Permits Required for Hawaii Beach Weddings

Island Television KITV reported last week that the state of Hawaii plans to get tough on commercial wedding companies that do not obtain the proper permit for a beach wedding on unencumbered state lands. The fee for a permit is 10 cents per square foot for the requested area, with a minimum of $20. Wedding companies need to apply for the required permit at least one week in advance.

According to KITV, "the permits are needed to protect Hawaii's natural resources, and to ensure Hawaii residents have free access to their beaches and parks." Although Hawaii has required permits and assessed fees for beach weddings on state lands since 2001, many wedding planners do not comply, according to the KITV report.

If you're working with a wedding company to facilitate your Hawaii beach wedding, it's a good idea to ask in advance about their intent to obtain the proper permit. It could be a potentially embarrassing experience to have your wedding ceremony interrupted by state officials or a last-minute nightmare to find out that your beach wedding cannot proceed as planned. It's also the right thing to do: Hawaii's beaches are a spectacular natural resource, and the permit fee helps to ensure they'll be a place where couples can celebrate their love for generations to come.

See also: Hawaii Outdoor Wedding Locations