So… you’re about to marry your person in paradise. Congratulations! Now, before you panic and dig out that old blazer from college, let’s talk about you for a second. Your partner is going to be absolutely radiant, but when they’ve gone all-in looking their best, it’s your moment to step up too. This is your chance to rock beach wedding groom attire that makes both the photos and your partner swoon all over again. From barefoot romance to sunset-chic sophistication, the right outfit will elevate your style, make the memories pop, and ensure your pictures are straight out of a magazine.

Having photographed hundreds of weddings across Maui, Oahu, Kauai, and the Big Island, we’ve seen it all: what’s classic, what’s trendy, and what looks effortlessly polished, whether your ceremony is casual sand-between-your-toes or elegant sunset sophistication. Every detail matters, from fabric choice to accessories and yes, even the way your shoes look on the sand.

Match Their Energy

Think of it as a dance: your outfit should complement, not compete. If your partner is in flowing, dreamy elegance, you don’t need a full tux (unless that’s your vibe too) but something that is equal to their style and level of formality. Linen vests, crisp shirts, or lightweight suits say, “I see you, I match you, and yes, I cleaned up nicely.”

Opt for colors that photograph beautifully: soft neutrals, sandy beige, pastel blues, dusty taupes, or blush tones. They harmonize with the sand, ocean, and sunset, giving your photos a timeless, editorial feel.

• Subtle color coordination with your partner elevates the vibe without being matchy-matchy.
• Textured fabrics like linen, seersucker, or lightweight cotton blends add visual interest and keep you cool.
• Small flourishes, like a tropical lining in a blazer or a soft patterned pocket square, give personality without overwhelming the look.

Time of Day Matters

Daytime ceremonies call for breathable, lightweight fabrics. Linen, cotton blends, and airy textures will keep you cool and camera-ready. Flowing trousers, loose blazers, or a vest over tailored pants allow for natural movement, perfect for candid moments as waves lap the shore.

Evening or sunset? Bring in structured sophistication: soft-colored suits, lightweight blazers, tailored three-piece ensembles, or even a classic tuxedo.

• Lighter shades like cream, beige, blush, soft gray, or powder blue pop against the ocean and sunset.
• Consider layering a vest for photos; it looks polished and allows easy removal if it gets warm.
• Avoid stiff, heavy fabrics; they don’t photograph well in bright sunlight or during movement on sand.

Dressing for the Beach

Here’s the core of it: your attire needs to look elegant while embracing the sand. Two-piece suits are ideal for relaxed elegance, while three-piece suits create a sunset-chic vibe for photos and ceremony alike. If your beach wedding is a more casual island vibe, a light, crisp linen shirt or aloha print looks great.

No matter how elegant or casual your wedding is, wrinkles and sloppiness are big no-nos, even for a beach wedding ceremony. Wrinkles, small stains, or your favorite worn board shorts aren’t appropriate, even if you think it’s just a simple ceremony on a beach. Also, tailor your pants to hit the right length for your footwear because pools of fabric at your feet isn’t a vibe like the tidepools at the beach. Hire a tailor to get that perfect fit because trust us, a bad fitting suit can’t hide from our camera!

These attire missteps are exaggerated and highlighted behind the camera. Your partner and the future you will thank you when you look back at your photos in the future!

• Barefoot is romantic and casual, perfect for a “sand-between-your-toes” vibe.
• Dress shoes elevate the look for sunset portraits or slightly formal touches. Loafers, leather sandals, or espadrilles are comfortable, stylish, and beach-appropriate.
• Avoid clunky, dark shoes! They sink into the sand and photograph poorly.
• Roll sleeves during casual moments for relaxed, candid shots.
• Lighter fabrics like linen, cotton blends, chambray, and tropical wool breathe well and photograph beautifully.
• Soft pastels, light neutrals, and even gentle floral prints subtly elevate your beach wedding vibe.

Accessorize with Personality

You’ve already won their heart, now your outfit can tell your story. Small touches make a big statement: tropical-print or personalized linings, fun socks, patterned pocket squares, or a bold bow tie reflect your personality without stealing the spotlight.

