When your childhood girlypop gets engaged AND asks you to shoot her engagement photos at the Royal Hawaiian – the only right answer is yes, a THOUSAND TIMES YES. 🪩 Natalia and Greg’s Royal Hawaiian engagement photos were funky, colorful and tropical in the BEST way. I love everything about this iconic Waikiki hotel, pink walls and tropical gardens and archways for DAYS. Add in two people who are playful, a little funky, a little rebellious and SO funnnn to photograph? MY DREAM. If you’ve been hunting for stylish engagement photos that feel fun and a little funky instead of stiff and posed, this one’s for you.
Jump to: Unique engagement photo ideas | Planning a Royal Hawaiian engagement session | Best time of year | FAQ
Friends since we were little girls
Natalia and I have been friends since we were little girls, so getting to photograph her and Greg was a full-circle, heart-bursting kind of moment. She’s an incredible hairstylist (her hair game is ALWAYS on point, as you can see 💁♀️), she’s one of the most wonderful humans I know, and Greg matches her energy perfectly. And the best part? I’m photographing their wedding next February on the Big Island at the Holualoa Inn, so stay tuned, because that one is going to be SO much fun!
A disco ball at the Pink Palace (of course)
These two don’t take themselves too seriously, and the #1 thing they wanted was photos that reflected their fun, HILARIOUS personalities, not stiff poses and matching outfits. They’re the couple that makes everyone in the room laugh, and I wanted every single frame to feel that way. So Natalia showed up in the most fabulous coral tropical print, Greg brought the cool, laid-back patterned shirt energy, and we carried a disco ball around the Royal Hawaiian like it was the most normal thing in the world. It sparkled in the gardens, it sparkled on the stairs, it sparkled on the lawn, and it turned every single photo into a little party ✨ Obsesseddddd.
Pink staircases, archways & palm shadows
The Royal Hawaiian has been the Pink Palace of the Pacific since it opened in 1927, and every corner of that Spanish-Moorish architecture is a STUNNER for photos. We bounced between the pink staircases with palm shadows dancing across the walls, the peach columns and those iconic arched doorways that frame the gardens perfectly. If you love color and texture, there’s no better backdrop in Waikiki.
Rolling around on the lawn (literally)
Next we took over the lawn under the palms, and these two were ALL in, sitting and lying head to head in the grass and kicking off their shoes and laughing the whole time. This is my favorite kind of session, where I give a little direction and then let you two be you, because that’s where the real, candid magic happens.
Monstera, sunnies & bold prints
Natalia’s style is fun and bold, and her Dressed In Lala dress was PERFECT against all that pink and green. This exact one is sold out, but Dressed In Lala is a GOLDMINE for fun, funky, alternative style, so go get lost on their site. If you’re planning your own Royal Hawaiian engagement photos, lean into color! Corals, reds, bold tropical prints and fun accessories like statement sunglasses pop against the pink walls and lush gardens, and the giant monstera leaves make the BEST backdrop for solo portraits. Need more outfit inspo? Here’s my guide on what to wear to your engagement photo session.
Dancing, dips & a little disco
Then came the dance party portion of the session, with spins and dips and high kicks and Natalia holding that disco ball up like a trophy 🏆 With the pink tower peeking through the palms behind them, these are some of the most fun photos I’ve taken all year, and I might be a little biased, but I think they’re top tier.
Stair cuddles & a grand finale under the sign
We wrapped with some cozy (and very silly, see: tongue out 😜) cuddles on the steps, black and white for the win, big laughing hugs in the gardens and one last dance under that iconic Royal Hawaiian sign. The perfect ending for the perfect couple, and I cannot WAITTTT to see what these two bring to their Big Island wedding day 🥹
DETAILS
Location: The Royal Hawaiian, a Luxury Collection Resort, Waikiki
Natalia’s dress: Dressed In Lala | @dressedinlala
Photographer: Chelsea Abril | @chelseaabrilphoto
Unique Engagement Photo Ideas for Funky, Alternative Couples
Not a “hold hands and walk toward the camera” kind of couple? Same. Here are my favorite ways to make your engagement photos feel like YOU:
- Bring a prop with personality – a disco ball, vintage camera, balloons, your favorite snack, whatever makes you two laugh
- Skip the matching outfits – wear bold prints and colors that feel like you, and let them clash a little (Natalia’s Dressed In Lala look is a perfect example)
- Put a twist on a classic location – a historic hotel like the Royal Hawaiian plus a funky vibe = the best kind of contrast
- Get on the ground – sit, lie in the grass, kick off your shoes
- Throw a mini dance party – spins, dips and high kicks make for the most candid photos
- Accessorize – statement sunnies, hats and jewelry add instant personality
- Mix in black and white – it gives funky, colorful sessions a timeless edge
How to Plan Your Royal Hawaiian Engagement Photos
Want your own Pink Palace session? Here’s everything I tell my couples about taking engagement photos at the Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki.
