5 Important Facts About Beach Weddings In Hawaii
1) All beaches in Hawaii are public beaches. Even the beaches in front of hotels and estates are publc. A permit is required to have a wedding or vow renewal, or even just photos, on the beach. Permits are obtained by wedding professionals whose insurance is on file with the state who have been approved to access the permit system. Permits may also be obtained by going to the state DLNR office for your wedding. These permits must be obtained in advance. http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ld/commercial-activities/ “Wiki Permits for Commercial Activities / Beach Weddings: This process is to be followed by persons/companies desiring a right-of-entry permit for a beach wedding or other commercial activity onunencumbered State lands only. Please note that a few beaches in the State are managed by other government agencies, e.g. the counties. Applicants are advised to seek authorization for use of those beaches from the appropriate government agency managing those areas. ” Here is the link to frequently asked questions regarding the permits and beach rules. http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/ld/files/2013/07/Wiki-Permits-FAQs.pdf
2) Although arches and chairs are restricted from the beaches for weddings, we are able to make your wedding beautiful with flowers on the sand.
3)Prohibited areas: Ka’anapali Beach is off limits completely for weddings, vow renewals, and all commercial photography from Canoe Beach to Ka’anapali Shores. Ahihi Bay/La Parouse Bay: All commercial activity is prohibted in this natural reserve area. Ko’olina is made of manmade lagoons and considered to be private. Most of Waikiki Beach from the Hilton Hawaiian Village Pier to the Elks Lodge. Hanalei Pier.
4) While you may not toss bird seed or artificial flowers for the couple’s recessional, you may toss fresh flowers or blow bubbles. Everythng brought to the beach needs to be ecofriendly. It is mandatory that all decor be cleaned up from the beach. For example, if you set up a petal path, it will need to be cleaned up before leaving the beach.
5) Hawaii is beautiful because of its tropical climate. Be prepared for any type of weather (except snow) to occur at any time. It may be sunny and beautiful at the start, but it can rain for 5 minutes, as well. So, be prepared with umbrellas, as there are no backup indoor locations for you and your wedding guests when marrying at the beach.
FYI…alcoholic beverages are not permitted at the beach….