Elope in Oahu

The gateway to the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu is akin to Los Angeles, with a thriving food scene, happening nightlife, and plenty of culture—except you’re on an island! For those looking to elope or have a small wedding on Oahu, you should be okay with having other tourists around. Also known as “The Gathering Place,” the island is home to two-thirds of Hawai’i’s population as well as the capital, Honolulu. Oahu is the place that you’re most likely to encounter locals and despite its population of roughly one million, there are still plenty of beaches perfect for an intimate elopement.

Although there are crowds, that also means that there’s a lot to do! When mainlanders tend to think of Hawai’i, it’s often famous Oahu locations that first come to mind, including Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Hanauma Bay, and the North Shore. As such, if you choose to elope on Oahu, there’s no shortage of fabulous places to stay and eat, as well as fun activities. Known for its epic (and frequent) rainbows, as well as being the setting of the TV series “Lost,” Oahu also offers stunning scenery at every turn.

Thanks to the extensive local knowledge and insight from our team of officiants and photographers, we’ve created this guide for anyone considering eloping on Oahu. Read on to find the perfect beach for your elopement, logistics on getting a Hawaiian marriage certificate, insight on what time of year is best to elope on Oahu, and how much an eloping on Oahu might cost you.

Looking for privacy? A short drive or walk from your resort? A mix of greenery and white sand? The beauty of having a small wedding on Oahu is that your options are endless—to make things easier, we’ve picked five of our favorite beaches for your big day. For all of these beaches, a permit is required, something we help coordinate as part of our elopement packages.

Typically, beach weddings throughout Hawai’i are limited to 20 people max. Also good to note: Most of these locations will require a scenic drive, so we recommend renting a car. You can’t go wrong with a convertible!

Papa’iloa Beach
Once the set of “Lost,” this beach is decently public but there’s always some privacy to be found. Located on the North Shore, there’s a ton of easy parking and access. There’s also a great mix of greenery and beach views. Plus, the sunsets are fantastic.

Hale’iwa Beach
Also on the North Shore, near the charming small town of Hale’iwa, this beach is a bit more heavily trafficked due to its proximity to restaurants and shops, as well as its popularity with sea turtles. Although the reefs are shallow, meaning it’s not great for swimming, the wildlife sightings and views (especially at sunset) make it a lovely wedding spot.

Waialae Beach
Relatively close to Honolulu, you can Uber or Lyft to this location, drive (there’s a small parking lot), or choose to splurge on the neighboring Kahala Hotel & Resort. A stream borders this beach and there are even some small grassy areas perfect for setting up some chairs for a small wedding. Because of its location and stunning views (there’s a small island with palm trees just offshore), this beach tends to be pretty popular. Avoid the crowds by eloping at sunrise!

There’s no shortage of stunning waterfalls on Oahu, all of which would make a great backdrop for any elopement or small wedding. However, most waterfalls require some hiking, and those that don’t are often crowded with tourists. Other waterfalls, like Lulumahu Falls and La’ie Falls, require a permit to visit in addition to longer hikes. Waterfalls can also be super buggy and the trails incredibly muddy after rainstorms, so plan accordingly. If you’ve got your heart set on a waterfall elopement on Oahu, our Oahu Wildflower Package, which allows for lengthy, customized itineraries, could be a great option.

In a lot of ways, the state of Hawai’i makes it super simple to make your Oahu elopement legal. In order to apply for your 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 of your marriage license in-person. Due to Covid-19, however, this entire process has been made virtual.

Luckily, the state of Hawai’i does not require a waiting period nor a witness (so if you’re planning to elope on Oahu alone, you don’t have to worry about finding a kind stranger to witness your big day). All you need is a marriage license and a registered marriage performer. 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 Oahu elopement packages, we’ll provide an experienced officiant well-versed in all things Oahu.

The average temperature year-round on Hawai’i is 80 degrees, so you really can’t go wrong choosing to elope on Oahu any time of year. However, mid-December to mid-April, plus June to September is tourist season, meaning prices are higher and everything is more crowded. The off-season on Oahu is just as lovely! No matter the time of year, however, expect it to be raining at some time on some part of the island (hence the incredible rainbows).

As for the time of day, we recommend avoiding the glare and crowds that come with midday ceremonies and opting instead to elope around the softer light of sunrise or sunset. Once you’ve decided on where in Oahu you’re going to elope, your photographer will be your best resource when it comes to nailing the specific time of day for your chosen location.

Everything costs more on the Hawaiian Islands, including Oahu, so definitely make sure that whoever you end up inviting knows that beforehand. When you account for food, accommodations, and travel expenses, even the cost of an elopement can add up fast. Luckily, eloping on Oahu is basically a wedding and honeymoon rolled into one! On average, one week on Oahu usually costs around $1,864 per person.

For a custom quote, visit our quote builder for your perfect Oahu elopement package!

If you’re trying to be cost-conscious but still want to experience Oahu, forgo the resorts in favor of an Airbnb or VRBO. The good news is that flights to Oahu tend to be the cheapest and there are always good deals on dining and accommodations to be found. When budgeting, you’ll also want to account for your rental car, the $65 marriage license fee, and tips for your vendors.