Weddings and Honeymoons in Hawaii

There's no question that Hawaii is one of the country's foremost honeymoon destinations. Romance is in the air here, and the white, sandy beaches, turquoise water, swaying palm trees, balmy tropical breezes, and perpetual sunshine put people in the mood for love. So it goes without saying, that Kauai has also become a popular wedding destination, especially as new resorts and hotels entice visitors, and same-sex marriage is legal. Once the knot is tied, why not stay for the honeymoon?

The Big Day

Choosing the Perfect Place. You really have two choices to make: the ceremony location and where to have the reception. For the former, Kauai boasts stunning beaches, sea-hugging bluffs, gardens, private residences, resort lawns, and, of course, places of worship. As for the reception, there are these same choices, as well as restaurants and even a luau. If you decide to go outdoors, make sure to have a backup plan for inclement weather.

Finding a Wedding Planner. If you're planning to invite more than an officiant and your loved one to your wedding ceremony, seriously consider a Kauai wedding planner who can help select a location, design the floral scheme, and recommend a florist and photographer. They can also plan the menu and choose a restaurant, caterer, or resort, and suggest any Hawaiian traditions to incorporate into your ceremony.

If it’s a resort wedding, most have on-site wedding coordinators; however, there are many independents around Kauai who specialize in certain types of ceremonies—by locale, size, religious affiliation, and so on. Share your budget. Get a proposal—in writing. Request a detailed list of the exact services they'll provide. If possible, meet the planner in person.

Getting Your License. There’s no waiting period in Hawaii, no residency or citizenship requirements, and no required blood test or shots. You can apply and pay the fee online; however, both the bride and groom must appear together in person before a marriage-license agent to receive the marriage license (the permit to get married) at the State Department of Health in Lihue. You'll need proof of age—the legal age to marry is 18. Upon approval, a marriage license is immediately issued and costs $60. After the ceremony, your officiant will mail the marriage certificate to the state. Approximately four months later, you will receive a copy in the mail. For more detailed information, visit marriage.ehawaii.gov.

Also—this is important—the person performing your wedding must be licensed by the Hawaii Department of Health, even if he or she is a licensed officiant. Be sure to ask.

Wedding Attire.In Hawaii, basically anything goes, from long, formal dresses with trains to white bikinis. For men, a pair of solid-colored slacks with a nice aloha shirt is appropriate. If you're planning a wedding on the beach, barefoot is the way to go.

Local Customs. The most obvious traditional Hawaiian wedding custom is the lei exchange in which the bride and groom take turns placing a lei around the neck of the other—with a kiss. Bridal lei are usually floral, whereas the groom's is typically made of maile, a green leafy garland that drapes the neck. Brides often also wear a lei poo—a circular floral headpiece.

The Honeymoon

Do you want Champagne and strawberries delivered to your room each morning? A breathtaking swimming pool in which to float? A five-star restaurant in which to dine? Then a resort is the way to go. A small inn is also good if you're on a tight budget or don't plan to spend much time in your room. The lodging accommodations are almost as plentiful as the beaches.