• Suspenders, vintage watches, playful ties, or tropical motifs add subtle flair.
• Grooming matters! Well-styled hair, a tidy beard, or a signature scent completes the look.
• Personal touches like heirloom cufflinks, family watches, or socks that nod to hobbies tell your story while staying refined.

Fabric, Fit, and Flow

The right fabric ensures comfort and style. Linen is lightweight, breathable, and perfect for tropical climates. Cotton blends offer structure without heaviness. A soft, lightweight wool adds formality while remaining cool.

Fit tips:

• Slim or tailored fits photograph best without looking stiff.
• Jackets that allow movement and shirts that breathe prevent heat-induced discomfort.
• Trousers with a slight taper look polished but allow walking on the sand.

The Finishing Touches

Boutonnieres tie your look to your partner’s outfit, creating a cohesive, romantic ensemble. Pocket squares, sleek watches, and polished shoes round out the look perfectly.

• Jackets with tropical linings or subtle patterns give a fun peek in photos.
• Well-groomed hair and polished footwear ensure a finished, intentional look.
• Minimal but meaningful jewelry, watches, cufflinks, or a sentimental tie clip elevates elegance.

Your beach wedding groom attire doesn’t need to be complicated. Keep it stylish, breathable, photo-ready, and full of personality. Step up, complement your partner’s elegance, and own your spotlight in paradise; the photos (and your person) will thank you.

At the end of the day, your beach wedding groom attire is about more than just looking good, it’s about showing up as your best self, celebrating your love, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re barefoot in the sand, rocking a sleek linen suit, or adding a pop of personality with playful details, the goal is simple: feel confident, look effortlessly polished, and complement your partner’s elegance every step of the way.

After all, paradise isn’t just a backdrop, it’s the setting for one of the most special days of your life, and you deserve to shine just as brightly.

Ready to say “I, do” at your beach wedding? Contact us today!

Hawaii destination wedding packages are more popular than ever because they offer unparalleled beauty wrapped into one easy-to-manage… well, package. Piecing together all the elements of a wedding is a monumental task on its own, but arranging them thousands of miles overseas (in a vastly different time zone) is nearly impossible to manage. Whether it’s on Maui, Oahu, Kauai, or the Big Island, we’ll help you find a Hawaii destination wedding package that’s everything you’ve dreamed of and then some. 

What Are Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages?

Hawaii destination wedding packages contain everything you’ll need for a romantic Big Day in the Aloha state. From a Hawaii wedding coordinator to locations and ministers, all of our packages include hand-picked wedding essentials that are truly the best the islands have to offer. This means you can sit back and trust that one of the most important days in your life has been beautifully wrapped up and will be handed to you, like a lovely gift waiting to be opened. Want to know what’s inside that present? 

All of our Hawaii destination wedding packages include:

• An officiant
• An on-site coordinator
• Professional photography and hi-res photos
• A bridal bouquet from our floral selections
• Leis for ceremony exchange
• Beach wedding permit and liability insurance OR venue selection 
• Our list of recommended vendors
• Complimentary consultation with a travel specialist
• Complimentary concierge service
• And more!

You can always personalize your package with add-ons and customizations to your heart’s content. 

Think of it as comparing a travel cruise to renting a boat, hiring entertainment, and plotting out your itinerary. With a cruise, you’ll arrive and relax in the sunshine, knowing that everything has been taken care of. However, with the non-packaged option, showing up is simply the first step of a marathon of legwork. There’s a reason why no one takes the second route. 

Do Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages Include Airfare and Hotels?

Hawaii destination wedding packages do not include airfare and hotel accommodations. 

There are numerous insurance liabilities involved with arranging travel, and big hitters like Expedia and Travelocity have the financial capital to ensure your safety and the well-being of your belongings. These huge companies have streamlined flights, hotels, and car rentals. 

On the other hand, small wedding planning businesses have perfectly curated all the elements that go into a Hawaii wedding without losing that personal touch and building one-to-one relationships. Leave the travel to the big guys and let us take care of your Big Day. 

How Much Do Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages Cost?

