“David stayed by my side during a hard time in my life; I knew he was the one.” April and David’s Oahu destination wedding culminated with love, family, friends, and fun! It was a beautiful and relaxed affair that reminded us why we love what we do at Simple Oahu Wedding! We are so happy for these two!

For a bit of backstory, our gorgeous couple met online! David was the first one April met that night – fate definitely had a hand in their meeting! They began dating with intention and loved each other’s company! Fast forward years of long-distance dating later, and here they are tying the knot at their Oahu destination wedding!

Their friends and family were so thrilled for them despite the fact they had initially wanted to elope to Oahu! However, many friends and family wanted to travel and be there for their big day, so they chose Secret Island at Kualoa Ranch to host their celebration! And to their surprise and delight, many were more than happy to travel to celebrate with them!

The Aloha Spirit

Our beautiful couple was sent with many kisses and cheers on their way as we captured their first moments as newlyweds! They look so blissfully happy! David loves anything to do with the ocean, and April loves adventuring together, so Oahu was the perfect fit for these two! She looks radiant in her tropical Haku flower crown…that bouquet is the picture of Hawaii’s tropical beauty!

How gorgeous is this backdrop!? It doesn’t get any more authentically Hawaiian with these Jurassic-like cliffs! But we were so happy to see their vision for their Oahu destination wedding come true! And, most importantly, celebrate with their friends and family!

Congratulations to our beautiful newlyweds, April and David, on your Oahu destination wedding! You were a joy, and we wish you all the blessings in your next adventure together! May you together forever carry the aloha spirit in the years to come!

OAHU DESTINATION WEDDING – Session Details

Oahu Wedding Planner: Simple Oahu Wedding

Wedding Venue Location on Oahu: Secret Island – Kualoa Ranch 

Oahu Wedding Florals: Sweet Blossoms

Oahu Officiant: Rev. Kimo Taylor

Wedding Photographer in Oahu: Laura of Karma Hill Photography

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.

Clare & Christopher’s venue wedding in Oahu was straight out of a fairytale! The exquisite landscapes at Kualoa Secret Island surrounded our delightful duo as they exchanged vows. Then the heavy clouds and soft sunlight created a romantic mood. Most importantly, this ceremony was the definition of intimate! Our beautiful pair had only two guests in attendance — their two children! Keep scrolling to see this gorgeous event for yourself.

Secret, relaxed, and intimate are a few words our charming couple used to describe their sunset occasion! Kualoa Secret Island was the perfect place for Clare and Christopher’s special day. This private spot has an endless amount of breathtaking views! First, we set up the wedding on the shoreline. The cerulean waves, beige sand, and lofty palm trees were an impeccable background for this tranquil event. After the ceremony, Karma Hill Photography captured flawless portraits of our radiant newlyweds with epic mountains and an ancient fish pond!

Why They Had a Venue Wedding in Oahu

Clare and Christopher wanted to keep their wedding simple and stress-free. They made the right choice by teaming up with us! We covered the basics of planning their day, then ensured their ceremony would look stunning. Above all, we’re glad to hear our passionate pair loves their day! 

This romantic getaway wasn’t our radiant newlyweds’ first time on the island! Thirteen years ago, Clare and Christopher visited Oahu and Lana’i. Since it was one of their most unforgettable holidays — they knew they had to return with their daughters!

Our lovely couple met when they were nineteen years old. Then in 2011, they got engaged in Sardinia, Italy! Christopher is a property developer, while Clare works in Investment Banking. They have two daughters, who are eleven and eight years old. As a family, this bunch loves being active! You can find them hiking, boating, and skiing in their spare time. Lastly, Clare and Christopher have been a couple for twenty years. However, they decided it was time to get married since they were both turning forty. Their Oahu venue wedding was the perfect way to celebrate their strong connection!

Congratulations, Clare and Christopher! Thank you for sharing your special day with us. We wish you a future filled with adventure and great memories!

Venue Wedding in Oahu – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu 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 Kawena Mechler

Wedding Florals: Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Musician: Rodney Bejer

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

Last week, Brooke and Tyler tied the knot on Kualoa Secret Island! Their Oahu venue wedding was full of exquisite floral arrangements and loving moments. Most importantly, you can tell our beautiful pair savored every minute of this unforgettable day! Brooke and Tyler had gorgeous smiles on their faces throughout this sunset affair. Thankfully, Karma Hill Photography captured every meaningful moment! Keep scrolling to experience this event for yourself.

