You’ve dreamt of your Oahu destination wedding for as long as you can remember, and now it’s finally here! All you should be worried about is celebrating with your loved ones and saying ‘I do’ with your toes in the sand. However, we understand getting to this point can be a daunting task. To ensure you can savor every minute of this occasion, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about planning a long-distance event. We asked the lead coordinator at Simple Oahu Wedding, Aysha, to spill the secrets on how to make your dream destination wedding in Hawaii a reality. Bon voyage!

Where Should Your Oahu Wedding Planning Start?

You’ve just decided you want to have a destination wedding in Oahu, Hawaii! Now, what are the first steps you need to take?

Start With Guest Count

Aysha said the first and most important step is to determine how many guests you expect to attend your wedding. This number will help you decide between a venue or a beach wedding — especially since there are guest limits for beach weddings.

Select Your Perfect Venue Location

Next, you need to choose the location for your special day: do you want a public beach ceremony or a private venue event? Beach ceremonies are relaxed, no chairs or arches are allowed and they have a twenty-five guest limit due to state permitting restrictions. Therefore, you should consider the number of people you expect to come and if you want more flexibility with arches and seating. If you have more than 25 guests, but still want a beach wedding, we are lucky on Oahu to have several private beach ceremony options so you can have the best of both worlds. The Paradise Cove Luau venue, pictured in this post, and the Kualoa Secret Island Package are examples of private beach ceremonies. When we say private, it doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t see another human as water and beaches are publicly accessible, we mean the portion of the beach you are getting married on is private and therefore does not have to comply with the public beach wedding permit rules. You also have exclusive use of the area your ceremony will be in, but you may see other people on the beach further down.

Your guest count will help you determine if you are eligible for a beach wedding venue. A question you must ask yourself when deciding on a beach or venue wedding is what is the feel you want for your ceremony. A beach wedding needs a “go with the flow” attitude as there are many things beyond our control. Beach conditions, weather, other weddings happening on the same beach, crowded beaches, and music from other beachgoers can and will happen. With a beach wedding, you have no reserved spot, ceremony locations on the beach are on a first-come basis. Our team does its best to find the perfect spot for you away from other people or weddings but we have to work with what the conditions are on the beach that day. The pros of a beach wedding are affordability and being able to have your toes in the sand as you say, “I do” surrounded by beautiful nature. A venue wedding is more costly but offers more control over the variables. Many of our venues offer a rain backup location and you are guaranteed a specific area for your group. You can also add more customizations and have more facilities for your guests such as parking, shade, and restrooms. So whether it will be just the two of you or a wedding with guests, keep in mind the feel you want for your wedding and how much you want to share your wedding space!

Once you have decided on a beach or venue wedding, you can move to the next step in the process, booking your amazing wedding day!

What’s The Easiest Way To Plan a Destination Wedding in Hawaii?

We believe the least stressful way to plan a destination wedding is to work with a local coordinating company! They will be able to get the permits for a beach wedding or book the top venue for you and your guests. In addition, they’re also in contact with the best vendors, and their knowledge of the area is priceless! We understand how complicated it can be to remotely plan an event in Hawaii when you’re unfamiliar with the island. As a result, our Simple Oahu Wedding team is passionate about taking care of every big and small detail for your special day!

How To Choose The Perfect Location

When it comes to your ceremony location, there are endless options! Thankfully, Aysha has excellent advice for couples struggling to pick the perfect place. First things first, think about how you want your wedding to look! After this, find spaces that best match this vision and go from there. Second, keep your budget and guest count in mind.

In this post, we have featured the Paradise Cove Luau venue because it’s a beautiful ocean-front venue. We adore planning weddings here because it’s full of breathtaking scenery! Most importantly, we wanted to show off this site and all the exquisite options this spot has to offer. At this venue, you get the lovely benefits of a beach wedding but still can have chairs and decorations.

Not to mention, Paradise Cove Luau has sweeping ocean views and more privacy — making it perfect for intimate ceremonies! Lastly, it has the best luau on Oahu. This event is an impeccable option for your reception since it has food, drinks, and entertainment in one place!

