Your Guide to the Perfect Hanalei Bay Elopement

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Located on Kauai’s famed North Shore, Hanalei Bay is the epitome of Hawaiian beauty. Framed by lush green mountains, this crescent-shaped stretch of golden sand offers sweeping views of the Pacific and a tropical atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re eloping in your own little slice of paradise.

I have walked dozens of couples through the process of eloping at Hanalei Bay and each one has been an incredible experience. The combination of natural beauty and island charm has made this one of my favorite places to photograph in Hawaii, especially for adventure elopements, so here are some of my best insider tips on how to plan your own!

Frequently asked questions about eloping at Hanalei Bay:

How do you elope at Hanalei Bay?

Hanalei Bay is not only beautiful but also super accessible, making it an extremely popular destination on the island and perfect for an elopement in paradise. Here is a crash course in what you’ll need to know to plan one of these elopements yourself:

Pick Your Ceremony Location & Date

While ceremonies aren’t allowed on the Hanalei Pier or at Blackpot Beach (located to the right of the pier), you’re free to exchange your vows on any of the other beaches in the bay, as long as you have the correct permits (see step #3 for details).

The great thing about Hanalei Bay is that it’s open and beautiful year-round, which means no matter which stretch of sand or date you choose for your ceremony, you are guaranteed gorgeous views and an unforgettable experience!

Finalize Your Guest Count

Per Kauai County Law, you’re allowed a maximum of 30 people on the beach for your elopement. That number includes you, your officiant, photographer, guests, and any other vendors or performers you may want!

Get Your Permit & Marriage License

In order to get married at Hanalei Bay, you’ll need a Hawaiian Marriage License and a Wiki Permit instead of a Special Use Permit, since the beach portions are considered an “unencumbered shoreline” and don’t fall under the management of another government agency the way a state park does.

For the marriage license, you’ll need to apply through Hawaii’s Department of Health’s official website here. Once you’ve paid the $65 fee online and submitted the application, just present it to a license agent in person and they will issue you the official license which will be valid for 30 days. The Department of Health website has a list of agents that you can meet with—be sure to look under the “Kauai” section for the agents’ contact information. If you have more general questions and want information about the agents, you can also call the following number for Kauai-specific inquiries: (808) 241-3498.

Hawaii also requires you to have a state-approved “Performer” officiate the ceremony. There are some options listed on the Department of Health’s website here, but if you have someone in mind you’d really like to officiate, it’s possible for them to actually become a state-approved Performer themselves! All they have to do is register through Hawaii’s Department of Health online here and pay the $35 fee for a 60-day license.

As for the permit, you’ll need to first fill out an application to gain access to the Online Wiki Permits System, then proceed to the System’s website and officially apply through there. The permit fee is calculated by multiplying the amount of square footage you need for the ceremony by ten cents—there’s a required minimum fee of $20, which means you’re guaranteed at least 200 square feet and can pay an extra ten cents per square foot if you want more.

If you have any more questions about the permit, you can always reach out to dlnr.wiki.permits@hawaii.gov or call (808) 587-0449, or even check the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ FAQ webpage here!

Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations

With so many beautiful places around the bay to visit and photograph, planning your elopement can be a little overwhelming. As an elopement photographer with experience shooting in the area, I can not only help you figure out the best timeline for your day but also guide you to the best spots with the best lighting, so you can have the perfect photos to remember it by!

Pro Tip: If you want to take photos along the pier or at Blackpot Beach, you’ll need a separate permit to do that, but we can definitely make that happen! I will happily help you navigate the process of getting one and make sure the entire experience is as stress-free as possible.

Get Married!

That’s it! All you have to do now is head on over to the bay and exchange your vows on the golden sands of Kauai’s iconic North Shore.

When’s the best time to visit Hanalei Bay?

The best time to visit Hanalei Bay is April through October. That’s when the weather’s nicest and the crystalline waters of the North Shore are at their best, especially for snorkeling and other water-based activities! If you want to avoid crowds, though, I recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons (April–May & September–October) rather than during the summer. You’ll find lower prices and fewer tourists during those months, allowing you to really appreciate the beauty of the bay and enjoy your time there.

As for the best time of day to visit, you can’t go wrong with sunrise or sunset. Not only are you more likely to have the place to yourself during those hours, but you’ll also have the perfect light for your elopement photos, thanks to the golden glow illuminating the entire bay.

