Your Guide to the Perfect Polihale Wedding

Famous for its towering dunes and unique landscape, Polihale State Park is home to the longest uninterrupted stretch of beach in Hawaii, running for 15 miles along the Na Pali Coast. With stunning panoramic views of the Pacific and the rugged cliffs Kauai is known for, this place is a lesser-known treasure of the island’s western coastline.

Unlike some of Kauai’s more popular beaches, Polihale feels beautifully remote, offering a setting for your wedding that is peaceful yet wild in a way you will never forget. The sheer scale of the park—combined with the sound of waves crashing against sands that “bark,” their particular song so unique it inspired a local Hawaiian legend—makes Polihale perfect for couples looking to exchange their vows somewhere just a little off the beaten path.

As an adventure elopement photographer with years of experience, I’ve walked tons of people through the process of getting married at Polihale State Park, and can’t wait to share my top tips on how to do it below!

How do you get married at Polihale State Park?

After over a decade of elopement photography, Polihale State Park still takes my breath away! It is the perfect place for a couple who wants to feel like they’ve carved out their own little slice of paradise in the wilderness. If that sounds like you, then keep reading for a crash course in how to make it happen:

Pick a Date

First things first, you’ll need to decide when you’d like to get married! While Polihale State Park is open year-round, the beach is only accessible via a long, unpaved road that can be hard to navigate when it rains, even flooding or washing away in severe weather. Because of that, the best time to visit the park is typically during the drier months, which generally run from April to October. That period is more likely to offer clearer skies and easier road conditions, so you don’t have to worry about actually getting to your ceremony or enjoying it on the day! If you’re still worried about weather conditions leading up to your wedding though, you can always stay updated via the National Weather Service’s forecast for the area just to be safe.

Pro Tip: While 4WD is not required, I strongly recommend it since the road to Polihale can get pretty rough, especially during the wetter season as mentioned above!

Finalize Your Guest Count

Per Kauai County Law, you can only have a maximum of 30 people at your wedding, including you, your officiant, and the photographer. The number itself also has an impact on how much your Special Use Permit will cost (see the next step for details), so just keep that in mind as you narrow down your guest list!

Obtain Your Permit & Marriage License

To get married at Polihale State Park, you’ll need a Special Use Permit and a Hawaiian marriage license.

The permit needs to be acquired at least 45 days in advance. All you have to do is download the application off the Department of Land and Natural Resources official website (I’ve linked it here for your convenience!), fill it out, then email it to dlnr.stateparkshawaii.sup@hawaii.gov. As I mentioned above, the fees vary based on guest count with the permit costing $25 for up to 20 people and $35 for more than 20.

As for the marriage license, you can apply for it through Hawaii’s Department of Health’s official website here. You’ll need to pay the $65 fee online once you submit the application and then present it to a license agent in person—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—just 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 is actually possible for them to become a state-approved Performer! All they have to do is register through Hawaii’s Department of Health (I’ve linked the specific webpage here) and pay the $35 fee for a 60-day license.

Plan the Day & Pick Your Photo Locations

Polihale State Park spans about 140 acres of land, which means there is so much to explore and enjoy, from expansive views of the Na Pali Coastline to romantic walks along the rolling sand dunes, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming at first! As an experienced destination elopement photographer who is familiar with the park, I can help you plan a day that is stress-free but filled with adventure, while capturing every magical moment of it.

Get Married!

That’s it! All that’s left is to exchange your vows on your own little piece of the stunning Na Pali Coast and soak it all in.

When’s the best time to visit Polihale State Park?

While Polihale State Park is gorgeous year-round, I recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons (April–May & September–October). That way you avoid the larger crowds and higher temperatures of the summer, but still get to enjoy some lovely weather and the sweeping coastal scenery for which Polihale is known. Plus, with less tourism in the spring and fall, you’re more likely to get the place to yourself which means you can soak in the rugged coastline and golden sands without feeling rushed or crowded.

For that same reason, weekdays are usually better than weekends, especially given how popular Polihale can get with fellow adventurers who like exploring the sand dunes. That way you can take advantage of the quieter atmosphere and really get to appreciate the soft, golden light illuminating the beach during sunrise and sunset, which also happen to be the best times for wedding portraits!

How do you get to Polihale State Park?

