Destination Elopement at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Destination Elopement at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
See a real Destination Elopement at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Lindsey and Drew will go down in history as one of the most adventurous couples ever after their incredible destination elopement at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in July. Was there an active volcano? You bet your hiking ass there was. We truly had our cake and ate it on this incredible 1.5 day elopement. They hiked through a lava tube, read letters from family and friends to one another, and got married at sunset with the smoking crater below them. Their first dance happened under the most stunning night skies by the still-glowing volcano. And then we went underwater.
The Volcanic Eruption In Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Kilauea volcano has been erupting sporadically every 3-ish weeks since December 2024. Our heroes arrived on the island of Hawaii on the day of its 23rd episode, and we met up at the rim to watch the lava fountaining in awe. This was truly a once in a lifetime experience for us all, so we had to get some photos on the edge with the lava. OBVIOUSLY!!! Standing there and taking it all in was a great way to grab some photos of Lindsey and Drew in their natural habitat – out on a hike together, doing something epic. Hearing the roar of the volcano from a few miles away was unforgettable, and we enjoyed watching birds (ok that was mostly me) fly over the crater. We found both Pele’s Hair and Pele’s Tears at our feet – unique volcanic structures made from prior eruptions. Volcanoes are neat, that’s all there is to it.
Destination Elopement Getting Ready Photos
The fiancees chose to rent a stunning treehouse airbnb for their destination elopement in Hawaii. This was the perfect vibe for them to wake up in and get ready for their elopement day. I’m so glad we started with photos here, because when you choose an epic location like this to get married, you’re going to want photos of it! When I arrived, Drew was transcribing his vows into the custom vow books I sent them. They had their custom made pajamas on with faces of their beloved dogs, or I should say Dawgs, because that’s what they had printed on their shirts. I’m obsessed with their care-free attitudes, because who tf cares about what anyone else thinks? We also found that their treehouse had no funnel – so pouring the bourbon into their flasks became a project involving a ziplock bag and a ton of teamwork. Candid moments like these are my favorites. Actually their first look was my favorite, because check out Drew’s face!!
Hiking Elopement in Hawaii Volcanoes
I’m not chill. Let me explain. I like to plan. I like when things go according to the plan. I’m great at adapting and changing on the fly, but I am not chill. So Lindsey and Drew’s ultimate levels of chill are exactly what I need. I had recommended a fantastic hike to get them to a private volcanic crater through the lush jungle that would take us away from the most crowded areas of the park – and they didn’t even want to know the name of the hike. “Just surprise us,” they said. Whaaat? We loved getting more destination elopement photos in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that had the green ferns and lava arches for variety. And standing on the edge of the crater without anyone else around gave them the feeling they had been after when they decided to elope: peace.
Hawaii Volcanoes Elopement Ceremony
After dinner at the Volcano House, it was time for their sunset ceremony on the rim of Kilauea crater. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has designated ceremony sites and a permit process for eloping within the national park. So be sure to follow the rules and get approved for your elopement in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The active eruption had paused, but smoke still billowed from the vents as Drew and Lindsey made their marriage official with an emotional ceremony. It was my honor to legally marry them as well, circumnavigating the need to hire an officiant. (Hint: this can give you lots more flexibility when planning since you won’t have to meet up with anyone else at a specific time.) They wrote their own vows and sealed the day with many loving kisses.
Hawaii Volcanoes Star Photos
One of my favorite parts of this national park is after dark, when the arch of the milky way is as clear as daylight. The star photos as Lindsey and Drew swayed to the songs on their playlist may be some of my favorite from the entire day. The long exposures also brought out the red glow of the volcano’s vent, and the cooling lava from the eruption still red-hot in the crater below. The pair brought out ring pops and placed the Hawaii Volcanoes national park sticker on their traveling water bottle before cutting the POG flavored cake back at the treehouse airbnb. What’s POG? It’s a Hawaii thing!
Underwater Elopement Photos in Hawaii
Yes, the next day we were back at it again for more epicness! Their underwater elopement photos in Hawaii are colorful and unique as they romanced around the ocean, looking at the reef fish and a few sea turtles! They even waded into the water and had a fun splash fight before exchanging the leis that we’d forgotten to use the day before. These destination elopement photos in Hawaii capture the fun and adventure that Lindsey and Drew embody and they get to look back on these images to relive their entire elopement experience. Congratulations L&D on your epic marriage and may laughter and joy follow you every day!
Want a destination elopement in Hawaii Volcanoes?
..or another island? I’m the gal for you. My passport is ready, and I’ll jump in and take away the stress of planning so you can sit back and enjoy the entire experience. I offer full day, 1.5 and 2 day elopement photography & planning packages on pacific islands, New Zealand, and around the world. See my pricing and packages here and get in touch to make your dream come to life!
Vendor Credits
Cake – Short and Sweet Bakery, Hilo Hawaii
Flowers – The Floral Shop at pacific floral, Keaau Hawaii
Leis – Lin’s Lei Stand, Hilo Hawaii
Snorkel Rentals – Hilo Ocean Adventures, Hilo Hawaii