Written by our rad team member, Kiersten Roy
Two days filled with sunshine, warm weather, happy tears, and really (really) good food and conversation. My oh my, how do we even find the words for this two-day Kauai beach wedding with Ali & Katie? We must try, because this story deserves to be told!
These two gathered their very favorite people on Kauai for a full weekend celebration. They knew they wanted to get married on the island, but rather than trying to squeeze everything into just one wedding day, they opted for a two-day wedding, so they could fully experience all the big and little moments that mattered most to them. We’re talking a farm-to-table micro wedding at Common Ground, a visit to one of Ali’s most meaningful beaches, and a sunset at Tunnels Beach that we’re still not over. Keep reading to see the highlights from this incredible wedding in Kauai, Hawaii.
Meet Ali & Katie: The Stars of This Kauai Beach Wedding
When Ali and Katie first came to us, their vision was pretty simple. Kauai was a special place for them, so they were already set on getting married here and bringing their closest friends along for the adventure. They were planning a much bigger reception with their extended family and friends back home in Texas, so this celebration was all about creating an experience for the friends on the island.
And what an experience they created! Their friends came along for a whole week of island adventures, including whale watching before the wedding (um, yes please!).
Day One: A Farm-to-Table Micro Wedding at Common Ground
Finding the right spot for their celebration took a little exploring of its own. Ali and Katie had considered renting an Airbnb or buying out a restaurant, but both options came with their own set of logistics. (If you’re considering an Airbnb for your own celebration, we’ve got some thoughts on whether you can elope at an Airbnb.) They wanted somewhere their friends could gather comfortably, with incredible food and a setting that highlighted Kauai’s relaxed atmosphere, not just traditional wedding venue with a pretty view.
Enter Common Ground!
A working farm surrounded by lush scenery, Common Ground was the perfect fit. The outdoor space gave everyone room to gather, while the locally sourced food and craft cocktails made the meal feel like an experience in itself. It had the relaxed, Kauai feel Ali and Katie were looking for, without sacrificing any of the details that made their celebration special.
And they really did think about those details. Ali and Katie spent hours putting together a playlist for the evening, and at each guest’s place setting was a handwritten note from the brides. They even had temporary tattoos made featuring the two brides (and yes, you better believe we joined in on that one).
When it came time for the ceremony, Ali and Katie asked a friend to officiate, making the moment feel even more personal. As they walked down the aisle hand in hand, their friends cheered them on and quite literally jumped up and down with excitement.
After they became officially official, everyone gathered beneath the string lights for a meal we’re all still dreaming about. Good food, craft cocktails, their favorite people all in one place… it’s safe to say day one of their Kauai beach wedding was off to a great start!
Day Two: An Epic Sunset at Tunnels Beach
The next day, we met up again for another round of Kauai adventures. After stopping at a favorite local coffee shop, we made our way through the lush landscape before heading to Tunnels Beach for our sunset adventure.
We arrived a little early, so we parked ourselves in the sand and talked. And talked. And talked.
Then the sunset happened, and WOW. The sky lit up over the ocean, the mountains stood tall in the distance, and we were all just sitting there taking it in. (You’ll understand when you see the photos.)
As we made our way back to the truck in the moonlight, Kass (their incredible videographer) and I (Mollie) were getting a little emo about the day being over. Obviously, the only reasonable solution was to keep the party going, so off to dinner we went, where we ended up closing down the restaurant.
There’s a reason we tell stories through photos more than words, but hopefully you caught a glimpse of how incredibly special these two are. Ali and Katie, thank you for letting us be part of your adventure. Love y’all to the Kauai rainbows and back!
Still figuring out where on the island to exchange vows? We’ve rounded up our favorite Kauai elopement locations to help you find a spot that feels right for you.
3 Tips to Help You Plan Your Own Hawaii Beach Wedding
Ali and Katie knew they wanted to bring their friends to Kauai and give everyone a chance to experience the island together. They were so intentional about their choices, and having a clear vision shaped everything from their venue choice to the way they split their celebration across two days.
Here are a few things to think about as you plan your own adventure.
Choose a venue that fits your vision.
Not every intimate wedding needs a traditional venue, but if you’re bringing guests along, having a comfortable gathering space can make a huge difference.
