by Michele Fiala
An adventure wedding is a celebration of love and the great outdoors, where couples exchange vows in a unique setting with personal significance. It’s a combination of an elopement and an outdoor adventure. The couple starts their new life doing something they love—hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, or running—in a beautiful location. The guest list is small and the focus is on intimacy and adventure. It’s a more relaxed, low-pressure way to tie the knot.
9 Reasons to Choose an Adventure Wedding/Elopement:
- Do what you love: Did you meet in a running group? Go hiking on your second date? Do you explore waters in a tandem kayak? Start your marriage doing something meaningful to both of you.
- Unique: An adventure wedding reflects your personalities and shared interests, giving you an experience that’s as unique as your love story.
- Breathtaking Scenery: Exchange vows in some of the most beautiful natural settings: on a mountain overlooking the ocean, on the beach, on the water with a mountain view, or next to a waterfall.
- Affordable: Without the need for a large venue, caterers, and elaborate decorations, you can significantly cut costs.
- Eco-friendly: Traditional weddings can create a lot of waste (like single-use plastic decorations and food service). Adventure weddings are much more sustainable, focusing on nature itself.
- Livestream Options: If you want to include family and friends, it’s easy to livestream the event, bringing them into the celebration even if they aren’t there in person.
- Stunning Photos: With breathtaking views and unique experiences, you can capture incredible, one-of-a-kind photos that go beyond the typical wedding shots.
- Less Crowded: There’s less pressure to meet societal expectations, and you can enjoy the spaciousness.
- Relaxing: There’s no rush or pressure. You can savor the moment with just the two of you or a with few of your closest loved ones.
Are There Drawbacks?
- Weather Dependency: Outdoor weddings can be impacted by unpredictable weather, so flexibility in your planning is important. Consider reserving an alternate date or venue with your officiant and photographer in case of a weather mishap.
- Fitness Level: Adventure weddings are designed for those who are active and can be tailored to match most fitness levels. Be careful to choose an adventure that matches your abilities.
- Size of Guest List: Some guests may have physical limitations but you can stream your wedding so that all of your friends and family can enjoy it.
Planning Your Adventure Wedding:
Must Haves:
- Officiant: You need an officiant licensed in the state where you will be married. Look for an officiant who specializes in adventure weddings and will help you plan for your adventure. At Hawaii Wedding Woman, we specialize in ensuring your ceremony is smooth, fun and meaningful.
- Photographer: A photographer will capture those unforgettable moments. At Hawaii Wedding Woman, we maintain a list of photographers who specialize in Hawaii adventure weddings and will go the distance with you to capture the beauty.
- Permits: At Hawaii Wedding Woman, we work with state and local agencies to handle the permits for you. This ensures that you don’t have any interruptions of your ceremony.
- Gear: Plan ahead like you would for any hike, run or water outing. Bring extra clothing, water and snacks. Here at HWW, we even offer a package with a picnic.
Why on O’ahu?
- Hawaii is known for lush mountains, beaches with silky sand, hidden waterfalls and stunning vistas. It also has favorable weather most of the year. O’ahu has all of that natural beauty with proximity to city resources that simplify your travel experience.
- If a private ceremony is what you seek, the State of Hawaii does not require witnesses. You only need a licensed officiant who is as enthusiastic about adventure weddings as you are.
- At Hawaii Wedding Woman, we can recommend a plethora of beautiful locations for adventure weddings on O’ahu. For adventure weddings on the other Hawaiian islands, inquire about our travel rates.
- You will already be at a honeymoon destination, so the celebration will flow seamlessly into your post-wedding adventure!
If you want a hassle-free, unforgettable adventure wedding in Hawaii, work with an officiant who specializes in this type of celebration and who can handle details from permits to photographer and even a post-wedding toast and picnic.
We are excited to help you plan your Hawai’i Adventure Wedding! Email [email protected] or call 808-517-5933.