Big Island Elopement — Taylor & Matt in Hilo, Hawaii
It was such an honor to capture Taylor and Matt’s intimate Big Island elopement in Hilo, Hawaiʻi. They chose to celebrate their love with a small, heartfelt ceremony at their home, surrounded by lush jungle and their adorable dog. Their day was relaxed, intentional, and beautiful- everything elopements should be.
Why Couples Choose to Elope
More couples are choosing to elope because they want their wedding day to feel intentional, meaningful, and truly their own. Traditional weddings often come with higher costs, long timelines, and expectations that can take away from the experience itself. Eloping allows couples to slow down, focus on their connection, and create a day centered on what matters most — not a schedule or a guest list. Whether it’s exchanging vows somewhere beautiful or simply having space to be present together, elopements offer a low-stress, deeply personal way to get married.
Eloping benefits:
Fewer stresses and expectations
Lower cost overall
A day centered around the two of you
Time to enjoy your surroundings and adventures
A relaxed timeline without rigid schedules
Why Eloping on the Big Island Is So Special
The Big Island of Hawaiʻi offers a remarkable range of natural landscapes that make every elopement unique. Whether you choose Hilo for its lush jungles and waterfalls, or its black sand beaches and cliffs, the island offers endless beauty with minimal planning stress. Each location has its own mood and meaning, but all of them share one thing: a natural backdrop that feels intimate and timeless for your most meaningful moments.
How I Help You Plan Everything
One of the things couples appreciate most about working with me as their Big Island elopement photographer is that I help with more than just photos — I help guide the planning process so you can enjoy your day.
Things I’ll help with:
Choosing the right Hilo or Big Island location for your vision
Understanding permit requirements and obtaining them for you
Creating a flexible, stress-free timeline
Vendor list for officiants, florals, etc.
Capturing the emotions and small moments that matter most
Building in time for exploring and adventure around your ceremony - I’ll share a list of recommended activities and locations around the island with you
Your elopement should feel like you — not like a production. The goal is for your photos to reflect the real moments you experienced.
Planning Your Hilo Elopement
If you’re thinking about eloping on the Big Island — especially in the Hilo area — here are a few tips:
✔ Consider a morning or golden-hour ceremony for the best light
✔ Embrace the island’s weather — the weather can change quickly and it often rains in Hilo so it’s best to be prepared with umbrellas, rainjackets and waterproof bags to keep your things dry. The rain can add a fun touch and uniqueness to your day and it is often reflected in your photos.
✔ Allow time to enjoy the rest of your Hawaiʻi vacation around your ceremony
✔ Keep your timeline flexible to flow with the day. Often couples like to go to a nice lunch or dinner afterward and spend the next days adventuring the island and relaxing. I’ll have a list of possible activities and places to check out to make this easy for you.
Ready to Start Planning Your Hilo Elopement?
If you’re dreaming of a Hilo, Hawaiʻi elopement that feels quiet, meaningful, and uniquely yours, I’d love to help you plan it.
I’m a Big Island elopement photographer based in Hilo, and I specialize in relaxed, editorial imagery that lets your story shine. Reach out here to start planning your elopement and your Hawaiʻi adventure.