The celebration of marriage can be one of the most beautiful things to witness. Nowadays, there are many different avenues to take to get married. Not every couple is into the big ceremony accompanied by the stress and cost. So, many are now considering Hawaii elopement. Traditionally, elopement was a strategy to get married without the consent of one’s parents. Although over the years, elopement has been used as a tactic to avoid the anxiety that a normal modern wedding would entail.
When looking at Hawaii elopement ideas, you will often be directed to the beach. This may seem like an obvious choice. But for something more interesting, choose the rain forest. Surrounded by cooler mountain air and the lush greenery of our property, our Volcano bed and breakfast is the right choice for an unforgettable elopement.
Read on to learn about our venue, tips when planning your elopement, and adventures to have here in Volcano after your special ceremony!
Choosing the Perfect Hawaii Elopement Location
Location is the most important thing to consider for an elopement. But there are other factors to think about, too. How far from ‘traditional’ are you and your fiancé willing to go? Will it just be the two of you at the ceremony? How will the vows be given? Will there be a celebration afterwards? Think about your budget. An elopement may be a great way to combine your honeymoon with the ceremony all at once.
Look no further for Hawaii elopement ideas. Our elopement package is ideal for couples who love the option of a very personal wedding. For only $555, you and your new spouse will receive:
- An officiant for the ceremony
- A mini wedding cake
- A bottle of chilled sparkling wine
- Leis, a bouquet, and a boutonniere
- Choice of having the ceremony inside or outside depending on weather
- And rose-petal turn down service the night of the elopement.
Here at the Volcano Village Estates, we are inclusive of everyone who chooses to celebrate with us. We welcome LGBTQ+ couples to share their magical moment right here in our beautiful rainforest.
Legalities & Paperwork
While the thought of a Hawaii elopement is enticing, it’s important to consider the location’s laws. Marriage needs to be legally recognized. Every state and county require different documentation and procedures to go about the ceremony successfully. If the elopement is your legal wedding, you will need a marriage license.
In the state of Hawaii, you must complete the online application when applying for a license. You and your fiancé can then meet with an agent no more than 30 days after applying to review the application and issue the license. After receiving the license, you then have another 30 days to have the official ceremony. Luckily for you, our staff will help with all the required documentation and will provide the wedding officiant.
Check out the State of Hawaii’s website for more information on obtaining a marriage license.
Timing of Your Hawaii Elopement
The time of year to get eloped is important to consider. Even Hawaii experiences seasons, albeit only two of them. “Summer” is May – October and “winter” is October – April. The heaviest rains take place in the winter months. Even though getting married in Hawaii is perfect any time of year, we can accommodate your ceremony to occur inside our historic Dillingham House should the weather turn wet.
We love recommending couples get hitched during the “golden hour.” This term describes the reddish hue produced by scattering sun rays just before sunset, usually lasting around 45 minutes. This time of day makes for the best photographs.
Logistics & Planning
When you book your elopement with us, we ask for an advanced notice of at least 14 days. You can select the room you wish to stay in when you choose the elopement package. If you have other guests attending your celebration, be sure to book their rooms at the same time to guarantee space at our bed and breakfast.
To create your ideal ceremony, our property has contacts for all the local vendors you need. Contact us for help coordinating a photographer, flower arrangements, and even hula dancers to make it a well-rounded event.
The elopement will only be part of your trip down here. Outside of your wedding attire, make sure to pack everything you need to make your dream Big Island getaway a reality. Do you love to hike? Pack clothes and shoes to visit Volcanoes National Park. Planning a beach trip in Hilo? Pack your swimsuits and sunscreen. And for everyone, bring your excitement!
We love recommending couples get hitched during the “golden hour.” This term describes the reddish hue produced by scattering sun rays just before sunset, usually lasting around 45 minutes. This time of day makes for the best photographs.
Styling Your Volcano Hawaiian Elopement
Hawaii elopement ideas offer no shortage of color schemes, wardrobes, and decorations. Because of the less formal nature of elopements, attire can be a tad more casual. Consider tea length dresses as opposed to floor-length gowns. Colorful suits apart from black or white may add some Hawaiian flavor. The choices are endless!
When picking decorations, we recommend our guests get inspired by the innumerous flowers of Hawaii. Try coordinating your attire with specific flower combinations and with each other. Additionally, flowers are a good way to provide eco-friendly decorations. They are native, biodegradable, and beautiful.
Embrace Hawaiian culture by incorporating traditions into your ceremony. Our elopement package includes handmade leis for you and your spouse to wear. Consider also a haku, a head garland for women worn during special occasions. You will feel right at home in Volcano and look the part, too.
Capturing the Moment
Choosing the right photographer requires research. Consider the style the photographer takes their photographs in. Do they have video capabilities? This may be important in your elopement since you may have few or no relatives to share the moment with. A video may be the way to do that.
As mentioned before, our staff has reputable photographer contacts. If you prefer a more casual and cost-effective approach, our team is happy to simply take photos and videos on your cellphone. We will cater to you!
Post-Elopement Adventures
Elect to celebrate your honeymoon with us. With so many things to do on the Big Island, it can be hard to pick activities to take part in. That’s why we’ve created packages for you to choose from. For more adventurous couples, choose “Let’s Go on an Adventure” and visit the summit of Kilauea, waterfalls, black sand beaches, and the Volcano winery. For those wanting a laid-back experience, pick “You Are All That I Need.” You’ll receive delicious chocolate covered pineapples and strawberries, a picnic for two with a keepsake cooler, and the option of taking a lei or huka making class.
Choose the Volcano Village Estates for your Hawaii elopement. The uniqueness of Hawaiian rainforests will create the perfect backdrop to a perfect day. Surround yourselves with the sounds and colors of the scenery and pronounce your love in heaven on Earth. We will help you plan your elopement to make it the ceremony of your dreams. Afterwards, enjoy all that Hawaii has to offer to begin your marriage – the adventure of a lifetime!
