Why Kauai Is One of the Best Places for a Hawaii Elopement (And Exactly How to Plan a Kauai Elopement!)
Stepping into Kauai legit feels like stepping into a dream world, which makes it one of my absolute FAVORITE spots to capture weddings as a destination elopement photographer. I mean… The mountains, the soft lighting, and the vibrancy of the ocean? Yeah, it all has me unwell. Kauai elopements are a 10/10, every time. So if you’re dreaming of a Hawaii elopement, don’t miss this guide to planning your own!!
Why Kauai Is the Move for Your Hawaii Elopement
Okay, it’s no surprise that Hawaii is literally one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. And if you’re looking to elope there and on the hunt for the best Hawaii elopement locations, don’t pass up Kauai!!
There’s so much to love about Kauai. Above everything, though, I love it because it makes a DREAM elopement location. It’s one of those places where you feel like you have it all to yourself (even if you don’t), and it allows for so much romance and movement. It’s calm and serene, and of course, it’s stunning. So if you’re a couple who wants wide-open spaces, room for your personality to breathe, and a backdrop that looks like it was made for you… You’ll love it just as much as I do.
Exactly How to Plan Your Kauai Elopement
If you’re one of my type A girlies, you know I’ve got you!! Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect Hawaii elopement in Kauai.
Let’s Talk Location: The Best Kauai Elopement Spots
It’s impossible to go wrong anywhere in Kauai. I swear, every inch of this island is drop-dead gorgeous!! If you want specifics, though, here are some of my faves:
- Hanalei Bay – It’s everything. The ocean breeze and the blue water make a beach ceremony an actual DREAM.
- Tunnels Beach, because the epic Na Pali cliffs in the background give you one of the most dramatic ceremony spots, and I’m so here for it.
- Waimea Canyon is often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” which makes this spot a no-brainer. And it’s perfect for adventurous couples!!
- Hanalei Valley Lookout for vibrant greens (overlooking taro fields) and iconic mountain views that give you main character energy and kind of make you feel like you’re the only two people in the world.
- Common Ground Kauai if you’re looking for a venue that still fits an intimate wedding. This one is giving tropical jungle goodness, and I’m obsessed. It fits super well for the couples who want a unique wedding feel, because who else can say that they got married in a tropical jungle??
Think About the Season: The Best Time of Year to Elope in Hawaii
Hawaii is gorgeous year-round, but if you’re trying to plan around the best weather for your Hawaii elopement, I’ll always recommend summer. Here’s a breakdown of what a Hawaii elopement feels like in every season:
Summer Hawaii Elopements
Every time I come to Hawaii in the summer as a destination elopement photographer, I fall in love all over again!! It’s vibrant AF, the weather is insanely gorgeous, and the beach energy is THRIVING.
Fall Hawaii Elopements
Fall in Hawaii brings golden goodness to the max. Sunsets are actually insane, and the way that the light frames you?? To die for. The weather is a little bit cooler, but not where you’ll freeze during your vows cold. It’s also a little more calm in the fall, so if you’re worried about people around, fall might be the time.
Winter Hawaii Elopements
Okay, winter Hawaii elopements are cozy. Again, it’s not so cold that you’re going to need heavy jackets, but it definitely is a little colder and there’s a little more rain in Hawaii in the winter. Rain comes with rainbows though, sooo… Yeah. Winter is a move.
Spring Hawaii Elopements
When everything starts blooming in the spring, it’s everything. It’s warming up, it’s light out for longer, and the breeze from the ocean feels actually fantastic this time of year. Spring also brings fewer crowds, so it always gets a yes from me.
Sunrise vs Sunset Elopements in Kauai
The light here is crazy gorgeous no matter the time of day, so it’s honestly so hard to choose between sunrise and sunset Kauai elopements. Sunrise gives you a calmer energy overall with less people around and softer light, but golden hour pictures from a sunset elopement are really special.
Ultimately, this will depend on if your bigger priority is having privacy and intimacy or working around the crowds to get hella good pictures. And truly, you cannot go wrong!!
A Sample Timeline for a Sunrise Kauai Elopement
4:00 am: Wake up and start getting ready. The vibes are peaceful but full of excitement!!
5:30 am: Head to the beach for a 5:45-6:00 am summer sunrise to claim your spot and prepare
6:00 am: Say “I do!!”
6:15 am: Sunrise portraits allll over the beach
7:00 am: Breakfast with your fave people (or just the two of you, if that’s your style)
8:30 am: Spend the day celebrating however you so please
A Sample Timeline for a Sunset Kauai Elopement
10:00 am: Wedding morning brunch (I recommend Lava Lava, yum!)
12:00 pm: Start getting ready for the day
5:00 pm: Have a pre-wedding dinner celebration
6:30 pm: Head to the beach and start taking portraits
7:30 pm: Ceremony & dance party time!!
Permitting and Rules: Do You Need a Permit to Elope in Hawaii?
