Great Destination Weddings Issue 10 / 2023 | Page 65

hawaii // united states

From the luxuriant Garden Isle of Kaua ' i to the sophisticated beaches of Maui , where leis , rainbows and surfing are part of everyday life , there ' s no shortage of glorious wedding locations on the islands of Hawai ' i .

Dreaming of a tropical garden soirée ? You ’ ll adore the range of luxurious resorts and secluded boutique hideaways . Perhaps a romantic elopement , deep in the jungle ? Look beyond the beaches you ’ ll find the lush mountainous heart of this idyllic destination .
These Pacific jewels are also perfect for honeymoons . Embrace island time and stay on at your ' I do ' destination or enjoy an island-hopping honeymoon adventure .
BEST TIME TO MARRY IN HAWAI ' I
Thanks to the beautiful weather , you can get married in Hawai ' i year-round , with each island offering their own delights . Just remember , although Hawai ' i is known for its warm , moderate climate , weather patterns can vary from island to island and even differ from coast to coast on any given island . Your chosen venue or resort will also be able to offer a Plan B if the weather demands . Many hotels have well-equipped event rooms that can be turned into breathtaking wedding settings , even at short notice .
HOW TO MAKE IT LEGAL
It ’ s easy . You both must be 18 years of age or older and have photo ID ( driver ' s licence or passport ). You must also appear together before a licensed agent in Hawai ' i to fill out and complete an application . These licensing offices can be found all throughout the islands , and the appointments generally take about 15 minutes , so you can quickly get back to enjoying your chosen holiday isle .
There ’ s no waiting period , nor are there any citizenship or residency requirements . You ’ ll need to pay a fee of US $ 60 for the marriage licence plus US $ 5 for the administration fee ( please check up-to-date info and pricing with health . hawaii . gov ) From that point , it will be valid for 30 days , allowing you to tie the knot officially !
CURRENCY
Because Hawaii ' is a state of America , the offical currency used is the U . S Dollar ( USD ). ATMs are widely available and cards are accepted in most shops and resorts but you may need a small amount of cash for some transactions .
LEAVE IT TO THE PROS
Hawai ' i and holiday weddings go hand in hand . So , when you decide to marry at a resort or venue here , you ' ll likely be working with wedding professionals who have dedicated their careers to making destination wedding dreams come true . Meaning you can relax and enjoy the experience and the warm and welcoming island hospitality !
And while Hawai ' i ' s beaches are open to the public , that doesn ' t mean you can show up and say ‘ we do ’. You ’ ll need a ' Wiki Permit ' to have a beach wedding , so choose a trusted planner or liaise with your resort venue ( who can help with paperwork ) for a fuss-free experience . greatdestinationweddings . com . au 65