This sweet elopement on the island of Lanai is one of my absolute favorite days! We had so much fun visiting the Lanai Cat Sanctuary, hiking up a coastal trail, and just taking in the sights of this remote island. Not many think of Lanai when dreaming of a Hawaii elopement, but it’s one island that should definitely be on your list. Not only is Lanai extremely beautiful, but it has this rugged and untouched sense about it. It mixes so interestingly with the absolute luxury of the Lanai Four Seasons Resort. I got a chance to wander the grounds of the resort before meeting with Sandra + Justin and it was one of the most peaceful and gorgeous spaces I’ve experienced. There were wish-list rare plants growing everywhere (amazing for a person who has a house jungle haha) and parrots hanging out on perches enjoying the dappled sunlight streaming in. It’s definitely a perfect spot for a romantic getaway! The whole island is full of unique spots to get away from crowds and have a little adventure.

Lanai Elopement in Hawaii

Sandra + Justin connected in college while studying music, both gifted with a talent for the flute and bassoon respectively. Sandra reached out to me early on when they were planning a Hawaii elopement. I was so excited to see that they were considering two of the more unique island choices and torn between Lanai or Moloka’i. The two had traveled to Hawaii many times to visit Justin’s family who live in the islands and had developed a fondness for this beautiful place, she shared. They just had so many happy memories here including getting engaged in Kona on the Big Island. Since Hawaii was so meaningful to them, the knew it was the elopement location that would be incredibly special. They wanted to explore somewhere new together for their elopement day and that’s why they thought of going to Lanai or Moloka’i. We chatted about locations and Sandra mentioned her love for cats and desire to visit the Lanai Cat Sanctuary so she could pet the hundreds of kitties that call it home. This really sealed idea of a Lanai elopement as the best location for them! In addition, she knew they loved rocky landscapes near the ocean and Lanai is chock full of these types of views. Just look at these amazing coasts with views of Moloka’i in the distance!

Lanai Cat Sanctuary Wedding

The Lanai Cat Sanctuary hosts weddings + eloping couples, allowing them to visit and play with the furry residents. This non-profit is dedicated to doing good for the island of Lanai. It’s really cool how they’ve taken in strays from all over the island in an effort to protect wild birds in a way that is humane and caring. If you love cats, this is definitely one spot that you need to visit! We had a blast laughing at how the cats just wanted to hang out on Sandra’s dress. There are so many of them, all with their own quirky personalities.

There was one little troublemaker who kept following us around as we were capturing Sandra + Justin’s time at the sanctuary. He kept pouncing on her dress, digging in his claws like the lace was a toy. Every time Justin would pick him up, he’d refuse to let go and he’d get a little sassy which led to some good laughs! If you love cats and want to do something unique + fun for your elopement day, think about a Lanai elopement with a visit to the Cat Sanctuary!

Sunset Elopement Ceremony in Hawaii

The best part of a Lanai elopement is the natural beauty that you’ll get to experience with so few around. Exploring the coast of Lanai was also one of the best ways to spend sunset for an elopement day. We had such incredible views the whole way! Seeing the red rock, shrubs, and blues of the sky and ocean felt like being on another planet in some ways. The land on Lanai is just so different from any of the other islands.

Lanai Elopement Planning

A Lanai elopement is super easy to plan when you have a local on your side to help! Living in the islands gives me unique perspective on the best ways to get around, what to see and do, and which locations are best for a Lanai elopement. If you’d like to plan your own elopement on the island of Lanai, get in touch today!

For more elopement inspiration, check out this Maui Road Trip Elopement or Sunrise Elopement on Oahu!

Lanai Elopement Vendors

Florals: Studio Flora Maui
Dress: Made with Love
Officiant: Me 🙂