The average wedding couple spends $33,931 on their wedding.
You could literally drop that on a nice car, or make a sizeable dent in your downpayment goal for homeownership.
For that reason, many couples are foregoing the traditional wedding ceremony altogether and opting for a destination wedding. After all, what is more romantic than getting married in Hawaii or some other exotic destination?
And when it ends up being cheaper than the traditional alternative, it’s a no-brainer.
If you’re headed to Hawaii’s exotic shores to prepare for your dive into marital bliss, check out these top tips.
1. Pick Your Island
Not all destinations in Hawaii are created equal. Each island has its own vibe and you may have a hard time choosing which one you like.
Oahu is easy to get to as most flights from the mainland go straight here. There is a nice mix of interesting cultural activities as well as spectacular natural sights to see.
Kauai is a small island with a very laid-back, eco-friendly atmosphere. Maui is known for its gorgeous beaches and its romantic charm.
The big island Hawaii surprisingly holds 11 of the world’s 13 climactic zones, including snowcapped peaks. If you want variety this is a great choice.
2. Hire a Wedding Planner
Perhaps the most complicated part of planning a destination wedding is having to do it from afar. You don’t know the local vendors and you won’t be able to check anything out in person ahead of time.
Hiring a wedding planner is always a great idea, but it’s basically essential for destination weddings. Better yet, you can look at Oahu wedding packages where everything, including the price, is laid out in black and white.
You could literally get married next week — no fuss, no muss.
3. Legally Getting Married in Hawaii
Getting married in Hawaii legally is pretty simple. It may be an exotic destination, but it’s still part of the U.S. Just make sure you meet the requirements listed here:
- Both parties must be 18 or older
- Must provide ID such as a driver’s license
- Previously married applicants must provide original divorce or death decree that was finalized at least 30 days prior to applying for the marriage license
- Bring $65 to pay the processing fee
- Not be related any closer than 1st cousins
You can begin the process of applying for the marriage license online before arriving in Hawaii. However, to finalize the process both of you need to appear before a state marriage license agent so make sure you plan ample time for that into your schedule.
Enjoy Your Honeymoon!
Perhaps the best part of getting married in Hawaii is that you’re already on your honeymoon. Wake up the morning after your dreamlike wedding ceremony ready to explore and enjoy some time on an exotic vacation with your new spouse!
Looking for more advice and tips? Feel free to check out more posts on our site!
