With COVID safety and restrictions in mind, Charissa and Christopher shifted plans away from a large Texas wedding and decided to elope in Oahu instead. We were thrilled to help make their “just us” wedding a reality! The morning at Waimanalo Beach featured spectacular lighting and lush, tropical backdrops. With endless smiles and tender moments, this wedding in Oahu was “take-your-breath-away” beautiful. 

Oahu Beach Elopement Ceremony 

Nestled in the heart of a small, windward community, Waimanalo Beach served as the stage for Charissa and Christopher’s ceremony. The sounds of the ukulele and the soft morning sun filtered through the air as the Oahu tradewinds kept the affair comfortable and relaxing. We loved the way Charissa’s boho-chic dress draped against the sand. And can we just draw attention to her gorgeous retro-inspired hair and makeup? Simple and elegant never looked so good! 

Our Couple’s Story

Charissa and Christopher have been together for half a decade and are proud parents of a sweet furbaby named Nash. Charissa runs a dental office and Christopher is both a lawyer and a professor. They met at a lowkey BBQ and got engaged in the sweetest spot, Christopher’s parents’ backyard. Keeping the simple yet romantic tradition alive, Charissa and Christopher opted to forgo a wedding back home in Austin and chose to elope in Oahu. And we’re so happy they did! Keep scrolling for all the beautiful moments!  

Mahalo nui loa, Charissa and Christopher, for trusting us to coordinate your wedding in Oahu. We wish you all the love in the decades ahead!

ELOPE IN OAHU – SESSION DETAILS

Time of Day: Morning

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Waimanlao Beach

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Mai of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Kahu Kelehua Kawai

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Musician: Jeremy on Ukulele

Videography: Origmedia

Hair and Makeup: Reveal 

Check out another recent beach wedding in Oahu on the blog here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/vy-sangs-oahu-beach-elopement/

Vy and Sang’s Oahu Beach Elopement was their Plan C, or as we like to say, “Plan Couldn’t Be Better!” Their big day was initially set for somewhere near their home in Massachusetts. Then the plan was Vegas. But with COVID and all the complications of coordinating, they figured why not Hawaii?! Vy had her work cut out when it came to convincing Sang, and he pulled out his best puppy dog eyes. But soon he agreed that an Oahu Beach Elopement was the best (and most beautiful + least stressful!) way to say “I do.” 

The Oahu Beach Elopement

Waimanalo Beach set the stage for beauty and simplicity. With lush valleys silhouetted in the backdrop and the glistening ocean cheering them on, Vy and Sang had a wonderful time on the white sand beach of Oahu’s eastern shore. 

Vy’s son, Tayen, walked her down the shore where Sang was waiting. Dressed in a show-stealing gown of floral lace and carrying a custom-created bouquet by our friends at Sweet Blossoms Hawaii, Vy is simply gorgeous! 

Later in the ceremony, Tayen shared a sentimental speech to congratulate his mom and Sang, who has become the most wonderful stepfather. It was a touching moment of honesty and genuine love. There was no hiding the immense amount of support on the beach during that very special day. This family is truly blessed to have each other. 

Our Couple’s Story

Vy and Sang met initially through friends while they were both in relationships. Several years later, they were reintroduced and going through individual breakups. It didn’t take long for them to hit it off and realize how much they had in common. In 2014, Sang finally made the first move and made it clear that romance was definitely in the cards.

We love how Vy summed it up: “Our story is literally like a fairy tale with a happy ending. Best friends make the best lovers!” Looking at these photos from Vy and Sang’s Oahu Beach Elopement, and it’s so clear these two love to laugh together and have truly found their person. Keep scrolling for more! 

Mahalo nui loa, Vy and Sang, for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding to coordinate your Oahu Beach Elopement. We had a wonderful getting to know you! We wish you only the best in the years ahead!

OAHU BEACH ELOPEMENT – SESSION DETAILS

Time of Day: Morning

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Waimanlao Beach

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Kahu Dennis Chong-Imamura

Wedding Florals: Custom Wedding Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Check out another recent beach wedding in Oahu on the blog here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/together-paradise-candace-dennis-oahu-wedding/

For their Oahu beach wedding, Candace & Dennis chose to have a small and intimate beach ceremony, and with modern-day technology, we were able to broadcast their big “I do” to friends and family right in their homes! Our Virtually There Package is COVID-safe and allowed Candace and Dennis’ special day to be enjoyed by all. We could almost feel the well-wishes and warm virtual hugs, not to mention the very real chemistry happening on the beach! Just look at that reaction when Dennis sees his gorgeous bride! 

