Perhaps no place on earth is better suited to an outdoor wedding than the paradise known as Hawaii. Miles of sun-kissed shoreline, golden sands, vast views of islands rising from the sea, flowers blooming in fragrant profusion, tropical lagoons and gardens of vivid green — our Islands offer some of the world's most spectacular and romantic settings.

Surprisingly, much of this natural beauty is available free of charge — or at nominal cost — to wedding parties. Of course, some settings are more secluded than others, which may mean you'll have to share the shoreline (and those first moments of wedded bliss) with other outdoor enthusiasts.

A few things to keep in mind: It's wise to allow a day before your ceremony to visit your planned location to ensure it's picture perfect. If you choose a tropical or mountain locale, ask about the chance of "liquid sunshine" — a.k.a. rain in Hawaii. You may need a back-up plan or covered pavilion so a cloudburst won't dampen your spirits and photo ops. Also, beaches can be blustery and blistering at certain times of day so ask an expert or research thoroughly before your big day.

If you choose a remote location — like a secluded mountain waterfall — you may need to spend more for transportation and travel fees for your officiant and other participants, like musicians or caterer. And don't forget about those rain showers!

Where to turn for help? You can "do it yourself" with thorough research and planning — our guide to the great outdoors is a start — or turn to one of the many wedding planners who provide services throughout the Islands. Most offer weddings from "sweet and simple" to "lavish and luxurious" and everything in between.

HEAVENLY SPOTS ON KAUAI:

BY THE SEA
Poipu Beach
White sand, cool trades and crystal waters make this beach one of Kauai's most popular. Free

Poipu Beach Park
Swaying palms shade two top beaches — Poipu and Brennecke — at this grassy park offering pavilions, picnic tables and restrooms. Free

Mahaulepu Beach
Getting to private, pristine Mahaulepu Beach is an adventure in itself but well worth the effort, since it's large — and largely deserted — with golden sand and striking sea cliffs. Free

Polihale Beach
Known as "home of the spirits" in Hawaiian, this expansive stretch of bright white sand is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and situated in Polihale State Park, on the western Na Pali coastline. Free

Shipwreck Beach
Located on Keoneloa Bay, sunny Shipwreck Beach is one of the larger beaches in Poipu and is bounded by a county park, Poipu Kai Resort and Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort and Spa. Free

Princeville Beach
Situated on the north shore, this white sand beach overlooks "Bali Hai." Free

The Pier at Hanalei
Sunsets, white sand and "Bali Hai" in the background make this an oh-so-romantic setting. Free

North Shore Lighthouse
You'll snap pictures worth a thousand words at this stunning site with extraordinary ocean and cliff views. Free

Kilauea Lighthouse
Overlook Kauai's stunning coastline. Donation


IN THE GARDEN
Kilohana Estate
Imagine a magical garden setting plus a horse and carriage tour of this historic plantation on the south side. Free with dinner

Kukuiolo Gardens
These beautiful gardens on the south side feature ancient rock walls and tropical flowers. $50 fee

Waioli Gardens
This charming and private setting showcases expansive flowering gardens, waterfall views and a 200-year-old missionary home with a white picket fence. Free

Japanese Garden/Kukuiolono Golf Course
This pretty garden features lovely flowers and foliage plus a footbridge. Free

Wailua Tropical Gardens
Step back in time — about 2,000 years — to marry amid this authentic Hawaiian village with lush flowers, peacocks and a pond graced by white swans. Site fee


OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Fern Grotto
Travel by private boat — serenaded by the crew — as you head up the Wailua River to picturesque Fern Grotto for your ceremony. Site fee

Kukui Heiau
One of only a handful of heiau — sacred Hawaiian sites of worship — open for weddings, Kukui is near the mouth of the Wailua River and is especially scenic at daybreak. Free