How to Plan a Wedding Weekend Itinerary in Hawaii That Guests Will Love

capturing heartfelt love stories

Planning a destination wedding in Hawaii can feel like a dream. You’re probably thinking about the beaches, the fresh air, and how to turn the whole weekend into one unforgettable experience, not just for you, but for your guests, too!

A close-up of the couple exchanging rings under the flower arch, capturing the intimacy of their Hawaii beachside ceremony.

Wide view of the ceremony setup on the lawn, the bridal party standing by the arch as waves crash in the distance—an unforgettable moment in their wedding weekend itinerary.

Whether your vision includes lounging on the North Shore, sipping Mai Tais at sunset, or exploring the botanical gardens, planning a wedding weekend itinerary in Hawaii is one of the best ways to show your friends and family how much it means that they flew out to celebrate with you. This guide will walk you through tips for creating a relaxed, joy-filled wedding weekend that feels like the ultimate vacation for everyone!

The bride and groom stand before the officiant under a large circular floral arch, exchanging vows with the ocean behind them.

Bridesmaids in light blue dresses line up by the oceanfront ceremony arch, bouquets of white flowers in hand, ready for the next part of the wedding weekend itinerary.

A flower girl and ring bearer walk hand in hand down the aisle, basket in hand, as wedding guests smile in the background.

Why a Wedding Weekend Itinerary in Hawaii Is Worth It

I know asking your loved ones to travel to Hawaii is a big ask with flights, hotels, and PTO… it adds up really quickly. But when couples build in time to celebrate beyond the ceremony, it transforms the entire experience. It becomes more than a wedding; it becomes memories and a vacation your guests will never forget!

The bride is escorted down the aisle toward a floral arch overlooking the ocean, with bridesmaids and family waiting ahead.

Wedding welcome signage and order of events board on the lawn, featuring the couple’s names and a detailed wedding weekend itinerary, accented with white and blue florals.

Instead of a whirlwind 5-hour timeline, you get slow mornings, long dinners, group adventures, and deeper connections! For some of your guests, it could be the first time they have ever been to Hawaii, so when you add more to the weekend, it makes it so special! Plus, planning activities and time together before and after your wedding gives you more space to soak everything in, and ensures your guests feel seen and celebrated, too.

Guests mingling under a clear tent during cocktail hour at a Hawaii wedding, dressed in colorful attire and enjoying drinks.

The bride and groom sit at a sweetheart table surrounded by abundant florals as groomsmen give speeches during the reception.

Black and white photo of guests seated at the ceremony, with the floral arch framing waves crashing on the ocean beyond.

Your first big decision for your wedding weekend is choosing a home base.

For H + J, the Ritz-Carlton at Turtle Bay on Oahu’s North Shore was the perfect fit. It’s a peaceful property that gives its guests a chance to escape the busyness of Waikiki, while still enjoying all the beauty Hawaii has to offer. If you’re planning a similar experience, look for venues or hotels that:

Offer group discounts or packages
Have onsite dining or beach access
Are close to activity options like surfing, hiking, snorkeling, etc.

Bonus tip: Add room blocks or hotel info to your website early. Guests will thank you later! You can just call the hotel and let them know! You can check out more destination wedding ideas on my blog!

A close-up of an elegant reception table centerpiece with white and blue florals, a glowing candle, and a table card marked “Fiji.”

Wedding guests stand during the outdoor ceremony, facing the floral arch and bridesmaids as vows begin—one of the most meaningful moments in the wedding weekend itinerary.

3-Day Wedding Weekend Itinerary Example Oahu Edition

Here’s a sample itinerary to help you brainstorm how your Hawaii wedding weekend could unfold.

Day 1: Welcome Party + Light Adventure

Morning: Let guests arrive, settle in, and explore the beach or hotel. No pressure!
Afternoon: Organize a casual group outing, like a tour at Kualoa Ranch which has Jurassic Park vibes, or a trip to the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden.
Evening: Kick off the weekend with a relaxed welcome dinner or drinks. Like tacos, poke, food trucks, or something local everyone needs to try, but keep it casual and fun since everyone is just getting there.

Oceanfront ceremony setup featuring a circular floral arch framed by palm trees and rows of white chairs, waiting for guests to arrive.

Black and white photo of the bride and groom entering the reception tent hand in hand, her long veil trailing behind her.

Bridesmaids in soft blue gowns lift their bouquets high on the dance floor, celebrating together during the evening reception, part of the couple’s wedding weekend itinerary.

Day 2: Wedding Day

Keep the flow relaxed but intentional. Build in time for:

Sunrise walks or yoga on the beach
Mid-morning prep + detail shots
Ceremony with the right sun for soft light
Cocktail hour with space for connection
Dinner + dancing under the stars

Pro tip: Let your photographer guide you on timing for lighting and movement. H + J’s ceremony had the sun directly behind the bride, which made for such dreamy, even lighting.

