Name: Kauai Elopement
Brand: Wedy
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

Question 1

Do I need a permit to elope in Kauai?

Accepted Answer

Yes, a permit is required for any ceremony on Kauai's public beaches and state parks. For most beaches (Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach, Shipwreck Beach), you'll need a DLNR Wiki Permit through emrs.ehawaii.gov — costs are $25 for up to 20 guests or $35 for 21–30 guests. For state parks like Waimea Canyon or Polihale, a separate DLNR Division of State Parks special use permit is required, with a minimum 45-day lead time. Your photographer and any other professional vendors must also obtain a commercial film permit through DLNR. Apply at least 30 days ahead, or 60 days for summer peak dates. Your Wedy planning team can help coordinate permit logistics.

Question 2

How many guests can I have at my Kauai elopement?

Accepted Answer

Most public beach locations on Kauai cap total headcount at 30, including vendors — with a maximum of 20 guests at spots like Hanalei Bay and Tunnels Beach. Your photographer, officiant, and any other hired vendors count toward that total. For larger groups (50–100+), a private venue like Hanalei Colony Resort, Ko'a Kea Resort, or Kilohana Plantation is required. Remote spots like Secret Beach (Kauapea) and Uluwehi Falls are best suited for 2–6 people due to the physical access challenges.

Question 3

When is the best time to elope in Kauai?

Accepted Answer

The best months for a Kauai elopement are April–May and September–October — you'll get excellent weather with far fewer crowds and lower prices than peak summer. June–August offers the most consistently dry and warm conditions (78–86°F) with calm North Shore waters, but beaches and permits are most competitive. Avoid the North Shore from November through March, when heavy rains (Hanalei averages 255mm in November) and large winter swells make many beaches unsafe. The South Shore near Poipu is drier and sunnier year-round and is a great fallback in any season. Always check weather for the specific side of the island where your ceremony is — Kauai's microclimates mean it can be raining on the North Shore while the South Shore is perfectly sunny just 30 miles away.

Question 4

How do I get a marriage license in Hawaii for my Kauai elopement?

Accepted Answer

Hawaii marriage licenses cost $65 ($60 application fee + $5 portal fee) and are valid for 30 days from the issue date — your ceremony must happen within that window. There is no waiting period; the license is valid immediately. Complete the online application at emrs.ehawaii.gov, then both applicants must appear in person together before a licensed marriage license agent before the ceremony — plan this as your first activity after arriving on Kauai. Agents are located throughout the island; find one at emrs.ehawaii.gov/emrs/public/find-performer.html. Bring valid government-issued photo ID for both parties. No residency requirement.

Question 5

How much does a Kauai elopement cost?

Accepted Answer

A Kauai elopement typically starts around $3,000–$6,000 for a simple intimate ceremony with photographer, officiant, and florals, and can reach $10,000–$20,000+ for a full-day adventure elopement with multiple locations, hair and makeup, and a celebration dinner. Permit fees are modest ($25–$35 for beach permits). Flights and accommodation are often the biggest variable cost. Wedy's all-inclusive packages bundle photography, officiant, planning coordination, and florals — check the listing for current package tiers and pricing. The South Shore near Poipu offers slightly more budget-friendly logistics than the more remote North Shore.

Question 6

What's included in a Wedy Kauai elopement package?

Accepted Answer

Wedy's all-inclusive Kauai elopement packages typically include professional photography, a licensed officiant, planning coordination, and florals. Specific inclusions — such as videography, hair and makeup, or multiple ceremony locations — vary by package tier. Your Wedy planning team also helps coordinate beach permits and vendor logistics so you don't have to navigate Kauai's complex permitting system alone. Check the package details on this listing for current inclusions and pricing.

Question 7

What should I wear to my Kauai elopement?

Accepted Answer

Choose light, breathable fabrics — chiffon, organza, or silk georgette are ideal for Kauai's tropical humidity. Flat sandals are essential for beach ceremonies; heels sink immediately in sand. If you're eloping at Waimea Canyon (3,400 ft elevation), bring a light outer layer — it runs 10–15°F cooler than the beach. For jungle or waterfall ceremonies (like Uluwehi Falls), wear rain-resistant sandals or light hiking shoes and plan to change. Keep your train short or detachable on beaches to avoid picking up sand and saltwater. Trade winds on coastal bluffs can be strong — consider a blusher veil rather than a long flowing veil, and use bobby pins or a clip to secure any accessories.

Question 8

What time should I schedule my Kauai ceremony for best photos?

Accepted Answer

The best time depends on which side of the island you're on. For sunset ceremonies on the South Shore (Shipwreck Beach, Po'ipu, Polihale), plan your ceremony 1–2 hours before sunset: summer sunset is around 7:20 PM, fall around 6:00 PM, winter around 5:50 PM, and spring around 7:15 PM. North Shore beaches like Hanalei Bay and Tunnels face north — they have beautiful morning light and catch sunrise around 5:50 AM in summer, 6:10 AM in spring, 6:15 AM in fall, and 7:00 AM in winter. For canyon ceremonies at Waimea, sunrise or early morning provides the most dramatic light on the red rock walls. Golden hour light is the most flattering and photographically stunning window regardless of location.

