How Hard Is It To Get Married in Hawaii?
Hawaii is a dream location for many couples who want that quintessential destination wedding, but how hard is it to get married in Hawaii if you’re a non-native person? As with any kind of wedding reception, a degree of planning is non-negotiable, but having a picturesque, Instagram-worthy destination wedding might just be easier than you think with the right checklist.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
There is a basic eligibility criterion no matter where you’re getting married, but Hawaii’s laws are generally quite lenient. A couple will not usually be subjected to any kind of blood testing, and they do not need to be native to the island. As long as they can provide adequate proof of identification and mutual consent, the couple can start the process of obtaining a marriage license.
If a divorce or a former spouse’s death occurred less than 30 days before you pick up the license, Hawaiʻi’s Department of Health says to bring the applicable certified divorce decree or death certificate. Applicants under 19 must bring a certified birth certificate; anyone under 18 should contact the department about additional requirements. Check the current state marriage-license instructions before your appointment, since the license agent may request additional documents.
The Backdrop Of Your Dreams
Hawaii has 7 main islands, so you have quite a pick of ethereal, beachy backdrops to choose from. Several factors play into this decision, from budget to nearby accommodation to the best authentic cuisine. Visit an official Hawaii website to decide which island is the picture-perfect setting for your big day since they all boast different tourist attractions and splendid natural beauty in all its magnificence.
The island of Oahu (which loosely translates to ‘gathering place’) is a favorite amongst destination wedding enthusiasts because of its iconic Waikiki Beach, surfing opportunities, and tourist island status worldwide. For that odd history buff, it is also close to Pearl Harbor, which was the site of a battle between the Japanese and the Americans during World War 2.
If you want an idyllic wedding right in the center of the most paradisiacal location, which is filled with the most mouth-watering delicacies, tourist accommodations, and wedding venues, then Oahu might be a splendid choice.
For a more reserved couple that wants a perfectly intimate ceremony with a few handpicked loved ones, one of the more secluded and less ‘touristy’ islands like Kauai and Ni’ihau might be a better choice. No one wants an abundance of tourists to appear in the background of a bridal or wedding photoshoot! Islands on the quieter spectrum offer more tranquility and space so that your big day feels personal and special and not crowded.
Budget Destination Wedding & Distance Planning
It is challenging to plan a destination wedding with all the bells and whistles from thousands of miles away. You can often book a photographer several months in advance and have them travel with you. Venue and catering bookings can be made remotely but deciding on the intricacies of the ceremony or reception usually needs proper supervision.
This is especially so if you are not acquainted with a brilliant wedding planner who is based in Hawaii and can hold conference meetings with you weeks in advance to iron out all the finer details. The solution is to reduce the scale of the wedding, make it more exclusive and decide where the expense is worth it, such as in wedding favors or fine cuisine for a smaller number of guests.
Hosting your destination wedding at the beach can be done with the bare minimum of expense (notwithstanding décor, chair rentals, floral arrangements, and a minister), while having your ceremony at a top hotel can cost you a small fortune. Of course, if you want to ‘go big or go home,’ finding a wonderful wedding planner before you land in Hawaii is your best chance at having a grand wedding of epic proportions.
Don’t Leave It Until The Last Minute
To make matters easier on yourself, make a list of all the bookings you need to make, including flights for you, your spouse, and all your bridesmaids, groomsmen, and loved ones. Destination weddings, or any kind of wedding, are already stressful, so you don’t want uncomfortable seats or missed flights that haunt you close to your big day.
If you are looking at hotels in Hawaii and other wedding venues or even searching for a brilliant wedding planner, start your research at least 6 to 9 months in advance (but ideally 1 year out).
The other perk of starting early is that promotional discounts and other ‘early bird’ discounts might apply to hotel or venue bookings, not to mention off-season flights cost quite a bit less than booking straight in the wedding season. An off-season wedding is always a cost-saving option, as most vendors and venues will operate at lower rates to keep their slots filled.
The Art Of Wedding Packages
Destination weddings in Hawaii are much easier than what the magazines will tell you since obtaining a marriage license is usually a breeze, and there are a hundred and one ways to save money on your wedding ceremony and reception without compromising on the spectacular views, the fresh breeze, and the soft waves on the beach.
Educating yourself about wedding packages beforehand can be very handy as they usually must be booked months in advance.
Wedding packages bring together a diverse range of services, from catering to makeup to photography to floral arrangements. You can pick and choose them depending on your budget and the overarching theme and vibe you have in mind for your wedding.
Wedding packages themselves also go on sale during certain seasons, so they can be another way to get more value for money during a booking. For couples planning to stay on after the wedding and spend their honeymoon in Hawaii, wedding packages can help them avail themselves of better suites for a fraction of the cost.
