Recent Oahu Elopements

Simple and relaxed would be the perfect words to describe Kathy and Kelsey’s Oahu elopement! Their big day was exactly what they dreamed of! Our lovely couple is originally from the Yukon and wanted to escape and elope in paradise! Let’s see more of their beautiful day…

The simplicity and elegance of Kathy and Kelsey’s Oahu elopement reminded us that their love and commitment to each other is the most important thing! It was a little windy and overcast, but these outdoor adventure lovers didn’t mind! They love snowmobiling, camping, and adventuring in the rugged Canadian wilderness…

A Kiss In Paradise – An Oahu Elopement

With Chinaman’s hat in the distance, these two sealed their vows with a kiss! This beautiful setting is on the east side of Oahu – Kualoa Regional Park Beach. It’s a scenic spot with plenty of palm trees, turquoise waters, and the island in the distance!

Believe it or not, our charming newlyweds met through playing board games with mutual friends! Who knew a board game would spark something? They then got engaged on vacation to Seattle on a nighttime beach walk with mini doughnuts! Very romantic and sweet in more ways than one!

You can see they did have one special guest – our beautiful newlywed’s one-year-old son Wyatt! It was so adorable to see him join his loving parents! As you can imagine, they were pleased he was there and could explore Oahu too!

Kathy looked stunning in her simple yet all-white look; it was pure and fresh! And Kelsey couldn’t stop smiling at his beautiful bride!

Their Oahu elopement will mark the first of many new adventures as husband and wife!

A warm mahalo to Kathy and Kelsey for choosing Simple Oahu Wedding for your elopement! We wish you and your son all the best in the years ahead! Hopefully, we will see you again one day!

OAHU ELOPEMENT – EVENT DETAILS

Time of Day: Morning

Oahu Elopement Package: Simple Oahu Wedding

Beach Elopement Location: Kualoa Regional Beach

Wedding Florals: Sweet Blossoms

Oahu Elopement Photography: Mike from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Officiant: Kahu Kelehua Kawai

When you imagine a wedding in Honolulu or anywhere in Oahu, you likely picture marrying on the beach. Endless pristine sand, scenic views, and serene water. It’s an idyllic picture, and your photos will likely embody much of that. 

After all, Oahu is a beautiful place, and it’s hard to find a bad spot to get married. But your wedding is more than photos – it’s an entire experience. 

There are two main choices for having a Honolulu wedding: marrying on the public beach or renting a dedicated venue. 

A public beach wedding is great for many laid-back couples who want a budget-friendly and no-frills event. A commercial wedding venue is a bit pricier but comes with more comfort and amenities than the beach, plus there are fewer restrictions.

Do you think a beach wedding is the best choice for you? Ahead, we’ll outline some key considerations so you can make sure you’re booking the best Honolulu wedding package for you. 

The Beach Crowds

A wedding at a public beach involves, well, the public. You don’t get exclusive access to any part of the beach, so you will be sharing your wedding site with swimmers, sunbathers, spikeball players, and day drinkers. 

This is where experience vs. photos really comes into play. Our photography partner, Karma Hill Photography, photoshops nearly all the people out of wedding photos. So while you will be joined by strangers on your big day, you don’t have to remember them forever in your photos. 

But how will these strangers make you feel during your wedding in Honolulu?

Couples often enjoy a quiet beach for their wedding in Honolulu and Oahu, but it’s a gamble. We try to predict the least crowded days by avoiding weekends and holidays as much as possible, avoiding peak hours during the day, and avoiding the most popular locations (sorry, that rules out a Waikiki Beach ceremony). 

So while we do our best to get each couple the most serene beach wedding experience possible, many unknowns could cause the beaches to be busier. 

The Wedding Plan

Each day is different at the best beaches in Oahu. Our team of experienced photographers and onsite coordinators are used to working in various conditions, but they have to make many calls only minutes before the ceremony.

What does that mean for your planning experience? We can plan many key elements ahead of time, but other things depend on each day’s unique circumstances. 

