Kauai beach weddings are an extraordinarily beautiful way to get married.
I did one myself, and I know from personal experience – it’s unforgettable! Here are the basics you need to know about Kauai beach weddings – and Hawaii beach weddings in general:
1. You need a beach permit from the State of Hawaii (DLNR). Without this permit the State has the power to shut down any beach wedding on Kauai that did not pay for and obtain a permit (with proof of insurance) before the wedding.
2. All Kauai/Hawaii beaches are public beaches and therefore anyone can use any beach at any time. This is good news for you, but this also means that there is no way of guaranteeing private Kauai beach weddings. Having lived here since 1999 I can however offer expert advice as to which beaches are usually deserted and what times are the best times to have your Kauai beach wedding. There is at least one beach that I use where there have never been other people near us on the beach, nor even many people walking past. I would be happy to share the name of this beautiful Kauai beach site with you. There are other beaches where lots of people take walks (with and without dogs) and use the beach for swimming, surfing, cliff diving and sun bathing. This does not need to be an inconvenience – it can really offer an authentic Kauai beach wedding flavor, and after all, that’s what people do on an exotic tropical island!
3. Kauai beach weddings are always windy! Brides, if you don’t want your hair to blow everywhere during the photography shoot and ceremony, get it put up/back and out of the way! It will look better back than being windblown.
4. High heel shoes are awkward in the sand – don’t bother with them if they aren’t totally necessary.
5. The hair/makeup always takes longer than expected. Plan 30-45 minutes minimum extra into whatever the hair/makeup person says she/he needs!
6. Your photographer does not know the names and relations of everyone in your family. Plan out what family shots you want ahead of time. Give a list of who you want in what group pictures to a trusted family member/friend and instruct that person to stand next to the photographer during the “after-ceremony” pictures. Have this person call out the names of the next group at least one picture before the photographer needs them. This way you will get all the shots you want plus extra pictures. It takes a lot of time to get people together and organized. If the photographer is not required to play group leader she/he will have more time to take more quality photos.
7. Having a Kauai beach wedding will be one of the most memorable events of your life. Having captured moments to treasure and share forever by utilizing our professional Kauai photography community is one of the most crucial steps in planning your big day, so don’t forget to set up your photographer early to assure getting the date you want!
If you liked this blog and are interested in booking a Kauai wedding, please visit alohaeverafter.com and we’ll be happy to help you.