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Planning Your
Ceremony
ANSWERS FOR A SMOOTHER,
MORE MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCE
Planning a wedding in Hawaii should feel exciting, but not overwhelming. Here are answers to some of the questions couples ask us most often. If there's something we haven't covered, don't hesitate to reach out - we're here to help.
Frequently asked questions
Weddings Vow Renewals & Elopements
Your inquiry is not confirmation of reserving your date. To give every couple our complete attention, we intentionally perform only one ceremony per day. Because other couples may be considering the same date, we cannot hold or guarantee a ceremony date until the required payment or retainer has been received. Once your reservation is complete, that day is yours.
Obtaining a marriage license in Hawai‘i is relatively simple and can be completed directly through the State of Hawai‘i. We recommend beginning the process before arriving and following the state's instructions for completing your application and meeting with a marriage license agent. You can link the words “Learn how to obtain your Hawai‘i marriage license” here to the appropriate state page.
Yes. Many of our couples are visiting Hawai‘i and have never seen the locations they are considering in person. After booking confirmation we can help guide you toward locations that match the kind of ceremony you have in mind — whether that's a dramatic lava-rock coastline, sandy beach, or a quieter location away from heavily visited areas. Once we receive your availability inquiry, we'll provide access to our suggested ceremony locations.
In many cases, yes. Wedding ceremonies taking place on certain Hawai‘i beaches and other designated shoreline areas require a State of Hawai‘i Right-of-Entry (ROE) permit. You may obtain the permit yourself, although doing so generally requires appropriate liability insurance for the event. If we secure the required permit on your behalf, a $50 permit-processing fee applies. There are also beautiful locations around Hawai‘i Island where you can be married very close to the ocean without requiring an ROE permit. After booking is confirmed, we can offer suggestions to locations that do not require a permit or travel fee.
One thing matters to us very much: please help us care for the place that is hosting your ceremony. Hawai‘i's beaches, coastlines, and natural areas aren't simply beautiful wedding backdrops — they're places people call home and environments deserving of respect. Anything brought to the ceremony should leave with you when the ceremony is finished.
Our standard ceremonies are spiritual rather than religious. Ajani writes his ceremonies and closing vows in his own words, with an emphasis on love, partnership, commitment, gratitude, and the journey two people are choosing to share. We want your ceremony to feel genuine and meaningful without asking you to subscribe to any particular religious belief.
Absolutely — and we strongly encourage it. Ajani provides the traditional closing vows that formally unite you in marriage, but couples are encouraged to also write and exchange their own personal vows during the ceremony. Those few words spoken directly to one another often become one of the most memorable parts of the entire experience.
No. Follow Your Path is not a religious organization. Our work is centered around encouraging people to follow their own paths through holistic wellness, creativity, personal growth, and service to something greater than ourselves. That philosophy carries into our wedding ceremonies as well. Our approach is spiritual and meaningful, but never tied to a particular religion unless a couple specifically asks to incorporate elements of their own faith or tradition.
Most services are paid in full at the time of booking so that your ceremony date can be officially reserved. Our Pearls service requires a 50% retainer to reserve your date, with the remaining balance due according to your booking agreement. If your ceremony is taking place within 30 days of booking, the full balance is due at the time of reservation. Depending on your ceremony location, additional travel, location, or permit fees may apply and can sometimes be paid separately after your initial booking. Payments can be made securely online by credit card or electronic check.

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