Here are some things we can plan for at beach weddings:

• If the couple would like not to see each other until the ceremony begins
• Timing the ceremony for the best photography lighting
• A meet-up spot for guests
• A point of contact in case you need help finding the meet-up spot
• What will your officiant say, and if you’ll share your own custom vows

Here are things that your team will decide as they show up shortly before the ceremony:

• Where on the beach we’ll have the ceremony
• Where the entrances will begin and where guests will stand
• What kind of photo backdrops are available based on beachgoers and the tide
• If parking is full, we’ll direct guests to a backup lot, which could cause one of your guests to serve as a shuttle from a distant lot to the beach.
• If the weather is turning bad, we’ll decide if we need to wed under umbrellas or if we can wait out a passing shower.

If you and your guests are ok with going with the flow and following the guidance of your trusty onsite coordinator, you could really enjoy a relaxed beach wedding. But if you get anxious over the unknown, you may be better off booking a commercial venue, where we have a set location and more certainty. 

The Risks of a Beach Ceremony

A commercial wedding venue in Honolulu or nearby will be a controlled space where we can manage seating, enjoy more privacy, and be in touch with a venue contact leading up to the ceremony. 

A beach wedding leaves more opportunities for things to go wrong. This could include rain, strangers in the background, permit enforcement checking for paperwork, wind, noise, and parking struggles. 

If you are so excited about a fun, relaxed beach wedding and hiccups like these won’t phase you, then go for it! But if you’ll be distracted on the day, or worried leading up to it, you may want to consider Oahu wedding venues instead. 

Your Guest Count Is Important

Did you know that you can only have about 25 guests at a public beach wedding in Hawaii? This includes a beach wedding in Honolulu and throughout Oahu. And that 25-count limit could decrease if you hire many vendors or if the state changes the rules at any time. 

There are no exceptions to the guest count cap, so you’ll definitely want to control your group size if you book a beach wedding. 

If there is any chance that you could have 25 or more guests, then you should book an Oahu venue, which will be more flexible with guest count and provide a more comfortable experience for your larger group. 

Based on our years of experience, we’ve actually found that guest counts of 15 or less work best at beach weddings. Most of this has to do with parking challenges at the beach and the fact that we aren’t allowed to set up seating. 

Cost Of Oahu Beach Weddings

Having your wedding on the public beach does cost less than having it at a venue. This is because we don’t need to pay a site rental fee. Instead, we just need to secure a permit to have the wedding legally on the beach. 

Budget-minded couples will likely first consider beach weddings, and that could be an excellent choice for you. But if you have concerns about some of the risks and unknowns involved with beach ceremonies, then you may need to look at your overall wedding and vacation budget to see if you can swing for a lower-cost venue. 

What about couples with a larger wedding budget who really want to marry on the beach? If you have the funds for your dream wedding, then consider that a public beach wedding is the cheapest option. A beach on private/commercial property or any commercial venue could allow you to have a more elegant wedding while still being only steps away from the ocean. 

Choosing a Beach Wedding in Honolulu and Oahu

If you’ve considered these key factors and still think a beach wedding is perfect for your laid-back and scenic vision, then we are excited to plan that for you! Check out our Honolulu wedding packages here. 

If you think these elements could affect how you enjoy your wedding, from the planning to the day of to the memories of it, then let’s talk more! Contact our Honolulu wedding coordinators to see what options are available and how we can help create a simple yet beautiful wedding for you. 

There are so many ways to have a beautiful Hawaii wedding. You just need to narrow down the best option for you. Want more advice about choosing between the different wedding options? Check out our blog post to learn more about picking your perfect Oahu wedding location. 

Is there anything sweeter than an Oahu elopement? With endless beauty surrounding them, Kathleen & Jason vowed to spend the rest of their lives together. The day was dedicated to their love for each other — there were no distractions or stress—just one memorable moment after another.

Check out some of their photos below, and get ready to be inspired by this Hawaii beach wedding!

