The Big Island, Hawaii’s largest gem, boasts the expansive beauty of Kilauea volcano, cascading waterfalls, tropical valleys, and diverse sandy shores. This stunning island offers an abundance of natural wonders and activities for an unforgettable Big Island elopement experience.
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Nestled in the heart of the Pacific, the Big Island stands as a canvas of natural marvels, inviting couples to embark on a remarkable journey of love amidst its breathtaking landscapes. From the towering majesty of Kilauea, the largest and most active volcano in Hawaii, to the serene beauty of tropical valleys and the kaleidoscope of white, black, and green sand beaches, this island promises an elopement like no other. Picture exchanging vows against the backdrop of cascading waterfalls and pristine shores, with the soothing whispers of the Pacific as your witness.
Accessibility is a key feature of the Big Island, making it a welcoming destination for all. The island’s diverse terrain is accessible, ensuring that love knows no bounds. Whether you dream of a beachside ceremony or a mountaintop exchange, the Big Island accommodates every vision. When considering wardrobes, the island’s tropical climate encourages light and breathable fabrics, allowing couples to move effortlessly against the backdrop of this natural paradise. With consistently mild weather, the Big Island provides a versatile canvas for your dream elopement, whether on the golden beaches, amidst lush valleys, or beneath the star-studded Hawaiian sky.
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Why eloping on the Big Island is awesome
Embracing the allure of the Big Island for your elopement promises a truly awe-inspiring experience. This paradise not only offers an array of stunning landscapes but also provides accessibility for couples seeking a destination without limitations. Here are three reasons why the Big Island is an awesome choice for your elopement:
We’re firm believers that there’s magic within each and every wedding that takes place.
You, your SO, and someone to make it official. For couples all about the essentials, the Seed package sets you up for a simply perfect day.
Not the right fit?
Customize your PackageThe Sprout package offers a professional officiant, one hour of photography, your Personal Elopement Planner and access to our best-in-class tech platform. Your stress-free elopement starts here!
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Customize your PackageBloom couples enjoy all of the Sprout services and more—namely, a matching bouquet and boutonniere delivered to your suite or ceremony site.
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Customize your PackageWhy should big weddings have all the fun? If your dream elopement includes an exotic photo sesh, a first-look video, and a dedicated glam team, Oasis is your destination.
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Customize your PackageThe Big Island, also called the island of Hawai’i, is appropriately named—it’s huge, with ample options for the perfect elopement or small wedding. For couples that love adventure, the Big Island has it all, from waterfalls to remote beaches (black sands, white sands, and even one of the only green sand beaches in the world). There are also tropical valleys for hiking and calm waters where you can snorkel alongside 18-foot Manta Rays or dolphins. Buildings taller than coconut trees are also prohibited on the island, giving everywhere you go a small-town feel.
With just about every type of scenery and weather pattern—the Big Island boasts 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones—your elopement is guaranteed to have epic photos, whether you want rainforest, beach, black volcanic rock, or even snow! Unlike Oahu or Maui, the Big Island has lots of space and few tourists, as well as Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, multiple historical sites and wildlife refuges, and one national historical trail. The Big Island also boasts five volcanoes, including the largest (Mauna Loa), tallest (Mauna Kea), and most active (Kilauea) in the world.
With so much going on though, planning a Big Island elopement can get overwhelming pretty fast. There’s little nightlife on the Big Island, especially outside of the tourist hub of Kona, so couples that are early to bed and early to rise enjoy it most. Because things are spread out, couples looking to elope on the Big Island should also maintain a road trip mentality and account for renting a car. This guide will help you choose where to get married on the Big Island, ensure your Big Island elopement is legal, and help you budget for your big day.
All four of these Big Island beach locations are intimate and ideal for a small wedding or elopement. They also all require permits, something which Simply Eloped is happy to coordinate if you book one of our Big Island elopement packages.
There are beautiful waterfalls all over the Big Island, however, the east side’s falls tend to be larger since it receives more rainfall. Although there are a handful of waterfalls that don’t require a hike in, those are the ones often crowded with tourists. Different waterfalls will also require different permits, so keep that in mind when planning your waterfall wedding. You’ll also need to secure a photographer and officiant who are willing to make the trek with you.
A great option for a waterfall elopement on the Big Island is The Falls at Reed’s Island, located a mile from downtown Hilo. A private, upscale vacation rental, this three-bedroom house is surrounded by rainforest and situated adjacent to one of Hawaii’s most beautiful waterfalls. While there is no additional cost for weddings, there is a minimum stay of four nights required (it books up fast). Folding chairs, round tables, and linens are available for guest use, which is limited to 25 people (12 or less if you want to hold a reception on the property).
For a legal elopement on the Big Island, you’ll need a permit for your beach ceremony site, a Hawaiian marriage license, and a registered officiant, reverend, or celebrant to conduct the ceremony. To obtain a marriage license, you’ll need an ID—state-issued or a passport works (you don’t have to be a US citizen to elope in Hawai’i)—and a copy of a divorce decree if either you or your partner have previously been married. Typically, you’d begin the process of obtaining a Hawaiian marriage license online but would still need to make an appointment to obtain a physical copy in-person.