Hanalei Bay Spring Elopement

A couple in wedding attire joyfully runs along a sandy beach beside the ocean. The bride holds a bouquet, and waves gently lap at the shore. In the background, there are trees and distant cliffs under a cloudy sky.

If you want sweeping ocean views framed by a luscious mountain coastline, then Hanalei Bay is the perfect place for you! Springtime at Hanalei means mild temperatures, epic waves, and the space to fully soak it all in. This crescent-shaped bay is the epitome of a Hawaiian paradise, offering nothing short of a stunning backdrop for your spring elopement!

How do you get to Hanalei Bay?

Hanalei Bay is located just off of HI-560 (labeled as “Kuhio Hwy” on some navigation apps)—about an hour’s drive northwest of the Lihue Airport. The bay essentially consists of Hanalei Beach, Wai’oli Beach Park, Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park, the Hanalei Pier, and Black Pot Beach, which means there are various places to park, depending on where you want to visit!

For the Hanalei Beach/Wai’oli Beach Park area, you’ll take HI-560 and turn onto Anae Rd where you’ll find an open lot located at 22°12’08.7″N 159°30’19.4″W a couple blocks down where the road ends. If you don’t find space, there is another nearby option at 22°12’10.8″N 159°30’09.8″W which you can reach by turning right onto Weke Rd instead of following Anae Rd to the end, then turning left onto Hee Rd—the parking lot will be right ahead!

As for the Hanalei Pavilion Beach Park, you’re actually going to turn onto Aku Rd, off of HI-560, then turn right onto Weke Rd after 0.2 miles—the open lot will be just up ahead on your left. If you plan on visiting the pier and Black Pot Beach though, I suggest instead continuing down Weke Rd for another 0.5 miles until you reach the end where you’ll find the Black Pot Beach Parking lot, located at 22°12’47.1″N 159°29’46.7″W, which puts you only steps away from the beach and pier!

How much does it cost to elope at Hanalei Bay?

Since there is no entry or parking fee for the beach, you’re looking at a total cost of anywhere between $120 and $385 for a Hanalei Bay elopement. This includes the $65 marriage license, the $20 Wiki Permit (though it might be a bit more depending on how much space you want for your ceremony—the minimum square footage requirement is 200 square feet, with the cost of the permit calculated as ten cents per square foot), and the officiant cost which can vary from $35–$300 depending on what you want ($35 if you’re having a family member/friend get ordained for 60 days through Hawaii’s Department of Health here so they can marry you, and an average of $100–$300 for any of the states pre-approved “Performers” which you can find on the Health Department’s official site here.

Beyond that, you can manage your elopement budget however you’d like! Usually, the couples who hire me prioritize having an adventurous experience in an epic location like Hanalei Bay, which is why they often invest most of their budget in photography to capture it all. If you want more details, feel free to check out my full cost of eloping guide here!

Are dogs allowed in Hanalei Bay?

Yes, dogs are technically allowed on the beaches of Hanalei Bay, as long as they are leashed, but they’re not allowed in the lifeguarded county park areas, so just be mindful of where you go with your pup!

Hanalei Bay Elopement & Wedding Photos

Erica & Charlie’s Hanalei Bay Spring Wedding

Erica & Charlie were so much fun to photograph—these two were truly a couple whose connection you could feel and see the entire time. With a couple that in love and a landscape like Kauai, it honestly makes my job super easy.

Something that they expressed they really wanted was a “deep” view. A place where the view was layered with different interesting features that gave them a solid eyeful at any point in time.

So I designed them a fantastic 2-day elopement that involved seeing things from the ground, from lookout points, and from the sky via a helicopter tour! Kauai is pretty small, so this was a great way to combine a little of everything without making their days feel really cramped.

They were staying right on Hanalei Bay, so this is where they got ready! Their hotel room directly looked out onto the water, which gave them really gorgeous views while they were getting ready.

Once they were both ready, I helped shuttle them outside so that they couldn’t see each other, and they did a first look out on the beach. They were already super excited, twirling each other around, exploring the beach, and wandering down the pier together.

The rest of their first day included stops at local food trucks (they’re both huge foodies), a hike through Waimea Canyon, a ceremony on the beach at sunset with a local officiant, and some stargazing to end out the night.

In their words

“Incredible. Fantastic. Amazing. Unbelievable.

Maddie was tremendous in not only capturing our special day but supporting us in designing our dream elopement. I cannot emphasize how much fun it was to work with her and how thankful we were to have her capture every moment of our time together.