Polihale State Park is located at the end of HI-50 W/State Hwy 50 (sometimes labelled as Kaumualii Hwy on common navigation apps). Just before reaching the end of the highway, turn right onto Kao Rd which then immediately turns into Kiko Rd. Continue for a little less than half a mile and you’ll see signage for Polihale State Park just before turning left onto Lower Saki Mana Rd! After a little over 3 miles, you’ll reach the Monkeypod Tree which serves as an unofficial entrance to the park—there’ll be a Polihale State Park sign underneath it!

From there, Lower Saki Mana Rd essentially runs right alongside Polihale for almost 2 miles, with the road ending when the beach does, so you can basically stop wherever you want as long as you find parking and then explore the area on foot. If you don’t find space along the side of the road, there’s usually ample parking in the unpaved lots near the official camping areas of the park, like this one just past Camping Area 4, located at 22°05’38.3″N 159°44’52.9″W. It’s just steps away from the beach and closer to facilities like restrooms!

How much does it cost to get married at Polihale State Park?

Since there is no entrance fee for Polihale State Park, you’ll only have to pay for the Special Use Permit ($25–$35, depending on guest count), the marriage license ($65), and the officiant ($35 if you’re getting married by a family member/friend—which means they’ll need to register for a 60-day license on the Hawaiian Department of Health’s official page—or about $100–$300 for a state-approved “Performer” which you can find on the Department’s website here!). All together, these costs bring you to a total of anywhere between $125–$400.

Beyond those considerations, your total elopement/wedding budget can be whatever you want it to be! It typically depends on how many guests you have, what vendors you choose, etc., but the real focus with an elopement like this is the experience of exchanging your vows somewhere beautiful and exciting. That’s why the couples who hire me usually spend most of their budget on photography to capture every single moment of their adventure.

For a more in-depth cost breakdown, you can check out my full cost of eloping guide here!

Are dogs allowed at Polihale State Park?

Dogs aren’t allowed at Polihale State Park.

Polihale State Park Elopement & Wedding Photos

Libby & Kate’s Polihale State Park Fall Wedding

Libby & Kate were planning a traditional wedding in Australia when they realized that the big wedding they were putting together wasn’t making them happy. They told me they realized they wanted to spend their day “in nature, soaking in the magic without rushing or worrying about things that don’t really matter.”

These two have traveled a lot in their relationship, hopping between hemispheres, continents, and countries. So a complete getaway in a place they’d never been was the only natural place to get married that felt like them.

They explained to me that their mode of operation was chill & intentional—they wanted to spend the day not feeling rushed and totally tuned into each other’s company.

I designed their day super intentionally, making sure that they had plenty of time to soak up each spot, we had all of the proper permits for everywhere we were going, and they could really sink into the day without feeling shuttled from spot to spot.

Their day wound up including getting ready together, sharing a lunch of fresh poke and shaved ice from a food truck, a hike through Waimea Canyon, a Polihale Beach ceremony with a local officiant, bouquets from a local flower shop, and tons of frolicking on the beach at sunset in some of the most cinematic lighting ever.

Libby & Kate ended their night under the stars, which were insanely bright because it was perfectly clear. The whole day was so soaked in joy, I will never forget it.

Two women in white dresses embrace on a sandy beach at sunset, holding a bouquet of flowers as ocean waves crash around them. Cliffside and soft clouds are visible in the background.

View through glass doors onto a balcony overlooking a green lawn with palm trees, colorful flowers, and the ocean in the distance under a partly cloudy sky. The room interior is dimly lit.

Flat lay of wedding items including white sandals, vow booklets, rings, perfume, pearl earrings, a handkerchief labeled "Happy Tears," a camera, photos, and floral arrangements on a neutral fabric background.

Two women smile and embrace while looking at themselves in a decorative wall mirror. The photo is taken from behind one woman, capturing their happy reflections in the mirror.

Two women in white dresses are in a softly lit room. One woman is helping the other adjust her dress straps while she smiles. White sandals are placed on a round ottoman in the foreground.

Two women in white dresses stand close together, smiling and embracing in a softly lit room with a bed, flowers, and a green chair in the background, suggesting a wedding or special occasion.

Two women sit at a reflective table, smiling as they write on paper with pens. They appear to be enjoying themselves, with one looking at her writing and the other glancing at the paper while laughing.

Two women in white dresses smile and toast drinks in front of a bright orange seafood food truck. The scene appears casual and cheerful, with a menu and potted plants visible on the truck.

Two women sit outdoors, smiling and enjoying cups of ice cream or frozen dessert together. One woman faces the camera, holding a spoon, while the other is turned away, sharing the moment. Trees and a building are in the background.

A dramatic landscape of a rugged canyon with sparse vegetation, red patches on the hills, and misty mountains in the background under dark, cloudy skies.

