Elope In Oahu : The Ultimate 2023 Guide to Oahu Elopement Packages.

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How to Elope on 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.

What are the best beaches for a small Oahu wedding?

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, although with Covid-19, that number is now six. 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!

Waimanalo Beach
Located on the southeastern shore of Oahu, about a half-hour drive from Honolulu, this is a fantastic beach for intimate sunrise elopements (we don’t recommend it after 11 am). In the heart of cowboy (Paniolo) countryside, there are green knolls and trees, pristine, turquoise waters, and soft, white sand, ideal for eloping barefoot. The parking lot is small here, so it’s not ideal for larger groups.

Yokohama Beach Park
Of the five beaches outlined here, Yokohama is the furthest from Honolulu (about an hour’s drive from Waikiki), making it the most secluded and ideal for an intimate elopement. Tourists rarely head to the west side of the island, despite the incredible beaches, lush greenery, and primo sunsets.

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).

Article written by

Kiran Herbert

Kiran Herbert is an elopement officiant and writer who takes pride in making all of her ceremonies magical. Kiran grew up around the world but having spent a year living in national parks, she’s convinced that the U.S. is the most beautiful.

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Read the real stories of couples that eloped in Oahu!

Collette + Matthew

Despite being warned by her sorority sisters to stay away from Matthew, Collette was magnetically drawn to him, just as he was to her. After three days of being snowed in with him one winter after a snowstorm brought over 7 feet of snow, Collette’s fate was sealed. Little did she know that three years later Matt would one day be her husband and the father of her son. We think it’s a pretty good thing that Collette decided not to listen to her sorority sisters!

Collette says it is Matt’s confidence and his obvious and abundant love for his family that she finds most attractive. Matt says it’s Collette’s way of making him feel loved and appreciated. The two exude admiration for each other and it’s apparent in their stunning beach elopement photos. A love to strive for, no doubt.

After talking with friends and family about their experiences going the more traditional route with a large wedding, the pair decided eloping made the most sense for them. They did not want to spend a fortune and with the arrival of their son around the corner; the priority was purchasing a new home and building their life together.

The two decided on an Oahu beach elopement after Collette’s sister-in-law, who had once lived there, recommended it. They had always wanted to go to Hawaii and figured this was their golden moment! They chose Yokohama Beach on the West side of the island, an area less busy with tourism and with great views of the Waianae Mountain Range. Collette said the beach was perfect, “There were no on-lookers, just Reverend Parker and our photographer Ryan.” The two even jumped in the ocean for a few photos after the ceremony which was a highlight for both of them. Matthew recalls afterward feeling like he knew he made the right choice because he was with Collette. Collette took note of how happy Matthew looked. Everything felt perfect. They had done it! They were officially husband and wife.

When asked how the Simply Eloped team and vendors were during their experience, Matthew said, “Amazing. Honestly, it was so good that we kind of feel bad talking about how perfect and easy everything was for us in front of our friends who had traditional weddings.”

Huge congratulations to Matthew and Collette on your beautiful beach elopement, your new house and growing family. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of such an important day in your lives.

Mahalo!

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Janessa + Tyler

If and your partner are explorers at heart, then you’ll love Janessa and Tyler’s adventurous Oahu elopement along the West Shore. The couple chose to book our Wildflower Package, which offers a guided exploration with photographer Ryan Schorr around the island. If you’ve been dreaming of a total Hawaiian adventure for your day, you’ll have plenty of inspiration looking through their gallery of wedding photos! Janessa and Tyler had a Waimanalo Bay beach ceremony on February 29, 2020, and the day couldn’t have been more perfect. Check out their love story – and their experience with Simply Eloped – in their own words below.

How did you two meet? What was it like?

We met on a dating app called Bumble. We swiped right on each other and started casually talking. I can remember Tyler being able to make me laugh, not soon after we were finishing each other’s jokes. That’s when we knew there was something different between us.

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

After a month or so of officially dating, Tyler let me borrow his brand new Toyota Tacoma for the day. It meant a lot to me that he trusted me with his pride and joy. Before I returned it, I completely detailed it inside and out. I bought his favorite candy and energy drink and put it in the cup holders, but I still wanted to do so much more for him! My love language is acts of service. I knew I loved him because I had this overwhelming desire to take care of him and do everything in my power to make him happy. Tyler said he knew he was in love with me before I did. There were some moments where he had to stop himself from almost blurting out the words “I love you”! He didn’t want to be the first one to say the words because we were still young in the relationship and he didn’t want to scare me away if I didn’t feel the same. That day I returned his truck he said “I freaking love that girl” and called his mom to tell her how happy he was. I wanted the exchange of those words to be special, so one evening we grabbed some frozen yogurt (our typical date) and drove to the Portland airport to watch the planes take off. When the moment was right, I looked into his eyes and told him I loved him. His reply was a relieved, long built up “I love you too”.

How did he propose?

