With summer right around the corner and restrictions on wedding gatherings easing on O‘ahu, now is the time to make your fantasy wedding or elopement come true. Your special day should be all about you and your partner, not filled with unwanted options and obligations, so we've teamed-up with Wesley Sargent of Love Always Weddings Hawai‘i for no-stress tips on tying the knot in a way that is uniquely ‘you' while immersed in the wonders of paradise. 

 

 

STEP 1: Choose a Ceremony Location

Whether you are a toes-in-the-sand or a wind-in-your-hair couple, selecting the spot where you will say your "I do's" reflects your personality. A non-traditional wedding coordinator like Wesley Sargent can help bring out your sense of adventure. Consider a Waikiki shoreline scene, catamaran cruise or poolside paradise for the big moment. A local coordinator can also help navigate Hawai‘i's beach wedding rules and restrictions which may require a permit, time and guest count limitations and liability insurance. At Embassy Suites Waikiki's Grand Lanai you can recite your vows poolside framed by a lush landscape and waterfall background. 

 

STEP 2: Hire a Wedding Planner and Officiant 

A knowledgeable wedding coordinator can assist in crafting an intentional, intimate wedding day that is true to your love and relationship while taking the pressure off, so you can genuinely enjoy your moment. When interviewing an officiant, make sure they are up for the task of personalizing the ceremony for you. 

 

 

STEP 3: Select a Reception Site 

Party the night away in the heart of Waikiki! Embassy Suites Waikiki offers banquet rooms or luxurious picnics in private poolside cabanas to celebrate your nuptials. For local flavors, select Hawaiian fusion cuisine from Roy's Waikiki. For a romantic Italian spread, catering is available from Taormina Sicilian Cuisine. Or if you are looking to indulge with surf & turf, Ruth's Chris Steak House will serve up your wedding meal. 

 

 

STEP 4: Book Accommodations 

The newly-styled, spacious suites at Embassy Suites Waikiki are the perfect home base for your wedding party, family & friends or honeymoon. Choose a two-bedroom suite with living room and mini-kitchen for your bridesmaids to make sure you have plenty of space for a pre-wedding slumber party, hair styling, make-up application and mimosas. The Embassy Suites Waikiki sales team (sales@embassysuiteswaikiki.com) can assist you in setting up a personalized group room block for family and friends who want to staycation or vacation and be close to all the fun. 

 

For a romantic setting to enjoy and unwind after your wedding day, book Embassy Suites Waikiki's Ocean Suite Deal and receive your 4th night free, stunning ocean views, daily breakfast and tropical mimosas with no additional resort charge. 

STEP 5: Understand Hawai‘i Regulations

Don't stress about the details! Let your officiant and wedding planner like Wesley take care of navigating the state's marriage requirements and guide you in obtaining a marriage license. FYI: you and your partner must be at least 18 years old, you must appear before the marriage license agent to pick up your application, and you must pay a license and processing fee. 

 

STEP 6: Personalize your Ceremony

Create a program that rings true to you and your relationship. Your ceremony script allows you to vocalize your love and commitment in a way that feels natural to the both of you. Areas where you can craft a one-of-a-kind experience include favorite music, handwritten vows and special readings from guests. Consider incorporating a sense of place with Hawaiian music, poems or decorations. 

 

 

STEP 7: Add Customized Touches 

Have fun by inserting special details into your day. Some trending examples include serving a tropical couple's specialty drink, wearing a lei po‘o (traditional Hawaiian head adornment made of flowers or feathers), and ditching the traditional wedding cake for a cupcake cake. To create lasting memories, consider a memorial table at check-in featuring photos of those no longer with us and swap out the traditional guest book for a Polaroid camera for a do-it-yourself photo booth. Our preferred vendors can help make the day one-of-a-kind: 

 

Preferred Vendors:

 

Coordination/Officiant: Love Always Weddings Hawai‘i

Photography & Videography: Anela Lee Photography

 

Floral: Puaka'ie Floristry & Designs

 

Hair & Makeup: Cheryl Brown

 

Picnic/Reception Design: Wesley Sargent Designs