How to Elope in Kauai: A Guide to Planning Your Hawaii Elopement
If you’ve landed on this page, you’ve probably already discovered that the big traditional wedding doesn’t fit your vibe and are dreaming of a tropical, blissful elopement instead. Deciding to elope in Kauai was the most freeing, magical, stress-free choice my husband and I made, and we even managed to do it on a budget! Here’s everything I learned from our elopement, and a guide on to how to elope in Kauai.
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Why Kauai, Hawaii?
There’s something so magical about Kauai. Not only is it vastly beautiful, offering floral-filled mountains, serene beaches, and towering waterfalls, but it also has the most laid-back, romantic energy, making it the perfect place for an intimate elopement.
The process to legally marry in Kauai is also super simple, and you’ll have a pretty Hawaiian marriage certificate forever!
To prove how stunning Kauai is, this photo was taken in a highway ditch:
How to Elope in Kauai: Legally and Officially
Getting married in Hawaii was refreshingly easy, even as Canadian citizens. No matter where you’re from or who you love, you can 100% get legally married in Hawaii. Here’s how:
1. Apply for Your Marriage License
Apply for your marriage license online at the Hawaii Department of Health and pay the $65 application fee. You can apply up to one year in advance of your wedding day.
2. Schedule a Marriage License Appointment
Make an appointment with a marriage license agent to have your marriage license issued within 30 days of your wedding day. You must both appear at the appointment with valid ID, and if you’ve been divorced in the past, you must bring documented proof that the marriage has ended.
We scheduled our appointment just a few days before our elopement day and walked out with our marriage license within 15 minutes. It was super easy! There are seven marriage license agents on Kauai; find them here.
3. Connect with a Wedding Officiant to Elope in Kauai
Find a wedding officiant (aka “performer”) who aligns with your style and is licensed in the state of Hawaii. A list of licensed officiants can be found on the same website where you applied for your marriage license.
We were married by Julie Wirtz and had the most incredible experience with her.
Julie has officiated for hundreds of couples who chose to elope in Kauai, making her an expert in location scouting, permit logistics, and tailoring each ceremony to the couple. She even has a personalized Google map of all the spots where you can elope in Kauai, which was a huge help during our ceremony location hunt.
To make your marriage official, your officiant will guide you through signing the marriage license during or after your ceremony.
Once your marriage license is signed, your officiant will submit it online, and you will receive a temporary marriage certificate in a few days.
The official copy will be mailed to your home address within a few weeks, legally recognizing your marriage without the hassle of a courthouse visit!
Booking Vendors For Your Kauai Elopement
Photographers
Your photographer is such an important part of your elopement day for more reasons than you think. Not only will they capture the most special day of your life with aesthetic photos you’ll cherish forever, but they also act as your maid of honour by hyping you up and keeping you on schedule.
There are so many options of incredibly talented Hawaiian photographers to choose from. Since you landed on this blog, chances are you’ve already seen many of their pages while researching how to elope in Kauai.
Our friend Lawrence Conyer did such an amazing job capturing and coordinating our special elopement day. His photography and good vibes are unmatched.
Wedding Coordinators
While many of Hawaii’s local photographers offer elopement planning packages and day-of coordination, I didn’t have one. My photographer and officiant were so helpful and knowledgeable that I didn’t feel the need to hire a coordinator, which saved me money and kept our elopement that much more intimate.
Hair and Makeup
I decided to do my own wedding day glam, but again, do what makes you most comfortable!
I went this route for a few reasons:
- Save money
- Do my makeup in a way that feels like myself
- I wouldn’t be in Kauai long enough to get hair and makeup trials done
- Knew the humidity would instantly bring out the frizz and curls in my hair anyway (where are my curly girlies at?!)
- It was fun playing around with doing my own makeup trials and purchasing special products
The biggest reason I skipped professional glam was to spend meaningful time with my very soon-to-be husband on the morning of our wedding. We made breakfast together and sipped coffee on our lanai while reading letters from friends and family (in hindsight, I wish we had read them the night before – I cried A LOT lol).
Now, looking back, that quiet, giddy morning we spent getting ready together is one of my most cherished memories.
