How to Choose the Perfect Destination Wedding Venue in Hawaii

Photography: June Cochran

Selecting your wedding venue is one of the most impactful decisions you’ll make during wedding planning. Your venue will shape your wedding’s atmosphere, influence your budget, and play a huge role in its overall aesthetic. If you’re ready to dive into our top tips for finding a venue that truly fits your vision, make sure to continue reading!

Tip #1: Consider your Guest Count 

First things first: ask each venue about their maximum capacity. If you’re inviting 200 guests, there’s no point considering venues that cap at 50. Also, check whether the venue fee varies with guest count; many venues have tiered pricing based on the number of attendees.

Beyond capacity, think about infrastructure. Some venues might accommodate large groups but lack sufficient parking or restrooms, which can lead to additional planning and expense for things like shuttle services or portable restrooms.

Tip #2: Time of Year Matters

Hawaii’s seasons bring unique considerations. Think about your preferred wedding season and the potential impact of holidays, events, and weather:

Peak Holidays & Events

Locations can be crowded and costly during peak travel seasons, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Fourth of July. North Shore, Oahu, for instance, sees heavier traffic and pricier accommodations in winter due to surf competitions. Likewise, Waikiki often hosts conferences that can drive up hotel rates.

Photography: Passion Studios

Weather Considerations

Hawaii’s climate varies from the mainland. For example, while summer may be pleasant back home, August here can be quite humid. The rainy season (November to March) is another key consideration, especially if you’re planning an outdoor ceremony or reception. And from July to October, we have hurricane season, which can bring occasional weather threats.

Choosing the right time for your wedding in Hawaii is essential for a comfortable, seamless experience for you and your guests.

Tip #3: Understand What’s Included

Every venue is unique, and understanding what’s included helps you budget accurately. Here are a few questions to ask:

Basic Amenities

At minimum, most venues provide parking, restrooms, power, water, and trash disposal. If not, you may need to budget for portable restrooms, generators, and trash services. 

Rental Items

Many venues offer basic rentals like tables and chairs, while others include lighting, linens, place settings, and glassware. Just be sure these options align with your vision—if the provided chairs don’t suit your aesthetic, for example, you’ll need to rent alternatives that are inline with the direction you are wanting to go in. 

Access Time

Time restrictions vary greatly. Some venues provide access for multiple days, while others rent by the hour. Full tented setups might require 5-6 hours, whereas indoor events may only need 2-3 hours. Despite whether you are having an indoor or outdoor wedding, always ensure there’s ample setup and breakdown time for your vendors.

In-House Services

Some venues may require you to use in-house services, such as catering or bar services. This can simplify logistics but may limit flexibility with your budget and menu choices. Although this can certainly simplify logistics, it may limit flexibility with your budget and menu choices. 

Tip #4: Understand the Venue’s Rules 

Each venue has its own rules that can impact your wedding plans and it’s extremely important to consider them before booking a venue. Here are a few to consider:

Noise ordinances

In Hawaii, outdoor events are subject to a 10 pm noise ordinance, and some venues might have earlier end times based on location. If you’re planning a late-night celebration, indoor venues may be better suit for your event.

Planner or Coordinator Requirement

Some venues require that you work with a licensed wedding planner or coordinator to ensure smooth event management. This ensures that there’s a responsible point of contact if any issues arise.

Liability Insurance

Venues often require liability insurance to cover any potential damages or alcohol-related incidents.

Tip #5: Making the Decision

With so many unique venues in Hawaii, it can be challenging to make a final choice. Here are a few last steps to help you decide:

Visit in Person

Photos and videos can only tell you so much and often don’t do a location justice. Being physically present allows you to truly experience the venue’s ambiance. It is also a great way to visualize the flow of the event by seeing the space in its entirety. Many couples fall in love with a venue because of the atmosphere or the welcoming staff.

List the Pros & Cons

Write down each venue’s benefits and drawbacks, including aspects like cost, views, amenities, and customer service. Seeing it all in one place can bring clarity to your decision.

Finding the perfect venue can feel overwhelming, but this guide should help simplify the process. If you’d like expert guidance along the way, head over to our website to see how we can support you in planning a stress-free, unforgettable wedding in Hawaii! To view a few of out favorite venues, check our our gallery here!

Happy Planning!