BEACH WEDDINGS IN HAWAII:  REGULATIONS                                                                                            (This website page is for your information.  This does not constitute legal advice.  Check with the appropriate State or City agency to verify all information and subsequent changes to rules and regulations.)

A "beach" is the area that is "below the shoreline" and is "below the line of vegetation". 

The beaches on Oahu, are under the jurisdiction of the State of Hawaii. 

To have a wedding ceremony on the "beach", you must obtain a State permit and also a special events liability insurance certificate. 

A beach wedding ceremony without a permit, can incur a fine of  five thousand dollars ($5,000)  and the Wedding Performer can lose their license to operate.

Permits for weddings need to be obtained for beaches and State Parks.

Permit process for a beach wedding takes a few working days or longer. 

Most beaches are under the State of Hawaii.  There are a few exceptions, such as Bellows Beach, which is under the U.S. military.  To verify the beach you wish to use is under the State of Hawaii, use the contact below;   or for  a list of State of Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources beaches  use this link (you may have to copy and paste, or type in Hawaii dlnr commercial activity)

http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ld/commercial-activities/

To confirm your beach jurisdiction and for Beach Wedding permit, contact:

1151 Punchbowl St Room 330 Honolulu Hawaii 96813  |  

PHONE 808-587-0109  | 

FAX 808-587-0115

For beach weddings, you will also need liability insurance.  You may obtain this through Wedsafe.com or surf the internet for "special events liability insurance".  The company you use, will need to be approved by the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

The State cannot tell you who to contact (they cannot endorse a company),  they can only inform you if the company you wish to use is approved or not. 

The State has regularly approved Wedsafe.com in the past.

It is up to the marrying couple to check which jurisdiction they will be utilizing and it is the responsiblity of the couple to verify the above information and obtain any necessary permission or permits.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Basic suggestions for beach weddings:

Be prepared for changes in weather.

Check the tide and / or know how wide the beach is.

Do not assume your guests, wedding party, or wedding performer will know where you will be.  You may wish to send information on nearby cross streets or distinct markers that people can look for.You may wish to consider putting out a sign with balloons and assign someone to pick up the sign, etc. after the ceremony.

Make sure there are bathroom facilities for your guests and your wedding party.  It may be wise to bring bathroom supplies for the comfort of  your wedding party.

Consider asking your guests to bring portable stools or chairs for their use should they have to wait for the ceremony to start. 

You should especially be considerate of the infirm or elderly who may need help walking and may need chairs to sit on for the duration of your event.

Consider asking your guests to bring umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun and rain.

If your ceremony is on the beach sand, consider your footwear:  shoes and sandals will get filled with sand and can irritate your skin.  Think about the comfort of your wedding party as well as yourselves.  Let your guests know if they will be walking on sand.

Consider the length of the bridal gown as you walk on the sand and your feet sink into the sand.  If you are carrying a bouquet and holding the arm of your escort, you will not be able to hold the hem of your dress.

Please know, professional photographers will have you doing a lot of posing.  The photo taking itself can be a lot of work.  Be prepared.  Consider how comfortable you will be in the sun and wind.  Have cold water on hand to sip - keep hydrated.  Have on hand paper towels or handkerchiefs to wipe the sweat (and tears).  Have a make-up kit on hand to refresh your make-up.

Remember to bring the marriage license, the beach permit, the rings;  if you are having a lei ceremony or sand ceremony, those necessary items.



CALL (808) 284-6352(808) 284-6352

KATHY KAWANA 

WEDDING MINISTER 

STATE OF HAWAII, #2012-00236 

46-022 ALALOA ST. #203 

KANEOHE, HAWAII 96744

{Please leave your name, phone number, and a brief message.

It helps if I know the date, time, and place of your ceremony for scheduling purposes.

At the time you take out your license, however, you may leave this information off or the Wedding Performer can change it after the ceremony has taken place.}

Do check the tide before planning your beach wedding

Many beaches will not

have much sand or be safe

at mid- or high tide

http://www.hawaiitides.com/

WES & MELEAH

LOUISA & TODD

Kailua Beach Park (in the park)

{unfortunately, commercial activity has been banned from Kailua Beach Park as of 2013}

  NOTE IF YOU ARE NOT IN THE UNITED STATES

If you are NOT RESIDING in the United States; this does cause complications in obtaining the special events liability insurance.

You will need to utilize your Wedding Performer or other person living in the United States to fulfill the liability insurance requirements.

Non-sectarian, non-denominational non-religious or religious orientation         no discrimination



available on Oahu, Honolulu, Waikiki, Ala Moana, Sandy Beach, Waimanalo, Makapuu, Kailua Beach, Kualoa Beach, Hauula, Kahuku, Haleiwa, Waimea, Mokuleia, Nanakuli, Kapolei, Ihilani, Aulani