Jenna and Scott wanted a simple celebration when they tied the knot. After searching online for planners, they came across our team! Immediately, they fell in love with our packages, locations, and photography. Our gorgeous couple was excited we would be helping them plan their Oahu venue wedding! Based on the portraits captured by Karma Hill Photography, you can tell this sunset affair was sensational! Keep scrolling to see their moments for yourself.

The day before Jenna and Scott tied the knot was their trash the dress photo session! Kualoa Beach Park was the background for these pictures, and this East Oahu spot created a beautiful scene. The striking mountains, lush greenery, and heavy cloud coverage look enchanting in every shot. However, our favorite thing about these portraits is how they’re lighthearted and romantic! Our lovely couple was smiling radiantly and didn’t hesitate to interact with the environment around them.

Why We Love Their Oahu Venue Wedding

Bohemian, relaxing, and fun are a few words we’d use to describe this venue wedding! Kualoa Secret Island created a dreamy but intimate setting for this event. Then David Asing enhanced the tranquil ambiance by playing soothing melodies on his ukulele. When it was time to begin the ceremony, Kahu Kelehua Kawai delivered an impeccable sermon. Above all, one moment we loved was seeing Jenna and Scott’s son included in the vow exchange! It was such a heartwarming twist to this tradition.

About Our Couple

Jenna and Scott’s story began when they met in college. They were both enrolled in the Zoo and Aquarium Program at their university. Then Scott graduated in the Aquarium Science course, while Jenna completed the Zoo Science program. Currently, Jenna is a zookeeper at the Duke Lemur Center. Scott installs aquariums and takes care of fish! Lastly, our charming couple has a fourteen-year-old son who just started high school! 

Congratulations, Jenna and Scott! Thank you for sharing this special day with us. We wish you a future full of paddleboarding and hiking!

Oahu Venue Wedding – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Wedding Venue Location: Kualoa Secret Island 

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Planners in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiant: Kahu Kelehua Kawai

Wedding Florals: Custom Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Musician: David Asing

Hair & Makeup: Reveal Hair & Makeup

Trash The Dress – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Portrait Location: Kualoa Regional Park

Oahu Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

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!

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!

Ava and Dawson were born and raised in Hawaii. Once they’ve been dating for a while, the conversation about their future came up. The next thing they knew, they were planning their special day! Since this island is their home, they knew a venue wedding in Oahu would be the perfect way to tie the knot! Keep scrolling to experience this intimate event for yourself.

First to arrive was Dawson and the forty-nine wedding guests. While our groom took his place at the front, Ava rode the second boat to the venue. Then, it was time for the ceremony to begin! Our bride walked down the aisle with her daughter by her side. As she made her way to her groom, you could see him shedding tears of joy!

The Romantic Venue Wedding in Maui

Ava and Dawson wanted their wedding to be beautiful, tranquil, and fun — their ceremony was perfect for them! Kualoa Secret Island is a private venue, so this event was intimate. Next, Henry Makua enhanced the peaceful ambiance by effortlessly playing his ukulele!

However, we adore how Karma Hill Photography captured every monumental moment. You can see our stunning couple exchange leis, rings, and vows. Most importantly, you can see Ava and Dawson taking their first kiss as newlyweds!

Kualoa Secret Island never fails to make you feel like you’re in a tropical fairytale! The lush palm trees, long sandy shore, and dramatic mountains create a breathtaking landscape for this Oahu venue wedding. Above all, the sunset at this location was gorgeous — decorating the sky are silky clouds and pastel hues.

Our charming couple met while Dawson was on his trash route in Waikiki. Ava says his cute smile and friendly personality made her want to give him her phone number. From there, the rest is history!

Congratulations, Ava and Dawson! A warm Mahalo for letting us be part of your wedding day. We hope to see you again on the island. Until then, we wish you a future full of new hikes, adventurous travels, and delicious cuisine!

Venue Wedding in Oahu – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Venue Location: ​​Kualoa Secret Island

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Oahu Wedding Venues: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Minister: Reverend Kimo Taylor

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Musician: Henry Makua

Videographer: Dream FX Media

Wedding Gown: Grace Loves Lace

Check out another wedding in Oahu here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/dalia-adrian-oahu-venue-wedding/

Dalia was born on the island, so she feels spiritually connected to Hawaii. Once she and Adrian got engaged, she knew they had to have an Oahu venue wedding! Our lovely couple’s sunset ceremony was relaxing, grounding, and modern. Most importantly, this event was a beautiful way for Dalia and Adrian to tie the knot! Keep scrolling to see this celebration for yourself.

