There are few things more exciting than planning a wedding, especially when you plan to have your ceremony on the Big Island of Hawaii. Chances are, you’ve spent years dreaming about your big day every time you see a wedding scene on your favorite TV show or movie. If you’ve found yourself in this boat, that’s great news! You don’t have to be a movie star to arrange a picture-perfect ceremony that will leave your guests reeling.

Whether you’re a film aficionado or just a casual consumer of television programming, you’ve probably seen at least a few wedding scenes that take place on Hawaii’s gorgeous beaches. You don’t have to waste your time searching fan sites to track down all the information you need to turn your Hawaii wedding inspiration from TV/film into an equally stunning reality. You can find out everything you need to know about all the impressive destinations featured in today’s most popular movies and shows below.

Famous Wedding Scenes Shot in Hawaii

Ian Anthony Dale and Grace Park on set of Hawaii 5-0 — Ian Anthony Dale and Grace Park on set of *Hawaii 5-0*, courtesy of CBS

The whole purpose of TV and film is to create an immersive fictional experience, so it should come as no surprise that not all supposed Hawaii weddings are shot on location. That said, it’s pretty easy to tell the difference. Hawaii’s scenic natural beauty is impressive and expansive enough that even the most talented directors can’t reproduce it in the studio.

The best part of drawing Hawaii wedding inspiration from TV/film is that you don’t have to be glued to the screen and know every reference to get a feel for locations. All you have to do is sit down with a pen and paper to take notes while you take in some of America’s favorite views.

Hawaii Five-0: A Make Kaua

No Hawaii Five-0 fan could forget the season five finale. What made this episode stand out for most viewers wasn’t the epic theft of nuclear warheads, though. It was the long-awaited wedding of Adam and Kono.

Shot on location in the jungles of Oahu on a lawn surrounded by verdant greenery, the scene exemplifies the wonder you’ll feel when you tie the knot in Hawaii. Of course, you won’t have violent raids and the threat of nuclear war to contend with on your big day. Instead, you can appreciate the scenic beauty and tranquility of the area in peace as you tie the knot in front of up to 75 of your most beloved family members and friends. No tactical gear required.

Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding

Back in 2003, fans of Baywatch eagerly awaited this made-for-TV action film. Filmed at Turtle Bay Resort, it brought back all the fan-favorite characters from season 10 for not just plenty of nail-biting action, but also the wedding of Mitch and Allison in, you guessed it, Hawaii.

Although some long-time fans were disappointed by the storyline, it’s impossible to be anything but stunned by the sandy beaches and ocean vistas. If you’re watching (or re-watching) this movie looking for Hawaiian wedding inspiration from TV/film, don’t assume you have to stay at the Turtle Bay Resort to get the perfect Baywatch feel.

The Big Island is a more popular wedding destination, and it’s replete with white sand beaches, palm trees, and incredible ocean views. Coconut Grove forms a perfect backdrop for couples who want a more secluded ceremony, as does Holoholokai beach. If you want to give your guests the full luxury resort experience, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel rivals Turtle Bay Resort in terms of both scenic beauty and amenities, and there’s plenty for guests to do in their downtime.

Mad Men: The Doorway

The first episode of perennial fan-favorite Mad Men’s sixth season screened more like a movie than a television show. It was two hours long, and many of the most memorable moments were shot on-site on Maui, where Don and Meagan are staying at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on a working vacation.

Beach wedding location at the Royal Hawaiian Resort — Courtesy of The Royal Hawaiian Resort

For those seeking Hawaii wedding inspiration from TV/film, one beach scene, in particular, stands out. Don encounters an army private on leave to be married to his betrothed, right there on the beach. You don’t have to be into the show’s decidedly retro vibe to appreciate how beautiful any bride will look with that kind of ocean backdrop, nor do you have to spend your whole planning period tracking down the exact spot where they tied the knot.

The Big Island of Hawaii boasts an incredible array of beachside wedding venues. Busy, active beaches like Anaeho’omalu Bay and Kohanaiki Beach both offer plenty of opportunities for not just photo ops, but also mingling with guests and creating a film-worthy scene out of your own exchange of vows.

Blue Hawaii

Hawaii’s popularity as a wedding destination is anything but a fad. If you’re looking for Hawaii wedding inspiration from TV/film with a more retro feel, you’ll find it in the movie Blue Hawaii. This 1961 musical starring Elvis Presley ends with a bang when Presley’s character, Chad, marries his beautiful betrothed in a lavish outdoor wedding.

Most of Blue Hawaii takes place on Oahu and Kauai, with the famous wedding scene that brings the film to its memorable conclusion filmed at the Coco Palms Resort Hotel. The bad news for anyone who’s fallen in love with the Coco Palms is that the property was demolished in 2014 following a series of natural disasters. However, you can get that same vibe right on the Big Island by planning a beach wedding on the South Kohala Coast. Couples flock to Anaeho’omalu Bay from across the world not just because of its classic white sand beaches but also its proximity to multiple excellent resorts.

Waikiki Wedding

To trace the origins of Hawaii’s reputation as a wedding destination, we have to look further back than the days of the iconic Elvis Presley. Back in 1937, the classic musical film Waikiki Wedding captured the imaginations of couples across the continental United States and set a whole generation of wedding planners on track to finding Hawaii wedding inspiration from TV/films.

Starring Bing Crosby as Tony Marvin, the film begins with an opening shot of a local wedding ceremony. By the end of the movie, it’s Tony who is planning his own Waikiki wedding. If you love classic films, it’s worth giving this one a watch.

