Everything you need to know about getting married on one of Hawaii’s Public Beaches
If you are planning an elopement wedding on Hawaii Island with less than 25 guests, you will have the opportunity to get married at one of the island’s many public beach locations. Yes, public. But hear me out!
One of the greatest things about eloping at a public beach on Hawaii Island is the abundance of permitted beaches that remain relatively private. The beach shown here is one of those. We have come to this beach countless times and been the only people on it. So, while it isn’t guaranteed, it is not unrealistic to think that it might just be you and your guests – plus a few resident green sea turtles sunbathing on the sand!
Important Details about Hawaii Elopements on Public Beach Locations
While they can be idyllic, there are few important things to note about these public beach locations though:
Hawaii Public Beach Wedding Permit
First: It is very important to note that you will need to have a permit from the State and in order to get the said permit, you will need to have insurance coverage. That’s where we come in. We can take care of this and provide all this for you and make sure you don’t run into any issues on your wedding day. You do not want to skip this step and run the risk of having your wedding be illegal.
If you decide to go it on your own, you’ll need to first make sure the beach you choose is one of the permitted beaches and then file the paperwork accordingly. We can certainly provide peace of mind in this area! The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources provides a list of sites to choose from but without knowing them, it is nearly impossible to sort through them all!
Wedding Decor on Public Beaches near Kona, Hawaii
We can also warn you that no large wedding structures or large groups of chairs are permitted at most public beaches. We love to utilize the surrounding trees to create an “arch” that is entirely natural and requires no structure.
Privacy and Your Intimate Big Island Wedding
When considering eloping at a public beach on Hawaii Island, we can also tell you some beaches are more private than others and an insider’s opinion is a huge asset for trying to determine the best spot and the best timing for your wedding. One cannot reserve a specific spot on the beach and your permit will only be for a maximum of 2 hours.
Additionally, you also won’t know exactly how many other possible weddings might be happening there that day. The only exception is when we do book your permit, we are able to see if anyone else has currently booked before us. But don’t be discouraged, a public beach wedding can still be a great, cost effective and gorgeous option for an intimate wedding. This is particularly true if it is just the two of you and you are flexible on where on the beach you can go.
Other Considerations for Choosing the Right Beach Location to Elope in Hawaii
In addition to privacy, some beaches are also more accessible than others so if you have guests that might not be able to walk too far, we recommend you take this into consideration before booking a location. Additionally, there are a few that have very limited parking or might be more prone to wind or even rain. All great reasons to consult with us to help you choose the right location for whatever it is you are envisioning!
Photography by Child Indigo Hawaii
Florals by Grace Flowers
Wedding Planning, Coordination and Design: The Chapter of Love
