar. However, with the right package, you can make your celebration easier and more enjoyable.
- Learn What Documents You Need in Advance
Getting a Hawaii civil marriage license is super simple! You can apply online from the comfort of your home. Once you get to Hawaii, both of you just need to swing by the Department of Health or a licensing agent to pick it up. It will only take about 15 minutes in person, and do not forget to bring your driver’s license or passport!
As for permits, if you are planning to have your ceremony in a public spot, Hawaii requires permits. We have everything covered – we meet all the requirements and have the necessary liability insurance to get those permits for you. However, you should know that there are additional fees for permits that you need to consider.
- A Hawaii Wedding Officiant Can Help Your Organize Everything More Easily
When couples decide to tie the knot in the Island State, they usually look for a local Hawaii wedding officiant. We handle the marriage ceremony, help couples with their vows, and often read from religious texts. Most importantly, any officiant must have a valid license from the Hawaii Department of Health.
If you want to make your Hawaii civil wedding special, you can choose to include some meaningful details in your ceremony. You can consult with your wedding officiant about your options. Moreover, your officiant will help you with other vendors as well because they are local providers who are experienced in the field. Whether you need help with your accommodation or other bridal services, your performer will be able to give you advice. In short, whatever you need help with, they can offer their expertise and make your day unforgettable.
- Your Hawaii Civil Wedding Will Be More Expensive During Major Holidays
It is very important to consider that scheduling your Hawaii civil wedding during major holidays is more expensive. Namely, if you plan to have your union for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or Thanksgiving, you will be asked to pay extra fees. These are popular dates, and many couples want to fuse their big days with other major holidays.
While having a Hawaii civil marriage is not a problem during a holiday, you should plan the extra costs in your budget. If you have limited spending, then you may need to sacrifice other details to be able to schedule your union on some holiday dates. Moreover, you should think about availability during these times. Many vendors can get booked way in advance because of the demand for holiday dates.
So, the solution would be to think in advance about whether you want to have your wedding during a special time of the year.
When planning a Hawaii civil wedding, consider the crucial factors that will affect the success of your celebration. The things you read above are some of the most important elements and features you need to consider when planning your wedding. Once you figure them out, you can relax and enjoy your preparations as you deserve!
If you are ready to book your Hawaii civil wedding, please fill out the contact form. Check out our Locations, Wedding Services, and Blog pages for more inspiration and information!