Our Love Excels

Jason manages a team of wellness practitioners, and Kathleen is an attentive administrator who loves working in Excel. In fact, their Oahu elopement was planned on an excel spreadsheet. As Oahu wedding coordinators, we get it! Organization allows us to better enjoy our adventures.

Separately they are two adventurous souls who love their jobs and hobbies. Together they run a virtual Stardew Valley Farm and are parents to a (real-life) Shiba Inu named Toki. These Brooklyn 99 are always channeling their Jake & Amy dynamic and look for any chance to share a laugh.

So when it was time to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted something a little off-beat and totally gorgeous. Opting out of a traditional hometown wedding full of obligations and distractions, they instead decided to elope in Oahu.

We’re sure glad they did! We loved getting to know this adorable duo and being a part of their Hawaii beach wedding!

This is Paradise

Kathleen & Jason wed on the shores of Paradise Cove Beach in Ko Olina. This is such a peaceful spot. The calm waters of the lagoon reflected the setting sun beautifully. But it was the couple that really shined at this Oahu elopement.

These two had us laughing all evening. What you’re seeing is a romantic seaside dip kiss. What we saw was an adorable couple giggling their way through a difficult pose. They ended up nailing the shot. They mastered all their Oahu wedding photography, actually!

From a playful twirl to a serene embrace, Kathleen & Jason were down for anything. Take a look at their sunset Oahu portraits!

Congratulations, Kathleen & Jason! Thank you so much for allowing us to be a part of your Hawaii wedding day!

Oahu Elopement – All The Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Wedding Photographers: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Beach Location: Paradise Cove Beach ​​

Oahu Beach Elopement Packages: Simple Oahu Wedding Elopement Package #1

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiants: Kahu Kawena Mechler

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossom Hawaii

See another wedding in Oahu here!

When you celebrate your love, the ceremony should be just as unforgettable as your wedding! Carla and Jamie’s Oahu vow renewal took place at a breathtaking location. Then the sunset decorated the sky and created a dreamy scene! Above all, our delightful duo looked impeccable at their intimate occasion. Keep scrolling to experience this event for yourself.

Kualoa Beach Park is full of stunning landscapes! We adore this destination because you get the best of both worlds. On one side, you can see the lush greenery and dramatic mountains. Then on the other, the sandy seaside and sapphire waves create a tropical background. We set up for Carla and Jamie’s ceremony on a grass part of Kualoa. It was the perfect backdrop because you could see the lofty palm trees and sweeping ocean views! Then the silky clouds and soft sun enhanced the enchanting ambiance. It was the perfect time and place for our charming pair to celebrate their love!

Why We Love Their Oahu Vow Renewal

We adore how our exquisite pair looked at this sunset ceremony! Carla’s dress is simply elegant — it pairs beautifully with her Boho dream bouquet from Sweet Blossoms Hawaii. Then Jamie’s white shirt and khaki pants are a classic and sophisticated look. We love how the neutral tones in his attire contrast with the deep greens in his maile lei. However, our favorite thing about this renewal was seeing Carla and Jamie’s daughter be their only guest! We loved how their kiddo was part of this intimate celebration.

These portraits captured by Karma Hill Photography are some of our favorite ones! You can see how the epic mountains and heavy clouds are a striking scene. Then Carla, Jamie, and their daughter have blissful smiles and a radiant glow! You can tell they’re savoring these moments during their Oahu vow renewal as a family.

Congratulations, Carla and Jamie! Thank you for sharing this special occasion with us. We wish you an eternity of love, happiness, and success!

Oahu Vow Renewal – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Beach Location: ​​Kualoa Regional Beach Park

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Pinky from Karma Hill Photography

Vow Renewal in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Minister: Kahu Dennis Chong-Imamura

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair & Makeup: Reveal Hair & Makeup

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

On sandy shores, as waves slowly rolled in and the sun quietly set, Rosina & Richard pledged to spend the rest of their life together. It was a gorgeous Oahu Elopement — the couple is beautiful inside and out, and the scenery was breathtaking. But it was their love that made the day truly unforgettable.

