Step-by-Step Plan for Your Wedding in Hawaii
Planning your dream wedding in the Hawaiian Islands is one of the most exciting journeys you’ll ever experience. From swaying palm trees and lush tropical gardens to serene ocean views and iconic locations like Diamond Head and Magic Island, Hawaii offers the perfect backdrop for every style of celebration. Whether you’re envisioning a simple Maui wedding, a romantic intimate beach ceremony, a lavish event at a luxury resort, or elegant vows at a private estate, this guide walks you through a step-by-step plan to bring your vision to life.
Your wedding day—or even your vow renewal—deserves thoughtful care, expert planning, and those little touches that turn a moment into a memorable experience. And with the right support from wedding planners, local experts, and trusted wedding photographers, you’ll enjoy peace, excitement, and peace of mind every step of the way.
Step 1: Choose Your Island + Wedding Vision
Your first major decision is selecting where in the state of Hawaii you’ll celebrate your special day.
Oahu
Perfect for couples who want convenience, variety, and iconic scenery such as Diamond Head, Magic Island, and the island of Oahu’s stunning beaches. Ideal for a simple Oahu wedding, venue wedding, or glamorous celebration at a luxury hotel.
Maui
A top choice for those wanting a simple Maui wedding, romantic coastlines, and some of the top maui wedding venue options on the islands.
Big Island
Known for its diversity—lava fields, waterfalls, and black sand beaches—plus customizable big island wedding packages.
Ask yourselves:
Do we want a private estate or private venues with maximum privacy?
Are we dreaming of beach weddings, intimate ceremony vibes, or classic ballroom elegance?
Is this our first time planning an event of this scale?
Deciding your vision early will guide your next steps.
Step 2: Select Your Hawaii Wedding Package
Hawaii offers a wide range of Hawaii wedding packages and Hawaii destination wedding packages, including inclusive packages, add-ons, and kamaaina package rates for local residents.
Most packages include:
A wedding coordinator
Floral design
Photography
A wedding ceremony officiant such as Rev. James Chun
A curated reception venue list
Décor and seating
Planned timelines and vendor coordination
Selecting the right package grants you peace of mind, simplifies the planning process, and ensures your wedding day runs smoothly.
Step 3: Find Your Perfect Venue
Your venue sets the tone for everything.
Private Estate (most popular option)
A private estate offers intimacy, exclusivity, and customizable styling. Perfect for couples wanting:
Privacy
Personalized décor
Space for larger guest counts
Unique layouts
Quiet joy in a natural setting
With private estate weddings, you can bring your own outside vendor, create a full weekend experience, and design your perfect wedding from scratch.
Luxury Resorts
Options across Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island provide:
On-site coordinator services
All-inclusive convenience
Stunning ocean views
Custom room rates for guests
Access to ballrooms, beaches, and garden areas
Ideal for couples who want peace of mind and a seamless experience.
Beach or Park Wedding
If you want a simple Hawaii wedding, low-key ambiance, and natural scenery, a beach weddings option offers:
Affordability
Perfect backdrop moments
Easy access for guests
Popular locations include Magic Island, Waikiki, or Maui’s coastal cliffs.
Just ensure you acquire permits and follow guidelines—including liability insurance requirements.
Step 4: Bring in Your Wedding Team
Great vendors turn love stories into unforgettable celebrations.
Your Vendor Team May Include:
Wedding photographers
Videographers
Florists
Caterers
Rental companies
Bakeries (for your tier wedding cake)
DJ or musician
Wedding coordinator or event planners
Hair and makeup artists
Officiants such as Rev. James Chun
Working with local vendors ensures your big day aligns with Hawaiian culture, weather patterns, and regulations.
Check sites like Wedding Wire for reviews.
Step 5: Create Your Style & Personal Touch
Once the foundation is set, it’s time for the fun part—designing your perfect wedding or vow renewal experience.
Incorporate:
A personal touch through letters, rituals, or cultural elements
Tropical florals
A custom ceremony arch
Local cuisine
Live Hawaiian music
This is where all the good things come together.
Step 6: Build Your Wedding Timeline
Your timeline must flow naturally—from your wedding gown photos to your ceremony and reception.
Typical timelines include:
Getting ready
First look & photo shoots
Ceremony
Cocktail hour
Dinner
Dancing
Cake cutting
Exit
This is where your wedding coordinator and on-site coordinator shine. They ensure everything runs smoothly and allow you to savor the quiet joy of the day.
Step 7: Understand Guest Logistics
Your guests are a huge part of your celebration. Consider:
Travel arrangements
Room rates
Transportation
Accessibility
Guest counts
Nearby attractions
Hawaii offers endless activities, so many couples turn their wedding into a full vacation experience—adding even more magic to their special day.
Step 8: Prepare for Legal Requirements
The state of Hawaii makes the legal process straightforward.
You will need:
A marriage license
Valid IDs
An appointment with an agent
Any additional paperwork if you're working with an outside vendor or private location
Don’t forget to review your vendors’ liability insurance to keep everything compliant.
Step 9: Add Optional Enhancements
To elevate your event, consider:
Fire knife dancers
Luxury transportation
Lei exchange
Additional photography
A rehearsal dinner venue
A next-day brunch
Expanded florals
Romantic lighting
A private luau
These additions can enhance your venue wedding, giving it that extra sparkle.
Step 10: Enjoy Your Perfect Hawaii Wedding
At last—the moment you’ve been dreaming of.
Whether you're celebrating a full wedding day, a heartfelt vow renewal, or intimate wedding ceremonies with just the two of you, Hawaii’s beauty, traditions, and energy will make it unforgettable.
Imagine exchanging vows beneath palm trees, walking hand-in-hand across lush tropical gardens, and capturing portraits with Diamond Head in the background. These moments reflect everything you ever imagined when you pictured your dream wedding.
Your wedding couple portraits, your first time seeing each other, your laughter with loved ones—all become part of your lifelong memory.
And when it’s all said and done, you’ll know you made the most important choice: celebrating your love in one of the most breathtaking places on earth.