If you don’t love classic films, that’s just fine. You can take our word for it: Hawaii’s beautiful beaches will look even better in full color than they did in black-and-white back in 1937. Plus, you’re still allowed to incorporate a taste of the Big Island’s history into your ceremony, even if you don’t like old movies. Scenic historic venues like the Old Kona Airport offer a perfect mix of white-sand beaches and family fun.

Other Film-Inspired Romantic Hawaii Wedding Locations

An actual wedding doesn’t have to feature prominently in a movie for you to draw Hawaii wedding inspiration from the film. We’ve all seen plenty of romantic comedies that push all the same buttons but don’t involve couples tying the knot, and there’s plenty of inspiration to be drawn from other genres, too. If you missed any of these popular films, they’re definitely worth a watch before you decide whether to have your wedding in Hawaii.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

If you’re into rom-coms, chances are you’ve already seen Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Now that you’re planning to have your wedding in Hawaii, though, it’s worth another watch. Most of the movie was filmed at the Turtle Bay Resort, but you don’t have to brave the hordes of tourists trying to get a look at the iconic lobby to get the perfect romantic vibe for your wedding.

If you’re looking for the perfect mix of opulence, amenities, and scenic beauty, you don’t have to head to Oahu. Check out the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel right on the Big Island. It’s luxurious, large enough to accommodate just about any wedding party, and has a more authentic feel than the admittedly touristy Turtle Bay.

From Here to Eternity

Even if you’re a film buff, you may not have heard of From Here to Eternity. Produced in 1953, this classic is worth a watch if you’re looking for Hawaii wedding inspiration from films. Many of the most unforgettable scenes are shot on Hawaii’s famous beaches, including the Halona Beach Cove.

If watching the two main characters splash around and enjoy each other’s company in the crashing waves has you dreaming of a secluded wedding, look no further than the Big Island. Papakolea Green Sand Beach offers plenty of seclusion and jagged green cliffs that are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Kekaha Kai State Park has white sand instead of green, but adventurous couples will find that the scenic backdrops at this beach are equally worth the hike.

Jason Segel, Kristen Bell, and Russell Brand in Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008) courtesy of IMDB

Jurassic Park

You may be wondering how a kid’s adventure movie could have to offer in terms of Hawaii wedding inspiration from TV/films, but hear us out. Jurassic Park boasts some of the most stunning jungle scenes you can find, and there are plenty of scenic locations that look just like them on the Big Island.

If you’ve already fallen in love with the scenery but still want a little more Hawaii wedding inspiration from TV, try the series Lost. Also set in Hawaii, it features not just plenty of verdant greenery, but also some impressive beaches that will get your creative juices flowing. For the record, they also filmed Jumanji in Hawaii.

You can turn your intimate wedding into a true adventure, but minus the dinos and monsters, of course, by planning a ceremony at the Secret Waterfall. It’s accessible only by helicopter, so you’ll have to keep your wedding party small or plan a private trip following the ceremony, but the beautiful, 1,200-ft waterfall, verdant jungle greenery, and unique plants and wildlife make it well worth the trip.

Exciting Celebrity Weddings that Took Place in Hawaii

Dwanye Johnson and Lauren Hashian by Hiram Garcia courtesy of eonline.com

If you’re like most TV and movie buffs, you don’t stop at watching and re-watching your favorite shows and films. You also want to keep track of all the latest celebrity trends. These days, that means checking out Instagram photos, reading online articles, and keeping track of who’s marrying who on Hawaii’s scenic beaches. If you want to follow in the footsteps of the greats, don’t forget to check the hype around these celebrity weddings in Hawaii.

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Lauren Hashian

In 2019, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson announced his marriage to long-time partner Lauren Hashian via Instagram by releasing some truly stunning photos. If you haven’t seen them yet, they’re worth a quick look, for the scenery alone. You can take your Insta-ready wedding photos with stunning cliffs and endless ocean vistas as your backdrop right on one of the Big Island’s many beaches.

Arie Luyendyk Jr. and Lauren Burnham

In true reality TV style, these two instant stars from The Bachelor released an official wedding video back in 2019 that captures all of the day’s biggest moments. It’s pretty emotional, so keep some tissues on hand while you watch it and keep an eye out for the iconic views of the ocean and romantic ceremony held outdoors at one of Hawaii’s many amazing venues.

Camille Grammer and David Meyer

According to Camille, one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ most visible stars, she wanted to elope. It was her future husband who insisted on a huge ceremony. The couple worked with a Big Island wedding planner to finalize all of their arrangements and wound up with a ceremony any couple would be proud to show off.

David Meyer and Camille Grammer courtesy of Bravo TV

Keleigh Sperry and Miles Teller courtesy of Pinterest

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green

Not every celebrity couple wants a huge ceremony. Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green opted for a far more intimate sunset ceremony on the beach instead, with only Green’s eight-year-old son as a witness. Like all Hawaii weddings, though, it prominently featured gorgeous white sand beaches and beautiful ocean views.

Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry

Instead of simplicity and intimacy, Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry went all out in planning their elegant Hawaii wedding. If you’re more of a traditionalist, you’ll love their wedding photos. The couple combined an indoor ceremony with an outdoor reception for the perfect mix of elegance and local flair.

Plan a Hawaii Wedding Fit for the Stars

Are you ready to tie the knot in style? You don’t have to be an actress to create memories that will last a lifetime. No matter what stage of the planning process you’re in, it’s time to reach out. Contact us today so that we can help you find the perfect venue and come up with a plan worthy of the stars.

Inspiring Hawaii Weddings in Movies and on TV