Photos have been phenomenal!”

Aerial view of a coastal town with a sandy beach curving along the shore. The ocean is calm and blue. There are houses and greenery inland, with a small pier extending into the water. Hills are visible in the background.

Two wooden chairs with cushions face a round table by a large window overlooking a scenic view. The table holds a bouquet of pink flowers and two pairs of brown shoes. Lush greenery and mountains are visible outside.

White boots, floral cards reading "Best Day Ever," rings, bangles, and flowers are arranged on a wooden surface. A small bouquet and a boutonniere accompany the display, creating a festive, rustic atmosphere.

A strapless wedding dress hangs in front of a large window with a scenic view of lush green trees, mountains, and a body of water. A wooden chair sits nearby in the warmly lit room.

A person in black loungewear sits on a chair, smiling at another person in a white shirt who is standing. The setting appears cozy with warm lighting and decorative elements like plants and hanging decor.

A woman in a white shirt sits on a chair, smiling and touching her hair. She is near a lamp and some greenery, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

A woman in white pajamas sits on a chair, smiling with her eyes closed, as another woman styles her hair. She wears a floral crown and white slippers with "bride" inscribed. The setting is a cozy room with warm lighting.

A smiling man in a white shirt adjusts his collar while getting ready. Another person in a dark suit helps him with his jacket. The room has soft lighting and a woven wall hanging in the background.

A woman wearing a floral crown adjusts a boutonnière on a smiling man in a dark suit. They are indoors, standing close together, with a warm-toned, softly lit background.

Bride in a white gown and floral headpiece sits next to a round table, adjusting her shoes. A large potted plant is nearby, and the room is softly lit, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.

A bride with long dark hair and a floral crown smiles while sitting down. She holds a vibrant bouquet with tropical flowers, including pink and orange blooms. She wears a white dress with thin straps. The background is softly lit, creating a warm atmosphere.

A bride in a white wedding gown stands in a wooden hallway, holding a bouquet and looking back over her shoulder. Large potted plants are in the background, and sunlight filters through the slatted roof above.

Sandy beach in the foreground with gentle waves lapping at the shore. Green, lush mountains rise in the background under a cloudy sky. A small island or peninsula is visible slightly offshore.

A person in a blue suit stands on a deserted sandy beach, facing away towards a mountain range under a cloudy sky. The scene appears calm and contemplative.

Bride in a white dress and floral headpiece approaches a groom in a dark suit, standing on a sandy beach with lush green mountains in the background. The scene is tranquil with a partly cloudy sky.

A bride in a white gown and floral crown stands on a sandy beach, softly touching the back of her partner wearing a dark suit. They are facing scenic, rugged mountains under a cloudy sky. The ocean is visible in the background.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a sandy beach. The bride wears a flowing white dress and flower crown, while the groom wears a dark suit. They are smiling at each other with mountains and ocean in the background.

A bride and groom are joyfully interacting on a beach. The bride is wearing a white dress with floral headpieces, and the groom is in a dark suit with brown shoes. The ocean and mountains are visible in the background.

A man in a suit smiles while standing on a beach. He is adjusting his tie and wearing a boutonnière. Behind him are the ocean and mountains under a cloudy sky.

A bride in a flowing white dress and floral crown holds a bouquet and walks along a beach. Her hair blows in the wind, and she smiles. In the background are mountains and a cloudy sky. The image is in black and white.

A couple walks hand in hand on a sandy beach. The woman, in a white wedding dress and floral crown, looks back while holding a bouquet. The man wears a dark suit. The background features lush green mountains under a cloudy sky.

A couple in wedding attire walks hand in hand along a concrete pier over the ocean. Behind them, lush green mountains rise beneath a cloudy sky, creating a dramatic and romantic backdrop.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a rustic pier by the ocean. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a flowing gown, while the groom is in a suit. Mountains and a cloudy sky form the backdrop, creating a picturesque and romantic scene.

Bride and groom stand in front of a white food truck labeled "Tony's Catch," decorated with tropical graphics. The bride wears a flowing white dress and the groom is in a suit. Palm trees and clear skies are visible in the background.

A couple in formal attire sits at a wooden table eating Mexican food. Plates hold tacos, rice, and beans. Small cups of sauce are nearby, along with a bottle of water. The focus is on the food and the hands of the couple.

