I Do
If you’re going to get married, why not tie the knot in one of the most beautiful places in the world—Waikiki Beach!
The warm sun beams down upon your face as you look over at your partner, ready to embark on a new journey with the person you plan on spending the rest of your life with.
“We are gathered here today to unite these two hearts in the bonds of holy matrimony …”
Waves from Waikiki Beach come up on the shore in an almost soothing manner and calm your beating heart.
“Behold the symbol of wedlock … May you both remain faithful to this symbol of love.”
Friends and family gather around, the sand warm beneath their feet.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
Your wedding is one of the most important days in your life, but for many it is stressful all the way up to the big day.
Thanks to the Waikiki Department of Health office, getting your marriage license can be a breeze (and you can do it while enjoying the sights and activities Waikiki has to offer).
“Couples come into a nice comfortable, quiet office without interruptions,” says marriage license agent Mary Gutzi, who also notes that couples should not do the application earlier than 30 days before their wedding. “It’s just the [marriage] agent and the couple, and you can peacefully go through the application and make sure everything is accurate.”
For those who are more tech savvy, Gutzi says couples can fill out the application and pay online at emrs.ehawaii.gov before heading in to see a marriage agent.
“Since they have that already accomplished, when they come in, it’s a really quick process,” she adds.
According to Gutzi, couples from all over the world come to Waikiki for their nuptials, and it isn’t hard to see why.
What better way to start the newest chapter of your life than on the beautiful Waikiki Beach?
Many hotels in Waikiki offer beach weddings as a package option, but for those who wish to go a different route or are so in love they absolutely can’t wait, having a spur-of-the-moment wedding could be the answer.
“I’ve had couples come into my office and get married the same day,” says Gutzi, who also notes that Hawai’i has no waiting period to get married.
Various hotels around Waikiki also cater to those who wish to tie the knot immediately.
“They get caught up in the moment of being in such a beautiful place,” explains Stuart Kotake, associate director for catering and event management with Starwood’s Waikiki complex.
The Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, has a beach option where sand is underfoot. It is a small, exclusive area on the property where couples can engage in an intimate wedding, which is quite pretty according to Kotake.
“We help plan it all, whether it’s someone who wants something simple and laid back, or if they want the wedding they dreamed of,” Kotake says.
The Royal Hawaiian Hotel’s Coconut Grove and Ocean Lawn both have the scenic pink hotel for a gorgeous backdrop.
“It is so iconic,” Kotake says.
At Sheraton Waikiki Hotel there are some non-traditional spaces that couples can choose from. Its Leahi Lounge, on the top floor where the old Hanohano Room resided, offers ceremonies with panoramic views of the ocean and Diamond Head. Aside from the beautiful landscape, the Leahi Lounge features air conditioning.
“If you’re a bride and have beautiful makeup … it’s not sweating off,” Kotake says.
With all the varying spaces for ceremonies and receptions that Starwood’s Waikiki complex has to offer, there is something that caters to each couple’s needs.
The diversity of wedding ceremony options is perfect for those spur-of-the-moment weddings.
“If that’s the case, we jump right into it,” Kotake explains. “Within a 24-hour to 48-hour period we can get them married. It’s simple.
“They’re [couples] here for more than a week, and they’re just captivated by paradise. Within their first three or four days they realize they want to get married.”
According to Kotake, grooms will show up in Tommy Bahama shirts and shorts, and the bride will show up in a simple white dress. Fifteen minutes later, the happy couple is married, and 30 minutes later they’re having cocktails as a married couple.
It has been said that visitors to Waikiki end up falling in love with Hawai’i, the beautiful scenery, its people and its aloha spirit. There’s no doubt that the views in and from Waikiki are magical, and it seems that many couples fall under its love spell. Thankfully, Waikiki has great options for those who wish to tie the knot as soon as possible.
Marriage License Office
Sheraton Waikiki Manor Wing Room 3217
Located on the main level at the hallway left side [D:7 Waikiki Map]
By appointment only, (808) 931-8349
An online application must be completed emrs.ehawaii.gov and pay $65 fee prior to appointment
For more information, call (808) 586-4545
PHOTOS: COURTESY STARWOOD HOTELS & RESORTS WAIKIKI
