top of page
  • "What happens if it rains during my ceremony?"
    I aim to make my services as stress free as possible, so if you have to reschedule I will do everything within my effort to accommodate! The Hawaiian islands have what is called microclimates - which means that you can travel to a different part of the island and experience completely different weather and scenery. We do experience a lot of rain, but it usually does not last all day and all over the island. Make sure you have a team that is willing to pivot locations in bad weather. If you are worried about this or traveling during very rainy months (usually December - March) I would suggest an All Inclusive Elopement Package as having your officiant + photographer bundled really cuts down on logistics when it comes to a reschedule!
  • “Do you charge a cancellation fee if we need to reschedule due to weather or emergency?
    NO I understand that life happens unexpectedly and I am more than happy to reschedule at zero cost to you. This is meant to be casual and stress free and I make every effort to uphold that!
  • “Do we need to get a marriage license beforehand?”
    YES! And I can help walk you through the process if you need legal paperwork for your marriage!
  • “Are witnesses needed in Hawaii?”
    NO! The State of Hawaii does not require witnesses to be present! It can just be the two of you (and me of course!)
  • “What is the difference between a Sign & Go and an Elopement?”
    There are 3 primary factors that distinguish a Sign & Go and an Elopement: 1. Professional Photography Sign & Go’s do NOT have a professional photographer present, provided by me or yourselves. Disposable cameras, aunties with iPhone’s are all encouraged and I will also take a few snapshots after the fact! Elopements DO HAVE professional photography there to commemorate the day. You put in a lot of effort with hair, makeup, and outfits and want the high quality photography that you can only get with a professional. I also put more time and energy into my own appearance so that I can match your aesthetic. 2. Personalized Ceremony & Length of Ceremony A Sign & Go will NOT have a personalized ceremony. This is the only time I have a set script that I do NOT add any personalized details to in advance. Additionally the ceremony is 2 - 3 minutes long. An elopement is a very intimate and personalized experience. It is a milestone moment for the two of you to look back on as a foundational moment in the good times and the bad. I take the time to understand you, your love story, and some markers in your relationship that got you to this point. You can add in any rituals you would like as well. This ceremony is HIGHLY personalized and can range from 8 minutes to 15 minutes. 3. Casual Sign & Go’s are CASUAL! It can be very casual in fact! It can be so casual we are all in shorts and flip flops! I make every effort to be professional looking but if you call me with an hour's notice! (it has happened!).... Well, we are meeting as we are in whatever we are in! This isn’t to say you can’t show up in a white dress! You absolutely can, but I won’t be in my fancier officiant outfits with hair and makeup done. An elopement will have more time and energy put into the appearance. I will wear an outfit that matches your aesthetic as well as the location.
  • “What forms of payment do you accept?”
    Cash, Venmo, or PayPal If you are getting an all inclusive package you can pay via Credit Card.
  • “When is the best season/month to elope in Hawaii?”
    ANY The Hawaiian islands have what is called microclimates - which means that you can travel to a different part of the island and experience completely different weather and scenery. We do experience a lot of rain, but it usually does not last all day and all over the island. Make sure you have a team that is willing to pivot locations in bad weather.
  • "Do you work with other photographers besides your partner?"
    ABSOLUTELY! Here are some of my favorites that I have worked with so far: - Nicole Naone - Amanda Paige Portraits - Hannah Wynter - Kay Brooke - Mai Wahine Creations
  • "You look very young...are you old enough to Officiate our ceremony?"
    YES (and I'm in my 30s!) I know you're thinking it and I've gotten the question before. I do have a bit of a baby face but at the time of writing this FAQ I am 33!
  • "Are you a supporter of marriage equality?"
    ABSOLUTELY! I am a supporter of marriage equality and an LBGTQIA+ Ally
  • "Do you perform religious ceremonies?"
    I CAN! I hold a Master's in Divinity and can accommodate most (if not all!) religious preferences!
  • “Do you have any location restrictions for Sign & Go ceremonies?”
    Yes & No For the base fee of $150 you are confined to the Honolulu Area. The most common locations for Sign & Go ceremonies are: Magic Island, Duke Kahanamoku Statue, and Kahala Beach. If you would like to have your Sign & Go outside of the Honolulu area that can absolutely be done and it is an additional $50 travel fee.
  • “Can you do a Sign & Go tomorrow?”
    In most cases, YES! We are at the mercy of the hours of operation of the Department of Health (Mon - Fri | 9AM - 4PM ), but if you can over to Punchbowl Street and get that certificate I am confident that I can find the time in a day to meet you to make it official! I have completed numerous Sign & Go’s (even Elopements complete with flower crown and bouquet made by me) in less than 24 hours. These types of nuptials are truly my favorite, the spontaneity its exhilarating and I find that all that is left for these couples is the feeling of blissful love!
  • “Can I still have a few friends or family there?”
    ABSOLUTELY And I hope you arm them with your phones to take pictures!
  • “How long does the whole Sign & Go process take?”