A couple walks hand in hand along a dirt path through a dense, green forest. Tall trees arch overhead, creating a serene, natural canopy. The setting is peaceful and lush, with a sense of adventure in the tranquil surroundings.

A black-and-white photo of a smiling bride wearing a floral crown and detailed wedding dress, walking outdoors. Behind her, a groom is visible in a suit, both looking joyful and sharing a candid moment.

Bride and groom walking outdoors on a forest path. The bride wears a white dress, sneakers, and a flower crown, while the groom wears a suit with a white shirt. They appear happy, surrounded by greenery and trees.

A bride and groom walk hand in hand on a narrow dirt path surrounded by lush green foliage. The bride wears a white gown and a floral crown, while the groom is in a dark suit. Both appear happy and content while strolling through the natural setting.

A couple in wedding attire walks on a narrow dirt path, surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees. The path curves along a steep hillside, with dense forest extending into the distance under a cloudy sky.

A couple stands embraced in lush greenery. The woman, wearing a floral crown, leans affectionately against the man's chest. Both are elegantly dressed, appearing serene amid the dense foliage around them.

Close-up of two hands about to hold each other. The left hand, with a dark sleeve, reaches towards the right hand, which is wearing a gold bracelet and ring. The background is blurred and dark green.

A serene beach scene at sunset, featuring gentle waves washing up on golden sand. A rocky coastline and lush greenery are visible in the background, with a cloudy sky and the sun casting a warm glow on the horizon.

A couple in wedding attire walks along a sandy beach near the water's edge. The ocean waves gently lap at the shore, and footprints trail behind them. The sky is overcast, with rocky formations in the foreground and distant headlands.

A couple in wedding attire walks barefoot along a sandy beach, holding hands. Waves gently lap the shore, and rocky outcrops frame the scene. The sky is overcast, and lush greenery lines the distant hills.

A couple, dressed in a wedding gown and suit, is walking barefoot on dark, rugged rocks. The bride holds her dress up slightly to keep it from the ground. The scene has a natural, outdoor setting with earthy tones.

A bride and groom sit together on dark rocks by the ocean. The bride holds a colorful bouquet and wears a flowing dress with a flower crown, while the groom is in a suit. The waves crash behind them under a cloudy sky.

A bride in a white wedding dress holds a colorful bouquet with various flowers, including pink and yellow blooms and green leaves, while standing on rocky ground by the beach.

A couple stands on a rocky beach at sunset, exchanging vows. The groom is dressed in a dark suit and the bride wears a white gown with a floral crown. They hold hands, surrounded by the ocean and a bouquet placed nearby.

A couple stands on a beach at sunset, exchanging vows. The man wears a suit, and the woman wears a floral headpiece and lace wedding dress. They look at each other, smiling, against a backdrop of the ocean and a soft, glowing sky.

A person in a dark suit is holding a small book, while another person with visible nail polish and rings holds a handwritten letter. They appear to be exchanging vows. The background is blurry, suggesting an outdoor setting.

A bride and groom stand on a rocky beach at sunset. The bride, wearing a floral crown and white dress, reads vows from a paper. The groom, in a dark suit, listens attentively. A bouquet lies on the sand nearby. Waves crash in the background.

A bride and groom stand on a beach with ocean waves crashing behind them. The couple is out of focus, highlighting the scenic sunset and rocky coastline. The bride holds a piece of paper, possibly reading vows.

A couple exchanges vows in an outdoor setting. The groom is in a teal suit with a floral boutonniere, smiling as he holds a small book. The bride wears a floral headpiece and a lace dress, holding her own small book. The background is a natural landscape.

A man in a blue suit reads from handwritten notes. He has a boutonniere on his lapel. In the foreground, a woman with a floral headpiece is blurred. They appear to be outdoors, possibly at a wedding ceremony.

A bride and groom stand facing each other on a beach. The focus is soft, and waves crash against rocks in the background under a warm, golden sunset. The bride wears a flower in her hair, and the groom holds a piece of paper.

A bride and groom stand on rocky coastal cliffs under a cloudy sunset sky. The ocean waves crash in the background, and greenery is visible on the cliffs. A bouquet lies on the rocks near the couple.

A bride places a wedding ring on the groom’s finger. The groom wears a dark suit, and the bride's dress features intricate lace detailing. Her nails are painted white. Both hands are visible against a blurred, natural background.

A woman in a white dress and flower crown smiles while a man in a dark suit holds her hand, placing a ring on her finger. They stand on a rocky beach with the ocean in the background.

