Long-distance wedding planning may sound like the most stressful thing ever. However, with modern tech, organizing your special day in Hawaii can be a real breeze. Whether you want to say the faithful “I do” under the palm trees in Maui or want to have the sea’s waves gently swaying in the back, today, virtual wedding planning can make it all happen without moving an inch. So, how do couples organize their Hawaii civil wedding from afar? Below, you will discover everything you need to plan your dream day seamlessly!
Step 1: Understand the Legal Necessities
The first thing you have to know about a Hawaii civil wedding is the legal process. Although very simple, there are still a few things you have to do. It all starts with applying for the marriage license, which can be done online. You also need to note that this requires paying a fee and then meeting an agent to receive the license.
The good news is that you don’t have to fly to Hawaii, take the license, and then fly back for the day of the ceremony. The license is issued a day or two before the wedding, so you don’t need to worry too much—you can even schedule it on the same day you land in the archipelago.
Step 2: Choose the Vibe
Hawaii is a group of islands, each one offering a different experience for couples. Think about what you want your Hawaii civil wedding to be like, and then choose the island. If you want a more scenic experience, something on a beach with city lights nearby, Oahu is a good choice.
For those who want a calmer scene but still enjoy a romantic day, Maui is filled with great, lush spots that have breathtaking backdrops and resorts. If you want to be even more under the radar, Kauai has a lot of hidden beaches where you can say your words of love without anyone eavesdropping.
Step 3: Find an Officiant
You may have the place and the license, but you still need a state-licensed, local officiant to make the marriage official. Many officiants offer Hawaii specialized services with both civil and non-religious ceremonies. You can also find different packages that can include everything from the vows to the leis.
If you’re not sure which officiant to choose, look for someone who:
- Has a list of recommendations and satisfied clients they’ve worked with before
- Is experienced with destination weddings
- Understands your wants and needs and is willing to work with you to incorporate them into the wedding
Zoom, Google Meet, or any other platform is an essential part of online wedding planning to ask the officiant to meet you for a quick chat.
Step 4: Hire a Local Wedding Planner
Sure, you can plan everything yourself, but if it’s a destination wedding and you’re doing everything virtually, think twice—maybe a local planner is a better idea. Someone who knows the venues, vendors, and all legal steps you need to take to have a stress-free wedding is exactly what you need to have the perfect day.
Step 5: Think About the Venue
If you’re thinking about a Hawaiian wedding, chances are you’re not thinking about an indoor wedding or a wedding in a fancy resort. Since you’re planning virtually, use Google Maps or any other app and check out the spots around Hawaii. Beaches, garden parks, waterfalls, or cliffs with a breathtaking sunset are just some of the things you may find.
You can discuss with locals, your planner, or officiant, and secure any necessary permits if the venue you want is a public space. Note that some places may require upfront scheduling, so you may have a few days filled with Zoom meetings.
Step 6: Secure a Wedding Team
It’s not just about hiring an officiant and a planner. You have to think about the other parts of the Hawaii civil wedding—photography, hair, makeup, and so on. The good news is that many vendors in Hawaii are used to working with couples from afar.
Schedule a meeting over video and talk to them, explaining what you want and whether they can make it happen. Ask for a portfolio and don’t hesitate to contact some of the given names. With long-distance wedding planning, you have to take every measure possible to ensure your day is exactly as you’ve imagined it.
Step 7: Don’t Forget Your Travel Plans
You’ve planned the whole wedding and talked to everyone online. Now, the final thing you have to do is book the plane tickets! Here are a few things to remember and ensure smooth traveling:
- Travel to Hawaii at least 3 days before the wedding. As we mentioned, there may be some licenses and other things you need to take care of before the wedding. Arriving before the big day gives you enough time to settle everything and enjoy a hassle-free day.
- Double-check the airline policies. If you’re flying with your wedding clothes, double-check with the airline to ensure they don’t lose or damage the luggage. Find out how you can protect your clothes before it’s too late.
- Purchase travel insurance. Since you’re traveling for your wedding, it’s better to be prepared for everything. Travel insurance gives peace of mind regardless of what may happen.
Conclusion
Organizing your Hawaii civil wedding virtually may seem like a big step. But it doesn’t mean it’s not possible. So go ahead and plan this special day, even if it is through your laptop. Virtual wedding planning doesn’t mean you lose anything that real-life planning offers. It just means you’re willing to marry the love of your life exactly as you’ve planned!
If you’re interested in planning a Hawaii wedding virtually, fill out our contact page and let’s hop on Zoom! You can also check our Locations and Wedding Services pages before we schedule a call. If you wish to read more tips and gather ideas, feel free to browse through our blog!