An Airbnb might sound like an easy option, but you’ll need to confirm that events are permitted and account for rentals, catering, and other logistics. Restaurants can be great, too, although minimum spending requirements and shared spaces might not give you the atmosphere you’re looking for.
For couples planning a beach wedding in Kauai, a spot like Common Ground offers a beautiful middle ground. You get an immersive island experience with space for everyone to gather, without having to coordinate every single element yourself.
We’ve spent years photographing weddings on Kauai and have built relationships with local vendors who help us connect couples with options that fit their plans. Whether you’re imagining a farm-to-table dinner, a relaxed gathering with your favorite people, or a ceremony followed by an evening on the beach, we can help you figure it all out.
Give Yourself More Time Than You Think You Need
Ali and Katie initially booked us for one day, but as we worked through their plans, it became clear that fitting everything into a single day would leave very little room to slow down and enjoy it.
Adding a second day changed the experience completely. They could celebrate with their friends at Common Ground, then spend another evening exploring the north shore and watching the sunset at Tunnels Beach.
If you’re planning a Hawaii beach elopement or micro wedding, consider whether splitting your plans across two days would give you more freedom. Maybe one day is for celebrating with your guests, and another is for exploring the coastline together. Or perhaps you’d rather spend a full day hiking, swimming, and finding your favorite corners of the island (we support all the options!).
You don’t have to do everything, and you definitely don’t have to rush. We’ll help you build a timeline around your priorities, travel times, and the conditions of the locations you’re visiting, while being mindful of the places we’re lucky enough to explore.
Want to see what our different packages look like in action? Visit our comparison guide to learn more about what each of our photography experiences have to offer.
Make the Experience Personal
You don’t need elaborate decor or a jam-packed itinerary to create a meaningful wedding. Ali and Katie’s handwritten letters, personal vows, friend-led ceremony, and carefully curated playlist all reflected the relationships they wanted to celebrate.
Think about the little things that make you feel connected to each other and your favorite people. Maybe it’s revisiting a meaningful beach, sharing a meal made with local ingredients, or leaving plenty of time to sit in the sand and talk.
Those choices are what turn a beautiful destination into an experience that feels like yours.
Feeling excited about Kauai? There are a few more logistics to think through when you’re planning a wedding on the island, from choosing your ceremony location to figuring out the local requirements. Our guide on how to elope in Kauai walks you through the details.
What You Need to Know About Hawaii Beach Wedding Packages
If you’re dreaming about a full day of exploring one (or, let’s be real, a few) of Kauai’s incredible beaches, both our full-day and our two-day elopement packages give you the space to build an experience around the places and moments that matter to you.
Ali and Katie’s celebration is a great example of what becomes possible when you give yourselves room to explore. Their two days included a farm-to-table celebration, a meaningful beach visit, and one seriously unforgettable sunset, without having to race from one thing to the next.
We’ll help you figure out how much coverage makes sense for your plans, locations, and guest count, so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying your adventure.
Explore our elopement packages to see what’s possible. And if you’re ready to start dreaming up your own Hawaii beach wedding, get in touch with us and let’s talk about it!
Meet Your Kauai Beach Wedding Photographers
We feel most at home outdoors, so it’s no surprise that we love getting to photograph adventures in places like Kauai. When you work with Between the Pine, you’re getting more than someone to take photos. We’re here to help you figure out the logistics, find the right locations, and build an experience that feels like you.
We’ve spent years exploring the Pacific Northwest and photographing weddings in mountains, forests, lakes, and along the coastline. We’ve also spent years working on Kauai, building relationships with local vendors and learning how to help couples make the most of their time on the island.
If you’re dreaming about a Hawaii beach elopement or an intimate wedding with your favorite people, we’re stoked to hear what you’re planning!
Meet the Between the Pine team and inquire about availability for your Hawaii elopement. We can’t wait to hear what you’re dreaming up!
Meet the Dream Team From This Kauai Beach Wedding
Photographer: Between the Pine
Videography: Kassidy Sherburne
Hair & Makeup: The Artists Co.
Florals: Kealoha Flowers Kauai
Venue: Common Ground
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