A bride and groom stand on a beach, holding hands and looking at the ocean. The groom is in a dark suit, and the bride is in a white gown with a floral headpiece. It's sunset, and waves crash on the shore, creating a serene and romantic scene.

A joyful couple on a beach pop a champagne bottle at sunset. The woman, in a white wedding dress and flower crown, sprays champagne, while the man, in a suit, stands behind her laughing. Waves crash behind them and a bouquet lies on the sand.

A joyful couple celebrates on a beach at sunset. The woman in a wedding dress joyfully sprays champagne, while the man in a suit raises his arms. The ocean waves crash in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere. A bouquet lies on the sand.

A newlywed couple stands on a rocky shore at sunset. The bride, wearing a white gown and floral crown, cheers with a bouquet in hand. The groom, in a suit, holds a bottle and raises his arms in celebration, with ocean waves and a glowing sky in the background.

A couple dances barefoot on a rocky shore during sunset. The groom is in a dark suit, and the bride wears a flowing white gown and floral headpiece. Waves crash in the background under an orange and pink sky, with trees silhouetted on the horizon.

A bride and groom stand on rocky terrain by the ocean, holding hands and gazing at a vibrant sunset. The sky is orange and pink, and waves gently crash on the beach. A bouquet of flowers lies nearby. Lush greenery is visible in the background.

A bride in a white gown and a groom in a blue suit joyfully stand on rocky terrain by the ocean at sunset. The groom playfully spreads his arms, while the bride holds his hand. A bouquet of flowers lies on the rocks nearby.

A bride and groom stand barefoot on rocky terrain, silhouetted against a stunning sunset over the ocean. The bride wears a white dress with a floral crown, and a bouquet lies on the rocks nearby.

Dimly lit restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, decorated with hanging woven lamps. Several diners are seated, and large windows reveal a nighttime view. Greenery is visible in the foreground, adding to the cozy ambiance.

A woman with a floral headband and a man in a suit sit at a wooden table. The woman is looking down at a piece of cake, while the man is reading a paper. The setting appears to be a warmly lit restaurant.

A couple sitting at a wooden table, smiling at each other while holding colorful drinks. The woman wears a floral headpiece; the man is in a suit. A salad and appetizer are on the table. The atmosphere is warm and intimate.

Close-up of a couple seated in a helicopter, holding hands. The person on the left is in a white lace dress, and the one on the right wears a green suit. Helicopter seatbelts and headsets are visible around them.

Close-up of an aircraft cockpit interior with various instruments and gauges. A person's hands are on the control yoke, and a smartphone is mounted on the left, displaying a map. The view outside shows a blurred landscape.

A misty waterfall cascades down a lush green mountain valley surrounded by dense foliage and trees. The sky is overcast, adding a mysterious ambiance to the scene.

A smiling couple stands in front of a blue and white helicopter on a grassy area surrounded by lush hills. The man points towards the sky while the woman, wearing a white dress, looks in the same direction. The sky is overcast.

A smiling bride in a white dress and boots walks through a forest path, holding her gown. A groom in a grey suit follows, carrying the train of her dress. The setting is lush and green, with foliage surrounding the couple.

A black and white photo of a smiling couple in formal attire walking outdoors. The woman wears a lacy dress, and the man, in a suit, holds part of her dress. They're surrounded by lush greenery and appear joyful.

A couple stands together, facing a tall waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery. The woman is in a white gown, and the man is in a light-colored suit. They embrace while gazing at the majestic scene.

A couple embraces in front of a large, cascading waterfall. The man wears a light blue suit, and the woman wears a white dress. Lush green foliage surrounds them, and mist from the waterfall creates a romantic atmosphere.

A couple embraces in front of a tall waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff. The image is soft-focused, blurring the couple and emphasizing the waterfall. The woman wears a white dress, and the man is in a light suit.

A bride and groom jump joyfully in front of a tall waterfall. The groom wears a light suit, and the bride is in a white wedding dress. They're surrounded by lush greenery and mist from the waterfall.

Tall waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by lush greenery. Mist rises at the base, and the sky above is overcast, enhancing the dramatic scene. Trees and vegetation frame the waterfall, adding depth to the landscape.

Aerial view of lush green mountains with a narrow river snaking through the valley. Dense foliage covers the slopes, creating a serene, natural landscape under a cloudy sky.