It’s All About The Right Timing

Choosing the perfect day is one of the many hurdles couples will face when planning their destination wedding. Luckily, if you get married in Hawaii, you can never go wrong! In Aysha’s professional opinion, she says any time of the year is the best time to tie the knot in this tropical paradise. Whether you choose Oahu or another island — every location has beautiful weather year-round! On the other hand, if you want to research the perfect date, look at you and your guests’ schedules.

Working With People You Can Count On

One of the most important parts of planning a destination wedding is finding vendors and a coordinator you can trust! When researching coordinators and vendors, Aysha says to ensure they are within your budget and offer services that fit your wants and needs.

For example, our team worked with Designs by Hemmingway for florals at this styled shoot. She is one of the best on the island because she makes any flower inspiration a reality! We love her dreamy, unique, and outside-of-the-box designs. For this reason, she is a bit pricier than other florists on Oahu. Yet, we used the arch provided by Paradise Cove Luau instead of renting one, so we could use our extra budget to get Debbie Hemmingway’s floral magic!

Keeping Your Destination Wedding In Hawaii Budget Friendly

Luckily, this isn’t the only way to save money when having a destination wedding! There are a few things Aysha says you can do to keep your celebration cost-efficient. First, you could contact a room block specialist and get hotel rooms at a discounted rate. Instead of a big reception, you could have dinner at a nearby restaurant after your ceremony with us. 

Above all, the main advice Aysha would give to couples trying to stay within a budget is to prioritize! Figure out the most important details you want at your wedding. For example, if flowers are most important, then you might opt out of having a musician or get a family member to perform.

Making Your Day More “You”

The day you tie the knot should reflect you, your significant other, and your relationship beautifully. Whether you have a beach or venue wedding, styling is an essential aspect of it! Aysha says the secret to having a creative and cohesive design is sticking with a color scheme. Do you want something soft with pastel tones or bright and tropical? Once you determine a palette, choosing an arch and florals will be a breeze! Although the great thing about Hawaii is the breathtaking backdrop — any decoration you choose will enhance the natural beauty!

If you need a little inspiration, use this styled shoot and our past weddings on our blog! Aysha loves the “Old Hawaii” look of Paradise Cove and the feel of the luau. For this session, she wanted to stay true to this aesthetic! The flowers chosen are local Hawaiian blooms; the florists even cut the bougainvillea the same day. Then Aysha wanted bright shades to contrast with the ivory sand and late morning lighting. This styling is modern and tropical — it effortlessly shows off this stunning venue!

If you’re still not sure whether you want to plan an Oahu destination wedding or not — this is your sign to do it! There are endless possibilities when it comes to having weddings in paradise. Most importantly, our team at Simple Oahu Wedding will make sure your day is flawless from start to finish. Not only will you be able to savor a new experience, but you can also enjoy your time with your loved ones. Lastly, we hope you found these tips helpful; remember planning your special day should be fun!

Oahu Destination Wedding Styled-Shoot – Session Details

Time of Day: Midday

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Venue Wedding Packages: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Wedding Florals: Designs by Hemmingway

Arch & Chairs: Provided By Venue

Check out another wedding at Paradise Cove Luau here! Looking for family portraits in Hawaii, click the link to find Big Island family photographers for your special time in Kona, Hawaii.

In 2016, Nicole and Ruobin first visited Hawaii! Although they were here for a Nursing Conference, they immediately fell in love with the island. This trip was when our charming duo decided to have an Oahu destination wedding! Their sunset occasion was full of personality and elegance — perfect for our passionate pair. Keep scrolling to see their special day for yourself.

Kualoa Secret Island was the location for Nicole and Ruobin’s wedding — this venue created a breathtaking scene! We adore this private spot because it’s tranquil, picturesque, and dreamy. Dramatic mountains, lush greenery, and cerulean water created an enchanting background! Then the heavy cloud coverage and soft blue sky enhanced the romantic and intimate ambiance. Above all, you can see how this occasion looks like a tropical fairytale in every shot!

Why We Love Oahu Destination Wedding

Ever since Nicole and Ruobin first visited Oahu, they knew it’d be the perfect place to get married! We adore how this sunset occasion was bohemian, carefree, and fun. The shoreline has beautiful decorations! Standing at the front of the ceremony was a two-post wooden arch from O’ahu Wedding Altars. Then our bride and her bridesmaid’s bouquets are whimsical and elegant — they pair flawlessly with the flower arrangements on the archway!

