Oahu Beach Weddings

Why Oahu?

As home to the state’s capital, Honolulu, the island of Oahu is a logical choice for any Hawaiian wedding. The largest airport is in Honolulu, and the capital city is also home to the cruise embarkation ports, which allows couples to plan their weddings and a cruise honeymoon in one convenient location. More important, however, is Oahu’s natural beauty. The island is home to dozens of picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, peaceful lagoons, artistic gardens, and other settings that can make any wedding magical in an instant. The annual temperatures on the island range from the low 60s to the mid 80s throughout the year, offering tropical warmth without scorching heat or devastating humidity, and the gentle Hawaiian breezes caress the island and keep it pleasant even in warmer months.

Services for Oahu Beach Weddings

Because of the popularity of destination weddings on Oahu, many companies are available to offer a range of wedding services. This makes wedding planning easy for the bride and groom, whether they are planning a simple elopement, a small casual affair, or a larger formal gathering. Services that are offered usually include:

• A non-denominational minister to preside over the vows
• Photographs, possibly on CD or with a limited number of prints
• Videography services for the ceremony
• A keepsake marriage certificate
• Music, either recorded or with a live local musician
• A small tropical bouquet and matching boutonniere
• Additional flowers for the wedding party, if applicable
• Sparkling juice or champagne for toasting
• Limited refreshments including a small wedding cake
• Leis, conch shell blowing, and other Hawaiian wedding traditions
• Assistance arranging other services such as limousine rentals, hair appointments, or travel plans

More elaborate services, especially those for a larger wedding and reception, may need more complex arrangements that can best be provided by a Hawaii-based wedding coordinator rather than a company that provides the entire wedding package. Because many beach weddings are smaller, casual affairs, however, these packages are perfect for many couples who wish to exchange vows on Hawaiian sand.

Choosing a Beach

Because the wedding companies are locally oriented and highly experienced, the only big decision a couple may need to make about their Oahu beach wedding is which beach it should take place on. Different beaches offer different facilities and amenities, and there are several factors a couple should consider before selecting the wedding location.

• Popularity. Larger beaches that offer more services are also more likely to be crowded, perhaps even with additional weddings. Couples who want a private ceremony should consider smaller, less popular beaches.
• Terrain. Not all beaches are alike on Oahu. Some are graceful crescents of powdery white sand framing turquoise water, while others are rockier locations with dramatic landscapes, cliffs, and other features. The beach should also have adequate shade if guests will be witnessing the ceremony.
• Backdrop. Depending on when the ceremony is scheduled, the beach may be bathed in a stunning sunset or it may have a beautiful Honolulu skyline backdrop. Couples should consider this scenery because it will be prominent in their photographs.
• Facilities. Some beaches offer restrooms, covered pavilions, picnic areas, drinking fountains, and other amenities for guests to use. A short, private wedding may not require these facilities, but if there will be a reception at the same location, these features are much more important.
• Cleanliness. How the tide affects the cleanliness of the beach is an important factor in wedding arrangements. Especially during the summer months, stinging seaweed plants and jellyfish may wash up on shore, and couples should check whether or not the beach is cleared of this and other debris.
• Access. Some beaches are just minutes from Honolulu and major roads, while others may be difficult to find, particularly if guests will be driving to the site. The beach should also have adequate parking for guests to use.

Popular Beaches

Depending on what beach characteristics a couple prefers, there are likely to be several scenic locations that appeal to them. The most popular sites for Oahu beach weddings include:

Say 'I do' in Oahu.

• Ala Moana Beach Park
• Ali’I Beach Park
• Chuns Reef
• Halona Beach Cove
• Kahana Bay
• La’ie Beach Park
• Lanikai Beaches
• Sunset Bach Park
• Waikiki Beach
• Waialae Beach Park

Before selecting a specific beach, couples should investigate any site and facility fees that will apply to their wedding plans. Some beaches are free to use and others require minimal fees, while some have hefty usage fees depending on the size and nature of the wedding.

Off the Sand Alternatives

If a couple can’t find just the right Oahu beach, there are many locations within view of the beautiful sandy stretches that can be used for weddings or the ensuing receptions. Popular options include:

• Parks near popular beaches
• Cliffs overlooking the beach
• Beachfront hotel gardens
• Country clubs with beach access
• Oceanview chapels
• Chartered yachts

Setting Up an Oahu Ceremony

Once a couple has decided that an Oahu beach wedding is perfect for their big day, there are many reputable companies that offer beach wedding services on this popular island. Package and consultation prices range from $100 for a simple, no-frills ceremony to greater than $1,000 for more elaborate fetes. Couples should investigate each company thoroughly to determine its reputation and whether or not they feel comfortable working with them for this momentous occasion. Companies offering Oahu wedding packages include:

• Island Romance Wedding
• Bridal Dream Hawaii
• Aloha Island Weddings
• Hawaii Weddings
• Wed Aloha
• Hawaiian Barefoot Weddings
• Hawaiian Island Weddings
• HawaiiWeddings.net
• Sweet Hawaii Wedding
• My Hawaii Wedding

Oahu beach weddings are beautiful events that give couples delightful memories to begin their happily ever after. From simple ceremonies on the sand to elaborate celebrations at local beach parks, there is no limit to the details of a Hawaiian beach wedding on Oahu.

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