Hawaii is one of the top wedding destinations in the world for obvious reasons. The tropical paradise is a wonderful place to exchange vows and the multitude of settings, from luxurious beachside resorts to picturesque chapels and hinterland locations, are unique in the world.
When planning a wedding in Hawaii, there are several key considerations. These include the location, the celebrant, the photography, and some of the extras that make a Hawaii wedding special.
Hawaii Wedding Locations
Each of the major Hawaiian Islands has something special to offer for weddings.
Oahu has some nice wedding venues not far from Waikiki Beach and can be a good option for those looking for a wedding and potential honeymoon in a more urban setting. Hotels and services are generally less expensive on Oahu, making it a common choice for more value-conscious brides and grooms.
Maui is another popular choice for Hawaii weddings. Home to many luxury oceanfront resorts, Maui has many splendid locations, both oceanfront and inland. A wedding in Maui, however, can be very expensive as accommodation, food and service providers are probably the most expensive in Hawaii.
A Kauai wedding is a good option for those who are comfortable with a small island feel. There are plenty of gorgeous beaches and resorts on Kauai, but keep in mind that you’ll probably have fewer options than on Maui or Oahu.
A wedding on the island of Hawaii (often called the Big Island) is popular due to the unique beauty and great locations, while also having many world-class resorts. Most Hawaiian weddings take place in Western Hawaii along the Kohala and Kona coasts. The Big Island also offers a wide variety of land and water activities to make it a great honeymoon spot.
celebrating
Most Hawaiian weddings are ceremony only, with the official marriage license in the place of origin of the bride or groom. Consult the Hawaii Department of Health for information on obtaining your license and marriage certificate in Hawaii.
The best way to find a Hawaii wedding celebrant is to search online and make some initial contacts. There are plenty of wedding planners all over the islands if you prefer a pre-arranged package. Consider having a celebrant, perhaps native Hawaiian, who can add a special Hawaiian touch to the ceremony. After all, it’s a shame to come to Hawaii for a wedding and not have something special from the islands.
Hawaii Wedding Photographers
Don’t make the mistake of having a family member or friend be your wedding photographer. A professional Hawaii wedding photographer will have the best equipment, eye for detail, and experience to capture the moment he will only have once in his life. A professional Hawaii wedding photographer will know, for example, how and when to set up and stage the wedding party for those all-important sunset photos. A professional will also know how to capture great sunset photos, which is not an easy task for most novice photographers.
Extras for weddings in Hawaii
There are many extras that can make a Hawaii wedding extra special. A nice touch is to buy wedding rings with a Hawaiian twist. For example, koa wood, a beautiful wood endemic to Hawaii, is ideal for truly spectacular wedding rings. Another great koa wood product is handmade koa wood bowls.
Leis are another Hawaiian wedding tradition that should not be overlooked. Men tend to wear mesh leaf necklaces. It’s a nice touch to have the wedding party decked out in pikake or gingerbread necklaces.
Deciding on Hawaii for a wedding is easy. The plethora of options can make the wedding planning process very enjoyable. Hawaii has many weddings, so you can be sure of the highest level of professionalism if you seek out experienced professionals.