How to Plan an Airbnb Wedding in Hawaii

capturing heartfelt love stories

There’s something about Hawaii that just makes you breathe a little deeper. The air is warm, the mountains are so epic, and the ocean never lets you forget how small and magical life is. When I arrived at A + M’s Airbnb on the North Shore of Oahu, I knew this wasn’t going to be a typical wedding day. Not because of the weather or the guest list or the details, but because of the intention behind every single choice they made!

Close-up of bride and groom looking into each other’s eyes under the veil, sharing a tender, just-married moment from their heartfelt airbnb wedding celebration.

Wrapped in a flowing veil, the couple embraces on a scenic cliff with tropical mountains and turquoise water in the distance — a dreamy portrait from their Hawaii elopement.

If your goal for your Airbnb wedding in Hawaii is for it to feel personal and relaxed, this is your sign that it’s not only possible, but it’s soooo worth it!

Let’s talk about how A + M did it, what made it special, and what you should know if you’re planning an intimate Airbnb wedding or elopement here on the islands!

The bride, wearing a long lace veil and elegant gown, stands on a coastal balcony facing the ocean, quietly soaking in the peaceful pre-ceremony moment.

Groom stands alone on a balcony in a black tuxedo, looking out thoughtfully before the ceremony at their scenic airbnb wedding location in Hawaii.

Why Airbnb Weddings in Hawaii Are Becoming So Popular

There are a thousand ways to get married in Hawaii, but hosting your wedding weekend at an Airbnb gives you a level of intimacy, freedom, and connection that traditional venues can’t always match. You get:

Privacy: No sharing your big moments with strangers on a hotel lawn.
Scenic views: You can have oceanfront decks, jungle backdrops, or tropical gardens (you can literally choose any vibe you want because you have a lot of Airbnbs to choose from)
Layout control: You can set up your tables, florals, and ceremony space exactly how you want. Literally every detail can be planned out how you want.
The ability to host and connect: You can invite your people to stay with you or come and go over the weekend (which I love because then you actually get to celebrate with your people, not just see them for 20 minutes)
A home base: You get to celebrate one of the most special days of your life somewhere that feels like yours, even if it’s just for a few days.

If you’re planning an intimate destination wedding in Hawaii, using an Airbnb as your home base or even as the reception space is a beautiful way to keep things simple but intentional!

Small wedding ceremony on a secluded beach with loved ones standing on either side as the couple exchanges vows beneath a backdrop of lush mountains.

Bride and groom stare at each other lovingly under her lace-trimmed veil on a cliff overlooking the ocean — a breathtaking moment from their Hawaii airbnb wedding.

Tearful and smiling, the bride wipes her face during the vow exchange, surrounded by ocean waves and soft wind in a deeply emotional ceremony moment.

A + M’s Day: From Beach Vows to a Mountain-Top Dress Swap

These two got ready at a beautiful Airbnb in Laie overlooking the ocean. They exchanged vows barefoot in the sand at Kahana Bay, the very same beach where they got engaged (cue the tears). And then, because they’re the coolest, they hiked Crouching Lion in their wedding attire (including their Crocs) to soak in the view and take portraits at the top.

The bride reads her vows with joyful emotion while standing on a sandy beach facing her groom during their intimate airbnb wedding on the Hawaiian coast.

Bride and groom running together hand in hand on the beach after their Airbnb wedding ceremony.

The bride and groom sit together on a rugged hillside, sharing a peaceful moment after their airbnb wedding ceremony.

Except… there was one little hiccup (that honestly still makes me laugh to this day). We hiked all the way up the mountain with a garment bag, only to open it and realize it wasn’t A’s dress. It was the groom’s dad’s suit. No joke. And in true trooper fashion, M ran back down the mountain, grabbed the dress, and was back at the top in 15 minutes flat.

A dramatic trail leads around a rocky peak as the bride and groom walk hand in hand during their adventurous airbnb wedding portraits.

Palm trees sway along a grassy shoreline path, leading the way to a quiet beach setting in Hawaii.

Then they wrapped the day with dinner and music on the Airbnb deck, surrounded by the ocean breeze and the people they love most. I seriously loved this intimate wedding so much, and I’m forever grateful to have captured their sweet moments!

Champagne is poured into glasses on a beautifully set table with seashell accents and soft floral décor.