The Oahu beach wedding location

Mellow waves and mirrored tide pools set the stage for Candace and Dennis’ Oahu beach wedding. With white sands and a lava rock outcropping, Paradise Cove Beach is the best of the best when it comes to sandy shores on the Leeward side. As the sun set, the southwestern skies came alive with the prettiest rose and cream pastels. 

Our Couple’s Story

Candace and Dennis met at a music concert with a group of mutual friends. They were both the only aquantance they didn’t know. Candace caught Dennis’ eye right away, but she was totally oblivious. They talked through the night as friends, and soon enough, Cupid did his thing, and the rest is history! 

Candace and Dennis live in Oahu and during pre-COVID times, they loved to discover secret beaches and hole-in-the-wall restaurants. They’re proud parents of a French bulldog named Bosco and three guinea pigs (AKA balls of adorableness that squeak in your hand). These two find adventures wherever they go, and we have a feeling that the biggest and sweetest adventures are still ahead of them!    

Mahalo nui loa, Candace and Dennis, for trusting us with your beautiful Hawaii Beach Wedding. We wish you all the best in the years ahead!

OAHU BEACH WEDDING – SESSION DETAILS

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Mike from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Paradise Cove Beach

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Kahu Dennis Chong-Imamura

Wedding Florals: White Wedding Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Videographers: Albert Olsson 

Check out another recent Oahu beach wedding on the blog here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/paige-lelands-oahu-beach-wedding/

Undoubtedly we love beach weddings, and adore military weddings, so when Paige and Leland reached out for us to plan their Oahu beach wedding we just knew it would be smooth sailing!!

We met them and their close family at Waimanalo Beach last week for their intimate wedding ceremony. It was a perfect day, with thin cloud cover, soft white sand, and barely another soul on the beach. The slight breeze to keep them cool and heartfelt ceremony to warm the heart; it was everything this pair had asked for and more!

I mean they nailed that iconic sailor dip kiss pose! Do you know the one with the nurse that was taken at the end of world war 2? Nice work guys! We do love our Oahu military weddings; there is nothing better than getting married in paradise.

Mahalo to you both Paige & Leland for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding to be a part of your wedding day!

OAHU BEACH WEDDING – SESSION DETAILS

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Waimanalo Beach

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Mai of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Reverend Kelehua Kawai

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Videographers: Orig Media

Check out another recent Oahu beach wedding on the blog here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/elvia-jeffs-oahu-beach-elopement/

We were excited to meet Michelle & Kenneth for their Oahu venue wedding last week! This sweet couple met 3 years ago by “saying Hi” as Ken puts it! They were just passing by each other in Waikiki when their eyes met! That quick little hello eventually led to a lifetime commitment!

View this gorgeous couples beautiful photos at one of Oahu’s most picturesque wedding venues.

Their Oahu wedding day was like that of royalty! The Royal Hawaiian Golf Club offers gorgeous green lush backdrops that stretch for miles making it the perfect Hawaii venue wedding location. With the round arch set in front of all that gorgeousness, adorned in orchids, its beauty is unmatched. That is, until Michelle came walking down the aisle. Scroll down to see what we mean!

The gorgeous floral arch framed the newlywed couple perfectly with the lush valley vegetation adorning the background.

After their Mauka (towards the mountain) wedding ceremony, this sweet couple headed Makai (towards the ocean). Waimanalo Beach really showed out as well this particular day. Her soft pastel colors and dreamy light really add to the perfection of Michelle & Ken’s Oahu wedding.

Mahalo Michelle & Ken for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding to coordinate your Oahu wedding day! You were such a pleasure to work with!!

OAHU VENUE WEDDING – SESSION DETAILS

Hawaii Wedding Planner: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Mai of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Photography: Megan of Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Officiant: Kahu Kawena

Arch: Aloha Artisans

Oahu Wedding Venues: Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

Oahu Wedding Portrait Location: Waimanalo Beach

Time of Day: Early Evening

See another Royal Hawaiian Golf Club, Oahu wedding here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/laura-makoto-oahu-venue-wedding/

With Elvia & Jeff both being from large families they knew it wouldn’t be possible to have a traditional wedding celebration with the whole family right now so they opted for an Oahu beach elopement and brought the traditions they could. Jeff wore traditional Filipino grooms wear called a barong and Elvia brought her traditional Mexican hand-cut paper banner with their names carved into it. We love these sweet touches that really make them feel at home and surrounded by the love of their families even though they couldn’t be there.

