How To Plan A Destination Wedding in Hawaii

For years Hawaii has been a destination wedding hot spot for west coast Canadians, Australians and Americans–and it’s easy to see why. Beautiful beaches, lush greenery and year-round delightful weather are major incentives. Here’s a rundown on everything you need to know to get married in Hawaii from cost to licensing fees.

The best time to go: Off-season typically occurs from mid-April to early June and September to mid-December. If you’re looking to cut back on costs and enjoy less crowded islands then this is the best time to visit. However, the weather is the driest during April to October, so if you’re looking to tie the knot outdoors and want to avoid rain, then booking between those months is your best bet. Try and avoid June and July, when it’s peak season and prices tend to increase because of family vacations.

The flight: There are frequent flights from Vancouver to Hawaii through Air Canada and West Jet. If you live in Toronto or are coming in from Eastern Canada, direct flights are now available to Honolulu via Air Canada. Direct flights from Toronto are roughly 10 hours while the journey from Vancouver is about six hours.

Legal paperwork: Getting married in Hawaii as a Canadian is easy. To obtain a valid marriage license in Hawaii you'll need a Canadian passport and will be required to complete the official application, which can be downloaded at Hawaii Health Department Building. Both parties must be present when you apply in person. The fee is $65. More information regarding the necessary legal paperwork to be wed in Hawaii can be found here.

The budget: Like anywhere else in the world, tying the knot in Hawaii can range anywhere from $5,000 to $100,000+. It all depends on the type of party you plan on having, how many guests are invited, venue choice, etc.

The venue: The Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort tops our list as one of the most romantic venues at which to say "I do". There are four major function spaces–the two lawns, the terrace and the main studio–with the lawns being the more popular option since they can easily accommodate more than 200 guests. An in-house event design team and on-site photographer are also available to make planning a breeze. Also, with four infinity pools, and a 15-acre beachfront, snapping beautiful wedding photos is a cinch!

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