By Kelsi Nichols, MPH
STAY CALM, YOU'VE GOT THIS
Planning your Hawai'i Wedding During the Pandemic
LET’S GET THIS STARTED
wedding
POSTPONING YOUR
FOR THE PEOPLE THAT MATTER MOST
In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, many couples who were planning on getting married are wondering where exactly to turn to for help, and how this affects your original wedding plans. We know that there is a lot to consider both logistically and financially and that this has probably added a ton of stress to the already stressful wedding planning process. We’re here to provide some helpful tips and advice so you can celebrate as safely as possible.
Before getting into this, we want to emphasize that the safest option and our recommended approach is to limit your guest size and follow safety precautions. As a photographer AND an epidemiologist I believe that putting the safety of your guests and community is of the utmost importance. The last thing you want is for grandma to get sick because she attended your wedding. Currently, Hawaii has a 10 day quarantine in place for all visitors coming from off islands UNLESS you obtain a negative COVID-19 test (see details below). So, if you were planning a destination wedding to Hawaii with guests, make sure you communicate where to get a test (only Hawai'i Safe Travel Testing Partners will be accepted).
The pandemic has rocked just about every aspect of life, and if it has impacted your wedding, keep your head up! There’s still a few options for you to celebrate your special day! Postponing your wedding from a pandemic is only one of many options! Either way, we’ll be ready to capture your precious moments from at least six feet away!
FAQ
What are the requirements for flying into Hawai'i?
01.
The Pre-Travel Testing Program is in place for all Hawai'i islands, regardless of your vaccine status. Travelers must upload negative COVID-19 test results to the Safe Travels Hawaii portal 72 hours prior to departure or print out the negative test result prior to departure and have it in hand on arrival to Hawai‘i. If your results are still showing as “Pending” upon landing at the airport, you would likely need to make new reservations as there are designated hotels for quarantine.
See verified COVID-19 test travel partners here.
02.
What guest count is permitted?
Currently Hawai'i is in Tier 3 of our re-opening plan. We are so excited that events with up to 100 people (including vendors) are allowed at outside venues on all islands. So, whether you want to elope just the two of you or celebrate outside with your closest friends and family, your large event will be allowed. Hawai'i is expected to start allowing events with 200 people outdoors under Tier 4.
Why has Hawai'i been so strict compared to other states?
03.
The Hawaiian islands are small with limited resources compared to the continental US. Our healthcare system can be easily overwhelmed, so limiting the transmission of the virus is good for everyone so there are enough resources for normal healthcare problems like heart attacks and car crash victims. In addition, Micronesian and Pacific Islander communities have been disproportionately affected across the islands (over 1/3 of cases in Hawai'i). We have an obligation to protect our island Ohana.
We update these resources frequently as new local and state guidelines become available
Last updated: MARCH 28, 2021
Science tells us very clearly that events like weddings spread corona virus very effectively. A wedding in Maine has been linked to 143 cases so far, one death, and an outbreak at a jail. We know that's the last thing you want, so it's best to cancel all large wedding events until a vaccine becomes available. BUT, that does not mean love is cancelled. There are still so many ways to celebrate your relationship and this milestone.
view more resources here:
04.
Are there any re-scheduling fees?
You'll need to check with your individual vendors and look at your contracts. But, here at Eternal Tides we aren't charging any rescheduling fees (it's not your fault you have to postpone your wedding). We just ask that you check with us first to make sure we have your date available on our calendar.
Honor your wedding day
you deserve to have an epic wedding … even during a pandemic
Adventure Instead
Opt to Elope
If you’ve had to postpone your wedding date, no worries! How about honoring your original wedding day, making it special by adventuring with us instead? That way, you can commemorate your love in a unique way! You’ll look back on your original date in a positive light, having a documented adventure session to share with friends and family. Heck, it may make you even more excited to walk down the aisle after this is all over! You can put on your attire for the first time, have a special first look with your lover in a scenic vista you wouldn’t have otherwise explored. We know, cancelling your original wedding plans sucks but adventuring instead honors your love story. Plus, we’ll create amazing photos to display when you celebrate with friends and family after the pandemic.
Since getting all your visiting families to the islands may be difficult you can still opt to elope on your original wedding day! We’ve had couples decide to honor their special day with just the closest group of friends and family. Want to hike to a scenic mountain top overlook? Or would you prefer a quiet beach-side ceremony? The sky is the limit, as long as we are able to follow social distancing guidelines! Plus, we can act as your officiant (Kelsi can sign your license!) leaving more room for your guests. You can always have a big party later on with your guests, once the pandemic has come and gone.
ELOPEMENT IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR WEDDING DAY A ONE-OF-A-KIND ADVENTURE
PHOTOSHOOT ADVENTURE IDEAS THAT HONOR YOUR WEDDING & SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE
This list is just a snippet, the possibilities are endless! Anything the two of you love to do is worth capturing. We would love to brainstorm with you! Say hi and tell us about your dream adventure.
We have SO Many great ideas and locations across the Hawaiian Islands that we would love to share with you, contact us about creating your dream wedding day.
BEAUTIFUL REMINDERS OF
PLACES WE’VE BEEN
AND PEOPLE WE’VE LOVED
This couple (who works in healthcare) had their wedding planned for May of 2020. Unfortunately, they had to postpone their wedding for another year. However, keeping the celebratory spirit, they also chose to celebrate their original wedding date with a special picnic and sunset photoshoot at the beach— even video calling their family to make it even more special! It's disappointing and overwhelming, but we feel for them. We hope that one day their great great grand-kids look back on this photo as a way to remember these scary times we've been living through. And we know that in a year they'll have an amazing celebration with friends and family because love always wins. Imagine how sweet it will be to celebrate their love with all the extra hugs and kisses we've been missing.
