Hawaii beach wedding restrictions

ebbica · 09-13-2008, 07:56 PM

So I was speaking to my WC and she told me that the state of Hawaii is banning all set-ups on the beaches for weddings, including chairs, altars, aisles, etc. I was wondering if anyone else had heard about this or has other info. I thought I had seen a thread, but I can't find it now. We're getting married on Kauai but she said it applies to all the islands...

gossip girl · 09-14-2008, 09:48 AM

Last I had read on the forum was that you could still have a set up but there was a site licensing fee or something like that.

I will change my destination if they disallow beach weddings!

kelsachan · 09-14-2008, 10:14 AM

I was also told...no setups on the beach. If you want to have a beach wedding you'll need to get a permit and the price depends on the size/space you'll need and everyone will be required to stand.

I was told no chairs/tables/cake tables/floral arbors/hooplas/floral tiki
torches/floral arches/amplification for musician(s) and or ministers
are allowed on any state beaches.... but they're in litigation or something like that and this may change sometime in the near future.

I have also been told that chairs on the sand don't really mix very well either, so it may be something to consider :)

Alyssa · 09-14-2008, 10:14 PM

Where on the North Shore / What exact beach are you planning on using? We just got back from a week on Kauai - i might be able to give you more info.

Island Princess · 09-15-2008, 02:57 AM

I heard the exact same things girls! Its so devastating!! I had my heart set on my dream beautiful beach set up.
Does anyone know if these rules would apply on locations on the lawns infront of the beach??

Sherry · 09-15-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Island Princess

I heard the exact same things girls! Its so devastating!! I had my heart set on my dream beautiful beach set up.
Does anyone know if these rules would apply on locations on the lawns infront of the beach??

I don't know for sure, but as long as the lawn is private property, I doubt that the restrictions apply. We're having our ceremony on the lawn of the Wailea Marriott in less than 3 weeks, and our WC hasn't said anything about not being able to have the chairs, etc. They just sent us our final cost summary on the weekend, and the ceremony chairs were still listed, so I'm assuming we're a go on the lawn.

gossip girl · 09-15-2008, 04:24 PM

Ya I am sure lawn setups are permitted since it is private property. As for the beach, this is sucky. I actually don't mind having my guests stand since the ceremony will be short...but those arch things are nice to give you a place to stand near, instead of randomly on the beach...and I envisioned some type of aisle with flower petals or SOMETHING that I could walk down.

I have time to see what transpires with this, but I will definitely hold off on booking something until I know for sure!

diezelgrrl · 09-15-2008, 05:45 PM

hey girls, the rule has been you need a permit to use public spaces but if you have it at a hotel who owns the space, then a permit is not necessary.
I know a new rule coming into effect is allowing certain vendors have exclusive permits for a space at a destinated time to restrict the number of weddings that can occur in a day. That will limit the vendor choices you'll have =(

I had my wedding at the Moana Surfrider on a lawn which overlooks Waikiki beach and it was beautiful (even with the notorious crowds in the background...not one beach go-er made it into my pics though because they have palm trees in the back near the ceremony site blocking anybody peeking from behind)
Some other Oahu beach/lawn sites you can consider that are privately owned is the JW Marriot, Turtle Bay and Paradise Cove.
good luck!

SAM · 09-15-2008, 06:11 PM

I recall my WC telling me the same thing. I believe it has to do with preserving the beach and the natural inhabitats (sealife, plants, etc.)

ebbica · 09-15-2008, 07:56 PM

My WC is hoping that the applications that have already been submitted will be allowed a set up. I'm already paying the site fee for the reception, and we can have the ceremony there. But still, it's not the beach... I was thinking about doing our vows on the beach (legal) and then doing a symbolic ceremony at the house. Or just doing photos on the beach. But still...