A white Jeep drives along a winding, paved road surrounded by greenery and red soil under a cloudy sky.

Two people in white dresses and sneakers, holding hands while walking on a dirt path. Each holds a bouquet, and one has a blue backpack. The scene is outdoors with grass and shrubs visible.

A couple in wedding attire stands on a rugged, grassy hilltop surrounded by lush green trees, with misty mountains and dramatic clouds in the background.

Two women in white dresses, one in a jumpsuit and one in a gown, hold hands and walk on a muddy path in a misty, mountainous landscape, surrounded by grass and trees.

Fog drifts through a rugged, red-brown canyon with steep cliffs and scattered green vegetation under a cloudy sky.

Two women in white dresses embrace and share a kiss outdoors on a misty day, surrounded by greenery and mountains in the background.

Two brides in white dresses stand close together on a misty mountain ledge, holding bouquets and smiling, surrounded by lush green trees and dramatic foggy cliffs in the background.

Two women in white dresses embrace tenderly outdoors, each holding a bouquet of flowers, with soft natural light and a blurred, green background. One woman smiles gently with her eyes closed.

Two women in white dresses stand on a grassy hilltop, holding hands and raising bouquets, facing a foggy landscape with misty mountains and trees in the background.

Two women in white dresses smile and laugh outdoors, one holding a bouquet of pastel flowers. The background is misty with greenery and brown foliage, creating a romantic, natural atmosphere.

View from inside a car showing two people driving on a dirt road, surrounded by trees and bushes. The dashboard and steering wheel are visible, with the road stretching out ahead through the windshield.

Two people in wedding dresses stand together on a sandy beach, holding hands, with a lush green hillside and tall rocky cliffs rising behind them under a cloudy sky.

Two people in white dresses are holding hands, facing each other. A person in a black dress stands in the background on a sandy surface. The image focuses on their hands and arms.

Two brides stand holding hands on a sandy beach during their wedding ceremony, with a celebrant reading from a book beside them. Both brides wear white dresses, and bouquets lie on the sand. A rocky hill rises in the background.

Two brides in white dresses hold hands on a beach; one reads from a card and laughs joyfully, while the other listens with her back to the camera. Lush greenery and sand are in the background.

Two brides in white dresses stand on a sandy beach. One bride, facing the camera, wipes away tears while holding a piece of paper. The other bride, seen from behind, wears a veil and holds her partner's hand.

Two women in white dresses hold hands on a beach. One holds an open notebook with handwritten vows, while the other holds a closed notebook. Their faces are not shown.

Two brides in white wedding dresses kiss on a sandy beach, with rocky cliffs and greenery in the background. Floral arrangements rest on the sand beside them.

Two women in white dresses hold hands during a wedding ceremony on a sandy beach, with a woman officiant standing between them. Bouquets rest on the ground beside each bride, and green bushes are visible in the background.

Two brides in white dresses stand on a sandy beach; one bends down adjusting something on the ground while the other stands beside her. An officiant in a dark dress holds a book behind them. Lush greenery and rocky cliffs are in the background.

Two people in white clothing stand on sand, each holding a small pile of sand in their hands. One person’s dress is slightly dirtied at the bottom. Some flowers are partially visible on the ground.

Two brides in white dresses stand on a sandy beach, one with a muddy hem, holding hands in a wedding ceremony as an officiant in a black dress holds a wooden bowl between them. Green foliage is in the background.

Two people pour sand from their hands into a wooden bowl held by an older woman with short gray hair, standing outdoors on a sandy surface. The focus is on the hands and sand.

A bride and groom embrace and kiss on a sandy beach, surrounded by scattered flowers, with lush green vegetation and towering rocky cliffs in the background.

Two women in white dresses stand on a sandy beach, smiling and holding a small, round wooden bowl filled with sand between them. Green foliage is visible in the background.

Two women wearing white dresses and flower leis stand through the open roof of a white Jeep, holding bouquets and smiling, surrounded by greenery and dirt.

Two people stand through the open roof of a white Jeep, raising their arms in celebration, surrounded by greenery and rocky cliffs on a dirt road. The scene has a warm, adventurous vibe.

Two women in white dresses hold hands and smile while walking along the shoreline, with ocean waves splashing at their feet and large cliffs in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Two women in white dresses hold hands and smile while walking barefoot along the shoreline, waves touching their feet, with rocky cliffs and greenery in the background under a blue sky.