Question 9

Where should I stay near my Kauai elopement location?

Accepted Answer

If your ceremony is on the North Shore (Hanalei Bay, Tunnels Beach), stay in Princeville or Hanalei town — Hanalei Colony Resort offers direct beachfront access, while Princeville condos and B&Bs are more affordable. For the South Shore (Shipwreck Beach, Mahaulepu, Polihale), Poipu has the widest range of options: Grand Hyatt Kauai and Ko'a Kea Resort at the luxury end, with Sheraton Kauai and vacation rentals as more affordable options. The east side in Kapaa or Wailua is a central compromise, though it tends to be rainier. Book 3–6 months ahead for summer travel; 2–3 months for shoulder season. South Shore accommodations typically offer the most reliable weather.

Question 10

Do I need witnesses for my Kauai elopement?

Accepted Answer

No, Hawaii law does not require witnesses at your ceremony — only the couple and the licensed officiant need to be present for a legally valid marriage. This makes truly intimate elopements for just the two of you completely legal in Hawaii. Your Wedy package includes a licensed local officiant who will handle all the signing requirements.

Question 11

Do I need to bring my own officiant to my Kauai elopement?

Accepted Answer

Hawaii has strict rules about who can legally officiate a wedding — only state-licensed 'performers' registered with the Hawaii Department of Health can solemnize marriages. Online-ordained ministers (Universal Life Church, etc.) ARE accepted, but they must formally register with the Hawaii DOH before performing any ceremony — online ordination alone is not sufficient. This registration process takes time, so if a friend or family member wants to officiate, plan well in advance. Wedy's packages include a licensed local officiant, eliminating this complexity entirely.

Question 12

What decorations and music are allowed at a Kauai beach elopement?

Accepted Answer

Kauai beach permit regulations prohibit arches, bowers, or any freestanding structures; amplified music or speakers; chairs (except limited seating for elderly or disabled guests); banners, tents, tarps, or event signage; alcohol; and artificial flowers. Fresh flowers and leis are allowed and perfect in Hawaii. Small podiums under 3 square feet are permitted. Unamplified acoustic instruments (guitar, ukulele) are allowed and add a beautiful local touch. These restrictions apply to public beach permits — private venues like Hanalei Colony Resort and Ko'a Kea have more flexibility with décor and music.

Question 13

How do I get to Kauai and how long does it take to reach ceremony spots?

Accepted Answer

Kauai's only airport is Lihue Airport (LIH) — served by direct flights from LAX, SFO, SEA, Denver, and other mainland cities, as well as inter-island connections through Honolulu (HNL). A rental car is essential; rideshare is limited outside Lihue and unavailable at remote ceremony spots. From Lihue, Hanalei Bay on the North Shore is about a 45-minute drive, and Tunnels Beach is about 55 minutes. Poipu on the South Shore is just 25 minutes away. Waimea Canyon is a 60–75-minute drive. Book your rental car in advance — Kauai has a limited fleet and cars sell out quickly in summer.

Question 14

What if it rains on my Kauai elopement day?

Accepted Answer

Kauai's microclimate means rain on one side of the island often means sunshine on the other. If your North Shore ceremony gets rained out, the South Shore near Poipu — just 30 miles away — is frequently sunny while the North Shore is wet. Your Wedy planning team can help identify a backup location as part of your planning. Private venues like Ko'a Kea Resort and Kilohana Plantation also have covered indoor backup options. For outdoor ceremonies, the May–October period on the North Shore and year-round on the South Shore offer the most weather-reliable windows. Always check hourly (not daily) forecasts on the day of your ceremony.

Kauai Elopement

Explore Pre-Designed Packages

Kauai Elopement — Essential

Kauai Elopement — Classic

Kauai Elopement — Premium

Kauai Elopement — Essential

Kauai Elopement — Classic

Kauai Elopement — Premium

Ceremony & Reception Locations

Hanalei Bay

Tunnels Beach (Ha'ena Beach)

Shipwreck Beach (Keoneloa Bay)

Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)

Hanalei Bay

Tunnels Beach (Ha'ena Beach)

Shipwreck Beach (Keoneloa Bay)

Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)

Hanalei Bay

Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

How It Works

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Seaside Ceremony

Wedding + Reception

Luxe Elopement

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

How ItWorks

Pick Your Package

Meet Your Planner

Choose Your Vendors

Show Up & Celebrate

Traditional Planningvs Wedy

Enhance YourExperience

Videography

Hair & Makeup

Luxe Picnic

Cake & Desserts

FAQs

5

Sydney S.

Alex and Gina

Elena H.

Hannah & Biron

Sydney S.

Hannah & Biron

Sydney S.

Hannah & Biron

Alex and Gina

Alex and Gina

Elena H.

Elena H.

How It
Works

Traditional Planning
vs Wedy

Enhance Your
Experience