One thing I wish I had known before I left to elope in Kauai is that it’s tough to find a dry cleaner to steam your dress on the island. Bring a handheld steamer, or even better, hang it up and let the island humidity do its thing!
Florals
Kauai is also known as The Garden Isle, as it is home to a vast variety of beautiful tropical flowers and plants – perfect for a wedding florals!
There are a handful of florists on the island who specialize in bouquets, leis, and hakus (flower crowns), but I cannot recommend Isle Flowers enough. Angela at Isle Flowers made us personalized traditional leis and the most stunning bridal bouquet. She even delivered our florals to us the morning of our elopement with a big hug and aloha spirit.
It is definitely possible to make your own bridal bouquet if that is something your creativity and wallet would prefer. There are numerous markets on Kauai with fresh flowers to choose from, but I also noticed a great selection at Costco for a budget-friendly price.
Where to Stay When You Elope in Kauai
Though Kauai is one of Hawaii’s smallest islands (only 552 square miles), its size can be deceiving, especially when it comes to driving. With only two main highways and the wild Napali Coast cutting off full access around the island, getting from one side to the other takes longer than you’d expect.
I highly recommend getting your own set of wheels so you can explore the entirety of the island at your own pace.
Check Rental Car Rates and Options Here
We stayed in Princeville on the Northside but held our ceremony near Poipu on the Southside. On our elopement day we spent hours in the car. Luckily, we loved vibing to our wedding playlist while enjoying the views and basking in our newlywed bliss.
Still, to save time (and stress), I recommend staying in the same region as your ceremony.
Kauai is broken up into four regions that each have a different vibe and their own microclimate:
North Side: Princeville, Hanalei
The north shore undoubtedly has the most romantic feel on the entire island of Kauai. Its quiet atmosphere, fewer people, and breathtaking beaches (including our favourite, Hanalei Bay) make it ideal for couples seeking tranquillity.
This part of the island is very lush, tropical, and green, thanks to its more frequent rainfall than the rest of Kauai. If you choose to have your ceremony on the north side, be sure to have some umbrellas handy just in case. Rain showers are usually brief and followed by beautiful rainbows!
It also has some of the most iconic beaches and scenic mountain backdrops for your Kauai elopement ceremony.
The north shore is home to Kauai’s most acclaimed, luxurious resort 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay.
Although we did not stay here, we went for dinner and walked around the hotel grounds and were absolutely blown away. It is clear why it has been named one of the Best Hotels & Resorts in the World.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay is pricey, but remember, you are already saving big bucks by not having the traditional 200-guest wedding. And if there’s any vacation to splurge on, it’s your elopement getaway.
Check 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay Prices Here
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option on the north side, I highly recommend the one-bedroom Princeville rental home we stayed in. This home has a beautiful garden lanai and a fully stocked kitchen – a game changer when it comes to travelling Kauai on a Budget.
East Side: Kapaa, Wailua, Lihue
The “Coconut Coast” east side is conveniently centrally located and offers a ton of natural beauty to explore, like the Wailua River, waterfalls, and sandy beaches.
This part of the island is humid and tropical but sees less rain than the north, with the average day featuring a mix of sun and clouds.
Timbers Kauai Ocean Club is the most luxurious hotel on the east side, offering private pools, open-air showers, and a full-service spa.
Check Prices and Availability Here
If you’re not looking for luxury and want to save some money, find budget-friendly options in this post.
South Side: Poipu, Koloa
The sunniest side of the entire island of Kauai! The south side is warm and dry almost always, which makes it a top contender for a ceremony location for your Kauai elopement.
If you’re dreaming of a beach ceremony with perfect golden-hour lighting, consider Shipwreck Beach and Gillins Beach.
My husband and I arrived in Kauai a week before our elopement day to scout out all our potential ceremony locations. After seeing several beaches, we found Makawehi Bluffs and instantly knew that was our spot.
Makawehi Bluffs has it all: sandy, rugged cliffs overhanging the ocean, and stunning views of the red rock and lush mountains in the distance.
This spot was a short ten-minute hike from Shipwreck Beach, and we had it completely to ourselves! The whole point of eloping was to have a private, intimate ceremony, so we knew we didn’t want to get married on a public beach with strangers lurking.
