Getting Married at Shipwrecks Beach: Everything You Need to Know
Thinking about tying the knot at Shipwrecks Beach on Kauai? This stunning location on the South Shore is one of the most popular wedding spots for good reason. Shipwrecks Beach offers breathtaking backdrops for your special day. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about getting married at this magical spot.
Where Exactly is Shipwrecks Beach?
Shipwrecks Beach is located in Poipu on the sunny South Shore of Kauai. One of its biggest advantages is that it sits right next to the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa, making it incredibly convenient if you're staying there or have guests who are. The beach got its name from an old wooden shipwreck that used to be visible on the reef, though it's no longer there today.
Why Choose Shipwrecks for Your Kauai Wedding?
I've photographed countless weddings at Shipwrecks, and there are several reasons why couples fall in love with this location:
Accessibility: Unlike some of Kauai's more remote wedding locations, Shipwrecks is easily accessible. This makes it perfect for ceremonies with elderly guests, children, or anyone with mobility concerns.
Diverse Backdrops: Within a small area, you get dramatic cliffs, golden sand, turquoise waters, and lush greenery. This variety makes for absolutely stunning wedding photos without having to travel to multiple locations.
Reliable Weather: The Poipu area receives less rainfall than the North Shore or East Side of Kauai, making it a safer bet for avoiding rain on your wedding day.
Convenience: With the Grand Hyatt right there, you have easy access to accommodations, reception venues, and amenities.
The Logistics
Just like elsewhere in Hawaii, getting married legally at Shipwrecks requires a valid Hawaii marriage license. Here's an in-depth guide for getting your marriage license.
And getting married on the beach requires some specific considerations. Like the fact that you can’t rent or reserve any beaches and you'll need a beach wedding permit from the State of Hawaii if your party exceeds 20 people. Your wedding coordinator or photographer can help with this process. I go over all the details you need to know about getting married on the beach here.
Weather Considerations for Shipwrecks Beach
The south shore of Kauai where Shipwrecks is located is typically drier than other parts of the island. That said, this is still Hawaii, and brief showers can happen any time of year. Here's what you should know:
Dry Season (May-October): Your safest bet for sunny weather, with temperatures around 80-85°F
Rainy Season (November-April): Still plenty of sunshine, but higher chance of showers, with temperatures around 75-80°F
Here’s a more detailed guide for what you can expect from the different Kauai seasons.
Even during the rainy season, showers on the south shore tend to be brief. Always have a backup plan, though—the Grand Hyatt has covered areas that can work for a ceremony if needed.
Pro Tip: The hourly forecast is your friend in Hawaii. Don't trust the daily forecast that might show rain all day when it's really just a brief morning shower.
Best Time of Day for Your Shipwrecks Beach Wedding
For the most magical lighting at Shipwrecks:
Sunrise: For the early birds, sunrise offers soft, golden light and typically fewer beachgoers. The light coming from the east illuminates the cliffs beautifully. Sunrise also has the least amount of wind.
Late Afternoon/Sunset: My personal favorite time for weddings at Shipwrecks. The golden hour light (about 1 hour before sunset) creates a magical glow on the cliffs and sand. Sunset ceremonies with the colorful sky as your backdrop are simply spectacular.
Avoid Midday: Between 10am-3pm, the sun is directly overhead, creating harsh shadows and making everyone squint. It also gets extremely hot. If you must have a midday ceremony, consider the shadier areas near the cliffs.
Nearby Accommodations and Amenities
Having your wedding at Shipwrecks offers fantastic convenience when it comes to accommodations:
Grand Hyatt Kauai: Literally steps away from the beach, this luxury resort offers everything you need—rooms for guests, multiple reception venues, spa services for pre-wedding pampering, and on-site dining.
Poipu Area Rentals: Numerous vacation rentals and condos are available within a short drive, perfect for guests wanting more space or looking to save money.
Other Nearby Resorts: Koloa Landing, Ko'a Kea Hotel, and the Sheraton Kauai are all within a 5-10 minute drive.
For your reception, you have options:
Host at the Grand Hyatt (they have everything from intimate garden settings to grand ballrooms)
Book a private room at nearby restaurants like Merriman's or Beach House Restaurant
Arrange a catered event at your vacation rental (if it allows events)
Photography Possibilities
As a photographer who's shot countless weddings at Shipwrecks, I can tell you the photo opportunities are endless:
The dramatic cliff overlooking the ocean
The long stretch of golden sand
The lithified sandstone formations
The lush greenery surrounding the beach
The nearby Grand Hyatt gardens (with permission)
For the adventurous couple, the cliff provides a stunning backdrop. For those wanting variety, a short walk gives you access to completely different scenes. And if you're staying at the Grand Hyatt, their tropical gardens can provide additional beautiful backdrops with just a short walk from the beach.
Planning Your Shipwrecks Beach Wedding
When planning your wedding at Shipwrecks, here are a few more things to consider:
Timing: Book your date well in advance, especially if you're planning during peak season (June-August, December-January)
Swimming Conditions: Shipwrecks has strong currents and shore break, making it not ideal for swimming. Your guests should be aware of this, especially if they plan to go in the water before or after the ceremony.
Public Beach: Remember that Shipwrecks is a public beach, so there may be onlookers during your ceremony. Weekdays and early mornings tend to be less crowded.
Cliff Jumping: The cliff at Shipwrecks is a popular jumping spot. While this can make for spectacular photos, safety should always be your priority.
Parking: There's a lot near the Grand Hyatt that provides easy access to the beach. For larger weddings, consider arranging transportation from the hotel.
Wind: The beach can get windy, so consider this for your hairstyle, veil, and decorations
Sound: The crashing waves are beautiful but can be loud. If you're having more than a few guests, you might want a microphone setup
Footwear: The sand can be hot, so consider barefoot, sand-friendly shoes, or providing a walkway
Shade: There isn't much natural shade, so for daytime ceremonies, you might want to provide parasols for guests
Getting married at Shipwrecks Beach in Kauai will be nothing short of amazing. The natural beauty of this location creates a magical backdrop for saying "I do" to your special someone. If you're looking for a blend of accessibility, reliable weather, and stunning scenery, Shipwrecks is hard to beat.