WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO HAVE A WEDDING IN HAWAII?

There is not a “bad time” to travel to Hawaii, as it is beautiful year-round! However, there is a slight “down season” in regards to number of tourists and airfares being lower. End of January through February is usually less crowded, plus it’s whale season here, so that is a plus! June through September is usually warmer here, but still lovely. Oct to mid-November is also a “slower” season, so a wonderful time to hold a destination wedding here.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ELOPEMENT AND A DESTINATION WEDDING?

Typically the definition of an elopement is a wedding with a small number of guests. When eloping in Hawaii, this typically means a wedding with fewer than 26 guests. The maximum number of people allowed on a public beach here in Hawaii is thirty. This total includes your vendors, so adding the photographer, officiant, musician, in the count. Many of the Hawaii elopements we plan include just the two of you, which in intimate and personal. You may invite guests, but the limit would be 30 total on the beach. Along with your Hawaii beach wedding, some couples also choose to host a dinner or brunch after the ceremony.

A destination wedding is usually a hosted event that includes 30 or more guests. This event would typically include a hosted meal as well. When hosting, you will need to make sure the venue you’re booking allows weddings, which might cost extra. If you’re hosting your wedding at a private estate, you will most certainly need coordination and a planning package as well. We will book all the vendors and décor items you will need to outsource. We handle the vendor coordination, timeline, checklist, etc... If you book at a resort, they will handle the food and beverage, and usually include basic tables, chairs, linens, flatware, dishware, etc… Upgrades will need to be rented from a decor company. We can also help with these items, as well as handling all of the other outsourced vendors. Vendors like florist, hair and makeup, entertainment, bartending, will need to be booked too.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLANNING AND COORDINATION?

Planning is the selection of vendors, venue, etc… and the project management involved with planning and securing your wedding day. Coordination is limited to the day of the wedding, and coordinating and orchestrating the events of the day. Decor setup, assisting guests and the couple, directing vendors, etc… We can put together a custom package that includes just the right amount of planning and coordination.
 
CAN YOU ASSIST WITH HELPING US FIND A VENUE?

Yes, of course! The Fern Package is just what you're looking for! We are experts at planning weddings and events on the Big Island of Hawaii, and can recommend the right venue to suit your guest list, vibe and needs. 

CAN YOU HELP MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GUEST ACCOMMODATIONS AND ACTIVITIES?

Certainly. We will help you with every question you have regarding your wedding. We understand the local areas, the rental markets, and hotel features, and can assist with helping you plan out where to stay, what to do while you’re here, etc… However, no travel or accommodations are included IN our package pricing.

WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BE LEGALLY MARRIED IN HAWAII?

We will walk you through this process, but eloping in Hawaii is simple. Hawaii is a very easy state to navigate the legal process or marriage. Hawaii requires you to fill out an online application and meet with a license agent to verify your information. You then have a licensed officiant (for PPW it's Big Island Officiant) complete the process by witnessing your union and filing the paperwork online. If you have been divorced or previously married, you will simply need a date of dissolution and the reason.

Frequently Asked Questions