This day began with Megan from Karma Hill Photography capturing getting-ready footage of Brooke, Tyler, and the bridal party! Then, our groom and the guests headed to the venue. As you ride the boat to this private island, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a tropical fairytale! Next, our beautiful bride and her bridesmaids headed to the Kualoa Secret Island.

The Romantic Oahu Venue Wedding

Our delightful duo had their ceremony at Kualoa Secret Island. This private venue is one-of-a-kind! It’s the perfect place for couples who want an intimate and elegant event on the seaside. We adore this spot because it has everything from sandy beaches to dramatic mountain views. In addition, you can decorate the shoreline with an arch and chairs! Above all, we adore this destination because it’s spacious. Brooke and Tyler had plenty of space for their twenty-five guests to sit comfortably and view the ceremony!

When the ceremony began, the ambiance was perfect! Jeremy Hirokawa effortlessly played the ukulele and enhanced the tranquil mood. Then Kahu Dennis Chong-Imamura delivered a heartwarming sermon! More than anything, we love how Brooke and Tyler decorated the shoreline. Their two transparent pillars with the bright pink bougainvillea are breathtaking custom arches!

After exchanging vows and leis in front of family and friends, Brooke and Tyler ended the night with dinner at Dukes Waikiki! We can’t think of a better way to close the day after having such a stunning Oahu venue wedding!

Congratulations, Brooke and Tyler! Thank you for sharing this special day with us. We wish you a future full of love, happiness, and abundance!

Oahu Venue Wedding – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Venue Location: ​​Kualoa Secret Island

Oahu Wedding Photographers: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Venues in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiant: Kahu Dennis Chong-Imamura

Wedding Florals: Custom Bouquet by Designs by Hemingway

Musician: Jeremy Hirokawa

Hair & Makeup: Reveal Hair & Makeup

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

A few years ago, Ava and Arthur spent a week on the island for Arthur’s birthday. Our gorgeous pair loved exploring this destination! They did a new hike every day and tried skydiving for the first time. When it was time to plan their special day, they knew a Oahu wedding would be ideal for them. Our delightful duo could tie the knot with Hawaii’s beauty surrounding them and have new adventures during their getaway. All in all, it was the perfect plan! Keep scrolling to experience this event for yourself.

Kualoa Secret Island was the location for this ceremony! This venue is not just a breathtaking spot — it’s an unforgettable experience. When you arrive at this private beach, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a tropical dream!

In addition, we adore how our charming couple customized the shoreline. The Geometric Arch by Oahu Wedding Altars complements the delicate shades in the two arrangements decorating it! The elegant pink, blush, and white hues contrast exquisitely with the tropical greenery in the florals. Above all, we love how the light clouds in the sky and soft afternoon sun created an impeccable mood!

Why They Had A Oahu Wedding

Ava and Arthur have always wanted to have a destination wedding. From the beginning, they knew Oahu was one of their top choices! The time they spent on the island during their last getaway was remarkable — they knew they’d make more unforgettable memories this trip. Most importantly, none of Ava and Arthur’s guests live in Oahu! They wanted this tropical getaway to feel like a group vacation for everyone attending their sunset affair!

Our Couple’s Story

Our passionate pair has been together for a total of six years. However, Ava and Arthur were engaged for almost three years! They met through one of Ava’s best friends, who is dating Arthur’s cousin. Then when the time was right, Arthur popped the question! Arthur proposed to Ava at Big Lagoon in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines, before the pandemic.

Congratulations, Ava and Arthur! Thank you for trusting us with your special day. We wish you a future full of traveling, hiking, and new adventures!

Oahu Wedding – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Venue Location: ​​Kualoa Secret Island

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Oli from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiant: Ellsworth Simeona

Wedding Florals: Custom Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Videographer: Dream FX Media

Musician: Jeremy Hirokawa

Wedding Arch: Travis Kimura from Oahu Wedding Altars

Arch Flowers: Hillary Broad

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

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!

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!

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!