One of the most important things first: “How do we decide where to have our wedding?”

The Hawaiian islands have the most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Getting to know the general locations of those ecosystems can help a couple determine the best venue for fulfilling their unique vision for their wedding.

Generally speaking, the North and East Shores of each island will be more verdant, that is, more lush, more flowers, and, not surprisingly, more possibility of rain showers. The South and West Shores are more likely to be dry–even so dry as to sport cactus and a desert landscape. Of course, there are still plenty of palm trees and beautiful gardens. When there may be rain on other shores, the South and West Shores have the best chance of being sunny.

That being said, the ocean is beyond gorgeous–a moving aqua jewel–on all shores. It varies, too, however: In winter the surf is usually ‘up’ on the North Shore; in summer, the North Shore is calm and surf is ‘up’ on the South Shore–not nearly as exciting as winter in the North, but nonetheless, waves and ehukai (that froth that blows into the sunlight off the top of a wave); surfers and paddle boarders.

The time of year affects more than just the surf, too. Winter weather can be more blowy and rainy on the beach, so a South or West Shore wedding in winter might be more likely to be dry. Yet there’s nothing so lovely as a North Shore wedding in the summer when the sea will most likely be calm and the sky blue and sunny.

And truly, even if it rains in Hawaii, most often we have passing showers which may last only a few minutes before the sun breaks through and a rainbow appears. In all the years of doing weddings on the islands we’ve only had to make serious changes of venue a handful of times. And regardless of weather, I’ve never been to a wedding which wasn’t perfect!

By far most couples choose a beach location for their wedding ceremony. Standing in the sand, usually barefoot, with the soft sound of the ocean lapping the shore and a blue sky arching overhead . . . What a cathedral!

There are, however, equally lovely garden and waterfall settings. Botanical gardens on all the islands provide locations for wedding celebrations for a fee. Both the botanical gardens and private garden venues will have water features, usually a stream and waterfall, perhaps a pond. In addition, lush tropical gardens, winding paths and often distant views of mountains or the sea provide ample settings for ceremony and photos. Many garden venues also offer reception sites where a catered meal and dancing can be arranged.

So where to have the perfect wedding? There are several considerations which can be taken into account:

1. Cost: There is a small fee paid to the DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) for a permit for a beach wedding. Garden venues charge anywhere from $200 to $2000 for the use of their site.

2. Privacy: All beaches in Hawaii are public. That being said, there are many beach locations which feel private on all the islands. One of the main advantages in working with a local wedding company is that they will be well aquainted with the island’s beaches. Securing a garden setting definitely gives more of a sense of privacy. However, in my 12 years of celebrating weddings in Hawaii, I’ve always found passersby to be respectful and congratulatory.

3. Limitations: No glass is allowed on the beaches (which limits bottles of champagne or cider and the accompanying crystal flutes) and no arches or other ‘props’ aside from a few chairs which may be needed for guests who are elderly or for other reasons can’t stand during the ceremony. On the other hand, flower circles and paths, leis, boutonnieres, bouquets–all are welcome on the beaches. A small table for a cake is also allowed. Many beaches are flanked by lovely parks and some allow a full reception with a tent, full meal service and music. Again, working with a company which provides full wedding services will help a couple work with their wishes to have everything they want while respecting the island and staying comfortably within their budget.

4. Beach, garden, waterfall? Other options: Hotels, condo complexes, vacation rentals–all offer happy alternatives to beach and garden venues. It may be possible to have everything–wedding, reception, accommodations–in the same place. This may sound like a simple solution and these locations may certainly be lovely. A possible downside to hotels and condos is the density of the population there and perhaps a feeling of “We’ve done this before” on the part of the staff. Vacation rentals are subject to laws which are complex at best–they are usually not ‘exactly’ legal in Hawaii and owners are therefore often very cautious about guests hosting weddings and parties. We’ve certainly participated in many weddings and receptions at vacation rentals through the years, however!

What a joy to be coming to Hawaii to be married! With the new Civil Unions law going into effect January 1st, there is no better time to fall into the gentle sweetness of Hawaii, to bask in the waters, feel the gentle breezes, follow scents to their source in soft tropical flowers. Finding the perfect location to fulfill a couple’s dream is easy–there are nearly limitless exquisite sites to choose from.

Virginia St. Claire, lesbian owner of In Heaven Commitments, has a wonderful team of wedding professionals to help couples create and celebrate beautiful weddings and sacred unions on the islands of Kauai and Oahu. In Heaven Commitments offers full wedding services from the simplest of barefoot-in-the-sand beach weddings to elegant formal weddings and receptions. They provide everything a couple may need–ceremony, photography, videography, music, flowers, cake and champagne/cider, simple or full-service catering, plus all the extras like doves, a sand unity ceremony, hula, conch and chant, etc. Every wedding is celebrated in peace and with joy and love.

In honor of the new Civil Unions law which will take effect January 1st 2012, In Heaven Commitments, which provides Civil Union and Commitment Celebrations on the islands of Kauai and Oahu, is offering a 10% discount for all Kauai services during the months of January and February, 2012 to our LGBT family. Visit our website at inheavencommitments.com; or contact Stacy Mallory at 808 639 3202.