Our Couple’s Story

Nicole and Ruobin’s story began when they first met at the movies. At the time, they attended different schools but had mutual friends. Ruobin asked Nicole to be his girlfriend after they watched Pearl Harbor on May 27, 2001. Then on New Year’s Day in 2021, Ruobin popped the question! Our groom had a plan with Nicole’s sister and friends for this significant moment. Unfortunately, Nicole hurt her back, so his proposal got derailed!

Congratulations, Nicole and Ruobin! Thank you for sharing your Oahu destination wedding with us! We wish you a future full of love, abundance, and happiness!

Oahu Destination Wedding – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Wedding Venue in Oahu: ​​Kualoa Secret Island

Oahu Wedding Photographers: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Minister: Kahu Kelehua Kawai

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Videographer: NA Films

Wedding Arch: O’ahu Wedding Altars

Hair & Makeup: Faith & Beauty Hawaii

Bridesmaids Dresses – Birdy Grey

Groomsmen Attire: J. Crew

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

This romantic getaway was Kayla and John’s first time exploring Hawaii together! Although Kayla has been to the island before, John hadn’t. After learning this, we knew their Oahu elopement and vacation would be full of remarkable moments! Not to mention, the day they tied the knot was flawless. The weather was mystical, the beach was dreamy, and our delightful duo was full of bliss! Keep scrolling to experience this sunset affair for yourself.

Kayla and John arrived at the Kualoa Beach Park together. However, this didn’t stop our breathtaking bride from making a grand entrance! As Kayla glided down the lush lawn, Kahu Lawrence Kidder effortlessly played the ukulele. While Kayla walked down the shore, we made sure to look over at John. Our handsome groom had a vibrant smile on his face — we know he’ll savor this moment forever!

The Serene Oahu Elopement

When Kayla was a child, her father was stationed in Hawaii! Our bride lived on the island for three years and attended Solomon Elementary from Kindergarten to Second Grade. Since Kayla enjoyed calling this destination home, she knew it would be the perfect place to get married! Now, she and John will explore and experience Oahu together. In addition, these exquisite portraits by Karma Hill Photography are a collection of memories! We know they’ll remind our passionate pair of their special day and remarkable adventures.

Our Couple’s Story

Kayla and John’s story began when they met in high school. However, they lost touch then but reconnected three years ago on social media! When the time was right, John proposed to Kayla on May 23, 2021. He popped the question at the exact location they had their first date! Then they tied the knot one year later, on May 23, 2022. The number twenty-three is Kayla’s favorite, so the day our radiant newlyweds got engaged and married is meaningful to them!

Currently, John is a Senior Software Engineer. Our charming pair works from home on their twenty-two-acre farm! They also are parents to two pit bull puppies, who they love dearly and wish they could’ve brought to their Oahu elopement!

Congratulations, Kayla and John! Thank you for sharing this intimate moment with us. We wish you a future full of quality time together and exciting renovations on your farmhouse!

Oahu Elopement – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Beach Location: ​​Kualoa Beach Park

Oahu Wedding Photographers: Pinky from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Planners in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Vy from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Minister: Kahu Lawrence Kidder

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Videographer: NA Films

Hair & Makeup: Delish Makeup Artistry

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

Kaya and Bradley were supposed to tie the knot in 2020. However, they had to postpone their special day until 2022. This ceremony was intimate, romantic, and memorable. Above all, we know our charming couple’s Oahu elopement was worth the wait! Continue scrolling to experience this event for yourself.

Wai’alae Beach Park was the location for this ceremony, and this spot created a breathtaking scene! The soaring palm trees, cerulean waves, and long sandy seaside exquisitely decorated the background. Then the heavy cloud coverage and soft breeze enhanced the dreamy ambiance! Most importantly, the lush greenery surrounding Kaya and Bradley made this elopement look like a tropical fairytale! Keep scrolling to see more.

