The Best Places to Elope in Kauai | Beaches, Waterfalls & Wild Views
If you’re searching for the most breathtaking Kauai spots to visit for your wedding day, you’re in the right place. From golden beaches to hidden waterfalls and epic cliffs, Kauai is full of incredible places to get married. Whether you’re planning an adventurous elopement or a peaceful, intimate ceremony, the Garden Isle offers the kind of beauty that makes your day unforgettable.
I’m Kelsey Layman, a destination wedding photographer who travels worldwide, and I’ve been lucky enough to capture love stories in some of the most stunning places. But Kauai? It hits different. It’s quiet and wild, soft and dramatic, and packed with natural spots that feel like they were made for a wedding day.
This guide covers the best Kauai spots to visit for your elopement, what each location offers, and how to get started planning your wedding in Kauai, Hawaii. Let’s make this feel real, fun, and fully you.
Why Elope in Kauai, Hawaii?
It’s Naturally Stunning and Feels Unspoiled
The Garden Isle lives up to its name with waterfalls, jungle cliffs, golden sand and sea caves around every turn. Kauai brings a sense of calm and wonder that’s perfect for couples looking to slow down and soak in every moment.
You’ve Got Endless Options
Whether you’re dreaming of a barefoot beach ceremony, a private vow exchange on a boat, or hiking to a waterfall with just your partner and your vows in hand, there are so many beautiful places to get married in Kauai. The island really has something for every kind of couple.
Your Elopement Becomes an Experience
This isn’t just a quick ceremony. Eloping in Kauai gives you the chance to turn your day into a full-on experience. You can sail along the Na Pali Coast, explore secret beaches, or watch the sunset from a cliff after your vows.
How to Elope in Kauai
Step 1: Choose a Date and Get Your Marriage License
Getting legally married in Kauai is pretty simple. Apply for your Hawaii marriage license online, then pick it up in person once you’re on the island. You can start the process here.
Step 2: Pick Your Location and Get Any Needed Permits
Some of the best Kauai spots to visit for elopements are located in state parks or along public beaches. I help couples figure out which ones require permits and handle the paperwork so everything is good to go.
Step 3: Book Local Vendors Who Know the Island
From florists to officiants to hair and makeup, working with local vendors helps your day run smoothly. I can help recommend a trusted team based on your style and vision.
Best Kauai Spots to Visit for Your Elopement
Hanalei Bay
Soft sand, mountain views, and a calm shoreline make Hanalei Bay one of the most peaceful and iconic places to get married in Kauai. It is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
Princeville Bluff
This spot gives you wide-open ocean views with the lush green cliffs Kauai is famous for. A perfect location for a quiet ceremony with a dramatic backdrop.
Secret Beach (Kauapea Beach)
This secluded beach is a short hike down, but once you’re there, it feels like a hidden gem. Lava rocks, open sand, and plenty of privacy make it a dream for couples who want something more off the grid.
Wailua River State Park
If you love greenery and water but do not necessarily want a beach, this area is a great fit. You can even paddle out to Fern Grotto or Secret Falls for a more adventurous ceremony.
Shipwreck Beach
Located on the South Shore, this rugged stretch of coastline is ideal for couples who love that natural, untamed look. It is great for both sunrise vows and post-ceremony portraits.
Waimea Canyon Lookouts
If you want something epic and unexpected, this is it. The canyon is often called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and the views are bold and colorful.
Polihale State Park
A remote beach with glowing sunsets and sand dunes that seem to stretch forever. It takes a 4WD to reach, but the privacy and views are worth the drive.
Tunnels Beach
Calm waters and epic cliffs make this North Shore beach a favorite for weddings in Kauai, Hawaii. It is also a great place to celebrate with a post-ceremony snorkel.
Kalihiwai Falls
A multi-tiered waterfall tucked in a jungle setting. Access depends on local permissions, but it is one of those places that feels completely magical once you arrive.
Wailua Falls
One of Kauai’s most famous waterfalls, and it is very easy to access. You’ll be at the lookout rather than the base, but the view is unforgettable.
Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)
You’ll kayak and hike to get there, but if you’re up for it, it is such a special spot. The waterfall is surrounded by jungle and feels incredibly peaceful.
Boat Charters – Na Pali Coast, Poipu, Hanalei Bay
Picture this. You are sailing along the coast, the sun is setting, and you are exchanging vows on the water. Whether it is a private sail along the Na Pali cliffs or a charter off Poipu, boat ceremonies are unique and beautiful.
Kauai FAQs
How much does it cost to elope in Kauai, Hawaii?
The average Kauai elopement wedding cost is between $2,000 and $10,000. This can include photography, an officiant, permits, flowers, hair and makeup, a picnic setup, or even a boat charter. It depends on how simple or styled you want the day to feel.
What do you need to elope in Kauai?
Here is what you will need:
• Hawaii marriage license
• Licensed officiant
• Location permits (if required)
• Optional: photographer, planner, florals, hair and makeup, picnic setup
What is the best month to get married in Kauai?
April through October is typically the driest and sunniest time of year, especially on the North Shore. For winter weddings, the South Shore often has better weather.
Kauai Elopement Photographer
I’m Kelsey, a wedding and elopement photographer who specializes in capturing real, meaningful moments in beautiful places. I help couples plan intentional wedding days that reflect who they are. From location scouting to timeline help, I am there to guide you and make sure you feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera.
Kauai Elopement Photography Packages
My photography packages are tailored for couples planning weddings in Kauai, Hawaii. Whether you are looking for a few hours of coverage or full-day storytelling, every package includes location support, permit help, and a thoughtful experience from start to finish.
