Kauai Elopement Photographer

Elopements & Intimate Weddings in Kauai, Hawaii

Hi, I’m Carrie —

My approach to photography is personal and intentional. By taking the time to get to know you and understand who you are and what’s important you, I’m able to help bring your story to life in a meaningful way through your photos. From the intricate details of your outfits and decor, to the location you’ve carefully selected, to the relationships you have with each other and with your chosen people. I encourage my couples to prioritize their experience and stay present  — to enjoy the memories of your wedding day while you’re living them. I am a skilled observer with an eye for anticipating moments, capturing emotions, and when needed, providing natural guidance that doesn’t feel intrusive. This blend of candid storytelling and editorial direction results in photos that are an artistic yet authentic representation of your day.

Recent Work in Kauai

Best Kauai Elopement Locations

For your ceremony, the best scenic locations on public land will be one of the many beaches the island offers. The process for a beach ceremony permit is easy, affordable, and straightforward. If your group size is more than 30, you will need to book a private venue for your wedding. I personally recommend a private venue for anything more than 10 guests since you can’t guarantee a private ceremony spot on the beach (you are not allowed to disrupt other visitors or block off any areas) and a private venue will allow you to spend time celebrating with your loved ones after your ceremony A private venue is also required if you plan to have any decorations or seating, with the exception of seating required to accommodate elderly or disabled persons. 

Best beach ceremony locations on Kauai:

  • Secret Beach

  • Tunnels Beach

  • Hanalei Bay

Best private elopement venues:

Best locations for adventurous couple portraits:

  • Waimea Canyon / Koke’e State Park

  • Napali Coast via boat tour

Getting Married in Kauai

MARRIAGE LICENSE

To legally get married in Kauai, you’ll need a Hawaii marriage license and an officiant who is registered in the state of Hawaii. You can submit an application for your license online through the Hawaii Department of Health.  Then  you must meet with a marriage license agent in person to  pick it up prior to your ceremony.   No witnesses are needed. 

SYMBOLIC CEREMONY

An alternative to doing the legal paperwork on your wedding day is to have a symbolic ceremony instead. Many couples traveling for their elopement opt to legally get married at their local courthouse before or after their trip to Hawaii where they celebrate and share their vows. This means you won’t have to make a marriage license appointment during your trip and gives you the flexibility to have a loved one “officiate” your ceremony. Just note that even if you are not having a legal ceremony, you will need to obtain a ceremony permit. 

PERMITS

In order to protect the natural and cultural resources in Hawaii, there is a strict permitting system in place.  You will need a permit for each location you plan to take photos, as well a a permit for your ceremony location.  My business is legally registered in Hawaii and I am familiar with the permit application process, so if you’re working with me, I will assist you with this! If you book a private venue or obtain permission to shoot on private property, no permit is needed. 

RESPECTING HAWAII LANDS & LOCALS

As a visitor to Hawaii, it is extremely important to be respectful of the land and the people who call it home. Practice “Leave No Trace” principles such as not leaving trash or waste behind or disrupting the environment. Don’t pick flowers or collect rocks to take home. Obey private property and no trespassing signs. Respect cultural sites and other sacred areas. If you’re unsure if something is appropriate, it’s always a good idea to ask. Remember that Hawaii is not just a vacation destination, but home for many people. Be kind to locals and support local businesses as much as possible.

TIME OF YEAR & WEATHER

Kauai’s tropical climate means that it experiences only two distinct seasons — wet and dry. Wet season is from November to March and dry season is from April to October. I personally recommend picking a date during the “shoulder” seasons (April, May, September, October) when the weather is still pretty stable, but crowds are a bit thinner and prices aren’t as high. Keep in mind however, that even during dry season you should expect a little rain - showers tend to come and go quickly so don’t worry too much, but it’s always good to have a little flexibility with your plans.

CHOOSING A PLACE TO STAY

Besides your ceremony location, where you stay will be one of the most important elements of your elopement experience. This is where you will be starting your morning, getting ready, and eventually ending your evening. Here are a few accommodation options that I think are worth the splurge: 

Elopements & Intimate Weddings

Starting at $7500 for 6 hours of coverage and includes all travel expenses and a digital gallery of high-resolution photos. Add-ons include engagement sessions, a second photographer, and albums. 

Couple & Engagement Sessions

Starting at $2500 for a 1.5 hour session in one location.  Additional hours are available at a rate of $500/hour. 

“Her ability to capture emotions is undeniable. She exceeded any expectations we had.”

From day 1 Carrie has been an invaluable member of our special day. She took the time to get to know us and hoped on calls to discuss even the smallest details leading up to our big day. Since we've never been to Hawaii we relied heavily on Carrie to help us plan certain things pertaining to the wedding day (permits, scouting the location, info on license, officiant etc.) Thanks to her vast experience and attention to details, our elopement day in Hawaii, including the prep leading up to it, has been stress-free.

Throughout the wedding day she was simply irreplaceable. She helped me get ready, placed my veil, coordinated the timeline of the day & so much more, all while taking amazing photos of us! Since it was just me & my now husband, it felt nice to be able to rely on Carrie in certain moments. She is an amazing professional and simply just the sweetest, kindest person.

As for the photos, we are absolutely blown away with how they came out. They are truly perfect. Carrie's style is like no other. Her ability to capture emotions is undeniable. Carrie have exceeded any expectations we've had (make sure to check out her Instagram). Her communication & professional skills are absolutely top-notch. Plain & simple-we are so so happy we've chosen you! Thank you for capturing our most special day so perfectly!

— Palina & Mike

ARTFUL & INTENTIONAL STORYTELLING FOR COUPLES
WHO VALUE CONNECTION, AUTHENTICITY, AND MEANINGFUL EXPERIENCES

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! The two main areas I assist with during the planning process are location scouting/research and timeline building. I’m also happy to share vendor and accommodation recommendations and assist with permits when needed.

    I do not book any services on your behalf or do any day-of duties like setting up decor, managing guests and vendors, coordinating supply pickups, etc. If you’re looking for someone to manage those types of tasks, I can send over some amazing planner recommendations!

  • Yes, if you're having a larger wedding but resonate with my work and approach, please reach out! I'll provide a custom quote based on your wedding size and scope of plans.

  • My pricing includes all standard travel fees and I take care of booking my own flights, rental cars, accommodations, etc.

  • No, the scope of work involved for elopements, no matter how simple, is much more significant than a regular photoshoot. Plus, your wedding day deserves so much more than that! You won't get the same experience or types of wedding photos you see in my portfolio in just an hour or two.

  • After we've had an initial chat and you've chosen your date, I'll send over a contract and an invoice for your nonrefundable booking retainer. Depending on your booked coverage, this will be $2,000 - $3,000.