The cost of a wedding in Hawaii varies dramatically, ranging from a simple few-hundred-dollar elopement to a lavish affair costing well over $50,000. This wide range depends primarily on the scope of the event and the specific island chosen for the celebration. While Hawaii’s natural beauty is the main draw, costs associated with island logistics, such as importing goods and higher service demand, contribute to a premium price tag. The total investment is segmented into fixed administrative fees, core ceremony expenses, vendor services, and necessary travel costs.
Mandatory Licensing and Permit Fees
The state of Hawaii requires a marriage license, a fixed cost for any legal ceremony. The application process begins online, followed by an in-person meeting with a licensed agent on any island before the ceremony date. The total cost for the marriage license is currently $65, comprising a $60 application fee and a $5 portal fee. Both partners must appear together for the appointment to secure the license, which is valid for 30 days from the date of issue.
Couples planning a ceremony on a public beach or in a state park must also obtain a separate commercial use permit. The State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources mandates this Right-of-Entry permit for any commercial activity, including hiring an officiant or photographer. These permits typically cost between $25 and $50 and often limit the total number of attendees to 20 to 30 people.
Core Ceremony Packages and Venue Costs
The selection of a venue represents the largest variable expense, ranging from minimal fees to tens of thousands of dollars. An intimate elopement on a public beach is the most economical choice, with costs revolving around the officiant’s fee and the required beach permit. All-inclusive elopement packages for two people start as low as $395 to $790 and typically bundle the officiant, permit, and basic photography coverage.
The next tier involves resort packages or private venue rentals, which provide more amenities and privacy. Ceremony packages at luxury resorts can start around $6,600 and often include chairs, basic floral decor, and sound amplification. For a full-scale wedding, all-inclusive resort packages for about 50 guests can start around $20,000 to $20,700, covering the venue, catering, and basic coordination. Private estates and gardens offer exclusive use but require substantial rental fees, often ranging from $5,000 to over $10,000 just for the site.
Essential Wedding Service Pricing
Professional vendors in Hawaii operate at a premium due to the cost of living and the destination nature of the market. Photography packages for a full day of coverage typically range from $3,600 to $6,500, with specialized luxury photographers charging significantly more. Elopement photography packages can be secured for less, with one-hour sessions starting around $1,100. Videography services often mirror photography pricing, with full-day packages ranging from $4,000 to $10,000.
Floral design costs are higher than on the mainland because many popular blooms, like roses, must be imported, incurring shipping costs. Local tropical flowers, such as protea and anthuriums, are often utilized to reduce costs and ensure hardiness. A full-service florist for a larger event typically requires a minimum budget starting around $2,500, with comprehensive floral budgets reaching $6,000 to $10,000. Catering expenses are substantial, with the average per-person cost for food and non-alcoholic drinks ranging from $150 to $350 for a mid-range plated or buffet experience. Bridal hair and makeup services generally cost between $250 and $450 for a full-service look, often including travel fees or an early morning surcharge for services starting before 7:00 AM.
Destination Travel and Lodging Expenses
The logistics of a destination wedding involve significant non-wedding related costs, particularly for airfare and accommodation. Round-trip airfare from the continental United States can range from $350 to over $800, with prices heavily influenced by seasonality. Flights are generally cheapest during the shoulder months of January, February, September, and October, while summer and holiday periods see the highest rates. Lodging costs vary significantly between the islands, with Oahu generally offering the lowest average daily hotel rate, around $310.
Maui is consistently the most expensive island for hotel accommodations, with average daily rates exceeding $570, followed closely by Kauai. Vacation rentals, such as those found on Airbnb or VRBO, can offer savings, with the Big Island having the lowest average rate at around $268 per night. Ground transportation is another factor, as a rental car is often mandatory on the outer islands like Maui and Kauai for mobility. Rental car prices fluctuate but can be a substantial cost, especially when factoring in the daily hotel parking fees that many resorts charge, which can add $35 to over $75 per night.