A Hawaii beach elopement is not only incredibly beautiful, but it’s also meant to be stress-free and easy!
We’ve had almost fifty years of experience performing beach weddings in Hawaii, and we’re here to make your special day as easy and incredible as possible.
While we always encourage keeping it simple, there are things you’ll want to prepare.
Here’s our list of what you’ll want to bring with you on the big day!
The “Must-Haves”
These are the things that, if you forget them, can actually derail your day. It’s like when you leave the house and check for your phone, keys, purse/wallet. These are the two things you’ll want to check for.
Good news! If you do forget these, you can still get married without them! Don’t return to your hotel if you’re already on your way.
- Your Hawaii marriage license. This is the big one. You need a valid Hawaii marriage license to make it official, and you have to apply for it in person ahead of time through the state. It’s only good for 30 days from the date it’s issued, so don’t grab it too early. Print a copy and keep it somewhere safe, and bring it to the ceremony so your officiant can sign it. If you do forget it, you can send a photo to your officiant when you return to your hotel. That is totally fine.
- The rings. They get forgotten all the time. In the rush of travel and excitement, rings get left in the hotel room more often than you’d think. Put them with your keys/phones in the room, so you remember them.
Sun and Skin Protection
Hawaii sun is no joke, even when there’s a breeze, and you don’t feel like you’re burning. Or if it’s a little overcast and you don’t feel like you’re getting a ton of sun, that is actually the easiest time to get a sunburn.
We put sunscreen high on the list because it’s a good time to remember that you should be careful on the days leading up to the ceremony. We’ve seen a lot of sunburnt shoulders and chests, and we even had a groom with a sunburn from a snorkeling mask. No kidding!
Cover up, wear sunscreen and reapply, and plan your ocean activities after the wedding to make sure you avoid those painful and visible sunburns.
Comfort on the Sand
The little comforts make the whole experience smoother, so walk through the whole experience to think of what you might need.
Sandals, not heels. Heels and sand do not mix. You may want to go barefoot for the ceremony, but you need sandals for the parking lot, paved paths, and comfort. If you are set on wearing heels for some photos, bring them in your bag and stage a few shots with them on. For most of the day, you’ll want a comfortable pair of sandals.
A light layer. If you’re having a sunrise ceremony or sunset during the winter months, it can get chilly. It’s rare, but you might want to bring something to cover up. It’s almost never chilly enough during the day for a jacket, but it’s possible. Just something to consider.
Water and a small snack. If you’re getting married on a beach in Hawaii, there’s not going to be a place to pop in and buy some water. Bring some. And don’t forget to eat something. Bring a granola or protein bar.
A small towel or blanket. Not necessary, but bringing a towel is great in case you need to brush off some sand or if you get a little wet from the ocean. Great to have, especially if you’re driving yourselves to the wedding.
Little Details That Make a Difference
The natural beauty of Hawaii is enough, but you may want to consider:
Your bouquet and any florals. If you’re bringing any flowers or leis, keep them out of the sun and as cool as possible until the wedding. If you’re getting wedding florals from us, we keep them fresh and have them ready for you.
Your written vows. Even if you’ve memorized them, having them on a pretty card or in a small booklet is a lovely keepsake and a safety net for nerves. It’s very common for couples to read vows from their phones, but making a little effort to write them in a book looks so much better.
Practical Extras
The unglamorous stuff that quietly saves the day.
A small kit with the basics. Think Bobby pins, safety pins, a brush or comb, blotting papers, and a tiny mirror. Wind happens, and a quick touch-up keeps you camera-ready.
Cash for tips. If you’ve got an officiant, photographer, or coordinator, a tip is a kind way to thank them. Having a little cash on hand makes it easy.
A bag to carry it all. A simple bag keeps everything together and gives you a place to put your phone and wallet (guys, don’t keep your phone in your pocket; it will show up in the photos). Keep your bag next to the photographer’s when doing your ceremony and photos.
A Few Hawaii-Specific Tips
Permits. Beaches require a permit for ceremonies, especially if you’ve got an officiant and a small group. We get this for our couples and bring it, so you don’t have to worry about it. Do not skip this!
Flexibility. Stay flexible. Weather shifts, tides change, and sometimes the light does something unexpected and wonderful. The most memorable elopements are the ones where the couple rolled with it and focused on the moment. Hawaii has some of the most consistently beautiful weather in the world, but whatever your day brings, remember you’re there with the one you love. We’ve seen it a million times; couples who have fun have beautiful weddings, no matter what!
The Bottom Line
A beach elopement strips a wedding down to what actually matters: the two of you, a stunning view, and a stress-free wedding you’ll cherish forever. Pack the necessities, and hand off the logistics to people you trust.
That’s the secret. Bring the essentials, leave the stress at home, and enjoy one of the most beautiful days of your life.
Planning a Hawaii beach elopement? We’d love to help you make it happen. Reach out and let’s start dreaming up your perfect day.
