One of the most common questions we get from couples planning a Hawaii wedding: how much is this going to cost? After 15 years and over 1,000 Hawaii weddings, here's the honest answer.

The Bottom Line

The average Hawaii wedding costs between $30,000 and $55,000 for a 50–100 guest celebration at a mid-tier venue with quality vendors. Intimate elopements can be done beautifully for $3,000–$8,000. Luxury resort weddings with 150+ guests can run $80,000–$150,000+.

Your biggest cost driver is almost always the venue and catering — together they typically represent 40–50% of your total budget.

Venue Costs

Public beach permit: $100–$350 (no facilities, public access)

Garden venues (Haiku Gardens, etc.): $2,500–$8,000 site fee

Private estates (Loulu Palm, Lanikuhonua): $5,000–$15,000

Mid-tier resort (Ko Olina, Turtle Bay): $8,000–$20,000 minimum spend

Luxury resort (Four Seasons, Halekulani): $15,000–$35,000 minimum spend

Important: Many resorts have food and beverage minimums rather than rental fees — meaning you must spend a certain amount on catering. Always ask for the F&B minimum upfront before falling in love with a venue.

Photography & Videography Costs

As Hawaii's photographers and videographers, we can give you the most accurate numbers here.

Photography only (full day): $1,200–$5,000+ depending on experience

Videography only (full day): $1,500–$6,000+ depending on experience

Combined photo + video (Pure Media Hawaii): $3,799–$6,799

Booking one studio for both photography and videography is almost always better value than booking two separate vendors. Our combined packages start at $3,799 — far below the cost of booking separately.

What to watch for: Many photographers advertise low base prices but charge extra for editing, travel, second shooters, and galleries. All Pure Media Hawaii packages include full editing, Dropbox delivery, and drone with no surprise fees.

Catering Costs

Buffet (independent caterer): $65–$95 per person

Plated dinner (independent caterer): $90–$140 per person

Resort catering (mid-tier): $120–$175 per person

Resort catering (luxury): $175–$300+ per person

Bar package: $45–$85 per person

Other Vendor Costs

Wedding planner (full service): $3,500–$8,000

Day-of coordinator: $1,200–$2,500

Officiant: $300–$800

DJ: $1,200–$2,500

Flowers (50 guests): $2,500–$8,000

Hair & makeup (bride): $350–$700

Marriage license: $65

How to Save Money on a Hawaii Wedding

Get married on a weekday — Friday and Sunday weddings cost significantly less than Saturdays. If guests are already flying to Hawaii, they're often willing to take a day off.

Choose an intimate elopement — Limiting to 20 guests instead of 80 can save $20,000–$30,000. The photos are just as beautiful.

Use tropical florals — Locally grown plumeria, bird of paradise, and heliconia are far less expensive than imported roses and create more authentically Hawaiian imagery.

Book combined photo + video — One studio for both is almost always better value. Pure Media Hawaii's combined packages start at $3,799.

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Questions? Call us at (808) 347-0404 or send us a message.