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September 18, 2018

The Big Island Wedding Venue Guide

The Ultimate Big Island Wedding Venue Guide

How to pick the perfect wedding venue that suits your style

couple married on beach big island photographer

Have you dreamed of getting married in Hawaii?

 A destination wedding on the beach in Hawaii can seem a bit daunting but this Big Island Wedding Guide is here to help simplify your planning and help you choose a venue.

Whether you are considering a  lavish reception under the stars, ringed by tropical palms your wedding is your own can be as grand and elegant as you wish, or as simple as a barefoot ceremony in the sand.

wedding ring in native hawaiian plants

WHY SHOULD I GET MARRIED ON BIG ISLAND?

The Big Island of Hawaii is unlike any other location to get married.

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to two of the world’s greatest mountains, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, 11 of the world’s 13 climate zones, and some of Hawaii’s top beaches, the Big Island of Hawaii has much to offer the spirited traveler. Your wedding guests will thank you, the Island boasts dramatic black lava fields, beautiful beaches, world-renowned golf and spectacular sunsets.

Hawaii bride destination wedding in Hawaii beach

couple standing on rocks makapuu beach

 

IS THE BIG ISLAND THE BEST HAWAII ISLAND FOR MY DESTINATION WEDDING?

If you love the outdoors and adventure and perfect weather then Hawaii is your island to get married on. This guide showcases wedding venues that have lush tropical gardens, rolling green mountains, beach houses, luxury oceanfront resorts, ranch style, historic, and lava fields.

My Big Island Wedding Story

A handful of years ago, I was a bride looking to get married on the Big Island. I had a certain checklist that I wanted but there wasn’t really a handy guide that wasn’t an advertisement. I knew I wanted to get married on the Big Island, But, I wanted to see all the island had to offer. From small historic hidden chapel’s tucked in the mountainside to luxury resorts to the Zen Bed and Breakfasts. I have been to a visited, photographed and created this easy to compare guide to help highlight the attributes of each venue located on Kona side of the Big Island. This guide was created to help sort through all the venues based on cost, vibe and special attributes to help you customize your wedding day.

walking on lava rocks hawaii

 

THE BEST WEDDING VENUES ON BIG ISLAND, HAWAII

Four Seasons Hualalai

four season hualalai big island wedding venue

$$$ Luxury. Customizable. Oceanfront.

Features: Lush tropical Garden, Lava rocks, Sandy Beaches, 5 separate ceremony locations, 3 reception locations, golf cart photo session, eco-friendly, did I say luxury?

See Sky and Reef Photography Full Elopement Four Seasons HERE

 Four Seasons Weddings Inquiry

Map of Four Seasons Hualalai

Anna’s RanchAnna Ranch waimea Big Island wedding venue$      Romantic. Rustic. Tranquil.

Features: non-profit, gives back to the community, historic, where the locals get married mountains, river running through, support artist, cows, stream, garden, plants, mountain biking, not a tourist in sight!

*For the adventurous bride

Guest indoors 70

Outdoor 3oo

Price $1,200 to $1,400

Check out MORE photos at Anna’s Ranch and see Ryan and Eila’s Elopement 

Learn More about Anna’s Ranch Wedding

Map of Anna’s Ranch and Heritage Center

Holualoa InnHolualoa inn wedding venue island hawaii

$$$              High End. Zen. Ocean view.

Features: This is a relaxing private coffee lovers paradise, The venue has breathtaking views, romantic, garden, plants, cows, pineapples and tropical growing around the estate, rich woods, infinity pool, top of the line service.

*You can rent the whole inn out for the wedding!

 

Learn more about Holualoa Inn

76-5932 Mamalahoa Hwy, Holualoa, HI 96725

Private Homes- Kelekeaua Bay

kealakekua bay wedding view big island venue

$$     Customizable. Dolphins. Adventurous.

Yes, you can see dolphins while you are saying your vows! This is a complete DIY wedding, you need to bring all your vendors here but that allows for complete customization.  You and your guests can stay in the luxury oceanfront homes. Many people have the groom and groomsmen in one house and bride and bridesmaid in the second house. There are so many private homes next to each other for rent and all your guests can stay in the bay and walk to your wedding! It is pretty much a fancy beachfront block party!

Check out the FULL WEDDING at these lovely homes at Kelekeaua Bay Here

Rent this home for your wedding at VRBO!

82-6049 Puuhonua Road, Captain Cook, HI

Big Island Waikoloa Beach Resorts

Big Island Waikoloa Beach Resorts venue

$$            Resort. Simple Planning. All-inclusive.

Hilton or Marriot

 Located on the Kohola coast, choose from either the Hilton Waikoloa Village or the Marriot  Waikoloa Beach Resort and Spa.

Features: spa, golf, water sports, relaxation, pools, restaurants, something for everyone!

These hotels offer comprehensive packages with amenities such as wedding cake, custom menus, and décor services PS… (Even with Big Island Wedding Packages you can still request to bring your own photographer!)