1. Know a little history
The Royal Hawaiian opened on Waikiki Beach in 1927, designed by New York firm Warren & Wetmore in a Spanish-Moorish style, and it’s been a Waikiki icon ever since (it even served as an R&R spot for the military during World War II). That history is a big part of why it photographs like nowhere else on Oahu.
2. My favorite spots for Royal Hawaiian engagement photos
- The entrance + sign – the checkered floor and the Royal Hawaiian sign are pure iconic Waikiki
- The pink staircases – palm shadows across pink walls = chef’s kiss
- The arched doorways – they frame the courtyard gardens perfectly
- The lawns + gardens – palms, monstera and room to dance
- Waikiki Beach – right out front if you want the ocean in your photos too
3. Pick your timing
Waikiki gets BUSY, so early morning is my go-to for softer light and fewer people in the background, and late afternoon light is gorgeous on all that pink too. Plan on about an hour, which gives us plenty of time to hit multiple spots on property without rushing.
4. Check with the hotel first
The Royal Hawaiian is a working resort, so be respectful of guests and check with the hotel ahead of time about professional photography on property, since policies can change.
5. Wear color + bring a prop that’s YOU
Bold colors and prints pop against the pink, and a fun prop makes a session feel personal, whether it’s a disco ball like Natalia and Greg, flowers, a vintage camera or something only the two of you would get. My what to wear guide has more ideas.
6. Make a day of it
Celebrate after with a drink at the hotel’s famous Mai Tai Bar or bring your swimsuit and jump in the water to cool off. There are so many delicious eateries, surf schools, and shops in the waikiki area, theres no shortage of things to do. Want to get out of the hustle bustle? Check out Lanikai on the east side, or find a less crowded beach on the North Shore.
The Best Time of Year for Engagement Photos in Waikiki
Waikiki is hot hot hot year-round, but every season gives something a little different depending on the light and the crowds
Summer (May–September)
The sunniest, driest and warmest time of year, with sunsets around 7:15 p.m. in June. Natalia and Greg’s session was in June, and the gardens were gorgina! Go early to beat the heat and the crowds.
Winter (November–March)
Expect more passing showers, softer light and sunsets right around 6 p.m. Showers usually move through quickly, and you might even score a rainbow 🌈
Spring + fall
My secret favorites! Comfortable temps, fewer crowds than peak summer and holiday travel, and gorgeous light.
Royal Hawaiian Engagement Photos FAQ
Can you take engagement photos at the Royal Hawaiian?
Yes! Natalia and Greg’s session is proof. Be respectful of hotel guests, and check with the hotel ahead of time about professional photography on property, since policies can change.
What’s the best time of day for photos at the Royal Hawaiian?
Early morning for soft light and fewer people, or late afternoon when the light warms up all that pink.
What’s the best time of year for engagement photos in Waikiki?
Any time! Summer is sunniest and driest, winter has more passing showers, and spring and fall are less crowded. See my season-by-season guide above.
What should we wear for Royal Hawaiian engagement photos?
Colors and prints that pop against pink, like corals, reds and bold tropical patterns. Check out my guide on what to wear to your engagement session.
How long is an engagement session?
About an hour is perfect for the Royal Hawaiian. It’s enough time to hit the entrance, staircases, archways and gardens without rushing.
Why is the Royal Hawaiian called the Pink Palace?
Because of its iconic pink facade! The hotel has been known as the Pink Palace of the Pacific since it opened on Waikiki Beach in 1927.
What are some unique engagement photo ideas?
Bring a prop with personality, wear bold prints instead of matching outfits, put a funky twist on a classic location, get on the ground and throw a mini dance party. See my full list of unique engagement photo ideas above!
Can you do alternative engagement photos at a classic hotel like the Royal Hawaiian?
YES, and it’s one of my favorite combos. The Royal Hawaiian’s historic pink architecture makes the perfect contrast for funky, colorful, alternative couples.
Can we bring props to our engagement session?
Absolutely! Props are one of the easiest ways to make your photos feel like YOU. Natalia and Greg brought a disco ball and it was perfection.
What happens if it rains?
Waikiki showers usually pass quickly, and the Royal Hawaiian’s covered walkways and archways make great backup spots while we wait it out.
Where else can you take engagement photos in Waikiki and on Oahu?
Waikiki Beach is right out front, and Oahu is FULL of incredible spots. My guide to getting married on Oahu has tons of location ideas.
Do you photograph weddings on Oahu and the Big Island?
Yes! I photograph weddings and engagements all over Oahu and the Big Island, including Natalia and Greg’s upcoming wedding at the Holualoa Inn. Peek at my favorite Big Island wedding venues.
Oahu Engagement Photographer
Planning your hawaii engagement session and love this vision?Get in touch via the form below and let’s plan something fun 🪩
Want more Hawaii inspo? Read my guide to getting married on Oahu, browse the 14 best Big Island wedding locations or check out this paddleboarding engagement session on Oahu.
