Oahu Elopement Guide

Oahu is known as “the gathering place” for many natives since it’s home to both city life and surf towns. This is the third-largest Hawaiian island, but it’s also the one island that has the most activities to do outside of outdoor activities. Our Oahu elopement guide breaks down everything you need to know when putting your elopement package together.

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

How to Elope in Oahu

When it comes to eloping in Oahu, 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.

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

Vendors For Your Oahu Elopement Package

Hiring a vendor who has experience planning Oahu elopements is essential when looking for an Oahu 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:

Where to Elope in Oahu

Oahu is the best Hawaiian island for couples who want to elope near modern city life, yet also enjoy the laid-back surf vibes of the island. If you and your partner love food, culture, and nightlife, then Oahu is the place for you both to elope. This island is ideal to elope at a beach resort, a sandy white beach, or a tropical forest.

When it comes to deciding where to elope in Oahu, couples should consider teaming up with an elopement vendor who specializes in Oahu elopements and intimate weddings. This ensures couples pick an elopement location that suits them while also following permit guidelines and avoiding heavy crowds. Oahu is the most populated island, so it’s important to plan ahead.

Teaming up with an experienced Oahu photographer or planner also allows you to elope in spots that are less known by the average tourist that comes to visit Oahu. 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 Oahu, and then team up with a professional to start planning your wedding adventure together.

Check out some of the best places to elope in Oahu. Some of these locations are great for your ceremony or portraits, but it’s important to check in with the location and your vendor to double-check the latest permit updates and regulations.

Ka’ena Point State Park

Ka’ena Point is a gorgeous remote and wild coastline for couples who love to hike together and just explore the open views. Even though this spot is perfect for adventurous couples, there are plenty of accessible spots you can plan with your photographer to enjoy. You’ll be able to enjoy everything from green rolling mountains to rocky beaches and coves.

Lanikai Beach

This beach is about a mile long, and there’s plenty of trails around to also explore. We love this spot for couples who want to maybe explore some trails and then cool off in the crystal clear blue waters of one of the most beautiful beaches in Oahu. Seriously, the sand is super soft here too!

Ahupua’a ‘O Kahana State Park

This state park is PERFECT for adventurous couples. Imagine exploring giant green leaves and winding trails to epic views that feel like they are straight out of a storybook? You can even bring your pet along and plan a glamping trip together during your elopement. When in doubt, there’s even a sandy beach that offers plenty of views and some pretty epic surfing opportunities.

Makapu’u Lookout

This is definitely a popular lookout in Oahu, BUT the views are pretty breathtaking. You’ll be able to enjoy crystal clear beaches and gorgeous stretches of infinite shoreline. If you’re interested in this spot, then 100% plan a sunrise portrait session during the weekday before the crowds arrive.

Waimanalo Beach

Waimanalo beach is about half an hour from Honolulu, and its beautiful clear waters and white sand is everything you imagined when you first thought about eloping in Hawaii.

Hale’iwa Beach

Have you ever seen gorgeous green waters? Hale’iwa beach is known for its beautiful waters and turtles. The views are wonderful here if you are looking for a sunset destination in Oahu.

Yokohama Beach Park

This is the perfect spot for a private elopement ceremony. Tourists, despite this Yokohama beach’s beauty, rarely travel to the west side of Oahu. The hour drive from Waikiki, the more popular beach, makes this destination a journey to get to. We think, however, it’s worth the drive for privacy.

Waikiki Beach

This is a popular destination for tourists, but Waikiki beach can also be fun and lively for your elopement! If you don’t mind crowds, then this place is for you! There are also many great restaurants to hold a small ceremony after you two say, ‘I do’.

Waialea Beach

A lot of people visit this beach on the weekends, but it’s a breathtaking spot to say “I do”. Kahala Hotel & Resort is situated right by Waialea beach, which makes this spot ideal if you’re worried about where to get ready.

When to Elope in Oahu

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 Oahu will look pretty much the same whether you plan for Summer or December on a clear day.

Because of Hawaii’s warm weather, Oahu’s tourist level is pretty high, especially during the summer months. The summer months in Oahu are the busiest time to visit because so many families are visiting for summer vacation. The 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 in Oahu.

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.

Oahu 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 Oahu.

If you’re trying to obtain a marriage license in Oahu 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 (about $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. Some locations don’t even allow wedding ceremonies to take place. 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.