Aerial view of a dramatic canyon landscape with red and green rock formations, lush green vegetation, and mist shrouding the distant peaks, creating a mystical, serene atmosphere.

A person in a suit sits inside a helicopter, looking out the window. The view outside shows a rugged, rocky canyon landscape under a partly cloudy sky. The person appears to be lost in thought, with one hand resting on their lap.

Aerial view of the rugged, towering cliffs of the Napali Coast in Hawaii. The cliffs are lush and verdant with red and brown striations. The ocean's waves crash against the shoreline under a cloudy sky.

A tall, narrow waterfall cascades down a rugged, green mountain slope, surrounded by dense vegetation and steep cliffs under a cloudy sky.

Aerial view of a rugged coastline with steep, lush green mountains under a cloudy sky. Waves crash against the rocky shoreline, blending with the deep blue and turquoise waters of the ocean.

A person wearing headphones looks out of a helicopter window at a scenic view of the ocean and rugged coastline below, with waves crashing against the shore and hilly terrain in the distance. The sky is overcast.

A misty mountain landscape covered with dense green foliage. The peak is shrouded in fog, creating a mysterious and serene atmosphere. The scene is enveloped in soft, diffused lighting, enhancing the lush greenery.

A woman and a man are seated next to each other in a helicopter, smiling and wearing headsets. They both make playful hand gestures, conveying a sense of excitement and joy. They are wearing seat belts and have safety bags on their laps.

A joyful bride and groom celebrate with arms raised in front of a helicopter on a landing pad, the bride in a flowing white dress and the groom in a light blue suit, with cloudy skies above.

A plate with sushi rolls garnished with orange flowers next to a takeout container of assorted sashimi on a dark wooden table.

A man and a woman are sitting at an outdoor table, smiling and eating with chopsticks from takeout containers. They are enjoying a relaxed meal together under a canopy, with greenery and a blurred outdoor setting in the background.

Layered red and brown cliffs form a vast canyon landscape under a cloudy sky, with sparse green vegetation on the rocky slopes.

A bride and groom stand on a dirt path overlooking a scenic canyon landscape. The bride wears a flowing white dress and floral crown, holding the groom's hand, while the groom is in a light blue suit. The background is lush with greenery and rugged cliffs.

A couple dressed in wedding attire stands on a cliff, looking at a vast canyon landscape with lush greenery and exposed red rock formations. The bride's dress flows gracefully as they gaze into the distance.

A bride in a flowing white dress and floral crown sits on a dirt path overlooking a canyon. A groom in a light suit stands nearby, smiling at her. The background features rugged mountains under a cloudy sky.

A couple stands on a cliffside, holding hands and raising their other arms triumphantly. The bride holds a bouquet and wears a floral crown. Both face a vast canyon landscape under a cloudy sky, celebrating their wedding.

A bride in a white dress and a groom in a light suit stand on a mountaintop, facing away, arms raised in celebration. The bride holds a colorful bouquet; lush canyon scenery stretches out before them.

A bride in a flowing white dress and floral headpiece walks along a sandy beach, looking towards the ocean. The sky is partly cloudy, and waves are gently crashing onto the shore. Mountains are visible in the background.

A bride in a flowing gown and sunglasses walks along a rocky beach, smiling, while a groom in a suit and sunglasses follows behind holding a bouquet. The scene is in black and white with waves and cliffs in the background.

A black and white photo of a woman in a flowing wedding dress standing on a beach. Her hair is blowing in the wind as she looks sideways toward the ocean. Waves gently crash on the shore in the background.

A couple, both wearing sunglasses, sits closely on rocky terrain. The woman, in a white dress and floral crown, smiles widely. The man in a light suit playfully embraces her from behind. The background features blurred mountains and a cloudy sky.

A couple wearing formal wedding attire sits on a rocky beach. The woman in a white dress holds a bouquet of flowers, and the sunset casts a warm glow. The ocean waves and a mountain are in the background. Both are smiling and wearing sunglasses.

A bride in a white dress and sunglasses walks on a rocky beach, smiling, while a groom in a light suit follows her holding a bouquet. The background features cliffs and a cloudy sky.

A couple holding hands walks along a beach, with waves in the background. The bride wears a white dress and flower crown, and the groom wears a suit while holding a bouquet. The image is slightly blurred, creating a dreamy effect.

A couple in wedding attire playfully wade into ocean waves on a sandy beach. The groom holds a bouquet and wears a light-colored suit, while the bride lifts her dress to keep it dry, both surrounded by gentle surf under a soft, cloudy sky.

