Ceremony area down by the ocean. Perfect for smaller groups of less than 40. For larger groups, there are several other spots around the property to choose from that are equally beautiful.
The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa sits on Poipu's sunny South Shore and offers gardens with ocean views, a ballroom and beachside settings for everything from small elopements to large celebrations. As a Kauai wedding photographer, I've captured weddings at this resort many times over the last few years, and I put this together to help you understand what you need to know about a Grand Hyatt Kauai wedding, from ceremony locations to light and planning tips.
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Where Is the Grand Hyatt Kauai?
The Grand Hyatt Kauai is at 1571 Poipu Road in Koloa, on Kauai's South Shore, which is generally the sunniest and driest part of the island. It sits on Shipwreck Beach, just outside of Koloa Town. It's roughly a 30-minute drive from Lihue Airport.
Grand Hyatt Kauai Wedding Ceremony Locations
The resort offers garden, ballroom and beach-area settings for weddings.
Garden Ceremony Sites. Landscaped gardens with ocean views give you a classic Hawaiian look with tropical greenery and open sky.
Oceanfront Settings. Beach and shoreline-area locations for couples who want sand and surf in the photos.
Ballroom. An indoor option for larger receptions and weather backups.
Capacity. Depending on where you choose to have your ceremony, there are options for groups from 10 to 200 guests.
This first-look in the grass is also another ceremony location available from the resort
Do You Need a Permit to Get Married at the Grand Hyatt Kauai?
Ceremonies on the resort's own grounds are arranged through the resort, but the marriage license is a separate step, and a wedding on a public beach is a different story. I break down the process in my guide to Kauai wedding permits and my post on how to get married in Hawaii.
Can You Bring Your Own Photographer to the Grand Hyatt Kauai?
Yes. I have been hired to work there both through the hotel, as well as by the couple separately, and have been able to work on property after sharing with them my licenses and certifications. If you book me, I'm happy to coordinate with your planner and the resort.
Why Choose the Grand Hyatt Kauai for Your Poipu Wedding?
South Shore sunshine. Poipu is generally the driest and sunniest part of the island, which lowers the chance of a rained-out ceremony.
Gardens with ocean views. The landscaped grounds give you tropical greenery and sea views in the same frame.
Room for larger celebrations. There is space for large guest counts both outdoors and indoors, so it suits a full-scale wedding as well as an elopement.
Everything in one place. Rooms, dining, the ballroom and the wedding team are all on one property, so guests don't have to travel far.
Best Time of Day for Grand Hyatt Kauai Wedding Photos
Late afternoon and sunset: Warm, golden light over the garden and the ocean is the main draw. A ceremony about an hour or two before sunset leaves time for portraits as the sky changes.
Morning: Soft light, calm conditions and fewer people around. Great for a first look and couple portraits.
Midday: Bright and contrasty in photos. Very hot and windy often. If your ceremony has to be midday, I'll look for open shade around the grounds and plan portraits for before or after, but in general I recommend not having ceremonies here anytime between 9:30am and 4:00pm.
South Shore Weather Considerations
Poipu is known for sunshine, but Kauai weather can change quickly and trade winds are common. Showers usually pass fast, and I plan a backup with every couple ahead of time.
Right outside the resort is Shipwreck Beach, which is an amazing location for beach photos
Photography Possibilities at the Grand Hyatt Kauai
The resort gives me a lot to work with, and the variety is what makes it one of my favorite South Shore wedding locations.
Garden portraits with ocean views. Tropical landscaping and open sky make a classic Kauai backdrop for ceremony photos and couple portraits.
Golden hour on the South Shore. Late light over the grounds and the coast gives skin tones a warm glow and the sky room to change color.
Architectural and resort details. The grounds and the ballroom offer texture for detail shots and wider portraits.
Nearby Poipu Beach portraits. Poipu's beaches are close by if you want a few portraits with sand and surf. See my guide to Shipwreck Beach to see what the beach right outside the resort looks like.
Elopement-style sessions. If you're planning a tiny ceremony, I can slow everything down and spend more time on portraits around Poipu. See my elopement photography and wedding photography pages for how I work.
Nearby Places to Stay and Celebrate in Poipu and Koloa
Poipu and Koloa have plenty of restaurants, shops and beaches for a welcome dinner, rehearsal or after-party. For more options, see my guide to Kauai wedding venues and my post on getting married at the Sheraton Kauai Resort, also in Poipu.
Planning Tips for a Grand Hyatt Kauai Wedding
Contact the resort early. Popular dates fill up, so reach out to the wedding team as soon as you have a date in mind.
Ask about package inclusions. Compare what each ceremony package includes, including the weather backup, against the vendors you already want.
Plan around the light. Plan the ceremony roughly an hour to 90 minutes before sunset so there's time for portraits in golden light.
Plan a rain backup. Ask which indoor space is held as the weather plan.
Think about your guests. The resort lists accessibility features and is a 30-minute drive from the airport, which makes it easier for out-of-town guests.
Bring a photographer who knows the South Shore. Someone who's familiar with the light, the weather and the area can make the day feel calmer and the photos better.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Hyatt Kauai Weddings
Can I get married at the Grand Hyatt Kauai? Yes, the resort hosts ceremonies and receptions. Contact the wedding team for current availability.
Do I need a permit? Venue bookings are separate from the marriage license. See my Kauai wedding permits guide for the details.
Can I bring my own photographer? I have been hired by brides directly and have had no issues shooting events at this resort. If you'd like me, contact me here and I'll help coordinate with your planner.
What's the best time of year? The South Shore is generally sunny year-round, but I plan around the season and the light with every couple. Read my guide to getting married in Hawaii for the bigger picture.
What if it rains? I plan a backup with every couple, and the resort's ceremony packages usually include a weather backup.
Are there other beautiful South Shore spots? Yes. Take a look at my post on the Sheraton Kauai Resort or my picks for the best beaches to elope on Kauai.
Ready to Plan Your Grand Hyatt Kauai Wedding?
If you're planning a wedding or elopement at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, I'd love to hear about it. I'll help you shape a photography plan around the light, the weather and the moments that matter most to you.
GETTING MARRIED AT THE GRAND HYATT KAUAI?
I'd love to be a part of your special day. To book my photo services, or to learn more about my services and packages, please contact me through the below button.