Tracking down accurate prices are complicated, but fortunately, we’ve already run the numbers for you! Check out our comprehensive article on Hawaii destination wedding costs for a complete breakdown. 

To put it briefly, let’s use our Oahu weddings as a base. These gorgeous Hawaii destination wedding packages start with a simple Oahu beach elopement at $1,850 and go up to the breathtaking Kualoa Ranch Paliku Gardens Oahu venue ceremony for $9,500.. With flights and lodging tallying in at roughly $6,000, this puts the entire trip (from plane flight to “I do”) between $7,850 and $15,500, depending on your package, add-ons, island, and venue choices. If you are planning on having a reception with friends and family you can quickly get to over $30,000 pretty quickly.

Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages Are Convenient & Simple

With a Hawaii destination wedding package, you’ll be working with one company that expertly engineers all the little gears to make the whole machine run seamlessly. You’ll build a relationship with a trusted advisor. This person will be someone you can touch base with whenever questions or concerns crop up. 

This means simplicity at its finest. With a wedding package, there’s no need to contact multiple vendors or orchestrate the details while you’re on vacation. Just a single payment can cover everything, no worrying about little charges here and there — Your Hawaii destination wedding package will cover it all. Or you can customize it with Hawaii wedding add-ons that will be conveniently calculated into your overall total, allowing you to put your mind at ease and relax by the poolside.

Want to know more? Come view Simple Maui Wedding’s Top 7 Reasons to Choose All-Inclusive Maui Wedding Packages. 

Types of Ceremonies in Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages 

There are two types of ceremony packages for Hawaii destination weddings: beach or venue. Come with us and we’ll explore the differences, pros, and cons!

Hawaii Beach Weddings – Who Are They Best For?

• Ideal for fewer than 30 guests
• Includes beach permit and insurance
• Less expensive than a venue
• No indoor option
• Gorgeous backdrops

With beach weddings, simplicity reigns supreme. These packages are ideal for weddings with less than 30 people or eloping couples with few guests. Nothing can outdo the glistening ocean and the soft sensation of digging your toes in the sand. The Hawaii shoreside practically takes care of the decorating–which is convenient and fortunate since many decorative items are restricted on Hawaii beaches. 

Our packages abide by all state laws and regulations, and a beach wedding permit and liability insurance are included in every package. As a private citizen, securing these legal requirements is immensely difficult, so ensuring your Hawaii destination beach wedding package includes up-to-date paperwork is crucial. 

Because of the money saved on booking a venue, Oahu beach wedding packages and Maui beach wedding packages tend to be less expensive. However, you’re also taking a small gamble on the weather. There are no indoor options available for beach weddings, so if the clouds aren’t behaving as planned, it could mean bringing out the umbrellas. Luckily, rainy days on the beach are rare, and few things compare to saying “I do” as the ocean keeps tempo, or listening to the deeply moving sound of your Hawaiian wedding officiant blowing the traditional conch shell to celebrate your union.

Plus all of the sunshine, smiles, and radiant ocean will be captured by the artistic lens of the Karma Hill Photography Team, voted the top 5 wedding photographers for the state of Hawaii for the past 4 years by Hawaii Magazine. 

Venue Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages

• Large range for guest counts
• Versatile locations
• Indoor options
• Shoreside venues available
• Beach photo opportunities

Venue Hawaii destination wedding packages offer a little more flexibility with guest counts and a wider range of location options. Hawaii is known for its gorgeous beaches, but it’s also known for its world-class resorts. From hotels on the oceanfront to hidden gems deep within the valleys, Hawaii has a versatile and spectacular selection of venues. We’ve hand-picked only the best Oahu wedding venues and Maui wedding venues that are both beautiful and dependable, so you can rest assured that your Big Day will go as smoothly as possible. 

You can even have the best of both worlds and select a venue wedding package then add on additional photography time so you can capture couple’s portraits on the beach. Or you can say “I do” at one of our shoreside wedding venues. The Paradise Cove Luau and Kualoa Ranch Secret Island both have toes-in-the-sand ceremony options while offering the exclusivity of a venue. Simple Maui Wedding offers a 5 Palms Resort venue that also has a shoreside terrace just a few steps away from the ocean.  

