There was so much emotion and beauty during Lani & Alex’s Beach Wedding in Oahu. The stunning couple traveled from Washington to marry on our glowing shoreline. For them, this destination wedding also felt like a homecoming.

Lani’s parents live on Oahu, and this island girl was radiant at their wedding. Surrounded by the warm Hawaii sun and a small group of loved ones, Lani & Alex committed their lives to each other.

We were all in tears! From the bride’s grand entrance to their big pronouncement, each moment was unbelievably sweet.

Karma Hill Photography captured so many moments from Lani & Alex’s Beach Wedding in Oahu, and we’re excited to share some of our favorite images here!

By Calm Waters

Ellsworth Simeona officiated Lani & Alex’s beach wedding in Oahu. He led the pair in traditional vows and Hawaiian customs, like a lei exchange and chant.

The ceremony was full of personality and warmth. Lani & Alex are grounded and authentic, but also elegant and modern. They brought that balance both to the tone of their ceremony and in their visual styling.

Lani wore a tropical haku flower crown with a simple and timeless wedding dress. Alex’s tan suit was perfect for a beach wedding in Oahu. These two would have looked amazing anywhere, but their fantastic style really worked on these scenic shores.

With a tall palm tree swaying gently overhead, and calm waters behind them, Lani & Alex had a wedding ceremony that was as dreamy as it was down-to-earth. We love it!

From a Beach Wedding in Oahu to a Beautiful Forever

After their ceremony, Lani & Alex enjoyed some newlywed portraits with Karma Hill Photography. These two were born to be in front of the camera! Part of it is their natural good looks, and part of it is their curated attire. But it’s also their amazing chemistry.

Lani & Alex each bring their great personalities to their relationship, and they go so well together. You can tell this is a couple who brings out the best in each other. We love to see it!

Spending this late afternoon with Lani & Alex was such a joy, and we’re grateful we could be a part of their Beach wedding in Oahu!

Now with the big day behind them and the rest of their lives ahead of them, they’re ready to go change the world! We know they’ll do amazing things as a married couple, and we’re honored to see this beautiful beginning!

Congratulations, Lani & Alex! Your Oahu wedding was so fun and gorgeous, and so are you!

Beach Wedding in Oahu – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Beach Location: ​​Wai’alae Beach Park

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Pinky from Karma Hill Photography

Wedding Planners in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Vy from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiant: Ellsworth Simeona

Wedding Florals: Vibrant Rustic Hawaiian Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Check out another recent Hawaii wedding here!

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

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

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

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

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

The Beach Crowds

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

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

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

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

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

The Wedding Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Risks of a Beach Ceremony

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

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

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

Your Guest Count Is Important

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

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

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

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

Cost Of Oahu Beach Weddings

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

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

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

Choosing a Beach Wedding in Honolulu and Oahu

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

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

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

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

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

Our Love Excels

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

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

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

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

This is Paradise

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

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

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

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

Oahu Elopement – All The Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Wedding Photographers: Megan from Karma Hill Photography

Beach Location: Paradise Cove Beach ​​

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

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiants: Kahu Kawena Mechler

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossom Hawaii

See another wedding in Oahu here!

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

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

Why We Love Their Oahu Vow Renewal

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

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

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

Oahu Vow Renewal – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Beach Location: ​​Kualoa Regional Beach Park

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Pinky from Karma Hill Photography

Vow Renewal in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Minister: Kahu Dennis Chong-Imamura

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

Hair & Makeup: Reveal Hair & Makeup

Check out another wedding in Oahu here!

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!

Shauna and Jack’s Oahu venue wedding was a delightful event! The Royal Hawaiian Golf Club was the location for this sunset affair — this spot created the perfect scene. Then our charming couple had radiant smiles on their faces during their ceremony. Most importantly, you could see Shauna and Jack’s newlywed bliss in every portrait captured by Karma Hill Photography! Keep scrolling to experience this occasion for yourself.

This getaway was Shauna and Jack’s first time in Hawaii! Before their special day, they shared with us how excited they were to experience this destination. Our adventurous pair was looking forward to traveling around and seeing the different parts of the island! In addition, we know their time on Oahu was unforgettable because they got married. If anything, their wedding must’ve been the highlight of their trip!

Why They Had An Oahu Venue Wedding

Shauna and Jack’s original plan was to honeymoon in Hawaii. However, Jack brought up the idea of tying the knot on the island. Our stunning pair talked about it and began researching until they came across the perfect venue; the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club! Then they paired with our team at Simple Oahu Wedding because they wanted an easy and stress-free planning process. Above all, Shauna and Jack’s special day was simple, sweet, and fun — perfect for them! We’re glad we could be part of making their dream wedding a reality.

Our Couple’s Story

Our passionate pair’s story began when they met in middle school! Then, during their sophomore year of high school, Shauna and Jack started dating. Our blissful newlyweds have been together for almost a decade; they’re high school sweethearts and best friends! Currently, Shauna and Jack both work in IT. They have the sweetest one-year-old son — who they love spending their days outside with!

Congratulations, Shauna and Jack! Thank you for sharing your special day with us. We wish you a future full of new travels, long walks, and scenic car rides!

Oahu Venue Wedding – Session Details

Time of Day: Sunset

Oahu Venue Location: Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

Oahu Wedding Photographer: Mike from Karma Hill Photography

Weddings in Oahu: Simple Oahu Wedding

Onsite Coordinator: Kalinda from Simple Oahu Wedding

Oahu Officiant: Kahu Kawena Mechler

Wedding Florals: Boho Dream Bouquet by Sweet Blossoms Hawaii

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!