Weddings like a dream

For drama, nothing beats a wedding ceremony at the edge of a volcano. Let the lucky couple’s love burn as bright as the molten lava, the locals say.

Not up for that much heat? The Big Island of Hawaii offers an abundance of beautiful tropical gardens, waterfalls and beaches as places to exchange vows. Or renew them.

When the big day comes on the Big Island, the romance of a world-class destination wedding becomes apparent.

The historic Volcano House arranges the weddings on the edge of the quite-lively Kilauea Crater. The inn is located about 40 minutes southwest of Hilo.

Volcano House offers wedding packages in which all of the essentials are provided: flowers, photography and video, wedding cakes, catering and guest accommodations (42 rooms).

The traditional country inn, in operation since 1846, is the only lodging located within the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. It offers dramatic views of the volcano, Mauna Loa Mountain and the park’s forest.

A $50 wedding permit is required for ceremonies within state parks.

Nani Mau Gardens provides a lush natural environment that has embraced many a wedding party. In fact, it’s often been voted the best place to get married on the Big Island.

Nani Mau has 20 acres of gardens dedicated to tropical flowers, orchids and waterfalls. Couples can be married in the gardens, on a covered walkway or in a pavilion. A tree-planting ceremony is a nice touch.

Nani Mau offers a full suite of wedding-day services, including buffets or banquets g for up to 400 guests.

The gardens are just outside Hilo and about 25 miles northeast of the volcanoes park.

More locations for weddings in the Hilo area:

• Lili’uokalani Park and Gardens (city park)
• Akaka Falls State Park
• Punalu’u Black Sand Beach (Beach House)

Getting a marriage license in Hawaii

Getting married on the Big Island is a breeze. All that’s needed is a marriage license — no blood tests or waiting periods.

The man and woman seeking a license must appear before a licensed marriage agent. Driver’s licenses are accepted as identification and proof of age for those 19 and older. A certified copy of the birth certificate is mandated for 18-year-olds.

In Hilo, the marriage license office is located at:
75 Aupuni Street
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 974-6262

There also are independent license agents.

The state of Hawaii marriage license costs $60 and is good for 30 days. The Hawaii wedding application can be downloaded and filled out in advance, but cannot sent to the agent via mail.

The person performing the ceremony must be licensed by the state.

Wedding photographers in the Hilo area include:
R.W. Smith Photography
James Rubio Photography
Walczuk Productions