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 THE BIG ISLAND:

BY THE SEA
Kukio Beach
Adjacent to Four Seasons Hualalai, this beautiful beach has lovely landscaping and truly amazing sunsets. Free

Hapuna Beach
This long stretch of beach is an island favorite so it's usually busy until late afternoon. Beware brisk winds at times. Free

Anaeho'omalu Beach, Waikaloa
This Kohala Coast beach is one of the Big Island's best — white sand, whales and stunning sunsets — and was once a gathering ground for Hawaiian royalty. Quieter early mornings and evenings. Free

Manini Beach, Kealakekua Bay
Captain Cook's Monument marks this historic spot blessed with blue waters, breaking waves, a palm grove and great sunsets. Free

Old Kona Airport State Park
This lovely stretch of sand — just 2 minutes from Kona — nearly secluded at sunset and a picture perfect setting for wedding photos. Free

Punaluu Black Sand Beach
Looking for a dramatic backdrop for your wedding day? Share the black sands with sea turtles in this stunning site. Free

Richardson Ocean Park/Leleiwa Beach Park
Considered Hilo's best beach park, this popular stretch of sand framed by trees has covered pavilions, restroom facilities and easy access to the ocean. Free

IN THE GARDEN
Kona Outdoor Circle
This shady, landscaped setting is especially suited to formal and mid-day weddings and has a nearby beach park perfect for sunset photos. Call for prices

OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park
This special, spiritual place, also known as the Place of Refuge, is the true essence of old Hawaii and located about 30 mile south of Kailua-Kona. $50 permit fee

Waipio Valley
Imagine your own private perch overlooking lovely Waipio Valley, a spectacular setting if a bit wet and windblown at times. No site charge with vacation rental

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park
Close to Kailua-Kona, this pretty and popular beach — frequented by Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles — is usually quiet at sunset. $50 permit

Volcano National Park
It would be hard to top the excitement of this experience in secluded woods overlooking Kilauea, the world' most active volcano. $75 permit

Bird Park
Just across from Volcano National Park, this quiet, natural setting is a sanctuary for sweet-singing island birds. Free

Akaka Waterfall
These shimmering falls, located in North Hilo, form a beautiful backdrop for wedding vows and pictures. $75 permit