Another perk about this location is that it does not require permitting and it allows alcohol on the premises. Pop the bubbly – we’re married!!!
If you choose to elope in Kauai at Shipwreck Beach or Makawehi Bluffs, I highly recommend staying at The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa. This beautiful resort is literally right there and has world-class views and dining options.
West Side: Waimea, Kekaha
The west side of Kauai is known for its otherworldly beauty, home to Waimea Canyon and Kōkeʻe State Park. That being said, it’s also the most remote, so there aren’t a ton of resorts and fine dining in this region.
Permitting ceremonies and photography in this area is also quite strict, so be sure to familiarize yourself with these regulations and respect the local community and their land.
Although I do not recommend having your ceremony on the west side, it is still an absolute must-see. Maybe you’d consider celebrating your marriage with a helicopter ride over the Nā Pali Coast or take off on a romantic sunset dinner cruise instead.
How to Elope in Kauai on a Budget: Cost & Expenses
It is no secret that Hawaii is expensive, and for good reason – it is stunning, remote, and filled with tourists. But there are still ways to cut costs! I wrote an entire post on how to travel Kauai on a Budget.
We managed to save big money on our elopement day in Kauai by keeping it simple. Instead of splurging on vendors or a fancy dinner, we stuck to the essentials – our officiant and photographer – then grabbed tacos from a local roadside stand and packed a cooler full of yummy snacks and drinks.
While it is good to save money where you can, remember that this is your wedding day. You are already saving thousands of dollars by ditching the large guest list, big venue, DJ, and overpriced meals and drinks.
It is difficult to give you an exact number of how much it cost us to elope in Kauai, but here’s a price breakdown of what to expect:
- Marriage license: $65
- Wedding Officiant: $350-400
- Photographer: $2,500-$8,000 (depending on if you purchase an elopement package, videography, etc)
- Florals: $120-400
- Rental car: $40-$70/day
- Accommodation: $220-$2,0000/night
Also, obviously consider the cost of flights, meals out, wardrobe, potential additional permits, other vendors, and excursions.
That being said, put even a fraction of a traditional wedding budget toward eloping in Kauai, and you’ll create an unforgettable day that is completely your own. And since you’re already in paradise, why not stretch it out into your honeymoon too?
Unique Kauai Experiences to Consider
Whether you decide to stay a week or a month after you elope in Kauai, here are some can’t-miss experiences to check out before you leave the island:
To wrap up our elopement day, we celebrate at a traditional Hawaiian luau and fire show. It was such a fun way to incorporate Hawaiian culture into our day, enjoy a delicious dinner, and sip on a tropical cocktail to celebrate our new marriage!
Looking back on planning how to elope in Kauai, one thing I wish we’d done is book a helicopter tour. The Nā Pali Coast is definitely the most jaw-dropping, beautiful place I’ve ever seen, so flying over it with your person on your wedding day? Ugh, I can’t think of anything more magical and iconic!
These tours and shows are incredible ways to experience Kauai, but my personal favourite way to pass island time is free… going to the beach!
Make sure to surf, snorkel, or just sunbathe at my favourite spots: Kauapea “Secret” Beach, Hanalei Bay, and Anini Beach.
Checklist for How to Elope in Kauai
- Apply for a marriage license online
- Book an appointment with a marriage license agent
- Connect with a marriage officiant
- Book flights and accommodation
- Book photographer
- Book additional vendors, excursions, reservations, etc
- Talk to your photographer and officiant about obtaining permits if required
Once you have checked all these items off your list, pack your bags, write your vows, and get ready for the most magical day of your life! It is honestly logistically simple to elope in Kauai; you just have to do a little planning in advance.
Remember to tailor your day to whatever feels right to you and your future spouse. I managed to elope in Kauai under my budget by having no guests and keeping it low-key.
But you may invite a handful of family and friends, hike a mountain, have your ceremony on a boat, jump in the ocean in your wedding dress – whatever! What I’m saying is that there are no limits or societal rules when it comes to planning your elopement day. Do it for you.
I hope this article made you feel more at ease and excited about your decision to elope, and has provided valuable insight into how to elope in Kauai. I wish I could relive our elopement day over and over again, and in a way, writing this post allowed me to!