For about a month we went on these elaborate dates. Trip to Seattle, the beach, he even took me on a helicopter ride! Still no ring. Something would come up every time he tried to pop the question. One of our favorite day trips is cruising to the beach and driving down the pacific coastline. He told me the day before to look cute which was strange. I could tell something was up because he wasn’t himself all day. All I could talk about was our future together and bugging him about a ring… yes, I was THAT girlfriend. Our conversation ended with me saying “Well, if you’re not going to ask anytime soon then I just might beat you to it!”. Little did I know he had the ring for weeks. We stopped at one secluded park and hiked down to the water. We found this area where the rocks created a canyon and the water crashed against the walls. We were alone and I could tell he was nervous. He was quiet. I told him this would be a perfect moment to propose… he agreed and asked, “Why don’t you ask me then?”. I found a twig and wrapped it around his finger and asked him to marry me. He replied, “But only if you marry me first”, and proceeded to pull the most gorgeous ring out of his pocket. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him!

What do you love about your partner?

I love how goofy Tyler is and he always knows how to make me laugh. I can be pretty serious and not take things lightly. Tyler brings me back into real time and reminds me to laugh and enjoy the moment. Tyler loves my drive to succeed in life. He loves my adventurous spirit and willingness to try new things (like riding dirt bikes). We love how we can speak each other’s minds. We know what each other are thinking or feeling without even saying a word.

What is the greatest strength of your relationship?

Tyler and I were raised very similar, in a Christian household, and the church feeling like our second home because we would go there so often. We share the same belief which was an important value we both looked for in a partner. We understand each other so well because of our upbringing and the similar morals and values we share. Everything just clicks for us. We’ve been praying for years for one another before we even knew each other.

Why did you decide to elope?

With the size of our family and friends, we would have to have a massive wedding or no wedding at all. Tyler and I are introverts and the idea of being the center of attention for a day scared us both half to death. This is our special day, so why can’t we spend it the way we want? Why does it have to be miserable? Just the idea of planning a huge wedding made me want to pull my hair out from all the stress! Financially, eloping made the most sense for us. Eloping in Hawaii doubles as a honeymoon, too! We got permission from our parents before we bought the plane tickets. It wasn’t an easy pill for them to swallow but they cared about our happiness and wanted the best for us no matter how we decide to get married.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Pinterest! I was dreaming about destination weddings and saw Simply Eloped. I was recovering from a knee surgery so I had nothing else better to do other than daydream about our wedding! I priced out plane tickets, hotel stay, elopement packages. It was all very affordable for us so thats made the idea of an elopement more realistic.

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you?

The CEO’s name is Janessa, too! It was meant to be! Simply Eloped was very affordable. I priced out multiple packages with other wedding companies in Hawaii and it was hard to beat Simply Eloped’s prices. They were also really responsive and easy to work with.

What attracted you to have an Oahu elopement?

Mixture of ocean, sand, trees, and mountain backgrounds. It’s more secluded than other beaches so I knew I wouldn’t have to worry about sharing the beach that early in the morning! It’s also a great beach for sunrise weddings.

What activities did you do before the wedding? How did you prepare? How did you feel leading up to the moments of your elopement?

We flew in Thursday and spent the rest of the day relaxing and unpacking. Friday I had my makeup and hair trial in the morning, after we picked up our wedding license (we were cutting it close!). We spent the day exploring downtown Honolulu, then had a fancy dinner at Roy’s. We were mainly nervous but excited! Almost in disbelief that we were even in Hawaii. Everything we’ve been taking about over the last months is finally coming into action! There are so many built up emotions leading up to the day that we were just ready for day to finally be here!

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your big day!

Everyone that I worked with was really friendly and informative. Haley helped me figure out the marriage license situation when I about to pull out my hair! I was in contact with Ryan and Zach about our requests for the ceremony. I had pretty good communication with this team and felt like I could reach out to them for help anytime I needed. We met our officiant, Elias, on the day of and he was so awesome! He was very friendly and got to know us before the ceremony.

How did you celebrate after?

After our personalized photography session at a couple other locations with Ryan, we grabbed some smoothies and headed home. We took a nap (I am not even sugar coating this: we literally crashed on the coach we were so exhausted from traveling, waking up at 4am, and our eventful day!). Tyler said we had special dinner plans so we thankfully woke up just in time to head over to our reservation! Tyler surprised me with a dinner cruise on the top deck of the Star Of Honolulu. This dinner was so special! We were treated like royalty! The 7 course meal was delicious and the sunset cruise was beautiful. It was the perfect way to celebrate our special day.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

This day is meant for the two of you. Spend it however you both wish. Make it special! Some friends or family will be upset, but they won’t stay mad forever. Your happiness and the love you share is all that matters.

Coordinated by: Simply Eloped
Officiant: Rev. Elias Parker
Photographer: Ryan Schorr
Videography: Zachary Vierra
Flowers: Florist Grand

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