How To Plan An Elopement or Micro Wedding In Hawaii

Hawaii has always been known as an ideal locale for a wedding, but recently people have come to understand the full spectrum of options the state offers. According to the State of Hawaii’s Marriage Stats, approximately 18,498 marriages were performed on the islands in 2021, while preliminary numbers for 2022 show that number steadily climbing. Along with traditional weddings, more couples are considering elopements, minimonies, and micro weddings. Those interested in a small yet memorable ceremony will find plenty of options in Hawaii to complement (or completely replace) a traditional wedding.

Elopements vs Traditional Weddings

Elopements are far more common and less controversial than were considered decades ago, thanks in large part to a shifting of language. Nowadays, an “elopement” refers to a small ceremony held away from where you live. While traditional weddings include rituals like toasts, cake cuttings, first dances, and more, elopements can have as many or as few traditional elements as the couple wants. Many partners also consider elopement a cost-effective way to memorialize a partnership, due to the smaller guest list and flexibility with what’s included in the ceremony. 

Money isn’t the only factor in choosing elopement, though: time, stress, and changing views on marriage make a small and sudden event more appealing to couples. Those with large families or friend groups may be attracted to an elopement to avoid the headache of hurt feelings over invitations. At the same time, adventure-seekers may be drawn to the more spontaneous nature of an elopement.

Regardless of the rationale, elopements are gaining popularity around the globe. This change has expanded the definition to include intimate ceremonies with an officiant and only a handful of guests. Typically, elopements are announced after the fact and are considered more casual than a religious ceremony. This makes it even more crucial that you partner with good vendors in order to ensure the important details of your ceremony go off without a hitch.

How To Elope In Hawaii

While an elopement may be associated culturally with hasty decisions, in practice, there is some necessary preparation to cover before you elope. First and foremost, check the relevant laws for where you want to wed to ensure that you have a proper marriage license. Working with a local wedding planner who is well-versed in these procedures can be a lifesaver for couples who want their sole focus to be on each other. They can help procure a marriage license, book an officiant, and ensure your elopement goes off without a hitch.

Though they may not have all the pomp and circumstance of a traditional wedding, elopements in Hawaii still have all the grandeur and stunning vistas of a destination wedding. This includes the ceremony and any post-ceremony celebration you intend to have with your betrothed. Hiring a local photographer or videographer is a smart choice to capture the precious moments of your elopement, and your local wedding planner would be able to assist you in assembling this team.

While it is possible to have an elopement nearly overnight, understand that shortening the timeframe will sacrifice features based on availability. While you can get a marriage license quickly and even find an officiant who is available, it may only be possible to get hair and make-up with a bit of lead time. Elopements can still be planned ahead of time, and for those who want to make the most of this moment, it is wise to work with a professional who can give you accurate timelines and choices.

What’s The Difference Between A Minimony And An Elopement?

The recent trend of minimonies has also found its way to Hawaii and is an option for those still considering a more traditional wedding. The minimony, or mini-ceremony, recently rose to prominence to commemorate wedding dates that were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. A minimony might also be considered a miniature version of a more traditional wedding; where the wedding has more rituals and a larger guest list, a minimony is a commitment ceremony to memorialize the day the couple chooses as their wedding date.

Minimonies are a fantastic way to honor your intended wedding date with up to 10 guests while still giving your loved ones a full wedding to celebrate later. A minimony also gives a couple the opportunity to do something more personal or unusual during the event, such as hosting at a nontraditional venue or including local traditions in your ceremony. The purpose of a minimony is to get the best of both worlds: having both an intimate ceremony and a larger, “sequel” wedding while keeping your original dream wedding date.

As with elopements, minimonies require less planning than a traditional wedding but still require some coordination. Finding the right location, photographer, and officiant are all best handled by working with a local professional who can take your minimony dreams and bring them to life.

What About Micro Weddings?

For those who are attracted to elopements and minimonies but still want more traditional wedding elements, a micro wedding is a way to go. Micro weddings are typically smaller, usually up to 50 attendees, but retain the same form and function as a traditional wedding. Micro weddings benefit from working with a wedding planner well ahead of time, as they require as much coordination as other destination weddings. They’re the perfect choice for couples who want to maintain the finer details of a traditional wedding without incurring the extra costs that come with a larger guest list.

Planning Your Elopement In Hawaii

Whether you elope, create a minimony, or plan a micro wedding, there are ways to ensure you’re making lifelong memories. First, collect all your necessary licenses and paperwork to confirm that you’ll be legally wed by the end of the ceremony. Second, work with a local wedding planner to find an available officiant, book a photographer or videographer, and guarantee that your location is available for the ceremony. Finally, plan a post-wedding celebration to commemorate you and your spouse’s big day regardless of the ceremony size. This can be as small as reserving a table at a restaurant or as big as catering a reception at your hotel, but the point is to honor your special day. While you may be seeking an elopement to reduce the cost or alleviate the stress of planning, the essential part is to enjoy your wedding day with your partner and make it one that you both will remember forever.

We’re here to help you plan your elopement, minimony, or micro wedding. Contact us today.