Kualoa Secret Island set the stage for this evening occasion. We like this location because you can customize your venue ceremony to fit your personality. However, we adore this spot because it’s private and full of breathtaking landscapes. The dramatic mountains, ivory sand, and cerulean waves created a fairytale scene! Then the heavy cloud coverage and soft sunset enhanced the dreamy ambiance.

Why We Love Their Oahu Venue Wedding

We can’t get enough of these wedding pictures by Karma Hill Photography! We especially like how they captured all the meaningful events from this ceremony. Kahu Kawena Mechler was the officiant, and she delivered a heartfelt sermon! She even included a moment of silence to honor Adrian’s parents, Marry and Oscar, who passed away.

Dalia and Adrian styled the shoreline with an elegant circle arch and bamboo chairs from Aloha Artisans! Next, we like how they adorned this curve with two tropical floral arrangements from Dellables.

Our Couple’s Story

Dalia and Adrian met one another at work, and they bonded instantly! Our bride says Adrian’s sense of humor would never leave her thoughts. Unfortunately, Dalia’s schedule changed. After this, our delightful duo stopped seeing one another at work. Thankfully, they reconnected on Facebook! After being together for ten years, Adrian popped the question with Dalia’s family around them! Our stunning couple had a Hawaii wedding because Dalia dreamt of having a grounding but unifying ceremony on the island!

Congratulations, Dalia and Adrian! Thank you for letting us be part of your fascinating wedding day. We wish you a future full of outdoor adventures, scenic hikes, and quality time with your dogs!

Oahu Venue Wedding – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset 

Venue Location: Kualoa Secret Island

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Pinky from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiant: Kahu Kawena Mechler

Wedding Florals: Custom Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Ceremony Rentals: Aloha Artisans

Check out another wedding in Hawaii here: https://simpleoahuwedding.com/joey-chu-jen-jerry-chieh-oahu-beach-elopement/

Laura and Tristan wanted to have a destination wedding but didn’t want to deal with the stress of planning it. When they found us, they knew they could count on our team to make their Oahu venue wedding a reality! Most importantly, they can’t imagine a better way to tie the knot. Their special day was peaceful, spiritual, and full of love — perfect for them! Continue scrolling to experience this ceremony for yourself.

Kualoa Secret Island was the location for this event, so everyone had to travel by boat to get to this venue. Tristan and the thirty-two guests were the first to reach this secluded spot. Upon arrival, our groom took his place at the front by the Officiant, Kahu Dennis Chong-Imamura. Not to mention, he looked sharp in his khaki suit and deep green maile lei!

The Memorable Oahu Venue Wedding

Following them were Laura and her sisters on the second boat. Once they arrived, it was time for the ceremony to begin! First, the flowers girls walked down the aisle and covered it with petals. Next, our bride made her grand entrance with her father by her side! Laura is a breathtaking bride — her gown is ethereal and pairs flawlessly with her delicate flower crown and styling by Reveal Hair & Makeup!

Our charming couple exchanged rings on Kualoa Secret Island, and we couldn’t have chosen a better venue! This East Oahu spot created an intimate, romantic, and dreamy ambiance for this afternoon affair. Surrounding the ceremony are a variety of picturesque landscapes! You can see the lofty palm trees, foamy cerulean waves, and dramatic mountains in the distance. Above all, we adore how gorgeous the weather is! Although there is medium cloud coverage, the sun’s rays are peeking through them. You can see how this soft glow gives the sky an enchanting look in every portrait Karma Hill Photography captured!

Our Couple’s Story

Laura and Tristan’s story began when they met one another on Bumble. After dating for over two years, they got engaged while hiking in Utah. Currently, Laura is a nurse practitioner, while Tristan is the director of an art gallery. This adventurous duo loves being outdoors — an Oahu venue wedding at Kualoa Secret Island was perfect for them! In their free time, you can find them biking, boating, or hanging out with their two dogs.

Congratulations, Laura and Tristan! Thank you for letting us be part of your unforgettable wedding. We wish you a future full of new adventures, travels, and loving moments!

Oahu Venue Wedding – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Venue Location: ​​Kualoa Secret Island

Oahu Wedding Photographers: Megan & Laura from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Planners in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Minister: Kahu Dennis Chong-Imamura

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossom Hawaii

Ukulele Player: Henry Makua

Hair & Makeup: Reveal Hair & Makeup

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