We’re officially married and we had a phenomenal experience in Hawaii! We chose the island of Oahu, and we have no regrets. We didn’t tell anyone except our kids about our plans, and it was absolutely perfect. Magical, even! If you’re looking for the best affordable Oahu Hawaii elopement all-inclusive package, you’re going to want to keep reading!
What’s in this post:
- Why elope?
- Why Oahu?
- Getting a marriage license in Hawaii
- Choosing an elopement package
- Exchange vows on Magic Island
- Where to stay
- Hawaii wedding must-haves
Related: What to Eat in Waikiki and Honolulu: Best Cheap, Local Eats
Why Elope?
How do you imagine your wedding day? That’s the most important question when deciding whether to elope. For us, the only thing that mattered was that we were together and happy. We didn’t need a wedding cake, makeup artist, wedding planner, or professional photographer. We just wanted someone to perform the ceremony.
There are so many great reasons to elope, and what you choose will be based on your own personal lives. It’s a big day, so take the time to think things over. Here are some of the things we considered when we made our decision:
- It’s simple and so much easier than a wedding.
- The experience is more private and intimate.
- No rowdy guests to manage.
- It’s very affordable!
- Strained relationships with family won’t ruin your big day.
- You can do whatever you want!
We loved the flexibility of being able to just get up and go get married when we were ready. We didn’t have to worry about having a big wedding ceremony in order to have a special day. That’s why our search shifted from Hawaii destination weddings to Hawaii elopement packages. In the end, it was the right decision for us, and we couldn’t be happier!
Why Oahu?
We went back and forth researching the different Hawaiian islands. We tried researching the best places for wedding locations, and really, no matter which island you choose, you can’t go wrong. So if you’re dreaming of a Maui wedding or a ceremony on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, go for it!
In the end, we wanted something that offered a bustling district near our hotel while also being surrounded by nature. As first time visitors, we didn’t know what to expect, but Oahu gave us all of that and more. Whether you choose the beautiful beaches of Waikiki or the north shore, your elopement location will be gorgeous.
A quick note: We were worried about the weather as we got married in February during Oahu’s “rainy season.” I ended up bringing three sweaters in case. What a waste of suitcase space! It never rained! Long periods of bad weather is rare on Oahu, so don’t stress it!
Getting a Marriage License in Hawaii
We’ve written a guide to how to get a marriage license in Hawaii. We can’t speak for every island, but we can say that it was incredibly easy in Honolulu on Oahu. It took no more than 10 minutes! We walked up to the door, said “Aloha!,” provided our ID, did the marriage interview on speakerphone in our car, and walked back up to the window for the printout. Some of this is due to the pandemic, of course, but everything is so chill in Hawaii. It’s fantastic!
There is no waiting period in the state of Hawaii, and based on our situation, we only needed to provide a driver’s license as proof of identity. Every couple is different, though, so the easiest way to get more information is to read our guide and check out the official website.
Our Recommended Hawaii Elopement Package
When looking for the right Hawaii elopement packages, you will need to know exactly what you want and need for your perfect day.
- Beach, chapel, or courthouse?
- Include witnesses or just the two of you?
- Professional photography or phone pictures?
- Do you want a wedding video?
We did a lot of research before heading to Hawaii, and I’ve got to admit that we were nervous. We didn’t know what to expect! Ultimately, we decided on the highly affordable $95 beach wedding package from Just Married Hawaii.
Our intimate ceremony was performed by Reverend Keawe Bray and he was wonderful! We’ve seen people talking about Waialae Beach or even Turtle Bay but we kept it easy and simple by heading to Magic Island, a small man-made peninsula adjacent to Ala Moana Beach Park and the Ala Wai Yacht Harbor.
It’s literally across the street from the Ala Moana Center (a popular shopping mall), but don’t let that deter you. It’s one of the most popular locations for weddings in Honolulu and we thought it was the perfect setting for our special day! Reverend Keawe knew just the right spot for us to exchange vows.
Best of all, he took all of our photos on his iPhone and they came out great! We also noticed people nearby taking pictures, and they sent them to us as well. We did not need professional photography, and the photos we have are really wonderful!
Just Married Hawaii does offer all-inclusive Hawaii beach wedding packages that allow you to choose services such as premium photography and video, conch shell blowing, flower leis, and more. They also offer a variety of simple beach weddings and Hawaii vow renewal packages. Really, we can’t say enough good things about this business!
Where to Stay on Oahu
We stayed in Waikiki and it was an amazing experience. There are some inclusive resorts in the area, but we chose the Sheraton Waikiki. Why? The VIEW!!! Oh my goodness, you’ll have to read our detailed review of the luxury hotel for more, but it was the perfect place for us. The guest rooms were recently renovated, so it was fantastic!
We booked a King Oceanfront Room on a higher level for the spectacular views of the ocean and Diamond Head. We grabbed takeout and ate virtually every meal out on the lanai (balcony) and it was incredible. At night, we’d leave the door open so that we could fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean. We could not have asked for a better honeymoon!
Congratulations on Your Hawaii Elopement!
If you’re planning to get married on the beautiful islands of Hawaii, you’ve chosen a perfect destination. Relish in quality time together as you enjoy sandy beaches and hike beautiful mountains while taking in truly stunning panoramic views.
Here’s one thing I want to say about visiting Hawaii, though – GO LOCAL! Please take the time to learn more about the Hawaiian culture. Find out about the history, sample the amazing food (post on that coming soon!), and commit to being a better tourist. You can eat at Burger King anywhere, so why not try something new? We met some of the best vendors by skipping the big box stores and going local. Plus, you’ll be giving back to Hawaii’s economy!
If you’ve ever imagined a tropical wedding as the perfect way to celebrate your love story, we hope this quick guide to Hawaii elopement package options helped you make your dream a reality. Oahu will always hold a special place in our hearts, and ours was a truly unforgettable experience. Aloha is not just a greeting, it’s a lifestyle!