✦ The Best Wedding Companies for Hawaii Destination Wedding Packages

Choose a locally owned and operated business. Hiring a large company that caters to 1000 plus weddings a month is only going to offer you cookie-cutter packages with zero to few add-ons and customizations.

The following companies take pride in making personal connections and helping you customize your Hawaii destination wedding packages to create your dream wedding day.

Oahu Wedding Planners

Simple Oahu Wedding is simply the best if you want elegance paired with the easygoing nature of the islands. Our packages include all the essentials, a vivid selection of beaches and venues, and the best photography team on the islands. Check out what our Oahu beach wedding packages offer.

Maui Wedding Planners

Our sister company, Simple Maui Wedding has been voted “Best of the Best Wedding Planners in Hawaii.” Like us, they only work with the top vendors and have hand-picked gorgeous locations around the island to create dream wedding packages that your guests will never forget. Browse what our beautiful Maui beach wedding packages include. 

Big Island Wedding Planners

Yes, we can help make it happen! Check out our newest wedding company on the Big Island, Simple Hawaii Wedding, offering Big Island wedding packages near Kailua-Kona.

Our companies are run by a husband and wife team who’ve structured their wedding businesses around honesty, integrity, and simplicity. We answer our emails within 24 hours, and our team has consistently earned 5-star reviews from our clients. 

This isn’t an accident; we truly care about you and your Hawaii wedding experience. With us, you’ll always be in contact with a real, live person, and you’ll establish a working relationship with one of our professional and dynamic wedding planners. We love making connections with our clients, and many have returned throughout the years for vow renewals. We can’t wait to meet you and look forward to helping you find your ideal Hawaii destination wedding package!  

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. 

If you’re having a small wedding in Oahu, you need to decide if you want to book a package on the public beach or at a dedicated Oahu wedding venue. For many couples, the choice comes down to price. But you may be surprised by the affordable wedding venues Oahu offers for small groups.

A beach wedding may seem cheaper, especially when you compare it too intricate events at upscale venues. But if you’re looking for a simple wedding in Oahu without the sand, strangers, and restrictions, you can still have an affordable event. It is important to go over the pros and cons with our wedding planner.

Today we’ll outline the price of a venue wedding and explore cost-saving measures that could have you marrying at a luxury locale without breaking the bank. Read along to discover how your dream Oahu wedding could be within reach. 

Our Simple Oahu Wedding package, held on the picturesque beach, includes an hour and a half of wedding photography and costs approximately $3300. In comparison, wedding packages offered at Oahu wedding venues typically range between $4750 and $5800, with the exact price varying based on the chosen venue’s location and amenities.

The primary contributor to the difference in these costs is the venue’s site fee. This fee not only secures a designated and beautifully maintained location for your wedding ceremony but also offers several valuable advantages. These include the provision of comfortable chairs for your guests, the opportunity to accommodate additional attendees, an array of customizable decor options, and the convenience of worry-free parking facilities.

While it’s true that a venue wedding may come with a higher price tag than a beach wedding, it’s essential to recognize the additional cost brings a wealth of benefits and amenities that can significantly enhance your wedding experience.

It’s easy to spend over $30,000 on a small wedding in Hawaii, but you don’t have to. Even if you choose to wed at a resort or estate, you don’t have to spend a fortune. 

Venue packages offer an attractive middle ground between the simplicity of a basic beach wedding and the extravagance of a fully customized event. These packages provide you with a pathway to enjoy a wedding that is both simple and intimate, yet uniquely yours, all while being mindful of your budget.

If you’re seeking a wedding that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and personalization, a venue wedding might be just the solution you’re looking for. Keep reading to discover why a venue wedding doesn’t have to be the expensive endeavor it may initially seem. 

While many venues charge thousands of dollars for a rental fee, they may offer special pricing if you book for a limited timeframe. It’s called a ceremony-only booking, but it will also include some time for portraits as well.

