7 Tips For Planning Your Oahu Elopement
Have you been considering an Oahu elopement? With its breathtaking blue waters, gorgeous white sandy beaches, and incredible palm trees, I can’t think of a better place to tie the knot and begin your new journey together as a married couple! As an Oahu elopement photographer, I have some tips for anyone who’s considering saying “I do” on this stunning island!
Why Elope in Oahu?
Each of Hawaii’s islands has something beautiful and unique to offer. Choosing the right island for your elopement is a personal choice. Some couples prefer to elope on the Big Island due to its volcanic views. As a Hawaii elopement photographer, Oahu is one of my favorite islands where a couple can choose to tie the knot.
As the most populated of Hawaii's islands, Oahu is home to some of the most gorgeous beaches and diverse landscape on earth. It offers so many different stunning backdrops for your Hawaii elopement photos. From the beautiful cliff sides in the North Shore and the breathtaking green mountains in Makapuu to the gorgeous blue waters of Waikiki and the bustling vibe of Honolulu, there are so many beautiful locations for your Oahu elopement. You’ll find everything from cascading waterfalls and big waves to lush jungles in this tropical paradise!
Another added bonus? When you choose to elope in Oahu, you’ll also have the perfect built-in honeymoon!
When is the Best Time of Year For an Oahu Elopement?
There’s no right or wrong time to elope in Oahu.
That being said, you might find that March through May can be a good time due to the mild temperatures and lack of crowds. Although June through August offers beautiful warm weather, it is the busiest time of the year.
November through February can be a dream for the couple who wants a more intimate Hawaii elopement. Although these months can bring occasional rain, there are fewer crowds to worry about, making it perfect for a more secluded ceremony!
What Time of Day Should You Get Married in Hawaii?
As a Hawaii elopement photographer, I generally recommend planning your ceremony around the projected weather forecast. In general, it’s best to opt for a ceremony early in the morning or just before sunset. Oahu can be hot between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Avoiding the midday heat can make your elopement a more enjoyable experience.
Getting married early in the morning or just before sunset can also make for beautiful Hawaii elopement photos! Soft morning light can make for beautiful wedding photos, while golden hour can make for an extra magical touch!
What You Need to Elope in Hawaii
If you’re planning an Oahu elopement, you are going to need a permit and marriage license. The good news is that the process is very easy. All you need to do is head over to the Hawaii State Department of Health to complete the online application at least one month prior to your elopement.
You’ll then need to make an appointment with a marriage license agent. You should schedule this two weeks prior to your trip. You’ll need to attend the appointment as a couple and bring with you your marriage license fee, printed online application, and a form of I.D. (driver’s license/state I.D., passport, or military I.D.).
After you meet with the marriage license agent, you can get married right away. The license allows you to get married in Hawaii on any island.
Choosing an Experienced Hawaii Elopement Photographer
When choosing an Oahu elopement photographer, you’ll want to find one whose style you love! It’s important to look at their destination wedding portfolio ahead of time to make sure they’re a good fit for your special day!
Unless you’re very familiar with Oahu, you’ll also want to choose a Hawaii elopement photographer who knows all of the best locations the island has to offer. Planning a destination wedding can be difficult, especially if you’ve never been to the location before.
This is where I come in!
As someone who has shot weddings in Oahu, I know some of the best spots to help you create the most magical Hawaii elopement photos so you can treasure them for a lifetime!
Oahu Wedding Vendors I Recommend
There are so many great Hawaii wedding vendors to consider using for your Oahu elopement. I’ve personally had elopement clients who worked with Uni Sweets Bakery for their wedding cake and Mango House Floral, who provided stunning flowers for their special days!
You’ll want to look your best for your Hawaii elopement photos. The right hair stylist and makeup artist will accentuate your best features to create a magical look! I highly recommend Moana Cheryll for hair and makeup! Kualoa Ranch is a magical venue to host your wedding day!
Deciding Where to Stay in Oahu
Convenience is key when it comes to choosing accommodations! Depending on where you plan to elope in Oahu, I would personally recommend not staying in the busy Honolulu or Waikiki due to traffic. The best and most authentic experiences come from staying near the north and east sides of the islands. That being said, the entire island of Oahu is breathtaking. Regardless of where you stay, you’ll be sure to enjoy your Oahu elopement experience!
Elopement Activities and Adventures
One of the main benefits of a Hawaii elopement is the potential for adventure! You can enjoy the gorgeous beaches, snorkeling, and scuba diving during your stay in Oahu! You can take private surfing lessons or an ATV tour, go dolphin watching or zip lining, and so much more!
An incredible way to show off your dream destination elopement is ending it with a Hawaii underwater photoshoot! Not only can this be a thrilling experience, but you’ll be able to document your underwater adventure with your new spouse as you embark on your new life together. I’d love to help you shoot beautiful underwater photos in Oahu that you can treasure for years to come! Feel free to reach out to me to chat more about how we can make this happen!
Ready to Book a Hawaii Elopement Photographer?
Are you looking for a photographer for your Hawaii elopement? Whether you’re looking to elope in Oahu or on one of the other islands, please feel free to contact me! I would love to help you turn your Hawaii elopement dreams into a reality and shoot your special day as you walk down the aisle in one of the most beautiful places on earth!