Friends and family raise their glasses for a toast, gathered inside for an airbnb wedding dinner full of joy and laughter.

Choosing the Right Airbnb for Your Hawaii Wedding

Not every Airbnb is automatically a good fit for a wedding or elopement, even a small one. So here’s what to look for:

1. Check the Rules + Communication

Before you book anything, ask the host directly if small events are allowed. Some listings will be marked “no event,” but allow exceptions for elopements or intimate dinners. Communication is everything. If you don’t ask, don’t assume!!!

If you’re not sure how to approach that conversation, here are some email templates you can use to email hosts:

Option 1: If it’s just the two of you, no guests or events:

Subject: Elopement Stay Inquiry

Hi [Host Name],

My partner and I are planning a quiet elopement on Oahu and are looking for a peaceful Airbnb to stay in during the weekend. We came across your listing and it instantly felt like the perfect fit.

We wouldn’t be hosting anything on-site, just getting ready, enjoying our stay, and maybe taking a few portraits around the property if that’s something you’re open to. We’d love to hear if this is something you’d be comfortable with!

Thank you so much,

[Your Name]

Option 2: If you’re planning a small dinner or gathering with under (insert amount) people:

Subject: Inquiry About Small Gathering

Hi [Host Name],

We’re planning a very small, intimate wedding celebration with under “x” people and are currently looking for a cozy space where we can both stay and have a quiet dinner after the ceremony.

We came across your Airbnb and love how inviting and serene it feels. We’d love to know if you’re open to a gathering like that, nothing loud or disruptive, just a peaceful celebration with close family and friends!

Gratefully,
[Your Name]

The bride’s veil flows in the wind as her mom helps arrange it on a breezy balcony with ocean views.

A soft lace veil and white bridal heels rest on a wooden chair, capturing elegant details from a tropical airbnb wedding morning.

2. Think About Lighting + Layout

As a photographer, I’m always looking for beautiful lighting! For A + M’s portraits, I found a pocket of even light on the Airbnb deck with the ocean behind them. It was the perfect combination of flattering glow and a view that tells the story! Here are some things to look for:

Plenty of natural light indoors
Decks or patios that face the ocean or mountains
Space to move around with your photographer, guests, and vendors

A close-up of the bride reading handwritten vows on her lap, the lace from her robe and journal pages softly catching the light.

Flat lay of wedding details including invites, vow books, pearl earrings, and flowers — an elegant snapshot from their airbnb wedding day.

3. Location Matters

Choosing the right Airbnb for your wedding weekend isn’t just about having a place to sleep; it’s about creating the entire vibe. With the right location, your wedding day can feel effortless, beautiful, and uniquely you.

The bride leans in close to the groom on a sandy cove during golden hour, one of many serene airbnb wedding moments.

The bride's parents help her with her veil as she walks along the tree-lined beach path, holding her bouquet and trailing veil.

Their Airbnb was just a short drive from Kahana Bay, so we didn’t have to waste the day in traffic. We were also right near the Crouching Lion trailhead, which let us pivot quickly after the great dress mix-up. Stay near places you love or locations you want to explore. You don’t need to go far when the scenery is already this beautiful! (And usually, you can get a good variety of scenery all in one spot like A + M did!)

Bride and groom pose against seaside cliffs, framed by tropical palm trees during their romantic airbnb wedding portrait session.

Friends and family help arrange the bride’s long lace veil on the beach just before the ceremony begins.

What Vendors to Consider for an Airbnb Wedding in Hawaii

When your “venue” is a home, you get to curate everything from scratch, which I love! That can feel overwhelming, but it’s also where the magic happens!

Here’s who made A + M’s day incredible:

Officiant: Nicole from Oahu brought a peaceful, grounded energy to the ceremony.
Makeup: CRSTL gave A a look that felt glowy, fresh, and totally natural to her.
Hair: Styled by Irae, created the dreamiest beach-friendly hairdo for A.

The bride and groom share a kiss on the beach surrounded by family, capturing the heartfelt moment of their airbnb wedding ceremony.

Close-up of the couple cutting a slice of their white wedding cake, showcasing delicate piping and joyful anticipation.

A table set up at an airbnb wedding with woven plate holders, napkins with small menu printouts, candles, and small flowers with vases.