Now their wedding is a core memory and a symbol of their commitment. And we’re so excited to share these photos so they can relive the day again and again!

About The Couple

Rosina & Richard met early during the Covid pandemic. They are both traveling nurses who found themselves working at the same location. At first they could only see each other’s eyes, since they stayed masked up at work. But there was a connection there, and when Rosina struck up conversation, a romance quickly blossomed.

Since then, they’ve traveled together to their different nursing assignments around the country. They’re a sweet and loving couple who simply wants a life together. And their Oahu Elopement was a chance to affirm their love and step into a new journey together.

A Meaningful Date for an Oahu Elopement

Richard & Rosina are proud parents to four dogs, so their house is nonstop tail wagging and constant treats. Sadly, they had to say goodbye to their little Chihuahua Lilly last summer on June 30, a tragedy that struck Rosina & Richard with grief but also brought them closer together.

To honor Lilly and the way she blessed their life, they chose June 30 as their wedding date. Now she lives on in this incredible memory, and they get to bring some joy to a date once marked by loss.

We could feel Lilly’s presence at this Oahu Elopement, along with the spirit of all Rosina & Richard’s loved ones. Keep scrolling to see how dreamy their special day was!

Congratulations, Rosina & Richard! We wish you nothing but the best and hope your travels bring you back to Hawaii soon!

Oahu Elopement – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Venue Location: Papa’iloa Beach

Oahu Wedding Photographers: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Packages in Oahu: Package #1 – Oahu Elopement on the Beach

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Minister: Kahu Lawrence

Live Stream: Dream FX

Wedding Florals: Vibrant Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Check out another elopement at Papa’iloa here!

With many beautiful wedding locations on Oahu, it can be difficult to select the perfect spot. You can make it easier to narrow down the many options by considering your personality. Whether you’re a type-A personality needing as much control as possible or an easy-going pair (or somewhere in between), there’s a great Oahu wedding location just for you.  

Oahu has two basic types of wedding venues: dedicated Oahu wedding venues which are private and have a dedicated location or an Oahu beach wedding venue, which is on a public beach. A dedicated wedding venue is more exclusive and can take a great deal of uncertainty out of your wedding experience. A public beach wedding can be busy and comes with many uncertainties as nature is the one in charge. Laid-back couples may be ok with the excitement a beach wedding brings. 

But what’s best for you? We’ll highlight some key personality points that will help you decide if you’re a beach couple or a venue couple. Keep reading to see which Oahu wedding location type will give you the destination wedding of your dreams. 

Beach Weddings in Oahu

A beach wedding is a barefoot celebration for a couple ready to go with the flow. If the following traits fit you and your partner, a beach wedding could be calling your name. 

Laid-Back

Are you a laid-back pair who isn’t phased by changed plans and uncertainty? Beach ceremonies are simple but can lack a lot of structure since each day is different at the beach. 

You’ll delight in a wave washing over your feet and embrace the wind-swept look the sea will give your hair. Umbrellas look cute in photos, and dogs running behind your ceremony are welcome guests. An easygoing attitude is essential for the unique situations beach weddings bring. 

If any of that sounds horrifying to you, then an Oahu venue wedding may be best, so keep reading to learn more about both kinds of wedding sites. 

Flexible

A beach wedding requires a lot of flexibility. We cannot reserve a specific spot for the ceremony, so we may have to work with tides and crowds to choose a place for your nuptials. 

Sometimes on rainy days, we may even move the ceremony to a totally different beach just hours before the ceremony in hopes of getting a dry location. 

Not only is flexibility required on the wedding day, but also during the planning process. The state may change permitting rules at any time, causing us to change beaches, guest count, or parking plans.

But flexibility works both ways. Since we aren’t paying a site fee to rent a specific spot, it’s sometimes possible to change your location if you change your hotel or find a beach you like better. 

