Best Large Wedding Venues on Kauai
Planning a big celebration on the Garden Isle? Kauai might be known for intimate elopements and small ceremonies, but there are absolutely stunning venues that can accommodate larger weddings too. After photographing dozens of weddings across the island, I've seen firsthand which locations work best for couples wanting to celebrate with all their family and friends.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa
This South Shore resort is probably the most popular choice for large weddings on Kauai, and for good reason. The Grand Hyatt can handle guest lists of 200+ people with multiple ceremony and reception options. Their oceanfront lawn overlooking Shipwrecks Beach creates a dramatic backdrop, while their ballroom works perfectly for indoor receptions. The resort handles all the logistics, which is a huge relief when you're coordinating a big event. From a photography perspective, the variety of locations on property means we can capture different looks throughout your day.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (formerly Princeville Resort)
On the North Shore, this resort offers some of the most spectacular views on the island. The clifftop location overlooking Hanalei Bay and the dramatic mountains creates an absolutely breathtaking ceremony backdrop. While the resort has been through some changes recently, it remains one of the few venues on the North Shore that can handle larger guest counts. The challenge here is weather - the North Shore gets more rain, but when it's clear, the photos are unmatched.
Kauai Beach Resort
This East Side resort offers good value for larger weddings while still providing beautiful ocean views. Their beachfront ceremony site works well for groups up to 150 people, and they have indoor reception options. The location gives you easy access to other parts of the island for photos, and the resort's wedding coordinators are experienced with bigger events.
Private Estate Venues
For couples wanting something more unique, there are several large private estates available for rent on Kauai. These properties often come with stunning ocean or mountain views and can accommodate significant guest counts. The downside is that you'll need to bring in all your own vendors - catering, tables, chairs, sound systems, everything. But if you want a truly personalized celebration, this route gives you complete creative control.
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Park
This North Shore venue stands out as one of Kauai's most unique options for larger weddings, accommodating up to 150 guests across 240 acres of stunning botanical gardens and sculpture park. You'll have multiple ceremony locations to choose from, like the romantic Ka'ula Lagoon with its waterfall backdrop and koi-filled waters, the Seaside Meadow just steps from the sand, or the more intimate Japanese Teahouse and Wild Forest settings. The former founders' residence overlooking Kahili Beach provides elegant reception space with ocean views.
What makes this venue special is the incredible variety. Between the diverse gardens, extensive sculpture collection, and natural settings, I can capture completely different looks throughout your wedding day. The challenge here is typical North Shore weather with higher rain chances, but the venue staff are well-prepared with backup plans for outdoor events.
Waimea Plantation Cottages
This West Side venue offers a unique plantation-era setting that can accommodate larger celebrations. The historic cottages and coconut grove create a charming backdrop that's different from the typical resort setting. The sunset views over Ni'ihau are spectacular, and the property has space for both ceremonies and receptions.
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Things to Consider for Large Kauai Weddings
When planning a big wedding on Kauai, logistics become much more important. Guest accommodations can be challenging since the island doesn't have as many hotel rooms as Oahu or Maui. I always recommend booking venues and hotels well in advance, especially if planning a wedding during peak season.
Transportation is another consideration. Many venues are in remote locations, so arranging shuttles or encouraging ride-sharing helps ensure all your guests arrive safely and on time.
Weather backup plans are essential, especially during rainy season. Most resort venues have indoor options, but if you're choosing a beach or outdoor-only location, make sure you have a solid Plan B.
From a photography standpoint, larger weddings on Kauai often work best when we can take advantage of the island's natural beauty for smaller group photos and couple portraits. The dramatic landscapes that make Kauai special can actually showcase your celebration in ways that aren't possible on more developed islands.
The beauty of having a large wedding on Kauai is that your guests get to experience this incredible island alongside your celebration. Many couples find that their wedding becomes a vacation destination that brings families together in a really special way.
If you're considering a large wedding on Kauai, I'd love to chat about photography and help you think through logistics. Every venue has its own personality and photographic opportunities, and I can share insights about timing, lighting, and locations that will make your big day absolutely perfect!