We make things easy for you. We'll suggest which locations are best for time, day, photos, and other parameters based upon our extensive experience and the specifics of your event.
Note: There are websites which list every single beach or scenic lookout on Oahu. Not all beaches are appropriate for weddings i.e. most have inherent problems no couple would appreciate dealing with on wedding day.
Our primary criteria for the locations are the scenic value for photos, appropriateness for ceremonies given the number of guests and services you want, accessibility, and parking.
Note: If any other locations were any better than the ones we list, we'd be using them too!
Public Beach Sites
All Hawaii beaches are public, there are no private beaches, even those fronting hotels.
While no sites are "private", most of these areas are large enough and Hawaii people respectful enough, that you may experience as much privacy as you would expect anywhere else or even at a hotel.
Note: The beach coves at Ko Olina are quasi-public and weddings are not allowed.
Note: There are some beaches which are more "private" than others and others while busy, can be good for ceremonies.
Note: DLNR beach permit rules, chairs, arches, fire, altars, or large fixed set-ups are prohibited on the sand or near the water (no matter the photos you've seen on websites). Champagne and alcohol is also illegal in public spaces.
Hotels
If you're having more than 30 guests or want traditional ceremony set-ups i.e. gazebo, chairs, aisle runner, stanchions, a paid site like a hotel is what you need.
There are many hotels on Oahu though, only a relative few have the scenic value, appropriate facilities, and services for weddings.
Hotels weddings are expensive and often times nowadays, require that you use their "approved" vendors which almost always means higher prices so the hotel can get their "kickback". Many hotels also charge you a prohibitively hefty fee if you don't use their "approved" vendors.
Private Estates
These are commercial locations and residential homes which are commonly referred to as "private estates".
If you're thinking of renting a vacation rental to have a ceremony, check with the rental agent if it's OK to have one.
Nowadays, these sites are wary of ceremonies and receptions to follow and neighbors have a more negative view towards them.
Churches
There are a small number of churches which provide universal wedding services to non-parishioners and these churches are becoming fewer and fewer.
Unfortunately, most are now contracted out, all day, to Japanese wedding companies who only really desire to service their Japanese clients.