Happy-Go-Lucky

Do you know you’ll be happy with your wedding no matter what? The ideal beach couple keeps smiling through wind, rain, and crowds – it’s just part of their personality! It’s about marrying the love of your life, not the complete flawlessness of the day.

If the uncertainties of a beach wedding won’t get you down, you may be rewarded with a picture-perfect wedding day. 

Simple

If you want an effortless experience, a beach wedding will allow you to invest little thought and money into your ceremony. A planner like Simple Oahu Wedding can help keep things even more easy by taking care of all the logistics.

Beach wedding couples typically have no decor, no official bridal party, and no processional besides the bride’s entrance. While it’s possible to incorporate some of those elements on a beach, it goes much more smoothly at a venue. 

Budget Minded 

Oahu beach weddings cost less, so they’re great for budget-minded couples. There’s no site fee, only the cost of getting a permit from the state. Restrictions on seating and decor mean it’s impossible to go overboard with your spending. 

So if you can’t imagine spending a lot of money on a wedding, a simple beach ceremony will ensure you cut costs as much as possible. 

Outgoing

There will likely be other people around enjoying the beach as you wed. Usually, beachgoers keep a polite distance, but you still may feel eyes upon you during the ceremony.

We’ve seen outgoing couples really enjoy this, especially if people on the beach cheer as they are pronounced newlyweds. Shy couples may prefer a more private experience at a venue, though.

Venue Weddings on Oahu

Venue weddings allowed you to have a seated ceremony in a reserved space. The site fee also buys you peace of mind, a structured plan, fewer restrictions and some offer rain backup options.

If you identify with the personality types below (or think you may as wedding nerves come over you), consider venue Oahu wedding locations. 

Sophisticated

Do you have a discerning taste and an eye for detail? If you want to ensure your wedding is stylish and tasteful, then you may want to book a private venue to ensure you’re as happy as possible on your wedding day. 

Easily Stressed

If you can imagine yourself feeling stressed or anxious on your wedding day, the uncertainties of a beach ceremony could elevate that and make it even worse. So if you often find yourself anxious and crave perfection, choose a venue for your Oahu wedding. 

The structure, weather backup plans, and the reserved site will keep you composed as you look forward to your ceremony. That’s especially valuable for destination weddings when you want to be enjoying your vacation instead of stressing over the uncertainties beach weddings bring. 

Rigid

All weddings require some amount of flexibility. After all, you’re dealing with many moving parts and people. But a venue wedding will allow you to plan things with more certainty. 

A beach wedding will require you to give your guests general directions to the small parking lot, and then an onsite coordinator will guide you all through the moments based on the day’s unique beach conditions. A lot of plans will need to be adapted to fit the tide, conditions, crowds, and unforeseen situations. 

A venue wedding has a set place where you will plan your ceremony. They’ve reserved a time, parking spaces, a ceremony space, and seating. So you can make plans for entrances, photos, and moments that shouldn’t have to change much.

Creative

Couples who love elaborate decor and breathtaking scenery should choose a venue for their wedding. These wedding locations in Oahu will allow you to have a more creative design for your ceremony, from floral arches to bespoke seating. 

While beach weddings will force simplicity due to the strict rules, a venue wedding will give you the freedom to express yourself through beautiful decorations.

Spendy

If you don’t mind spending money for an improved experience, then a venue wedding location in Oahu is an excellent option. You’ll pay a site fee for a beautiful space and the amenities that come with it. 

A larger wedding budget can go toward decorations, which are allowed and encouraged at venues. Arches, flowers, draping, and stylish seating are great ways to use your greater wedding budget to make the day unique and beautiful. 

You can impress your guests with a world-class Oahu view as they enjoy comfortable seating and access to an exclusive location. 

While there are many budget-friendly Oahu wedding venues, they will still cost more than a basic beach wedding. 

How to Reserve Oahu Wedding Locations

Have you narrowed down the kinds of Wedding Locations in Oahu that will work for your personality? Now it’s time to select the perfect spot to say “I Do” in paradise. 

Click the link to view all of our venue and beach Oahu Wedding Packages.

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!