When Marlie and Wesley first reached out, they told me they wanted a day that felt adventurous and relaxed, which is why we started talking about Oahu elopement locations right away. I loved how their ideas flowed so naturally. We hopped on a call to map everything out with my Oahu location guide that I send to all my couples! It always helps couples see how the island works with light, timing, and drive routes.

Since they wanted a few different backdrops, we talked through what mattered most. They booked four hours of coverage, which gave us enough time to move around without feeling rushed. It felt so good to build a plan that allowed space for the small pauses that make an elopement day feel real.

Starting With Sunrise for Their Day Before Session

Because the Oahu elopement locations they picked for their actual ceremony faced the opposite direction of sunset, we planned a day before session at sunrise. This gave them a chance to soak in golden light while keeping their ceremony vision intact. Sunrise always feels peaceful, especially when the world is still quiet and the beaches are nearly empty.

During this session, they eased into being in front of the camera, and I could already tell their elopement day would flow beautifully. The warm light wrapped around them in a way that felt soft and intentional. It set the tone for everything that came next.

Top Oahu Elopement Locations for Marlie and Wesley

Lanikai Beach Ceremony

Their ceremony took place at Lanikai Beach, which is one of the dreamiest Oahu elopement locations for couples who want pastel water and a calm setting. The moment we stepped onto the sand, it felt like the world slowed down. Their vows felt personal and sweet. I noticed beachgoers nearby smiling at them as they spoke, which added to the warmth of the moment.

After their ceremony, we took a few minutes just to breathe and let them take in the fact that they were officially married. It is always one of my favorite parts of the day!

Exploring Kualoa Regional Park

Next we made our way to Kualoa Regional Park. This location always stuns people with the mountain views and open fields. As we walked through the area, the breeze picked up, and it added a fun energy to their photos. Since we planned everything ahead of time, the flow between each of these Oahu elopement locations felt smooth and easy.

Marlie kept saying how happy she was that we chose to space things out in a way that allowed them to enjoy each stop instead of racing from one place to the next!

Hiking Up to Crouching Lion

We ended the day with a thirty minute hike up to Crouching Lion. These two are very adventurous, so this felt like the perfect final chapter of their elopement story. The trail can feel steep in some areas, but they were laughing and cheering each other on the whole way. I hiked behind them and kept thinking about how these are the moments that make an elopement feel personal.

When we reached the top, the view was unreal. The wind moved through their hair, and the vast lookout made everything feel cinematic. It was one of those places where time seemed to stop.

Why Planning Matters for an Intentional Elopement Day

Because we talked through their ideas early, every transition felt natural. Planning with multiple Oahu elopement locations in mind gives couples more freedom to create a day that feels true to who they are. It also helps me build a timeline that supports light, weather, and drive time. I love guiding couples through this process since it lets me share my knowledge of the island and pair their vision with locations that make sense.

If you are dreaming up your own elopement, think about what kind of scenery feels meaningful. Then imagine how it could all flow together. You would be surprised how much intention goes into creating a day that feels effortless!

Need Help Planning Your Oahu Elopement Locations?

Valory Evalyn | Oahu Hawaii Wedding + Elopement Photographer

Planning an Oahu elopement should feel exciting, intentional, and true to who you are, not overwhelming. Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise-water cliffside views, a quiet sunrise beach, or a lush jungle backdrop tucked away from the crowds, I’m here to help you choose the locations that match your vision perfectly.

From recommending the best times of day for ideal lighting to guiding you toward spots that feel private, meaningful, and cinematic, I make the planning process simple and stress-free. Your elopement deserves to feel like an experience—not just a photoshoot—and choosing the right locations is a huge part of that.

If you want a photographer who knows Oahu well and can help you map out locations with ease, I’d love to be part of your day. Reach out, and let’s start dreaming up a celebration that feels completely you.