How to Arrange a Beach Wedding in Hawaii

If you want to get married in paradise, arrange a beach wedding in Hawaii. The unequaled beauty and aloha spirit of the Hawaiian islands are a natural setting for romance. Whether you want to say your vows barefoot in the Maui surf or stage a royal event at Waikiki Beach's Pink Palace, Hawaii offers limitless choices for a dream wedding by the sea. Read on to learn how to arrange a beach wedding in Hawaii.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Contact the Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce for information and contacts to help you plan your beach wedding.
2. Choose your island. Hawaii's islands and their beaches are as diverse as they are breathtaking. Every island boasts scores of lovely spots where you can be married beside the water. Costs can vary depending on the island, the venue and the time of year.
3. Book your venue. There are wonderful beachside hotels, restaurants, bed-and-breakfasts and parks on every island. Do your homework to find the ideal location for the best price. If the ceremony and reception are in two different places, be sure that you can reserve both for the day and time you want them.
4. Pick your wedding date. Winter brings cooler temperatures and high surf to Hawaii's beaches, while on warm summer days waters are calmer.
5. Plan your guest list. For many couples, a Hawaiian wedding is also a destination wedding. Consider who you to join you and give them plenty of notice.
6. Set your budget. Even in Hawaii a beach wedding can be casual and less costly than other settings. A small sunset ceremony at an intimate bed-and-breakfast on the Big Island can be beautiful and budget-friendly, while a beachfront wedding at the grandest hotel on Maui's Kaanapali beach during high season tends to be more expensive.
7. Consider booking a wedding package. Many hotels and wedding coordinators can recommend an officiant and any vendors that you may need, such as florists, photographers and caterers. Some Hawaiian wedding coordinators also assist with travel and lodging arrangements.
8. Buy wedding attire. Women can find informal bridal and bridesmaid dresses appropriate for a beach wedding on line or in local bridal boutiques. Men can wear casual suits, khakis or even shorts.
9. Use elements of Hawaiian cuisine, local flowers, island music and other touches to make your Hawaiian beach wedding even more memorable. Wear the traditional Hawaiian maile leaf leis for the ceremony, serve mai tais and luau foods at the reception and have a pineapple or coconut wedding cake.
10. Give guests hotel options and contact information, directions, web sites and any other helpful information. Allow plenty of time for your guests to make travel arrangements.
11. Contact the Department of Health for the island on which you will be married to get your marriage license. Bride and groom must both be at least 18-years-old. Both of you must show photo identification and pay a cash fee to obtain your license, which is good for 30 days. No health tests are required.

Tips & Warnings

• Since Hawaii is consistently rated one of the top honeymoon locations in the world, stay in the islands after your beautiful seaside ceremony for a magical honeymoon.
• Many Hawaiian hotels and resorts offer inclusive wedding packages, which can help with your budget, as well as finding vendors and managing details.
• Carefully review all details and contracts with your venue, vendors and wedding coordinator to avoid any surprise costs or other issues once you arrive.
• As with many other activities, weddings may be more expensive on Maui than any of the other Hawaiian islands.
• If you are younger than 20, you may need to provide additional documentation when applying for your wedding license.
• As with any beach wedding, always have a backup plan in case you are surprised by wind, rain or other unforeseen circumstances on your wedding day.
• Be sure to have all required permits if your Hawaiian beach wedding takes place at a state park.