The total application fee for a Hawaiian marriage license is $65 and it’s crucial that you receive your marriage license prior to your ceremony—your officiant signing it is what makes the whole thing legal! If you book one of our Big Island elopement packages we have a team who can help answer any questions. The state of Hawai’i doesn’t require witnesses, making it an ideal location for your two-person elopement.
For more advice, check out our comprehensive guide to eloping in Hawaii.
The best time to visit Hawaii’s Big Island is between September and November, as that’s when room rates tend to be at their lowest. Throughout the year, temperatures remain in the high 70s or low 80s, so there’s not really a bad time to visit. If you like to surf, however, you may want to visit during the busy season, from December to March, as that’s when the waves are best. The sunniest skies and the best beach weather can be found on the west side of the island along the Kohala Coast, while the east side of the island, where Hilo is located, is known as the “wet side.”
You can save money depending on when you decide to elope on the Big Island, as well as what flight deals you can get. Accommodation is likely to be your biggest expense, so we recommend forgoing hotels and resorts in favor of an Airbnb or VRBO. When budgeting, don’t forget to include miscellaneous items like your marriage license fee, permit fee, rental car, and any other travel fees your officiant or photographer might require. On average, one week on the Big Island usually costs around $1,443 per person.
Want to know more about what there is to do on Big Island, including some of our favorite guiding outfits and restaurants? Check out our guide to the Hawaiian Islands.
1. We don't believe a wedding has to be stressful. There is far less to coordinate (and we take on most of that planning anyhow), and your realm of responsibility consists of making a few decisions and getting your marriage license. It's hard to beat a wedding that is actually...wait for it...relaxing!
2. Cost-conscious: Let's be honest, there is so much uncertainty right now! Economic recession? Inflation? Rising cost of living? Save your money for a honeymoon or buying a house and still have a ceremony you'll remember for the rest of your lives.
3. A Ceremony should be About YOU and YOUR LOVE: When did a wedding turn into a party for everyone else? We personalize every aspect of your experience – from the vendors to the vows. We'll even cry real tears with you. We're here to celebrate the core of what makes a wedding ceremony special: you making a lifetime commitment to the one you love. That's a big deal – and we treat it as such.
1. Flowers by Palette We have arrangements based on a color palette, which means the types of flowers may not be exactly as pictured, but the colors and arrangement style will match. You can explore our options for Flowers by Palette here (excluding Hawaii).
2. Hawaiian Arrangements Hawaii is a unique destination, and we have our stunning tropical arrangements for ceremonies taking place in Hawaii. You can view these arrangements here. Please note that these arrangements are only available in Hawaii.
As soon as you book our services, we get to work! We'll immediately introduce you to your Personal Elopement Planner, who is kind of like your best friend between the date you book and the day you elope! Your Pep will be ensuring every step of the process is smooth and delightful. They will introduce you to your team, answer any questions you have, put your schedule and invoice together, and much more!
We'll also begin the process of personalizing. You'll work with your officiant to ensure your ceremony matches what you envision and dream of. Your photographer will ensure they understand the kind of shots or photos you're hoping for. Your hair & makeup artist will inquire about the style you're going for with your hair and makeup. Your dashboard is also customized to meet your needs.
We offer many tools to help you feel at ease about your decision to book Simply Eloped, including your personalized Elopement Checklist, your marriage license guide, your Wedding Page, and more! You can even make installment payments on your invoice at 0% APR. Weeks prior to your ceremony, we'll send your itinerary with all the details you and your guests need. Your team will meet at your ceremony site, and the rest, as they say, is history.
First off, know that every moment of your elopement day, we are available to you for whatever you need! We're very prompt on timing with floral delivery, hair & makeup, etc.
Your team will always meet at your venue prior to your ceremony time to ensure everyone is collected, introduced, and ready for a gorgeous ceremony right on time. Your officiant will kick off your ceremony and ensure that all of your requests are beautifully exhibited in your personalized ceremony. It's important to note that your dedicated Personal Elopement Planner will not be present at the ceremony, but will definitely be accessible by phone or text for your day-of needs.
Ceremonies generally last 15-20 minutes, which will then kick off into your portrait session with your photographer (if you booked one with us). The main task you need to be mindful of on your big day is bringing your marriage license, and we do the rest! 🌼👰🤵
We wish we could control the weather, but alas, there are some things quite simply out of our realm of power.
In our experience, most weather passes quickly, and we can be flexible about timing. However, we do have recommendations or options for indoor venues, and if worst comes to worst, we can move your ceremony to another day. We'll work with you individually in the case of poor weather.
Pro tip: Though weather can be daunting or scary, some of our FAVORITE ceremonies happen in thunder, rain, or snow storms. Being open-minded about ""undesirable"" weather can create an extremely memorable ceremony. Sometimes it's all about perspective.