When planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, one of the first questions couples have is: How much will it cost? With its breathtaking landscapes, world-class venues, and luxurious resorts, Hawaii is a top choice for destination weddings. However, costs can vary significantly based on factors like which island you choose, the size of your guest list, and whether you opt for a single-day event or a multi-day celebration.
In this guide, I’ll break down the key costs involved in planning a destination wedding in Hawaii and provide insights from local experts. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement or a grand wedding weekend, understanding these costs will help you make informed decisions.
Planning a destination wedding in Hawaii is all about balancing your dream day with a budget that makes sense for you. From iconic venues like Haiku Mill and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel to the broader question of “how much does a wedding in Hawaii cost?” I’ve got you covered. Drawing from popular search queries and my own experience photographing weddings across the islands, this section breaks down the costs for specific venues, offers a general budgeting guide, and shares insider tips to help you plan. Let’s dive into the details!
Each of Hawaii’s main islands offers a unique atmosphere, and your choice of island will affect both the style and cost of your wedding. Here’s an overview of the islands most popular for destination weddings and some key venues on each:
Your guest count is one of the most critical factors when it comes to the cost of your destination wedding in Hawaii. Each additional guest brings with them increased costs for catering, seating, transportation, and accommodations. Most venues and resorts in Hawaii offer per-person pricing for catering, which typically ranges from $150 to $350 per guest, depending on the venue, type of meal, and other details like alcohol and dessert options.
For couples looking to keep costs lower, intimate weddings with fewer than 50 guests are often ideal. This allows you to allocate more of your budget to luxury experiences—whether that’s an extended wedding weekend, gourmet food, or high-end décor. Larger weddings (100 guests or more) require more extensive coordination and larger venues, which can raise your costs substantially.
Local wedding planner Steph at Esselle Weddings advises, “For destination weddings in Hawaii, I always recommend couples prioritize their guest list. A smaller, more intimate wedding gives you the chance to splurge on the elements that matter most to you, like high-end photography, top-tier catering, and unique guest experiences.”
– Steph, Esselle Weddings
One growing trend in destination weddings is the multi-day celebration. Extending your wedding beyond a single day allows you to create a more immersive experience for your guests, especially if they’ve traveled from far away. Common additions to a multi-day celebration include welcome dinners, rehearsal dinners, and post-wedding brunches.
Many venues and resorts in Hawaii are set up to accommodate these types of extended events, but keep in mind that this will add to your overall wedding cost. For example, if you choose to host a welcome dinner or rehearsal dinner at a venue like the Four Seasons Resort Maui, expect to spend an additional $5,000 to $10,000. Some venues may offer package deals for multi-day events, while others will charge separately for each venue rental and catering service.
“For couples planning a destination wedding in Hawaii, a multi-day celebration allows you to fully embrace the island experience. From sunset welcome dinners to post-wedding brunches by the ocean, extending your celebration across multiple days gives your guests the chance to truly relax and enjoy the beauty of Hawaii. Just keep in mind that every additional event adds to the overall cost, so it’s essential to budget carefully.”
– Alyssa, All the Deets
Hawaii offers some of the most breathtaking wedding venues in the world, each with its unique charm and beauty. If you’re planning a multi-day celebration, it’s essential to choose a venue that can accommodate a range of events, from welcome dinners to post-wedding brunches, while offering a stunning backdrop. Below are some top venues across the Hawaiian islands that are perfect for an extended wedding celebration.
Each of these venues offers something unique, whether you’re looking for luxury, privacy, or a deep connection to Hawaiian culture. Many also offer onsite accommodations, which is ideal for hosting multi-day celebrations where guests can stay and enjoy the entire wedding experience.
Hawaii offers a range of venues, from luxury resorts to private estates and botanical gardens. Below are a few popular venues and their associated costs:
In addition to your venue, guest count, and potential multi-day celebrations, there are a few other key costs to keep in mind when planning a destination wedding in Hawaii:
When budgeting for a destination wedding in Hawaii, photography is one of the most important investments you’ll make. The photos captured will tell the story of your celebration for years to come, so choosing the right photographer is crucial. The cost of hiring a wedding photographer for a destination wedding in Hawaii can range from $10,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the level of experience, the scope of coverage (single or multi-day), and the style of photography.
