Two questions come up in almost every first conversation we have with couples: do we need a permit for this? and what does this actually cost? Fair questions, and ones that deserve straight answers rather than a runaround. Here’s exactly how permits and pricing work for a Big Island elopement.
Do you need a permit?
If your ceremony is happening on public land — a beach, a state park, a scenic overlook — almost certainly yes. A marriage license (which we cover in our how-to-elope guide) gives you legal permission to marry. A land-use permit is a separate thing entirely: it’s what gives you legal permission to hold your ceremony at that specific spot.
Permits for state land go through Hawai’i’s Wiki Permits system, run by the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) or the Hawaii Film Office. A few things to know:
- Submit early. Special Use Permit requests need to go in at least 45 days working days before your date. We highly recommend starting the process no later than two months.
- Fees vary by location. Most beach permit fees are around $20 for so a small, intimate ceremony. These permits are also only for a maximum of 25 people (that includes every person in the wedding plus all the wedding vendors present). Broader Special Use Permit fees for state park ceremonies can range from roughly $50 to a few hundred dollars, depending on the site.
- Liability insurance is required, not optional. You’ll need a Certificate of Liability Insurance (typically $1 million in coverage) submitted with your application. A one-day event policy for this usually costs $75–150 — a quick add-on, not a barrier. Your wedding or elopement planner should carry this liability policy!
- Questions go straight to DLNR. Their Wiki Permits office can be reached at (808) 587-0449 or dlnr.wiki.permits@hawaii.gov if you want to look into a specific location yourself.
Every location on the island has its own quirks, some are county and some fall under state parks. The type of permit you need will vary and in some cases you need two! It can be confusing for anyone unfamiliar with this process, which is exactly why this is the piece most couples hand off rather than DIY. We caution against winging out an event such as a wedding. A DLNR officer could potentially stop your ceremony and make you leave the park. Alternatively, you could potentially have weather related issues and will need to very quickly change locations. You need professionals familiar with the permit process that can acquire a permit for back-up locations immediately!
While you may not need a permit on private property, most of these locations have a wedding venue fee or require you to stay on property for a minimum number of nights. If you want your elopement on the Big island to be at a private venue, we have a few options for you including some packages that include accommodation for a few nights.
What does a Big Island elopement actually cost?
This varies a lot depending on what you want your day to include, but here’s the honest range: across the island, full-service elopement packages typically start around $2,000 and most couples land somewhere between $3,000 and $6,000 for a day that includes planning, photography, florals, hair and make-up and all the permitting handled for them. More elaborate days — additional locations, larger guest counts, add-ons like a private dinner or extra photography hours — can run higher.
A typical all-inclusive package covers:
- Planning and day-of coordination
- Location scouting and permit handling (including the insurance policy)
- An officiant
- Professional photography
- Marriage license guidance
- Florals (leis and maybe a bouquet)
Piecing this together yourself — separately booking a photographer, an officiant, permit paperwork, and insurance — is possible, but it rarely ends up cheaper once you add it all up, and it puts the administrative work back on you during a week that should be about celebrating, not paperwork.
Customizing your day: hair, flowers, and more time on the island
The base package covers the essentials, but most couples add a few personal touches — and it’s worth knowing roughly what those run before you start planning:
- Hair and makeup. Professional bridal hair and makeup on the Big Island generally runs $300–$500, whether that’s an on-location artist coming to you or an in-studio appointment. It’s an easy add for the getting-ready portion of your day, especially if you want your photos to hold up against ocean humidity and wind.
- Bouquets and florals. A bridal bouquet typically ranges from $250 for something simple (a single tropical bloom, like an orchid spray) up to $350–$450 for a fuller, more elaborate arrangement. Add a groom’s boutonniere and a set of lei, and most couples budget somewhere in that same range for both together.
- Multiple locations and longer photography coverage. If you want your photos to tell a fuller story — a sunrise ceremony at one spot, then portraits at a second or third location as the light changes — that’s simply a matter of extending your coverage. Elopement photography packages that include multiple locations and several hours of coverage typically run $2,500–$4,000 for a half-day, up to $5,000–$7,000 for closer to a full day. Extra hours beyond your package are usually billed at roughly $600–$900 per hour.
None of this is required to have a beautiful, meaningful day — plenty of couples keep it simple with one location and a shorter session. But if you’re picturing something more layered (a sunrise ceremony followed by golden-hour portraits at a completely different spot, say), it’s good to know that’s just a customization, not a separate undertaking. We build all of it — beauty appointments, florals, extended and multi-location photography — into one coordinated day, so nothing falls through the cracks between vendors.
Why we build this into every elopement we plan
This is the whole reason a “stress-free” elopement is possible here: permits, insurance, timing, and officiant coordination are handled as one package, scouted and submitted on your behalf, well within DLNR’s deadlines. You show up, we’ve already taken care of the fine print.
If you want a straightforward answer on what your specific day would cost, get in touch — we’re happy to walk you through it with real numbers, not just ranges.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a permit if we’re eloping on the Big Island? Almost always, if your ceremony is on public land like a beach or state park. A marriage license is separate from a land-use permit — you need both.
How far in advance should we apply for a permit? At least 45 working days before your ceremony date for state park Special Use Permits. Other locations require less time, 24 hours at most!
Does the permit include liability insurance? No, it’s a separate requirement — a Certificate of Liability Insurance (usually $1 million in coverage) must be submitted with your application. One-day policies typically cost $75–150.
How much does a full Big Island elopement cost? Packages generally start around $2,000, with most couples spending $3,000–$6,000 for a complete, permitted, professionally photographed day.
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