 Check out the beach elopement outside Big Island Waikoloa Beach Resort

69-275 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii 96738

Kahuna Ranch

 $    Plantation. Scenic. Ranch

Kahua Ranch is located on the western slope of the Kohala Mountains, 3000 feet above sea level. This 8,500 acres of private ranch land provides a variety of landscapes. From grazing cattle, sheep and horses to vistas of ocean and coastal shoreline, visitors enjoy getting off the beaten path and experiencing what this dynamic ranch has to offer. When you choose to have your wedding at Kahua Ranch, you can expect to be amazed by the sheer natural beauty of the surroundings. The ranch showcases a different side of Hawaii, from the Kehena Rainforest to the Pohakuloa Desert, and more. A casual yet breathtaking wedding is suited for this one-of-a-kind environment, where friends and family admire the lush pastures and bright sunsets together while celebrating a truly precious event. With the rolling hills and the spectacular scenery of the mountains before you, toast to your new union. At nighttime, discover why the Big Island is the best place on earth for stargazing!

Events must end at Midnight

$1,000 to $1,500 for ceremony and reception

Kahuna Ranch Wedding information

59-564 Kohala Mountain Rd, Waimea, HI 96743

The Guide is always being updated with the latest information. Please stay check back in on these locations will be added shortly!

Fairmount Orchid

Fairmont Orchid

1 North Kaniku Drive, Kohala Coast, Hawaii, 96743 

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa

Sheraton Kona Resort & Spa

Puakea Ranch

Puakea Ranch

Lava Lava Beach Clublava lava Beach club Big Island wedding venue

$$ Casual. Toes in the Sand. Food & Drinks.

10 acres of stunning beachfront property on Anaeho’omalu Bay, cottage guests. four beachfront cottages each cottage can accommodate 4 people. catering. This is a great option for a reception location if you would like to have a church wedding. Just outside the wedding venue on the rocks, I took this photo of a turtle. So cool!

*located walking distance from Waikoloa Marriot and HiltonLava Lava Beach Club,

69-1081 Ku’uali’i Pl, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738

Photo-worthy Church’s and Chapel

Big Island Wedding Venue

Hawaii Church Wedding

Why are the so many churches on the Big Island?

After spending some time driving around the Big Island, you will see a LOT of Churchs and Chapels across the Island. Today the work of the numerous missionaries can be found all over the islands. Historic churches of the Big Island can be found from Hanalei to Hilo and everywhere in between. Here are a couple of Big Island must sees church wedding venues:

     ….

St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church

(Painted Lady Church)painted church big island wedding venue

$     Historic. Unique. Hidden Gem, Catholic.

The church is a bit hard to find but that is part of its charm. It is a gorgeous hidden gem located in Captain Cook, just a few mins from the gorgeous Kealakekua Bay. The venue is surrounded by beautiful tropical foliage and is a one of a kind location to get married at.

84-5140 Painted Church Road

call for more information 808-328-2227

Kahikolu Church

Kahikolu Church Big Island Wedding Venue

$   Historic. Tropical Rustic. Religious

If you are not into hotel or tourist than check out this gorgeous historic church Built-in 1833. oldest stone church buildings remaining in the State.

Map of Kahikolu Church

Christ Episcopal Church

Pu'uanahulu Baptist Church Big Island Wedding Venue

$ Historic.

Features stained glass tropical fish windows.

http://www.christchurchkona.com/weddings-at-christ-church-episcopal.html

More Information on Christ Episcopal Church Wedding

81-1004 Konawaena School Rd, Kealakekua, HI 96750

Pu’uanahulu Baptist Church

Pu'uanahulu Baptist Church Big Island wedding Venue

 

MOKUAIKAUA church

Mokuaikau church Big island wedding venue

Oceanfront Historic church located in the heart of Kona

This church was built in 1837!

inside the church, it features koa and ohia wood, both of which are native to Hawaii.

75-5713 Alii Drive Kailua Kona, HI 9674

Kona Hawaii Mormon Temple

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints 

LDS temple Big Island Wedding Venue

$        Religious. Tropical. Centralized location.

Mormon’s rejoice! There is a beautiful Mormon temple located on the Big Island not far from Kailua Kona town center. wedding Temple. Ceremony location only. 

808-331-8504

Learn more at Kona Temple

75-230 Kalani St, Kailua-Kona HI 96740-1833

Hulihe`e Palace

Hulihee historic Big Island wedding venue

$$      Historic. Hawaiian Royalty. Oceanfront

This historic Oceanfront wedding venue was a Hawaiian Royalty vacation home. Inside contains unique and priceless artifacts and treasures of the Hawaiian people. Outside is the Marina where you and your guest can watch boats sail by or even hop on a boat at sunset! It can be a location for a simple ceremony or lavish reception as it provides a peaceful ambiance to celebrate your special day

Guest

 Outdoor Ceremony: 50 guests
Outdoor Reception: 300 guests

Events must end by 10:00PM.

Price $2,500

More information 

75-5718 Ali‘i Drive, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

 

Want to see Sky and Reef Hawaii Weddings, Elopements, and Engagement, vow renewals Photographs? Check out these related articles:

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