Hiring a local photographer can significantly reduce your overall costs. When you bring in a photographer from outside Hawaii, you’ll need to cover their travel expenses, including flights, accommodation, meals, and potentially additional fees for extra travel days. These costs can add thousands of dollars to your budget.
For example, a full-day editorial photography package with me, which includes both creative portraits and candid storytelling moments, typically starts at $6,500. This price reflects not only the time spent on your wedding day but also the hours dedicated to pre-wedding planning, location scouting, and post-production editing to deliver polished, artistic images. If I had to fly over to another state, my packages would begin at around 8k to account for travel.
A local photographer already familiar with the islands can offer a distinct advantage. Not only do they eliminate the need for extra travel costs, but they also have intimate knowledge of the best locations for light, unique spots for photos, and insight into how island weather can affect the day. They’ll also have existing relationships with local vendors and planners, streamlining your planning process.
Additionally, local photographers tend to be more readily available for venue walk-throughs or pre-wedding planning, which can be helpful if you’re unfamiliar with Hawaii. Having a photographer who knows the ins and outs of Oahu, Kauai, or Maui ensures that no time is wasted finding the best locations for photos, allowing you to focus on your celebration.
Choosing a local photographer not only makes practical sense but often results in a more seamless and curated experience overall.
If you’re picturing a romantic, vintage vibe surrounded by Maui’s lush greenery, Haiku Mill is a top pick. I’ve shot here a few times, and its old-world charm paired with tropical beauty is pure magic. But what does it cost?
Photographer’s Note: The lighting at Haiku Mill is a dream soft, natural, and perfect for those golden-hour shots. It’s worth every penny if you’re after a unique backdrop that feels like a hidden treasure.
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Oahu’s Waikiki Beach aka the “Pink Palace” is where luxury meets Hawaiian history. I’ve captured some stunning sunset ceremonies here, and it’s a favorite for couples wanting a resort vibe. Here’s the cost rundown:
Photographer’s Note: The beachfront setting is unbeatable for vibrant, colorful photos especially if you time your vows for sunset. Plus, the pink architecture adds a playful pop to your album.
Not tied to a specific venue yet? Let’s talk averages. Based on my chats with local planners and couples I’ve worked with, here’s what a Hawaii wedding typically costs:
Real Talk: Most destination weddings in Hawaii fall between $50,000 and $100,000. It sounds steep, but you can scale it down with a smaller guest list or simpler venue.
Destination weddings come with unique variables. Here’s what drives the price tag:
Photographer’s Tip: Smaller weddings let you splurge on what matters like epic photos or a killer venue without breaking the bank.
Here’s a quick example for a mid-range wedding with 50 guests:
Want luxury? Double it. On a budget? Trim the guest list and skip extras.
Tight on funds? No worries Hawaii can still work:
Photographer’s Hack: Beach permits are a steal, and the natural scenery does half the work for your photos no décor needed!
Planning a destination wedding in Hawaii can be a luxurious and memorable experience, but it requires thoughtful budgeting and attention to detail. With so many stunning venues and unique island experiences to choose from, your wedding in Hawaii can truly be one-of-a-kind.
If you’re ready to begin planning your destination wedding, I’d love to help capture your celebration with an artistic, editorial approach. Inquire today to secure your date and start planning the wedding of your dreams.
I’m Masha, a wedding, elopement and couples photographer based on Oahu & serving couples worldwide.
If you're looking for a meaningful, editorial approach to photography-something effortless but still iconic, you're in the right place. I am so excited to hear more about your story and capture memories for you.
I’m Masha, a wedding, elopement and couples photographer based on Oahu & serving couples worldwide.
If you're looking for a meaningful, editorial approach to photography-something effortless but still iconic, I'd love to work with you.
In order to create from a place of inspiration, I only accept a limited number of weddings each year. Inquire for collections and availability.
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