Dreaming of eloping to paradise? Check out Kauai, Hawaii’s 4th largest tropical island, which offers some of the world’s most stunning landscapes. Planning an elopement takes a lot of work, and that’s why I want to give you the inside scoop on how to have the perfect Kauai elopement!

A Hawaii elopement offers an experience like no other. With countless amazing places, Kauai is easily one of my favorites. Also known as the “Garden Isle” for its stunning lush rainforest, Kauai couldn’t be a more incredible wedding destination.

In this guide, I’ll share some of the most breathtaking venues and a checklist to help you plan your dream elopement.

Where Can I Elope in Kauai?

There are tons of elopement destinations in Kauai, and they’re all incredible! From stunning canyons and tranquil beaches to cascading waterfalls and colorful gardens, the opportunities are endless. I’ve narrowed it down to a handful of amazing places to have your dream elopement to Kauai.

FYI: Hawaii requires you to apply for a permit to get married in most of these locations. Yes, it can be a little bit of a pain, but the beautiful locations are worth it!

For Unmatched Beauty: Waimea Canyon State Park

Want to say your vows in one of the most stunning places ever? Head to Waimea Canyon State Park, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific! A colorful canyon and waterfalls surround the park. You can also hike close to the waterfalls for a magical elopement backdrop if you’re up for an adventure.

For the Adventurous Couple: Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

If you’re a nature and adventure enthusiast, a Kaui elopement at Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is perfect for you. It’s hard to imagine that this dreamy state park is even real, but it is! The park sits in the mountains and boasts cascading waterfalls and tropical plants galore. Get adventurous on your elopement day and check out sea caves, hike along sea cliffs, or go snorkeling. 

For a Beach Elopement: Hanalei

Kauai beach weddings are perfect in Hanalei, a quaint coastal town. With a stunning beach and gorgeous mountain scenery, Hanalei is home to unmatched beauty. Say ‘I do’ next to the ocean or head to the Hanalei Valley Lookout for views of taro fields and mountains. This is a wonderful place to settle in for a memorable vacation and incredible Kauai elopement.

For a Hiker’s Paradise: Kōkeʻe State Park

Kōkeʻe State Park is easily one of the best Kauai wedding venues for hikers! It sits about 4,000 feet above sea level and has picture-perfect scenery. You can find about 45 miles of hiking trails that wind through forests, open up to the North Shore, and offer views of Waimea Canyon. Trek to your dream elopement backdrop!

For Variety at the Beach: Kōloa, Poipu

Kōloa is an unincorporated community in Poipu with several gorgeous places to run off and have a wedding on Kauai. Whether you’re looking to tie the knot on a beach or in a beautiful botanical garden, Kōloa is the ideal destination for an elopement by the beach.

For an Intimate Ceremony: Princeville

Princeville is another unincorporated district on the coast of Kauai. It’s known as a luxurious vacation destination and is the ideal elopement venue for couples looking for a peaceful experience. Best of all, its natural beauty is seriously breathtaking and offers dramatic cliff sides with Pacific views. If you’re dreaming of an intimate ceremony off the beaten path, I recommend saying your vows at Pu’u Poa Beach!

Kauai Elopement Checklist

So, how do we do this thing?! Let’s check out all the details for what you need to do to plan your dream wedding in Kauai.

Hire an Elopement Photographer and Planner

Okay, first and foremost, you want to make sure you capture your special day, and you may want help along the way. That’s where a Kauai elopement photographer and planner (that’s me!) comes in. 

Wild Aisle Photography is a destination elopement photographer who also stands by you every step of the way, from planning your dream wedding to saying your vows. I work with you to sort out all the details for your elopement. Then, I join you to ensure everything goes perfectly while also capturing photos on your big day.  

Something to note – Hawaii is quite strict when it comes to photography permits. Permits are required for all wedding ceremonies, and applications must be submitted at least 3 weeks before your elopement. Depending on your elopement location, permits usually cost between $300-$500. Learn more here!

Decide When to Have Your Kauai Wedding

Now, it’s time to decide when you’re going to run off to Kauai with your love! Honestly, Hawaii is incredible all year long. With that said, various seasons offer different experiences.

• Winter: Kauai’s peak season, excellent surfing, whale-watching season, and amazing weather.
• Spring: Kauai’s off-season, more affordable airfare and accommodations, and beautiful weather.
• Summer: a quieter time of year with great (but humid!) weather.
• Fall: fun local events and gorgeous weather.

Okay, so the weather is just fabulous all year! In other words, you really can’t go wrong eloping in Kauai any time of year. I recommend considering what activities you’re most interested in and whether you prefer larger or fewer crowds.

Choose Your Kauai Elopement Destination

This may be the most challenging part of planning your elopement because Kauai wedding venues are all incredible in their own way. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous elopement, a wedding on the beach, dreaming of a lush forest backdrop, or just about any other picture-perfect landscape, you’re sure to find it in Kauai.

Above, I shared my favorite elopement destinations in Kauai. Interested in more ideas? Let’s chat, I’d love to help you out!

Book Your Flight and Accommodation

Once you’ve got your date and venue sorted out, it’s time to book the trip! You can find several hotels, inns, and vacation rentals on Kauai. Hotels are especially popular in Poipu and Princeville. With that said, it’s easy to find a home base that’s accessible to any incredible elopement venue on the island.

Apply for a Marriage License

If you plan to have a legal Kauai wedding ceremony, you’ll need to apply for a marriage license when you arrive on the island. If you’re from the US, the process is pretty simple. However, feel free to keep things easy and do the legal stuff in your home state before heading off to Hawaii to elope! 

If you prefer to obtain your marriage license in Kauai, follow these steps:

• Visit a licensed agent to apply for your license and take your government-issued ID with you.  
• Complete your marriage license application and provide any required fees and documents requested. More on that here!
• Once your application is approved, you’ll be provided with your marriage license. 

It’s that straightforward! However, I suggest legally getting married at home so your Kauai trip can be all the fun stuff.

Time For a Kauai Elopement!

If you’re ready for your dream wedding on Kauai, it’s time to start planning. Want a little help? I’d love to be your right-hand woman and help make your dreams a reality. Wild Aisle Photography can work with you every step of the way so that you can have the easiest and best elopement possible! 
What will you do after your Kauai elopement? Check out this article for ideas for what you can do after you say “I do.”