Eloping to Hawaii

Find cool elopement packages in Oahu, Maui and Kauai!

Hawaii has to be one of the most popular eloping destinations in the world. It's no wonder. The gorgeous beaches, lush tropical gardens and spectacular waterfalls invites couples the world over to exchange their vows on one of their romantic islands.

Hawaii, of course, isn't just one island, but several islands, each with its own, unique feel:

• Big Island of Hawaii: Called the "Orchid Isle," the Big Island is just that - big. In fact, it's twice the size of all the other major Islands combined, with two active volcanoes, just right for those considering a "volcano wedding."
• Oahu: Another popular island, home to beaches with spectacular views of Diamond Head, great for those memorable wedding photos.
• Maui: Probably the most popular of the Hawaiian Islands, home to awesome beaches and wonderful resorts.
• Kauai: Known as the "Garden Island" with lush, tropical gardens.
• Lanai: The "most secluded island."
• Molokai: Boasting Hawaii's longest white sand beach, as well as the only barrier reef outside of Australia.

If you're looking for a cheap beach wedding, there are plenty of wedding service companies which offer inexpensive beach elopement ceremonies. Do note that the State of Hawaii is currently requiring a Right-of-Entry Permit (ROEP) for most beach wedding ceremonies. Most wedding companies will secure this permit for you for a fee, but, it's a good idea to check with any company you hire whether they are responsible for obtaining the permit for you.

Do remember that public beaches are just that, public. You can't ensure that your ceremony will be private. There are also venues which offer elopement packages on their own property. Here is a list of some of the standout venues and wedding service companies which offer elopement packages:

Companies Which Service Several Islands

Beach Wed
(808) 735-A-WED (2933)
website: www.beachwed.com

Beach Wed is a company which provides elopement and larger wedding packages on the islands of Oahu, Maui & the Big Island of Hawaii. For those looking for a super-inexpensive option, they offer a simple, 1/2-hour "Barefoot Marriage" package for only $95 (as of July, 2009). This price is not available on Valentine's Day and some holidays, and does not include any fee for a beach permit, if one is needed. But, it does include:

• Non-denominational minister (Native Hawaiian minister or Christian ceremony is extra)
• Oahu Site, either free public area or venues arranged & paid for by the couple
• Keepsake Certificate of Marriage
• Copy of Vows upon request
• Marriage License Recording/Processing

Military or Student Marriage Packages are about $10 cheaper. You can customize this package by adding ala cart items. In addition, tips and gratuities aren't included (you are going to tip, aren't you?) Of course, that's just the basic package.

They offer many more packages at different types of venues, including:

• Botanical Waterfall Garden Package for $395, permit fee included
• Private Executive Mansion Wedding Package for $495, for up to 15 persons
• Koko Head Summit Sunrise/Sunset Package for $325/$275, bring a flashlight
• 40-Foot Sailing Yacht Wedding at Sea Package for $695, 2 hours, up to 2 - 6 persons

Prices shown are as of July, 2009. For current pricing, please call them at 800-735-2933. Also note that, since this company is based in Oahu, services on Maui & the Big Island will be higher.

Bridal Dream Wedding Company
421 Lewers St. #G
Honolulu, HI
Office: (808)924-3600
website: www.bridaldreamhawaii.com

The Bridal Dream Wedding Company is based on Oahu, but has wedding services on Kauai, Maui and the Big Island as well. Their cheapest wedding package on Oahu is the Waikiki Wedding Package for $399 which includes a wedding on the beach by the Hale Koa Hotel or Hilton Hawaiian Village, or at nearby Magic Island. This package includes the minister, photographer and 70 photos on a CD. Other simple elopement weddings include:

• Simple Maui Wedding for $299
• Simple Kauai Wedding for 4299
• Kona Wedding Package for $749

They also offer honeymoon/wedding packages which include several nights hotel stays.

Some interested locations at which they offer packages include:

• Hana Beach Park with black sand
• Ironwood Beach in Kapalua, with a view of Molokai
• Waimea Falls

Maui Wedding Companies and Venues

Maui Wedding Planners
800-367-6284
website: www.mauiweddingplanners.com

Maui Wedding Planners offers beach weddings on Maui, as well as their own ocean-front estate located on the North-shore of Maui, just 20 minutes outside of the main town of Kahului. The property is an 11-acre estate situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, next to a natural cascading waterfall.

Their couples-only, estate-site package is the Orchid Package, priced at $1195 (as of July, 2009), and includes:

• "In House" licensed Hawaii minister
• Oceanfront Estate for up to 2 hours
• Hosting area with restrooms for final preparations
• Assistance with marriage license process
• Sparkling cider toast

They also offer a "Toes in the Sand" Maui public beach elopement package for $750.

Maui Sunset Ceremonies at Paia's Garden
65 Hana Hwy
Maui, Hawaii
808-280-6166
website: www.mauisunsetceremonies.com

Paia's Garden is a half-acre ocean-front property located in Paia, Maui. Wedding ceremonies and private parties are held on the back of the property alongside the ocean. The property is lovely and so is the price: $100 for their special one-hour "Recession-Buster Ceremony" for bride and groom only (plus officiant and witnesses).

Oahu Wedding Companies and Venues

Love Story Barefoot Hawaii Weddings
website: www.barefoothawaiiweddings.com

Love Story Barefoot Hawaii Weddings specializes in beach weddings and photojournalistic photography. Oahu beach locations include:

• Makapuu Beach - Private with black lava rock and mountains in the background
• Waimanalo Bay - secluded with wide open white sand beach
• Kakaako - semi-private, sandy beach with great sunsets
• Lanikai - semi-private with crystal blue water and islands in background

Kauai Wedding Companies and Venues

Hanalei Colony Resort
5-7130 Kuhio Highway
Haena, HI
800-628-3004
website: www.hcr.com

Hanalei Colony Resort, a favorite of honeymooners, is located on the North Shore of Kauai, on a stretch of beach in Haena, which is the gateway to the Na Pali Coast. There's no shortage of outdoor activities at or near the resort, including snorkeling, hiking, horseback riding, tennis and golf.

For the couple seeking a Hawaii resort elopement, this is it. They offer not only an intimate wedding ceremony only package, but also a wedding/honeymoon getaway package for $3,580 - $3,850 (2009 prices), perfect for the couple who doesn't want to make separate honeymoon plans. This package includes:

• 7 nights in premium oceanfront condo
• 1-hour couple’s massage at their on-site spa
• Limahuli Gardens tour
• Wedding ceremony coordination
• Wedding site on property (beach or garden)
• Minister
• Marriage license appointment (license fee additional)
• Witness (if necessary)
• Two orchid leis
• Champagne toast for two with keepsake glasses
• Keepsake wedding gift

Synonyms: hawaiis, hawaiin, hawii, hawain, hawai, hawiia and hawaian are typos for "Hawaii" or "Hawaiian."