Why We Love Their Oahu Elopement

This getaway was Kaya and Bradley’s first time in Hawaii. They made this vacation unforgettable by commemorating their love on the island! When it was time for their ceremony to begin, our stunning duo arrived at the beach together. Not to mention, this delightful duo looks beautiful! Our bride looks gorgeous in her elegant and chic gown, while Bradley’s attire is sharp and sleek. Lastly, our favorite thing about this elopement is how joyful Kaya and Bradley look. Karma Hill Photography captured our radiant newlywed’s blissful glow in every portrait!

Our Couple’s Story

Kaya and Bradley first met one another while attending school. Currently, this passionate pair has been together for thirteen years! In 2019, Bradley found the perfect time to propose on a rooftop bar in Bangkok, Thailand! After getting engaged in such a captivating destination, we can’t imagine a better way to get married. Most of all, Kaya and Bradley’s Oahu elopement was just as magical as the moment Bradley popped the question!

Congratulations, Kaya and Bradley! Thank you for letting us be part of your romantic day. We wish you a future full of new adventures and quality time with your friends!

Oahu Elopement – Session Details

Time of Day: Morning

Oahu Venue Location: ​​Wai’alae Beach Park

Oahu Wedding Photographers: Mike from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Planners in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Minister: Kahu Kawena Mechler

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

Paul and Estelle enjoy visiting Hawaii because they get to escape their busy Bay Area lives. Since they first got together, they’ve vacationed in this tropical destination annually. When it was time to tie the knot, Paul and Estelle knew their special place would be the perfect spot to celebrate their love. Their Oahu venue wedding was elegant, intimate, and warm. Continue scrolling to experience this event for yourself.

Paul and the forty-eight guests were the first to get to the lawn area. Then, once Estelle arrived, it was time for the ceremony to begin! The entrances started with our groom and his parents walking down the lush grass. Paul looks handsome in his barong, a traditional Filipino dress shirt for special events, and khakis. Above all, we like how sharp and sophisticated his attire is!

Next, the bridal party, flower girls, and ring bearer made their way down the aisle. Last, our bride made her grand entrance! Estelle walked down the lawn with her parents and 8-month-old daughter by her side. She looks breathtaking in her cream-colored lace gown — it’s sleek and elegant!

The Spiritual Oahu Venue Wedding

Paradise Cove Luau was the location for this ceremony, and this spot is perfect for this event! The lush lawn and lofty palm trees created an enchanting scene. Then the sweeping ocean views and clear weather effortlessly enhanced the romantic ambiance! 

Our Couple’s Story

Paul and Estelle have been friends since 2008. Then, on May 12, 2017, they became a couple. A few days after Valentine’s Day in 2021, Paul popped the question in the middle of a forest in the botanical gardens! Then, eight months ago, our stunning duo became parents to a precious little girl!

Congratulations, Paul and Estelle! Thank you for sharing your special day with us. We wish you a future full of new adventures and delicious cuisine!

Oahu Venue Wedding – Session Details

Time of Day: Morning

Oahu Venue Location: ​​Paradise Cove Luau

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Venues in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiant: Kahu Kawena Mechler

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair & Makeup: Perfectly Made Hawaii

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

Lindsay & Matthew’s wedding in Oahu was so beautiful, and their love story warms our hearts. Rev. Kimo officiated a faith-based ceremony for the sweet couple, who were joined by a small group of family. When they started planning their wedding, they dreamed of a relaxing event in a beautiful setting. We are so glad we could help make that happen for them!

And now it’s time to reveal some of their gorgeous photos! We’re so excited to relive Lindsay & Matthew’s special day!

“I Do” Again

Lindsay & Matthew had a wedding in Oahu 13 years ago. Since then, they have had two adorable children who are their pride and joy. But they also experienced challenges that led them down different paths. Some things are simply meant to be, though. And so, as they grew up, they also grew to find themselves in love again.

Now they returned to Hawaii to marry again, this time with a better understanding of themselves and each other. We’ve seen a lot of great couples, and we can tell when a love is extra special. Lindsay & Matthew have an extra special bond that is made to weather the storms and bring joy to the entire family.

We’re so glad we witnessed this ceremony and this incredible relationship.

Sacred Vows at Secret Island

Secret Island is one of our favorite Oahu wedding venues. It’s a private sandy beach at Kualoa Ranch. It features calm water, tall palm trees, and scenic mountain views. This location is so secluded that you must take a special ferry to the ceremony site. What a magical way to bookend your wedding in Oahu!