    Usually less than 10 minutes! Generally, the whole process from saying hello to signing the paperwork takes less than 10 minutes. This is meant to be a quick and efficient way to get the legal paperwork done.
  • “This Sign & Go is sort of a secret…can you keep it on the down low?”
    ABSOLUTELY! Whether it is just a secret for a few months, or forever I won’t go blasting your photos on the internet (I’m not going to force you to take a selfie with me so I can show the internet I am busy!). I have the luxury of following a lot of you on social media and as a rule I generally wait until YOU post about it before I do. Moreover, I do understand that a Sign & Go has a great potential for secrecy and couples usually disclose whether or not it is a secret before I can even ask!
  • “Can we write our own vows for the Sign & Go ceremony?”
    YES PLEASE! I will always make time for personal vows if you choose to say them at your Sign & Go. I highly encourage you to write something beforehand or I give you the option to speak from your heart during the ceremony. You won’t be charged or penalized for this!
  • “Is there any flexibility with the wording of the script for a Sign & Go?"
    Yes-ish If you would like to add a prayer, a short poem, or something prewritten I am more than okay with adding it in! I have even had couples send me EXACTLY what they wanted me to say. If it is anything more than that, I encourage you to look into my elopement package.
  • “Do I need a wedding planner for a Hawaii elopement?”
    No - Sort Of It really depends on how elaborate your Elopement is! Overall, you will act as your own wedding planner. If you hire me as just the officiant I will make every effort to coordinate with your photographer for location and time specifics. If you'd like a more help - think officiant search party, permit wrangler, and maybe even bouquet scout - I have an additional MOH (Maid of Honor Duties) add on to help! When going with my All Inclusive Package, I take a more in depth approach to the planning process.
  • “How do I choose an elopement photographer?”
    Ultimately it is up to you! Here are some tips: Style Check: Browse websites and social media to find photographers whose style matches your vibe (light & airy, dramatic, documentary, etc.). I work with a variety of photographers and highlight them on my Instagram. Experience Matters: Look for photographers who specialize in elopements and capture stunning Hawaii scenery. Chemistry Counts: Read testimonials and contact a few photographers to see if you click! A good photographer will feel like a friend on your wedding day. If you are looking for an intimate and memorable experience, I have photography and officiant packages with my partner and business and in life that make the whole experience feel like a double date!
  • “What do I wear for a beach elopement? Shoes? No Shoes?”
    That's Up To You! But I always vote a barefoot beach elopement!
  • “Can I have a few guests at my elopement?”
    Up to 10-ish! Anything more is considered a wedding. If you are over 15 individuals I always encourage seeking a more traditional venue for your guests besides the beach. There are many venues that offer budget friendly hourly rates (think hundreds of dollars and not thousands!) for their venue.
  • "How do I apply for a marriage license in Hawaii?”
    It is a 3 Step Process: Step 1: Online Portion - Fill out the marriage license application through the department of health. Step 2: In Person Portion - Schedule an appointment (or walk in) to grab your marriage worksheet. Bring ID to show. Step 3: That's on the Officiant! - We say "I do's," sign the paper, and I file everything online the same day!
  • “Is there any other documentation I will need to obtain a marriage license in Hawaii?”
    Potentially! Until now the only additional paperwork that may be needed is a divorce certificate - ONLY IF IT WAS IN THE LAST 30 DAYS! Don't worry if you got a divorce 1 month+ before your next marriage.
  • “We are an international couple, what other steps do we need to take to make it official in our home country?”
    Check with your home countries embassy website as it varies by each country. Many European countries will require you to obtain an apostille (additional certification). Don't worry, many couples have gone through this additional process without difficulty.
  • "Do we need a rehearsal?"
    MAYBE... If you have a lot of moving elements - ring bearer, flower girl, bridal party - I always suggest having a rehearsal to make sure everyone knows their marks! A wedding takes on aspects of a theater performance and that includes some practice!
  • "Do we need the officiant at the rehearsal?"
    MAYBE... If you are doing everything fairly standard - there isn't a huge need! If you are looking to do something fancy or have special requests it may be helpful to have me there. I have prices my rehearsal at $75 to encourage you to add this element if it will ease some of your fears and stressors leading up to the big day!
  • "Can you also be our wedding planner?"
    Logistically I Cannot Weddings are a huge production and a day-of-coordinator is needed (and honestly a god send!). I cannot be in more than two places at once and I don't think you'd like it very much if I was on a walkie talkie queuing the bridesmaids to walk down the aisle while waiting for you at the altar! My favorite coordinator is Collis Co.
  • "Do you provide your own microphone equipment."
    No - this is usually provided for me through your DJ
couple hugs on the beach after beach elopement with Nicole Van Diver their Oahu Officiant
FILL OUT THE CONTACT FORM BELOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION. 
Oahu Officiant Trademarked Logo
  • Instagram

If you are getting married in less then a week - please reach out ASAP via Text or Call (209)324-0505

©2023 by Oahu Officiant.

bottom of page