Hawaii’s elopement rules are a little different than what we usually see, but you don’t need to worry, because I’ll be right here to help you every step of the way!! Here’s an overview of what you need to know:
- Get your marriage license
First, you’ll need to apply for your marriage license, which you can do here. After you submit the application and pay the $65 fee, both of you (with your IDs!) will need to go to meet with an agent to get it. It’s effective immediately and must be used within 30 days, so it’s SUPER easy.
- Find an officiant
Anyone who marries you needs to be officially licensed by the state of Hawaii, which can be done here if you want a loved one to officiate your elopement!!
What to Wear for a Hawaii Elopement
Your wedding attire is kind of my Super Bowl, and when it’s a Hawaii elopement… It just makes it 10 times better.
Especially if you’re getting married on the beach, flowy fabrics and column fits are going to be it. A chiffon wedding dress? The dream. Here are a few dresses that match the vibe so well.
- Eyre by Serene by Madi Lane – the pearl draping on the back?? I can’t.
- Reko by Watters – for elevated, couture energy.
- Reformation’s Roy Satin Dress – effortlessly cool + elegant!!
- McQueen from Net-a-Porter – because you DO deserve to look like Aphrodite.
- Callisto by Hera Couture – a liquid satin slip dress that looks like it was made for the beach!!
Where to Stay for Your Kauai Elopement
Your trip isn’t complete without a luxe stay, and you DEF should be treating yourself. Here are a few of my favorite hotels and resorts in Kauai!!
Travel Tips for Couples Flying In
If you’re planning your Hawaii elopement as a destination wedding, I’m obsessed. Just to make sure travel runs as smoothly as possible, be sure to plan ahead and have everything you need! Here’s a quick checklist to run through:
- Book your flights early, and make sure when you come in you have enough time to get settled, check in to your hotel, get your marriage license, and recover from jetlag. I always tell my couples to fly in two days prior to the wedding to have the most prep time possible!!
- Pack everything you’ll need for the actual elopement: wedding outfits, jewelry, details, and beauty products
- Pack everything else you’ll need for the trip. This is usually a lot of swimsuits, sunscreen, and beach hats because… Duh.
- Fly into Lihue Airport for the easiest transportation
- Rent a Jeep for beach access, because you’ll want it… Trust.
- Build in a backup day for weather in your itinerary, just in case!!
- If you’re booking a destination wedding photographer (hiii), book someone who is experienced in travel, can give you timeline guidance, knows all the best locations, and knows how to work with Hawaii lighting.
What Vendors to Book for Your Kauai Elopement
One of my favorite parts about an elopement is that you can choose as many or as few vendors as you want, but here’s a quick guide of ones you’ll definitely want to include in your day:
- A photographer (that’s me!) for the editorial, nostalgic Hawaii elopement pics of your dreams
- A coordinator to help you with all of the logistics so that all you have to do is kick back and relax. Mai Tai? In hand. Sunnies? On.
- An officiant who is legally allowed to perform your ceremony
- A florist who knows how to work with Hawaii’s GORGEOUS plants
You can of course add more if you want something a little extra elevated, but these are the main day-of vendors you should book!!
Who a Hawaii Elopement is Perfect for
If you’re here, a Hawaii elopement probably is perfect for you, but if you need a little more info to be sure, that’s what I’m here for (because I’ll never convince you to NOT elope in Hawaii).
If you’re a couple who:
- Loves to travel (bonus points if it’s to tropical locations)
- Wants their wedding day to be filled with connection and intimacy, not performance and overwhelm
- Feels at home in a beachy setting
- Loves adventures in nature…
A Hawaii elopement is right up your alley!! And also, we’re probably gonna be best friends.
More Commonly Asked Questions About Hawaii Elopements
Can you legally elope in Kauai?
Yes! You just need a Hawaii marriage license and a licensed officiant. Easy!!
How much does a Kauai elopement cost?
Most couples spend between $5,000 and $15,000 depending on travel and vendors.
Can you bring guests to a Kauai elopement?
Yes, but many beaches have guest limits (typically 25), so always be sure to check or ask a trusted professional before inviting people!!
Mimi and Brandon’s Kauai Elopement at Tunnel View
Mimi and Brandon were the perfect fit for a Kauai elopement. They were adorably in love, they wanted their day to be just for the two of them, and they wanted a setting that was beautiful without requiring too much decor… Which is the exact energy for a day like this!!
These two ran, laughed, and danced, and I couldn’t love their day any more!! We hit Tunnels Beach right at sunset, and we had the PERFECT spot right on the shore. Not to mention, the light was so soft, making their film-inspired elopement photos feel hazy and dreamy AF!!
Grace Thao Photography | Destination Elopement Photographer
If you’re looking for a destination elopement photographer that’s going to support you, help you plan, and then serve you nostalgic, candid, film-inspired photos… I’m your gal!! You can inquire about booking me right here, and find a TON of extra inspo from my Pinterest and these blog posts!!:
A Hawaii Destination Wedding Feel (Without All the Travel Fuss)
A Kauai Photographer’s Guide to Taking Hanalei Bay Engagement Photos
Planning an Intimate Bodega Bay Wedding: A Guide from a Northern California Wedding Photographer
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