They love that Hawaii resembles both Mexico and the Philippines in our landscape and trees. Beautiful Kualoa State Park offers vibrant blue water and gorgeous mountain backdrops. You get the best of both worlds with this epic location. It was the perfect setting for Elvia & Jeff’s union.

Mahalo Elvia & Jeffrey for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding to coordinate your special day! It was a pleasure meeting you and we hope to see you back in the islands soon!

OAHU BEACH ELOPEMENT – SESSION DETAILS

Time of Day: Morning

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Beach Wedding Location: Kualoa State Park

Wedding Planner in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli of Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Wedding Officiant: Reverend Kimo Taylor

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Come see another gorgeous wedding in Oahu: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/karen-andrews-beach-wedding-photography/

After months of mandatory quarantine and shuttered hotels, we’re happy to learn that beginning on October 15th, 2020, the Hawaii Government will be welcoming visitors who test negative for COVID-19 to our islands! That means more happy couples and more beautiful Oahu weddings!

If you’re planning to travel to Hawaii during COVID-19, follow along and we’ll help you understand the regulations and avoid the quarantine.

Here’s a quick overview of what you need to know for all travel to Hawaii during COVID-19:

• Get Tested for COVID-19 72 hours before travel
• Plan for additional precautions at the airport
• Consider your guests

For a very detailed Q&A from the Hawaii State Government please visit The Department of Health Travel Frequently Asked Questions Page.

Now let’s break it down, so you can start planning your dream wedding in Hawaii.

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Get Tested For COVID-19 Before Traveling to Hawaii

Beginning on October 15th, Hawaii COVID-19 travel restrictions will require documentation of a negative COVID-19 test in order to avoid the Hawaii quarantine.

Here’s a checklist to help you travel to Hawaii during COVID-19, so you can relax and start dreaming of your big day:

• If you travel to Hawaii before October 15th you will have to quarantine for 14 days, regardless of any testing you completed before traveling.

• You must take the test no more than 3 days (72 hours) BEFORE arriving in Hawaii – no commercial testing will be provided at the airport
  • All travelers of all ages subject to pre-test requirement
  • Individuals will be responsible for testing costs
  • After testing and before your flight, please practice social distancing and self-quarantine to help keep our islands healthy!

• You must take the test PRIOR to traveling. You will have to still quarantine for 14 days, even with a negative test result once in Hawaii if you do not take the test prior to traveling.
• You will need to have your RESULTS by the time you fly.
  • However, some tests can take between 3 – 4 days, so plan accordingly and ask your provider for their standard delivery timeline
• If the results are not ready by the time you leave, you must quarantine until your test results come in and are negative. If you do not want to test or are unable to test, you will be required to quarantine for 14 days. If your trip is less than 14 days, you must quarantine for the duration of your trip.
  • During quarantine, you can only leave your accommodation for a medical emergency, you can NOT go out to get food or go to the beach
  • Violating the quarantine can incur a $5,000 fine and/or a year of imprisonment.
  • So get tested for COVID-19 to enjoy your Hawaii vacay!

• CLIA is the federal regulatory system for regulating laboratory testing
• An antibody test will NOT be accepted

Currently approved trusted testing partners are: CVS and Kaiser Permanente. Trusted testing partners are entities that understand exactly what the State requires in terms of this program. Additionally, the state will accept test results from other sources so long as they meet the testing parameters set forth by the DOH, which are an FDA-approved NAAT test processed by a CLIA-certified lab.

Whether through CVS, Kaiser or another source, it is the traveler’s responsibility to confirm they are receiving the correct test.

Keep scrolling for more info on how to travel to Hawaii during COVID-19.

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Plan for Additional Precautions at the Airport

Even after you’re tested, there will still be more safety measures to ensure you can avoid the Hawaii quarantine and any additional COVID-19 travel restrictions. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect at the airport.

✦ You’ll need to complete a travel declaration form either printed or online

✦ You’ll complete a health screening prior to boarding your flight here and again when you land

✦ If you have a fever before boarding, you may be prohibited from boarding the flight

✦ If you have a fever when you arrive to Hawaii, you will receive a further medical assessment

✦ You will also have to show your completed health form again after arriving at Hawaii

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What Does This Mean For You and Your Guests?