A sandy beach with gentle waves meets steep, rugged cliffs under a partly cloudy sky. There are footprints in the sand, and green foliage grows on parts of the cliffs. The scene is calm and sunlit.

Two people in light clothing walk together along a sandy beach at sunset, with gentle waves lapping the shore and the sun reflecting brightly on the water.

Two women in flowing white dresses hold hands and spin joyfully on a sandy beach near the ocean, with gentle waves and a peaceful sky in the background.

Two women smile and laugh while walking along a sandy beach, with gentle waves and a blue sky with clouds in the background. The image is softly focused, creating a warm and carefree atmosphere.

Two women in white dresses sit closely together on a sandy beach at sunset, facing each other and smiling, with bouquets of flowers lying on the sand beside them. The ocean and a cloudy sky are in the background.

Two women in white dresses sit closely together on a sandy beach at sunset, smiling and embracing each other affectionately. A bouquet of flowers rests on the sand nearby.

Two women in white dresses sit on the sand by the ocean, hugging each other warmly at sunset. A bouquet of flowers rests nearby, and gentle waves roll onto the shore under a cloudy sky.

Two women in long white dresses stand close together on a beach at sunset, with one holding a bouquet of flowers. Gentle waves and a cloudy sky create a soft, romantic atmosphere.

Two women in white dresses stand on a beach at sunset. One woman holds a bouquet of flowers and smiles with closed eyes, while the other gently kisses her on the head. Waves and soft clouds are in the background.

A tranquil beach scene at sunset, with gentle waves washing onto the sandy shore and the sky glowing orange and yellow as the sun sets on the horizon. Clouds are scattered across the colorful sky.

Two women in white dresses embrace on a sandy beach at sunset, with gentle waves and a glowing sun on the horizon. They hold floral bouquets and stand close together, leaving footprints in the sand.

Two people in white dresses stand close together on a beach, looking at the ocean and a golden sunset. The scene is peaceful and intimate, with gentle waves and clouds in the sky.

Two women in white dresses lie embracing on the sand near the shoreline at sunset, surrounded by flower arrangements, with gentle waves and a dramatic sky in the background.

Two women in long white dresses stand on a dirt road at dusk, laughing as one pops a champagne bottle, spraying bubbles. Car headlights shine behind them, casting a warm glow on the scene. Trees frame the background.

A couple in formal attire embraces on a beach at night under a sky filled with stars and the Milky Way, illuminated softly as waves gently meet the shore.

In their words

“Working with Maddie was so exciting and inspiring right from the start – we loved the whole planning process and our elopement day SO much that words can’t do it justice.

We initially didn’t know where to begin with the planning, we just had some vague ideas about location (somewhere warm) and activities (hiking and a beach ceremony) but during our first call Maddie took note of everything that was important to us and put together an incredible 12h timeline proposal that somehow perfectly captured exactly what we were looking for (and more!).

I had followed Adventure Instead for years on IG so we felt confident we could trust Maddie to create something really special and personal for us, but to have the experience first-hand was better that we ever could have imagined. Maddie’s attention to detail is second to none (and I say this as a total Type A myself) – but just as importantly her expertise, passion and creativity shone through at every stage and helped reassure us if we had any worries during the planning process.

Our elopement in Hawaii was truly the most magical and joyful day of our lives. Maddie was so calm and prepared that we didn’t have to worry about anything – we could just be present with each other and soak up every moment, which is exactly what we had dreamed of. We absolutely LOVED the beautiful sneak peek images we received super quickly after our day – without exception they perfectly capture how rosy and romantic all of the memories are in our minds.

Maddie is a total gem – she has such a kind, uplifting, caring and supportive energy – it was a real joy to trust her and to share our day with her. She did everything she could to make our elopement as special and seamless as possible – from fixing our dresses to helping us to feel relaxed in front of the camera (and pushing our 4×4 out when we got stuck in a dirt road!) – it honestly felt like she was as excited as we were to be celebrating our love in such a special place.

We really appreciated how wonderful it was to feel so cared for and in such safe hands all day – we had so much fun we seriously wish we could do the whole thing again and again. We will treasure the memories (and photos!) forever.”

Hey I’m Maddie Mae

Polihale State Park Elopement Photographer

I’ve been designing, planning, & photographing adventure elopements all around the world for over a decade, so if you’re looking for someone with years of experience, then look no further! I can help you navigate the logistics of planning a destination elopement and make sure it’s as stress-free as possible so you have the wedding you always wanted.

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.

Polihale State Park Elopement Packages

To check my availability, just contact me here for a free planning consultation and we can get started!

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