7 Best Small Wedding Venues on Kauai
There's something magical about tying the knot on Kauai. The Garden Isle offers some of the most breathtaking backdrops for intimate ceremonies you could ever dream of—from pristine beaches to lush, mountain landscapes. If you're planning a small wedding, you're in luck! Kauai is home to some of the most gorgeous, intimate venues that were practically made for celebrating your special day with your closest friends and family.
Hanalei Colony Resort
Nestled on a golden stretch of sand and set against the magnificent mountains of Kauai's North Shore, the Hanalei Colony Resort is perfect for those seeking a secluded ceremony right on the beach. With a capacity for up to 50 guests, their experienced wedding coordinators have earned rave reviews and even a Bride's Choice Award.
What makes this venue special for small weddings is the personalized attention. Their team specializes in intimate ceremonies and can handle everything from basic arrangements to fully customized experiences. The resort's beachfront location means you'll have those stunning North Shore mountains as your backdrop, creating an unforgettable setting that feels miles away from the rest of the world.
Waimea Plantation Cottages
If vintage charm speaks to you, Waimea Plantation Cottages offers a unique venue with historic appeal. One of Kauai's most popular wedding venues, Waimea Plantation Cottages specializes in smaller ceremonies, with couples often exchanging vows under the majestic 100-foot-tall banyan tree. The historic Manager's Cottage is particularly stunning—a 5-bedroom oceanfront craftsman home with 4,300 square feet of space set on a wide green lawn.
For intimate weddings, this venue shines with its versatility. You can have your ceremony under that magnificent banyan tree and then host your reception either al fresco under the stars or under an event tent with a dance floor. It's no wonder this venue has been voted the #1 Wedding Venue on Kauai in Hawaii Magazine's Readers' Choice Awards!
Ko'a Kea Resort on Po'ipu Beach
For couples seeking an intimate getaway, Ko'a Kea Resort offers a luxury wedding experience. This gorgeous resort offers special wedding packages for up to 60 guests that include both the ceremony and dinner reception. You also have options to add welcome cocktails, a farewell brunch, and other events to create a complete wedding weekend experience.
What makes Ko'a Kea perfect for smaller celebrations is the personalized attention and the more exclusive feel compared to larger resorts. The oceanfront setting at Po'ipu Beach provides a stunning backdrop, while the resort's smaller size means your wedding won't feel lost among other resort activities.
Hukilau Lanai
For foodie couples looking for a venue with outstanding cuisine, Hukilau Lanai offers a beautiful private setting. This private banquet room in Kapaa seats between 25 and 75 guests, making it perfect for intimate celebrations focused on great food and warm atmosphere.
The restaurant is known for its elevated Hawaiian cuisine featuring fresh local ingredients. For small weddings, this venue offers the perfect blend of convenient location, exceptional food, and an elegant but relaxed atmosphere—ideal for couples who want to make the dining experience a centerpiece of their celebration.
Smith's Tropical Paradise
For garden lovers, Smith's Gardens provides a lush, flower-filled setting. Would you love to exchange vows surrounded by a vibrant explosion of tropical flowers? Cascading waterfalls and serene koi ponds complete this fairytale setting at Smith's Gardens.
The venue offers a variety of ceremony locations and endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos. This is perfect for couples seeking a colorful, vibrant setting for their wedding day.
Plantation Gardens
Nestled within the Kiahuna Plantation Resort, this hidden gem offers a stunning setting for intimate ceremonies. Plantation Gardens is surrounded by award-winning orchid gardens and peaceful koi ponds, and is just steps away from gorgeous white sand beaches.
The combination of lush gardens and nearby beach access gives couples the best of both worlds—garden ceremony with beach photos afterward. The intimate scale of the gardens makes smaller weddings feel perfectly proportioned in the space.
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Private Vacation Rentals
For the ultimate in personalization and privacy, consider a vacation rental for your intimate ceremony. One option is to rent a vacation rental on the North Shore near Hanalei Bay and have a beachfront sunset ceremony. This arrangement gives you flexibility to be at your leisure, while local wedding planners can transform the location into a personal space for dinner afterward.
What makes this option special for small weddings is the complete privacy and customization it allows. Your entire wedding party can often stay on the property, creating a multi-day celebration rather than just a few hours. With the help of local vendors, these private spaces can be transformed into magical settings for your intimate ceremony.
Kauai offers some of the most spectacular backdrops for small, intimate weddings anywhere in the world.
From beachfront resorts to mountain ranches, historic cottages to luxury hotels, there's a perfect venue for every couple.
The beauty of choosing a smaller venue is the personalized attention and the opportunity to truly enjoy every moment with each of your guests. On Kauai, small doesn't mean compromising on beauty or experience—in fact, an intimate celebration often allows you to appreciate the island's natural splendor even more deeply.