This works out great for couples searching for affordable wedding venues in Oahu. There will likely be restrictions that come along with the lower site fee, so here are some things to look out for: 

• You’ll want to make sure the rental time covers the time for set-up, arrivals, photos, and departure. Talk to your wedding coordinator to ensure there is enough time for everything.
• The ceremony-only option may only be available on certain days of the week or certain times of the day. 
• You may only be allowed to have a certain number of guests at wedding venues in Oahu. What is allowed varies by event space.

Even if you do face some restrictions at your wedding venue, it will still likely be more enjoyable than a public beach wedding, which involves many strict rules. 

Even if you book only a wedding ceremony package for your wedding, you can still have a wonderful wedding reception. Most couples plan that at a nearby restaurant or luau. The per-person cost ends up being far less than having dinner at a private venue. 

If you have a reception at a venue, you’ll need to pay the full site fee and then bring in all the rentals to have a meal there. This includes everything from chairs and tables to entertainment and staffing. You’ll even need to plan every cup and fork and provide the lighting so you can party into the night. Plus, there’s the cost of hiring someone to coordinate that for you. 

That works great if it’s within your budget. But if you’re hoping for a simple wedding, you can instead bring your guests to a restaurant, where you don’t have to worry about rentals and staffing.

A restaurant reception for 20 people would add a couple of thousand dollars to your wedding ceremony costs, which is far less than a $20,000+ event. 

Just because you can have endless decorations at your wedding venue doesn’t mean you must. In fact, you can have a simple venue wedding with no additional decor at all. The natural scenery provides all the beauty you need. 

If you do want some decorations at your venue ceremony, then you can plan to spend $600 – $2,000+ on flower setups. Also, take a look at these low-cost fun Oahu wedding details you can add to enhance your ceremony.

We sometimes see couples who feel pressured to spend a lot on their wedding ceremonies decor because they’re afraid the venue will look plain or ordinary without it. While flowers are always pretty, there’s no need to stretch your budget thin just because you think weddings need lots of decor. 

Embracing the beauty of simplicity can help you keep costs down for your Oahu venue wedding.

As you weigh the differences between a beach and a venue wedding, it’s tempting to look only at the cost. You may not want to trim your budget every chance you get, especially if that means sacrificing your happiness. 

While we don’t recommend anyone deplete their savings or go overboard with their wedding spending, we do encourage everyone to look beyond the price tag. Here are some things worth thinking about as you begin budgeting for your Oahu wedding:

• Your happiness in the moment
• How you’ll look back on your wedding for the rest of your life
• Peace of mind during the wedding planning process
• Your guests’ wedding experience

If you’ll be unhappy on a sandy beach with your guests standing and no rain backup plan, it may be worth saving up for an extra few months. You can then afford an Oahu venue wedding package with an ocean view or whatever your heart desires. 

We’ve already explored how to keep your costs down while opting for the venue ceremony, so you probably don’t have to save up as long as you feared. And it will be worth it to have a wedding day you’re truly happy with. 

If you’ve decided to have a venue wedding in Oahu, you’ll need to find the perfect location. The good news is that anywhere on Oahu is absolutely gorgeous. But if you want a place that’s beautiful, private, and off the beach, you’ll be happy to discover that there are some affordable options. 

All of our Simple Oahu Wedding packages run under $6,000 and have a maximum guest count of either 18, 30, or 50 people. 

One of our favorite spots for a ceremony is the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club. It’s a serene location with unique mountain views. You can either have a restaurant-style reception onsite at their golf club or head back to Honolulu to have a restaurant reception at your favorite spot. 

Kualoa Ranch Secret Island is our most popular venue package. It allows couples to wed with their toes in the sand without the restrictions that a public beach wedding will face. 

With so many wedding venues Oahu is a great place to have a small yet beautiful wedding ceremony. 

While we think beach weddings are beautiful in their simplicity, we’ve found many couples have a better wedding experience with the security and peace of mind a venue provides. You can keep your plans simple by sticking with the base package, or customize your experience with more florals, vendors, and photography time. 

Whether you are on a tight budget or ready to wow with your investment, an Oahu Venue Package could be the perfect option for your wedding day. 

If you’d like to learn more about our venue packages, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our coordinators today. They can help you discover your dream location and create the perfect wedding experience.

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.

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.

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!