Updated September 2026
St. Augustine by the Sea is the only Catholic church in Waikiki and one of the most requested ceremony venues for destination couples getting married on Oahu. The church sits just off Kalākaua Avenue, directly across from Waikiki Beach, and its mid-century A-frame design, colorful stained-glass windows, and beachfront location make it a strong option for couples who want a traditional Catholic ceremony with easy access to sunset portraits afterward.
The church follows strict Catholic requirements, so you’ll need to plan well in advance. Here’s what you need to know before booking your wedding at St. Augustine Church Oahu.
- Address: 130 ʻŌhua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815
- Website: https://www.staugustinebythesea.com/
- Phone: (808) 923-7024
- Wedding Inquiries: weddings@staugustinebythesea.com
Wedding Requirements
Because St. Augustine is a Roman Catholic parish under the Diocese of Honolulu, couples must meet specific religious and documentation requirements before confirming a date.
At least one person must be a baptized Catholic. The church requires a Baptismal Certificate issued within 12 months of the wedding date and a Confirmation Certificate. Baptized non-Catholics should also provide a copy of their Baptism Certificate.
If either person was previously married, even in a civil ceremony, you must obtain a Decree of Nullity (formal annulment) from a Catholic Diocesan Tribunal before the church will proceed. For interfaith couples, the Catholic partner must sign a declaration stating their intent to remain Catholic and raise children in the faith.
All couples must complete a marriage preparation program, including meetings with the parish wedding coordinator and either an Engaged Encounter Weekend or a similar program. Hawaii residents also complete a FOCCUS assessment. Register for preparation at least four months before the wedding.
The church requires a minimum of 10 months of lead time. Start early, especially if you’re coordinating from the mainland or overseas. The church communicates directly with the couple only — not with family members or outside wedding planners.
For full details, download the church’s 2026–2027 Wedding Guidebook PDF or submit a Wedding Inquiry Form.
Photo by Blessed Creatives
Wedding Fees
St. Augustine’s 2026–2027 fee structure:
|
Item |
Fee |
|
Wedding deposit (to secure date and time) |
$750 |
|
Final payment (due by rehearsal) |
$1,250 |
|
Priest offering (due at rehearsal) |
$200 |
|
Musician/Cantor (due at rehearsal) |
$250 |
|
Total |
$2,450 |
Credit card payments may include a processing fee. Couples outside the U.S. must mail a check or money order in U.S. dollars.
You’ll also need a Hawaii marriage license, which costs $65 (cash only) through the Hawaii Department of Health. You can apply online or request an in-person appointment. Register at least 30 days before your wedding date.
For help budgeting the rest of your wedding day, see our guide on tipping your wedding vendors.
Last verified: September 2026 via the church’s official 2026–2027 Wedding Guidebook.
Wedding Day Schedule
St. Augustine holds weddings Monday through Saturday at three set times:
|
Ceremony Start |
Church Opens |
Church Cleared By |
|
9:00 AM |
8:30 AM |
10:30 AM |
|
11:30 AM |
11:00 AM |
12:30 PM |
|
2:00 PM (1:30 PM Saturdays) |
1:00 PM |
3:00 PM |
Each couple gets roughly two hours total for guest arrival, the ceremony, and post-ceremony photos. The church runs a tight schedule, so if the wedding party arrives late, the priest may reschedule.
Ceremonies can follow a simple Rite (without Mass) or a full Nuptial Mass. The church accommodates Filipino and Spanish cultural adaptations (veil, cord, coins) with coordinator approval.
Décor rules: Fresh flowers and live greenery only. Nothing taped, stapled, or pinned to pews or walls. No aisle runners, rice, birdseed, or confetti. Your florist may arrive approximately 30 minutes before the start of your wedding time.
Music: The church’s music coordinator handles all wedding music. Outside musicians are not permitted, and secular music is not allowed.
Photo by Blessed Creatives
Photography and Videography Rules
St. Augustine enforces strict photography guidelines during the ceremony. Make sure your photographer understands these before the wedding day:
- Photographers must stay discreet and cannot enter the sanctuary (carpeted altar area) at any time
- Flash photography is not allowed
- Livestreaming is permitted, but the couple handles logistics
- Microphones for the priest, bride, and groom are allowed with advance notice
After the ceremony, couples have limited time for portraits inside the church before the space clears. Build your portrait timeline around the schedule above.
Best Photo Locations Near St. Augustine Church
The church’s A-frame exterior and ribbed concrete details create a dramatic architectural backdrop for couple and group portraits. Inside, the stained-glass windows cast vivid, colorful light that works well for detail shots and artistic portraits, especially since flash isn’t an option.
Waikiki Beach is directly across the street, so transitioning from formal church photos to relaxed sunset portraits takes minutes, not a long drive. For couples with a 2:00 PM ceremony, the timing lines up well with golden hour
For a quieter setting, Kahala Beach is a short drive away and offers palm trees with less foot traffic.
Many couples pair their St. Augustine ceremony with a reception at a nearby Waikiki hotel.
Photo by Blessed Creatives
Book Your St. Augustine Church Wedding Photography
A wedding at St. Augustine requires a photographer who understands church rules, works quietly during the ceremony, and knows how to use available light without flash. Just as important, your photographer needs to maximize the limited portrait time before the church clears.
We photograph weddings across Oahu and specialize in working within church guidelines while capturing the emotion and beauty of the day. If you’re planning a wedding at St. Augustine Church, contact us to start the conversation.
