Kauai Elopement Guide

Kauai is one of the most romantic islands to plan your elopement. It’s also the greenest of the Hawaiian islands and is covered with forest and mountain ranges (talk about picturesque). From their amazing crystal clear beaches to dramatic cliffs with epic views, there is so much for couples to explore here. Our Kauai elopement guide breaks down everything you need to know when putting your elopement package together.

Not sure you want to elope in Kauai? Check out our Hawaii Elopement Packages to see what the other islands have to offer.

How to Elope in Kauai

When it comes to eloping in Kauai, there are a few things you should consider as you plan your special day. This island is gorgeous and SO fun for elopements, but Hawaii is pretty big on permits and regulations for all wedding ceremonies. Feel free to jump to the section you’re interested in or have questions about.

• Where to Elope in Kauai
• When to Elope in Kauai
• Kauai Wedding License and Permits
• Vendors For Your Kauai Elopement Package

Where to Elope in Kauai

Kauai is the best Hawaiian island for hikers to explore together. When it comes to deciding where to elope in Kauai, couples should consider teaming up with an elopement vendor who specializes in Kauai elopements and intimate weddings. This ensures couples pick an elopement location that suits them while also following permit guidelines and avoiding heavy crowds. For example, not all locations, such as state parks and beaches, will allow wedding ceremonies.

Teaming up with an experienced Kauai photographer or planner also allows you to elope in spots that are less known by the average tourist that comes to visit Kauai. In order to protect our lands and leave no trace, we will not be discussing these secret locations. Our best advice is to browse through our favorite places to elope in Kauai, and then team up with a professional to start planning your wedding adventure together.

Here are some of our favorite locations to start your elopement planning: 

Hanalei Bay

Kauai is pretty epic because you can get majestic mountains in the background of blue ocean waters. Hanalei is set in between mountains and requires a beach wedding permit if you’re interested in having your ceremony here. If you don’t want a beach wedding, there are also other views you can enjoy during your ceremony, including waterfalls. This location is also great for couples who love to surf or just love watching dolphins and sailboats in the distance.

Tunnels Beach

This spot is perfect for couples who love snorkeling or scuba diving together. The beach itself is within a crescent-shaped bay and surrounded by palms and ironwood trees. This makes this beach pretty amazing since you have lush greenery and mountains in the background of your photos.

North Shore Falls

Imagine being surrounded by gorgeous greenery and having access to a private waterfall. A site fee comes with North Shore Falls, but it’s ideal for your Hawaii elopement dream.

Waimea Canyon

If you’re looking for unique photographs for your Hawaii elopement, then you should check out this spot! The Waimea Canyon is over 3,000 feet deep, and 10 miles long. Keep in mind this location does not allow elopement ceremonies, so get with your photographer to acquire the proper permits if you would like to take some portraits in the area after your ceremony together.

Kokee State Park

This state park is gorgeous to explore and is covered in forest, wildflowers, and hiking trails to explore. It’s over 4,000 feet above sea level, and some trails even lead to views of Waimea Canyon. If you’re interested in taking your portraits here, or seeing if you can have your ceremony here, then definitely team up with a professional in the area to secure all the permits and regulations you need to know.

Puu Poa Beach

Located near two resorts, Puu Poa beach is perfect to transition into your honeymoon. The mountains of the bay line the shore and the sun sets perfectly into the water here.

When to Elope in Kauai

Deciding when to elope in Kauai is actually not so tricky. Hawaii is gorgeous year-round, and the weather is always nice and sunny. During the winter months (November-February), the islands do see more rain than in other months. However, beach weddings in Kauai will look pretty much the same whether you plan for Summer or December on a clear day.

Because of Hawaii’s warm weather, Kauai’s tourist level is pretty high, especially during the summer months. The summer months in Kauai are the busiest time to visit because so many families are visiting for summer vacation. Winter months can also bring more crowds because people are visiting for the warmer weather. If you want to avoid crowds, then we suggest planning your wedding in September-November or April-May.

If you’re stressing about crowds, then talk it over with your elopement team. They may suggest eloping during the weekday or planning a sunrise ceremony.

Kauai Wedding License and Permits

Thinking about making it official at one of Hawaii’s most popular islands? Here’s what you need to know about wedding licenses in Kauai.

If you’re trying to obtain a marriage license in Kauai to make it official, you don’t need to be a resident of Hawaii or a U.S. citizen to marry. All you need is a state-issued I.D and pay your license fee ($60).

To elope in Hawaii, all you need is to make sure you have your officiant, marriage license, and location permit, which is usually provided by the photographer or planner.

Does My Elopement Location Require a Permit?

Hawaii is very strict when it comes to permits for any type of ceremony. The rule of thumb to remember is anywhere you would like to elope in Hawaii, which isn’t a private venue, will most likely require a permit.

This shouldn’t stress you out at all though. A lot of times, your officiant, photographer, or planner will help guide you through the permit process. If you’re not sure what the right answer is regarding permits and regulations, then ask your elopement vendor.

Please note that photographers need permits for every location they go to in Hawaii. Photographers can obtain this permit through the Hawaii Film Office and/or County Film Offices. If a wedding is taking place off the beach (ex. a State Park), then in addition to commercial film permits, a Special Use Permit is also needed for the wedding ceremony.

If you don’t go with the planner, then you will need liability insurance to obtain the permit. For beach elopements, keep in mind no arches are allowed. It is illegal to get married on a beach in Hawaii or anywhere in Hawaii without a proper permit. It’s also important to double-check if the location you’re interested in is still a location you can visit to have your ceremony or take your portraits. 

Hawaii, like other places to elope, is HUGE on leave no trace (LNT) when planning your wedding adventure. Leave No Trace during your wedding essentially means exactly what it sounds like, leaving the location exactly how you found it. Be considerate of regulations surrounding wedding decorations and bridal bouquets, staying on the trail, and bringing any food or champagne.

Vendors For Your Kauai Elopement Package

Hiring a vendor who has experience planning Kauai elopements is essential when looking for a Kauai package for your adventure. Not only will these vendors be great resources for you to bounce ideas with, but they will also suggest remote ceremony locations and trails not many people know about.

Explore our featured vendors below.