10 Creative Ideas for Your Hawaii Elopement (make your dreams come true ✨)
it can be overwhelming thinking of all the things you COULD do for your elopement… and end up just doing what doesn’t sound stressful (which, totally valid) 💀
but if you want to add an element to your elopement to make it feel like a full experience and not such a quick moment, here are some creative ideas for you to consider!
celebrate with your friends with a themed ball
this idea is perfect for you if you want to elope but you also want to include your friends in the celebration and get dressed up for something. instead of a traditional reception, invite your friends to a themed ball/party and get dancing!! the best part is that you can either make this the same day as your elopement or have it later (or even before)—not to mention, you have yet another excuse for a slaying outfit 🤭 whatever makes it as easeful and joyful for you as possible!
2. drive a classic car to your elopement
whether you are a car buff or just want to ride in style, bringing a cool car along to your elopement is the perfect way to put an extra “je ne sais quoi” to your experience. pulling in a shiny car and coolly waving as you drive off is a vibe that can’t be underestimated! for bonus points and a throwback, include a diy “just married” sign on the back ;)
other unique transportation ideas: take the bus (or the rail!) together in your wedding attire for a dirty chic vibe. ride on a moped or motorcycle together for the italian vacation vibe.
3. lounge on the beach with a luxury picnic and snacks
your elopement doesn’t end when the ceremony does! it ends when you say it does 😤 why not chill on the beach after your ceremony with an elaborate picnic featuring your favourite bites? take some time to really feel your elopement, don’t move on too fast. a picnic set-up is the perfect way to sit in the moment and, essentially, snack. you can even bring a cake, if you want! and speaking of cake…
4. swap out cake for your favourite treats
if cake isn’t your thing, swap it out! grab some:
+ flaky pastries (the local general store or b patisserie)
+ strawberry, banana cream, haupia pie or any of your favourite flavours (hawaiian pie co or liliha bakery or slice)
+ if you are a chocolate lover, grab a chocolate pyramid from tiny pyramid
+ doughnuts! my fav is holey grail (made of kalo and local ingredients) but for cake doughnuts, try purve. for poi donuts get the classic kamehameha bakery. for vegan, get little vessels
+ if you love cake but don’t want a whole 6-inch to gorge on, get some cupcakes instead.
5. swap out cake for pizza
if you don’t like sweets at all, forget them. bring your favourite food instead! food is a beautiful way to bring your unique culture and your normal routines into your elopement. whether you bring the food to your elopement, or your elopement to the food (aka going to the restaurant), this is often the way couples express their love and a big part of their everyday experience. forget special food for the occasion, make way for comfort food.
6. get in the ocean
you can just get your feet wet or you can both jump in all the way! whatever level of moisture you want (lol) why not include the ocean Hawai’i is known for on your most important day? it not only looks beautiful but getting into the ocean feels amazing, especially after everything you both have been planning has finally happened and you are married! you won’t regret the precious memory of getting in the water with your love on your elopement day! (just don’t forget towels ;)
7. jump off Waimea Rock
if you want to level up #6, you can jump off a rock into the ocean after your nuptials like lee & shawn! truly a memory they will never forget and a story they won’t stop telling 🤭
8. eat your favourite food from a personal chef
hire a chef to make your favourite foods and feed each other! especially if there is something special you both love to eat or if you have dietary restrictions, make your day’s meal easy by bringing in a special chef. if food isn’t a priority, you can bring in someone to make drinks or coffee or any one of your favourite things to share together.
9. bring your elopement with you
you don’t need to stick to the beach or the mountain… bring your elopement with you wherever you want to go! take your flowers and your boo and make any old gas station look like it belongs in vogue ;)
10. recreate your first date
if you are totally lost on how you want your elopement to go and none of these ideas are quite hitting—reminisce with your love a little and jot down a recreation your first date (or a mashup of your favourite dates). I did this with one of my couples—they dated through the pandemic, and their first date was supposed to be at a local burger place, so we started with a picnic at the park and then took them to eat burgers at The Daley and run around downtown! it was so special and so them. what is this for you? (check out their gallery here!)
I hope this list of ideas help you to sort out what your dream elopement might be! contact me today if you need help making your dream come to life x
