The Ultimate Guide to Kauai Wedding Venues
Rugged emerald mountains, calm shores glowing with golden-hour light, and the scent of plumeria and maile in the air—there’s a reason so many couples dream of getting married in Kauai. The Garden Isle offers a backdrop so spectacular it feels like it was pulled directly out of a movie. But with that incredible beauty comes a challenge: with an endless list of stunning Kauai wedding venues, how do you possibly choose the one that’s perfect for you?
It’s the most exciting—and sometimes most overwhelming—part of the planning process. Do you envision an intimate ceremony with your toes in the sand, or a grand celebration at a luxurious private estate?
After photographing hundreds of love stories all over this wonderful island, I’ve seen firsthand what makes each location unique. I’ve learned the secrets of the light, the best spots for sunset portraits, and the little details that make a venue truly special. And now, I’m sharing all of it with you. Think of this as your insider’s guide to finding the perfect setting for your day—a venue that not only fits your vision but will also look absolutely breathtaking in your photos for years to come.
Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens, Kilauea, Kauai
How to Choose Your Venue: A Photographer's Advice
Before you fall in love with a venue, it helps to look at it through a photographer’s lens. The right location does more than just host your celebration—it shapes the entire look and feel of your wedding photos. As you explore your options, think about these key elements:
Light: The soul of every great photograph. Are you dreaming of that soft, golden glow that only a Kauai sunset can provide? Or does the vibrant, crisp light of early morning, which makes the island’s colors pop, feel more like you? The time of day and the location’s orientation will determine the kind of light you’ll have for your photos.
Backdrop: Kauai offers some of the most diverse scenery in the world. What story do you want your setting to tell? Imagine yourselves exchanging vows before towering sea cliffs, in a lush jungle garden, beside a hidden waterfall, or on a world-famous beach. Each backdrop creates a unique and powerful mood.
Privacy: Consider the level of seclusion you want for your ceremony. A public beach can be breathtakingly beautiful, but may come with onlookers. A private estate or garden, on the other hand, offers an intimate, exclusive experience just for you and your guests.
Guest Count: The number of guests you invite will shape the atmosphere of your day. An intimate gathering allows for quiet, meaningful moments, while a large celebration brings a vibrant, festive energy. Choose a venue that not only fits your guest list, but also enhances the atmosphere you hope to create.
Considering these details from the start will help you find a venue that isn't just beautiful on the day, but one that feels completely and authentically you in your memories for a lifetime.
(To help illustrate the importance of light, here are two pictures taken in the exact same place, shot within 12 hours of each other. Although this is a more extreme case, at almost any venue lighting and timing matter.)
Kauai Venues by Size: From Intimate Elopements to Grand Celebrations
One of the first big decisions you’ll make is your guest list, and in Kauai, the size of your celebration opens up different kinds of magic. Whether you’re planning a quiet affair with your closest loved ones or a grand party under the stars, there’s a perfect venue waiting for you.
For Intimate Weddings (Under 50 Guests)
There is something truly special about a small wedding in Kauai. With a more intimate guest list, the focus shifts to the quiet, meaningful moments you share with your closest family and friends. It also gives you the flexibility to choose from a host of unique, smaller locations that larger parties simply can’t access, from charming private estates to secluded gardens. An intimate guest list opens up a world of possibilities, and we've gathered our absolute favorites in our complete guide.
Read More: 7 Best Small Wedding Venues on Kauai
For Large Weddings (50+ Guests)
If you’re dreaming of a grand celebration with everyone you love, Kauai offers incredible venues designed to host an unforgettable party. These larger locations, from luxurious resorts with all-inclusive convenience to stunning private estates with expansive grounds, give you the space to bring your biggest visions to life without sacrificing that epic Kauai beauty.
Na Pali Coast, Kauai via Captain Andy’s boat charter
Kauai Venues by Type: Beaches, Gardens, and Everything In Between
Beyond the size of your guest list, the type of venue you choose will define the entire atmosphere of your wedding day. Are you dreaming of a classic toes-in-the-sand ceremony, or does the thought of a lush, private garden feel more like you? Let's explore the distinct vibes each style of venue offers.
Private & Non-Beach Venues
While the allure of the coast is undeniable, there’s a different kind of Kauai magic waiting to be discovered just inland. Picture this: saying your vows under the canopy of ancient monkeypod trees, surrounded by the vibrant colors of a tropical botanical garden, or celebrating at an elegant private estate where the only sounds are the laughter of your guests. For couples who crave true privacy and an atmosphere of intimate exclusivity, these hidden gems offer a world all your own, providing stunning backdrops of lush greenery, rustic charm, or timeless elegance that you won't find anywhere else.
Read More: 8 Non-Beach Wedding Venues on Kauai
The Classic Beach Wedding
There’s nothing more iconic than a Hawaiian beach wedding. Imagine exchanging your vows with the gentle sound of waves as your soundtrack and a breathtaking golden sunset as your backdrop. It’s the dream for a reason! This is a perfect option for more intimate gatherings, as state permits for public beaches limit your guest count to 25 people. This makes it an ideal choice for a deeply personal ceremony surrounded by Kauai’s stunning natural beauty. Our main guide covers the top spots across the island, but you can also dive deep into our specific guides for the most popular beaches below.
Read More: 5 Best Beaches to Get Married on Kauai
Learn more about specific beaches:
Private wedding venue on the North Shore of Kauai
The Best of Both Worlds: Kauai's Top Wedding Resorts
What if you want the epic scenery of Kauai without the stress of coordinating every single detail? For many couples, a resort offers the perfect blend of convenience and beauty. These venues provide a seamless, all-in-one experience, combining stunning ceremony locations with guest accommodations and reception spaces, all handled by a dedicated on-site team. To help you find the right fit, it’s best to think about the island in two distinct personalities: the sunny South Shore and the dramatic North Shore.
South Shore Resorts: Sun-Kissed and Serene
Known for its reliably sunny weather and pristine, golden-sand beaches, the South Shore is perfect for couples dreaming of a classic, sun-drenched celebration. The resorts here offer a feeling of relaxed luxury, with beautifully manicured grounds and direct access to some of the island’s most beloved beaches.
North Shore Resorts: Dramatic and Romantic
If your vision includes breathtakingh Shore Kau emeraldai Wedding Resor a wilder, morets post h atmosphere, the North Shore is calling. The resorts in this region are surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, offering a backdrop that is both adventurous and deeply intimate.
McBryde Botanical Gardens, Kalaheo, Kauai
You've Found the Venue, Now Find Your Photographer
Choosing the perfect venue is the foundation of a beautiful wedding day—the canvas on which all your other details will come to life. As a photographer who knows these locations inside and out, I understand the unique magic each one holds: the best spots for golden-hour portraits, the secret corners for quiet moments, and how to capture the epic scale of a Kauai landscape.
Now that you have the inspiration for your dream venue, let's start talking about how to capture it perfectly. If you’re looking for a photographer who tells the story of your day with authentic, beautiful imagery, I’d love to connect. Reach out to me through my contact page to check availability and tell me all about your wedding plans!