After their ceremony, Lindsay & Matthew took some portraits around the venue. There are so many great photo ops at Secret Island that we could have stayed for hours. But before long, it was time to send the newlyweds off to celebrate. So we got some final shots of them at the ferry landing and bid them a warm aloha!

Congratulations, Lindsay & Matthew. We are so grateful for this chance to be a part of your Magical Oahu Venue Wedding!

Wedding in Oahu – Session Details

Time of Day: Late Afternoon

Venue Location: Kualoa Secret Island

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Hawaii Wedding Package: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiant: Rev. Kimo Taylor

Wedding Florals: Vibrant Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hawaii Wedding Musician: Jeremy Hirokawa

Check out another Secret Island Wedding here!

Last week we got to meet Valeria & Joshua for their Oahu Beach Wedding, and it was such a great time! We didn’t see a lot of sunlight peeking from the overcast skies, but the sweet couple lit up the entire beach with their laughter and love.

Valeria’s sister walked her down the beach-style aisle, and Joshua was all smiles when he saw the stunning bride for the first time. Of course, Karma Hill Photography was there to capture every moment! Keep scrolling to check out some of their beautiful portraits!

We are obsessed with Valeria’s style – it’s the ultimate Oahu Beach Wedding Inspiration. Her off-shoulder gown was both beachy and formal with its lace detailing and classic cut. We love that she had her hair pulled back in a chic up-do. That way if we did have any rain or wind, her hair was ready to stay in place.

The Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet looked fantastic with her bridal look. It lent her dress a tropical touch and added a pop of color to the pastel setting.

Our favorite thing about Valeria’s look was her newlywed happiness! Valeria and Joshua bring out the best in one another, and they both looked incredible on their wedding day!

Congratulations, Valeria & Joshua! We wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Oahu Beach Wedding – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Hawaii Beach Location: ​Waialae Beach

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Packages: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiant: Rev. Kimo Taylor

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossom Hawaii

Check out another wedding in Hawaii here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/danielle-john-oahu-beach-wedding/

Olivia and Gama have never been to Hawaii before. However, after seeing all the beautiful places on this island, they knew they should elope in Oahu! This ceremony is elegant, dreamy, and romantic. In addition, this sunset occasion was intimate — especially since Olivia and Gama only shared this experience with each other! Everything about this evening was flawless, so keep scrolling to fall in love with it!

Papa’iloa Beach was the perfect location for this elopement! When we started, the sun’s rays reflected off the cerulean water. The natural brilliance made this North Oahu spot feel enchanting. Then the picturesque landscapes enhanced the dreamy ambiance! Surrounding Olivia and Gama are striking lava rocks, ivory sand, and lush greenery. Above all, we like how clear the weather is. The sky looks like an exquisite painting in every shot!

Why They Eloped in Oahu

Olivia and Gama fell in love with the variety of scenery this island has to offer. Then, they liked our organization and services at Simple Oahu Wedding. Since they’ve never been to Hawaii before, they wanted to find a team who’d make sure their day felt like a dream! Thankfully, they made the right choice and put their trust in us. Most importantly, we wouldn’t have changed anything about this memorable event. Olivia and Gama’s intimate elopement was simple, spiritual, and tranquil — ideal for them! 

Our Couple’s Story

Our adventurous duo’s story began when they met in college and started dating long-distance for two years. When Gama’s family visited them in Illinois, they had a big bonfire with all their loved ones. During this event was when Gama popped the question to Olivia! Currently, Olivia and Gama have been together for five years. Not to mention, they recently purchased their first home! 

Since they first started dating, Olivia and Gama have always wanted to visit the Aloha State. They’re also huge fans of Hawaii 5-O! When it was time for them to get married, they knew eloping in Oahu would be perfect for them!

Congratulations, Olivia and Gama! Thank you for letting us be part of your lovely wedding day. We wish you a future full of outdoor adventures with your pitbull, Izzy!

Elope in Oahu – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Venue Location: Papa’iloa Beach

Oahu Wedding Photographers: Mike from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Packages in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Minister: Kahu Kawena Mechler

Videographer: NA Films

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair & Makeup: Reveal Hair & Makeup

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!