Other unique vendor ideas:

Private chef for a sunset dinner on the deck
Live music during vows or cocktail hour
Florist who can design with local Hawaiian flowers
Bartender or bar cart for custom cocktails

Wedding Vendor Tip: Start your vendor search early, especially if you’re eloping during peak season. Instagram is a great place to discover local options!

Blurry photo of the bride and groom running together hand in hand on the beach at sunset.

Bride and groom laying on the grass while the bride cradles the grooms face as they stare at each other lovingly.

How to Make It Feel Like You

When you take away the traditional venue and guest list, what’s left is the real stuff. That’s what makes these weddings so special. You get to build a day around the two of you, not what’s expected. Here are some of my best tips:

Choose locations that mean something. Like A + M chose the beach where they got engaged.
Incorporate things you love doing together. Hiking, cooking, ocean swims, this is your life, not a performance.
Don’t rush the timeline. Give yourself slow mornings, time to breathe, space for spontaneity.
Include people who feel like home. Whether it’s 3 people or 30, the energy of your day matters more than the numbers.

The bride and groom share a kiss on the beach while standing behind their intials and a heart they drew in the sand.

Bride and groom sharing a kiss as their friends and family cheer around them during their intimate airbnb wedding in Hawaii.

From a Photographer’s Perspective…

What made A + M’s day so special wasn’t the mountain views or the deck lights (though those were amazing). It was the way they stayed true to what they wanted! I personally specialize in intimate weddings like theirs for this reason!

The groomsmen all celebrating with the groom as he gets ready on the balcony at their airbnb wedding in Hawaii

The groom leans against the railing at the airbnb as he overlooks the ocean while getting ready.

They didn’t stress about traditions; instead, they hiked, laughed when things went “wrong,” celebrated with their favorite people, listened to music, and watched the sunset together! Instead of worrying about making it perfect for their guests, they made it perfect for them, and it was so beautiful to witness.

The bride wiping a tear as she reads the grooms vows at their Airbnb wedding.

Overhead shot of the groom overlooking the Hawaii waves and ocean while she holds her veil and her mom fixes it for her.

A Few More Things to Remember When Planning Your AirBnB Wedding

Noise ordinances are real on the islands. Keep music and gatherings within reasonable hours and volumes (and make sure you check with your Airbnb about what they allow!)
Hire a planner or coordinator if you’re hosting more than a few guests; it makes a huge difference (and it makes your big day way less stressful)
Have a backup plan for the weather, like covered decks, clear umbrellas, or an indoor dining table setup.
Book early!!!! The best Airbnbs fill up quickly, especially near iconic beaches or trails, and you can sometimes get cheaper rates when you book ahead of time.

The bride and groom laughing and holding hands on the beach as the officiant reads their vows to them.

The bride's mom and dad walking her down the isle during their intimate beach wedding ceremony.

If you’re just starting to plan your Airbnb wedding in Hawaii, I highly recommend checking out this list of legal wedding requirements for Hawaii so you know how to get your license and make things official!

Planning an Airbnb wedding in Hawaii means giving yourself permission to do it your way. You’re not locked into a venue, a vendor list, or a timeline; you get to create a day that’s rooted in connection and love instead of obligation!

The bride and groom laying on the grass at their Airbnb wedding with the bride laying her head down on the grooms lap as they smile at each other.

The bride and groom sitting on the grass at their airbnb wedding with big trees behind them as they stare out at the beach.

Looking For Someone to Capture Your Airbnb Wedding in Hawaii?

I’ve photographed weddings and elopements across Oahu, the Big Island, Maui, and beyond, and I’m always down to hike a mountain, chase good light, and document the kind of love that feels real! I specialize in intimate weddings, and Airbnb weddings just happen to be my favorite because you can personalize every little detail! If you’re planning something like this (intimate, wild, and unique to you), I’d love to be there to capture your special day!

Get in touch and check to see if your date is available here! If you want to explore more wedding ideas, tips, or venues from an intimate wedding photographer, check out my other blogs:

A Hawaii Wedding Cost Breakdown: Budget Advice and Planning Tips From a Destination Wedding Photographer

Why Oahu Is Perfect for Your Intimate Destination Wedding in Hawaii

How to Plan a Hawaii Destination Wedding at Kaʻala Vista: An Oahu Venue Perfect for Intimate Weddings

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