A bride and groom joyfully splash in the ocean waves at a beach. The bride, in a white dress, holds a bouquet, while the groom, in a suit, playfully kicks water. The sun sets in the background, casting a warm glow over the scene.

A couple walks hand in hand on a sandy beach, with the bride in a white gown holding flowers and the groom in a suit. Majestic cliffs rise beside them under a partly cloudy sky.

A bride and groom joyfully run along a beach at sunset. The bride holds her dress as the groom follows, with waves crashing in the background and the sun setting on the horizon, casting a warm glow.

A couple is sitting on the beach, facing the ocean. They are dressed in wedding attire, with the woman wearing a white dress. A bouquet of flowers lies beside them on the sand, and the sea waves gently roll in the background.

A couple sits closely on a beach during sunset, touching foreheads with eyes gently closed. The woman wears a lacy dress, and the man is in a suit. The golden light creates a warm, intimate atmosphere.

A bride and groom sit on the sand at the beach, embracing each other with the bride’s head on the groom’s shoulder, as the sun sets over the ocean. A bouquet of flowers rests nearby.

A couple sits on a sandy beach having a picnic at dusk. There are cushions, a basket, and lanterns around them. Large, dark cliffs rise in the background under a moody, cloudy sky.

A couple holding hands at a beachside table with plated meals. The table is set with candles, woven placemats, and a floral centerpiece. The sandy beach is visible in the background.

A white cake topped with pink and peach roses, white flowers, and greenery on a gold stand. Beside the cake is a small figurine of a black and white dog with its tongue out.

A couple sits on a beach at dusk, enjoying a candlelit picnic. They are smiling at each other, with plates of food and flowers around them. The background shows misty hills and the ocean. The scene is romantic and softly lit.

A couple sits on a beach during dusk, playfully feeding each other cake. The woman wears a white dress and the man a light gray suit. A small table with candles, plates, and a cake is in front of them. Hills and the sea are in the background.

A couple sitting at a low table on a sandy beach at dusk, surrounded by candles and flowers, raising glasses in celebration with dark cliffs in the background.

A tranquil beach at sunset with a darkening sky. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting a warm glow over the water and silhouetting scattered clouds. Waves gently lap the shore, and the sand appears dark in the dim light.

A bride and groom stand on a beach at night, holding hands and gazing up at a starry sky. The bride wears a long flowing gown, and the scene is illuminated by gentle moonlight, reflecting off the water and clouds.

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Hanalei Bay Elopement Photographer

If you’re looking for someone with years of experience photographing adventure elopements around the world, then look no further! I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing elopements for over a decade across 7 continents and more than 40 countries, so I can help you navigate the logistics of planning one for yourself and make sure it’s the most stress-free experience possible.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses smiles at the camera. She wears a black blazer, a black top, and a pendant necklace. The background is a plain light gray wall.

Hanalei Bay Elopement Packages

Contact me here to check my availability and for a free planning consultation—I promise to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!

Always included:

8+ Hours of guided, fun photography coverage by Maddie Mae with relaxed sightseeing & exploring

The Adventure Instead Elopement Experience™

Unique & secluded locations, bespoke activity ideas with pre-vetted guides, fun & luxurious lodging options, an experience-focused timeline, mood board & personalized styling suggestions, travel advice, VIP Planning Guide, and customized packing checklists

Free initial planning consultation call, direct access to Maddie Mae via text & email, unlimited planning consultations, unlimited collaboration & revisions, pre-vetted local vendor recommendations, and advice &and help with permits & marriage licenses

Guided + FUN photography experience, empathetic posing & directing, creative GIFS &and drone photography, hand-crafted editing, full-resolution image files with printing rights, digital gallery to view, download, & print, complementary album design, and convenient print ordering

My travel costs are covered and included to anywhere in the U.S.A (including Alaska & Hawaii)

$9,800 for all of the above including 8-hours of photography

Full-day, multi-day, and custom packages available.

No added travel costs. No hidden fees of any kind.

INQUIRE FOR AVAILABILITY & MORE INFO

Hey there!

I’m Maddie Mae

Your Elopement Photographer, Experience Designer & Planning Consultant  

For the last 14 years I’ve traveled to 40 countries, all 7 continents, and planned & photographed over 300 elopements all over the world.

About Maddie Mae Elopement
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