The bride and groom share their first dance under a clear tent, smiling as guests cheer them on—a joyful highlight in their wedding weekend itinerary.

Guests in formal attire chat near a tropical-inspired seating chart display framed by palm trees and white draping.

Day 3: Farewell Fun

Instead of a rushed brunch, go for something more memorable:

Catamaran Cruise from Waikiki at sunset Outrigger Waikiki Catamarans
Group hike to Diamond Head Crater
A laid-back beach day with poke bowls + local shaved ice

These extras don’t have to be extravagant. They’re simply a way to show gratitude and spend time with your people before heading home. I know it seems like you’ll have enough time to visit during your wedding, but you end up being pulled in so many different directions! It’s better to make time for the fun and chill activities with your guests so you can enjoy your day without feeling stressed about everyone else!

Black and white photo of wedding guests laughing and chatting during cocktail hour surrounded by tropical greenery.

Two bridesmaids stand with microphones giving heartfelt speeches, while the bride and groom listen from their sweetheart table surrounded by florals.

Reception setup under a clear tent with round tables dressed in white linens and centerpieces of white and blue flowers.

How to Make It Feel Intentional Not Overwhelming

You don’t need to micromanage every hour. A great wedding weekend in Hawaii includes:

A couple of group events that are easy to opt into
Time for guests to explore on their own
A shared Google map or digital itinerary with local spots you love! You can also make a wedding website. The Knot is a great free option, and it adds an itinerary for everyone so they can just check the website throughout the trip!
A relaxed weekend, no pressure, just time with your people!

And yes, a little Type-A prep on your end = a whole lot of laid-back vibes for everyone else.

Wide shot of the oceanfront ceremony site with rows of white chairs and a floral arch framed by palm trees.

The bride and groom exchange vows beneath a floral arch as sunlight streams across the ceremony, guests watching intently.

Close-up view of the bride and groom holding hands under a circular arch filled with white roses, with the ocean as their backdrop—one of the most iconic scenes in the wedding weekend itinerary.

Should You Hire a Photographer for the Whole Weekend?

Short answer: yes.

If you’re investing in a full wedding weekend itinerary, this is the time to go beyond just ceremony coverage. Documenting your welcome party, group outings, and casual moments paints a fuller picture of your wedding story, and it’s such a fun way to remember the whole experience, not just the formal parts!

Some of my favorite add-ons to a wedding weekend package:

Sunset beach portraits the day before
A film-style recap of the welcome party
Morning-after brunch photos
Additional film for the couples that love film like me!

The bride and groom walk across the lawn with their children, the groom holding a baby while the flower girl leads ahead—a sweet family moment in the wedding weekend itinerary.

The couple walks hand in hand toward their seating chart display framed by a palm tree, entering the reception tent as guests cheer.

Two groomsmen in suits walk into cocktail hour smiling, as guests laugh and enjoy drinks at outdoor tables.

Some photographers may not offer add-ons, but for me, capturing ALL of your wedding is so much more important than a few hours of rushed photos! That’s why I offer full-day coverage for every wedding, because the little moments at the beginning and end of the day matter just as much as the ceremony itself.

From getting ready to your final dance, I’ll be there to document it all with care and creativity, so you can simply focus on what matters most. Reach out here to inquire about full wedding weekend coverage!

Groom slips the wedding band onto the bride’s hand as they exchange vows under the flower arch, the ocean visible behind them.

A guest in a satin gown wipes away tears during the ceremony, moved by the vows—an emotional part of the wedding weekend itinerary.

H + J’s Hawaii Wedding Weekend: A Snapshot

While this wasn’t technically their wedding day, H + J planned their dream celebration after 10 years together. They saved up, brought their people to the North Shore, and toasted under the palms with everyone they love most.

The thank-you speech they gave brought everyone to tears. That’s what happens when you create space for intention, presence, and connection. Whether you’re eloping or hosting 80+ guests, Hawaii has a way of turning even the simplest moments into something unforgettable.

Bride and groom holding hands under a circular arch of white roses, smiling at each other as the officiant stands behind them.

The bride and groom share a kiss at their sweetheart table, decorated with white and blue florals, a romantic reception highlight in the wedding weekend itinerary.

Black and white photo of the bride and groom sharing their first kiss under a floral arch, with guests standing and watching.

Ready to Book Your Hawaii Wedding Photographer?

There’s no single “right” way to plan a wedding weekend in Hawaii, but starting with what matters most to you is the key!

Want something casual and adventure-filled? Go for the group hikes. Prefer something elevated and romantic? Sunset cruise + private dinner. Your people are flying across the ocean for you, so don’t be afraid to create something that truly feels like you!

I’d love to help you capture it all: those candid moments, the breathtaking scenery, and the feeling of the day. You can check out more of my work here, or you can fill out an inquiry form to see if your wedding date is open!

And if you love film photos, I always offer film as well! You can get more add-on information here!

Second shot for Mersadi Olson Photography

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