Places to Elope In Oahu

Can I have a Waterfall Elopement on Oahu?

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.

What makes an Oahu elopement legal?

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.

When’s the best time to elope on 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.

How much does an Oahu elopement cost?

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.

Our Oahu elopement packages are priced affordably from $500 for a basic ceremony to $3,525 for our top-end package, with plenty of options in between. On Oahu, we even offer a Wildflower Package for $2,750, which includes a customized itinerary to multiple locations with a personal guide, four hours of photography, and an intimate ceremony. This is a great option for anyone looking for an Oahu waterfall elopement, a location that requires a hike, or wants to nab photos at multiple scenic spots.

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 the cost of a beach permit (usually around $50). If you want flowers, including leis, make sure you also budget for them (our standard Hawaiian arrangements typically run from $40 for the boutonniere to $200 for a Haku, or a thick Hawaiian-style flower crown).