First off, this means your dream wedding in Hawaii is about to happen!! We’re jumping for joy along with you! Take a moment to do a cartwheel or two, and then glance over these few other considerations:

• Begin making plans to get your Coronavirus test, though wait until we get a little more details from the government as September 1 gets closer (depending on your travel date)
• All travelers must be tested, including children.
• Find out if your insurance will cover the test if it’s for travel
• Make sure all your guests have all the rules so they’re prepared
• You will need to wear a mask at the airport and on your airplane as well at most Hawaii retailers
• There may be guest count restrictions from the state, be sure to check with your coordinator for the most up to date information.

Not sure if a wedding in Hawaii is within your budget? It’s much more affordable than you think! Come read our comprehensive article: Hawaii Destination Wedding Cost – Ceremony, Lodging & Airfare

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This Also Means You May Want to Adjust Your Guest Count

So why not consider a small wedding or even eloping in Hawaii?

Having an Oahu beach elopement is a beautiful way to celebrate your love. We understand that it may not be exactly what you’ve hoped for, but limiting your guest count to only a handful of friends and family may keep your loved ones healthy.

Many couples are opting for a very small celebration in the short term, with plans to host a larger celebration back home when it is safe.

To help you bridge the distance, we’ve created elopement enhancements that can be added to all of our Oahu wedding packages. With these add-ons, a professional videographer will record or live-stream your wedding so your guests back home will be part of the special moment! We can even send them leis! This way, if you decide to elope, your guests will be cheering you on in style!

So as you begin planning your gorgeous ceremony day around your travel to Hawaii during COVID-19 regulations, browse the amazing wedding photos below and remind yourself – SOON THIS WILL BE YOU! And we can’t wait to meet you and your special someone!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Keep checking back because we’ll keep this post updated as soon as any information changes!

Tucked away in a quiet community in East Oahu, Waimanalo Beach is a spacious and serene location for an Oahu beach wedding. This is one of our favorite locations for a ceremony, and we’re excited to share what makes a Waimanalo Beach wedding so special!

Waimanalo Beach is a vast 3 miles long white sand beach on Oahu’s east-facing shore. This beach is beautiful in it’s entirety, but our preferred wedding location is the area known as Sherwood Forest. This area not only has epic beach backdrops but also a lush natural forest. We will guide you to the location and instruct you on where to meet our team. Your photographer will choose the most scenic spot for your ceremony.

Conveniently Located To Waikiki

It typically takes 30-45 minutes to drive from Waikiki to Waimanalo Beach. It’s a nice option if you want to escape the crowds of the resort areas without worrying about a long, stressful drive. There is also plenty of parking and public restrooms, making it an ideal Oahu Beach wedding location for those with guests.

Once you arrive and step out of the shade of the Ironwood trees, you’ll find yourself in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable for a Hawaii beach wedding.

Morning ceremonies are a definite favorite at Waimanalo Beach. The bright turquoise ocean and hues of blue in the sky paint a gorgeous backdrop as you share your nuptials. It also makes a brunch or a sunset luau later in the day fabulous reception options!

All beaches are public and therefore you will always have people on the beach, but the more remote location and size of this beach make it feel very private. It’s easy to claim your own little corner of the beach and have no one nearby.

Even on days that the clouds paint the sky, Waimanalo offers a beautiful setting for your Oahu beach wedding. We do have rain at this location from time to time, but in reality, we could say that about every location. Don’t ever let a little bit of rain ruin your day!

After your ceremony at Waimanalo Beach, it’s an easy drive back to Waikiki, where you can choose the perfect restaurant for your reception!

As you can see in the picture above, the morning offers bright and vibrant colors while sunset timing (pictured below) is very similar but just a bit more subdued.

Highlights About Waimanalo Beach Weddings

• This beach is a convenient drive from Waikiki, and especially close to rentals in Kailua or Waimanalo. If you’re staying in another area, contact us and we can see if it’s the best location for your vision!
• There is no travel fee for a Waimanalo Beach Wedding.
• If you’re looking for Palm Trees and colorful Hawaii sunsets, this beach won’t be the best option for you. If you love the look of white sand and open ocean, then we recommend this spot! There’s also the opportunity for rustic style photos in the trees of Sherwood Forest.

The sun doesn’t set over the ocean at this location so you typically won’t get the vibrant colorful sunset that some people picture for their Oahu wedding photos. It’s still very beautiful but if you are looking for that sunset shot then we’d recommend a beach on the west side of the island.

Whenever you’re considering the best beach location for you Oahu beach wedding, let Waimanalo Beach be at the top of that list!! You can check out more weddings at Waimanalo here!