* Ke'e Beach (photo)
At the base of Mt Makana (Bali Hai) this is an exquisite wedding location in early morning or sunset. This location is often crowded except very early and very late in the day. It's also a long drive back to your lodging. A short walk east on the beach, takes you to the point pictured, with a nice view of Na Pali coastline. An 8am wedding would treat you to a gorgeous view of the Napali Coastline, with very few if any visitors on the beach.

* Haena Beach Park - Cannons Reef (Surf Spot) (photo makai) (photo mauka)
Spectacular views via a short trail off Kuhio Hwy for very small intimate beach ceremonies. Nice for morning or evening.

* Haena Beach Park - Tunnels (Makua) Beach (photo)
Drive right up to Haena Beach Park or walk toward Tunnels for stunning backdrop for your wedding. Early morning offers the best views of the mountains, and fewer visitors on the beach, for an amazing scenic wedding spot.

* Lumahai Beach (photo) NOTE: This location is only available for weddings Memorial Day - Labor Day
Drive right up to the far west end or hike down to the more famous east end of this picturesque beach.
Beautiful anytime, but especially in early morning. Available summer months only (June, July, August)

Hanalei Beach or on the Pier
Beautiful location for wedding just after dawn or just before sunset, especially if there is a promise of a full Hanalei Moon. The pier is often our rainy day back up for photos, if it's raining too hard for the photographers to shoot on the beach.

Hanalei Bay Resort
Gorgeous setting, gazebo and landscaped grounds with a view of Bali Hai. Site fee and coordination is mandatory.

* Princeville Beach (Pu'u Poa Beach) (Photo - Kamani Cove) (Photo - toward the east and toward Hanalei Bay)
The beach below the Princeville St. Regis Hotel and the Hanalei Bay Resort offers a picturesque view of "Bali Hai."

* Hideaways Beach (Pali Ke Kua) Photo
The beach alongside the Pali Ke Kua Condominiums has a very private feel with an awesome view of the Bali Hai mountains and Hanalei Bay. Similar view as Kamani Cove, but more spacious beach. Best Pick for guests of Pali Ke Kua Condominiums.

Various Hanalei Vacation Rental Homes Here is a sampling of large and small vacation rentals that can make a nice setting for a garden wedding or indoor setting for smaller weddings.

* Secret Beach (Photo looking toward lighthouse)
There is a steep trail leading to this gorgeous beach. Suitable for athletic couples, casual beach wedding early morning or pre-sunset. This beach offers a view of the Kilauea Lighthouse. (Photos taken by Charlie Grotsky: Secret Beach Wedding, Lighthouse as seen from Secret.)

Dali Hale, a large upscale private vacation rental property, accommodating up to 18 people, can be used for your wedding location. Overlooking Secret Beach.

Kilauea Lighthouse
Get married with a view of Secret Beach in the background. Donation is suggested for wildlife sanctuary.

Na Aina Kai Botanical Gardens
Several locations at this one venue. See Website for site fee. They only work with wedding coordinators.

* Anini Beach (Photo in rocks) (Photo of palms)
Beautiful and convenient, with parking roadside, just walk across the grassy field down to the beach. Restrooms, shelter, play area for kids, safe swimming for an after wedding picnic. Past the public park, there are more private picturesque and tranquil spots just perfect for a quiet intimate ceremony.

Kalihiwai - Mia Huna Vacation Rental (Photo of recent wedding)
Two homes for rent, one with lovely bluff overlooking the ocean gorgeous grounds for reception and photos..

Kauai Waterfall Weddings
On the north shore on the Kalihwai River. Site fee.

Kauai Lakeside is a private vacation retreat that allows weddings on their property.

* Larsens Beach (Photo of south end of beach)
Good for pre-sunset weddings or post sunrise weddings! Large beach, lots of privacy.

Moloa'a Beach (Photo of north end of beach)
Very handy if you are staying in one of the vacation rentals in the area. Uncrowded beach most of the day.

* Anahola Beach (Photo of tranquil spot on north end of beach)
This is a beautiful ribbon of sand along the bay. Best for early morning weddings, at low tide, watching the sunrise.
Very easy to park 10 ft away from the ceremony spot - beautiful views either direction. Check Tides for your Day

East Side and Lihue Wedding Locations:

Kauai Coast Resort at the Beachboy (Photo coming)
Reasonable site fee on their grounds, use of banquet room for reception, poolside bar for pre-wedding gathering, very relaxed and beautiful atmosphere.

Papaloa Cove (photo looking south) (photo looking north)
Picturesque setting on the Coconut Coast at the northern edge of Wailua Beach, below Wailua Bay View
condominiums or Hale Awapuhi. Drive right up to the beach or use the beach access trail.

Smith's Tropical Paradise in Wailua
The grounds here are huge and beautiful. Semi private location with lots of photo ops. Site fee $250.

* Keahua Arboretum (Photo)
The arboretum offers some beautiful natural settings, alongside a babbling stream, with grassy meadows, mountain view, trees and covered picnic shelters. The surrounding area also offers hiking trails, such as the Kuilau Trail, which has a picnic shelter about a mile up and a nice vista point that can make a dramatic backdrop for a nature lover's wedding.

Secret Falls Wedding (Ulu'wehi Falls) (Photo of smaller less crowded falls)
We can arrange for outrigger canoes departing from Kamokila Village and paddle, then hike, to this soothing and tranquil spot. There is a cost involved in renting the kayaks, depending on the number in your party. You will also get wet and muddy - for the adventurous only!

*Lydgate Park (Photo of point by Kaha Lani Condos)
Convenient for guests at Aloha Beach Resort and Kaha Lani. Restrooms, walking trail, playground. Great location for Sunrise or Twilight weddings.

Nukolii Beach (Photo coming)
Convenient for those staying at Kauai Beach Resort or drive up and park on the sand at this usually secluded beach. Photographs can include the Anahola Mountains in the background.

Kalapaki Beach (Photo coming)
The beach in front of the Marriott is a convenient wedding location for couples staying there. We usually go to the East side of the beach for more privacy.

Kilohana Estate Gardens
Have your wedding night dinner at Gaylord's restaurant and use the Kilohana grounds for your wedding, complete with horse and carriage tour. There is a site fee, but I've also heard it's free with dinner.

South Side Kauai Wedding Locations:

Poipu Beach Park
Grassy area, golden sand, picnic shelters, tables, restrooms. Too crowded in afternoon, evening. Less crowded early morning. How about a wedding just after dawn?

Kiahuna Beach at Poipu
This is the beach that fronts the Sheraton Hotel and Kiahuna Plantation. Crowded at times, but very nice at sunset. If you are staying there, it is very convenient. Also near the Plantation Gardens Restaurant, if you're dining there.

*Shipwreck Beach photo
Located near Poipu Kai Resort and Hyatt Regency Kauai Resort, this is a convenient and popular beach wedding location.
Besides the main beach, there is a little pocket of sand above the beach that I like. Photo

* Mahaulepu Beaches Gillins Beach Kawailoa Beach, Haula Beach, Craggy Cliffs overlooking the Sea , tiny cove
If you don't mind a bumpy dirt road ending in a dirt parking lot, then a short flat trail to the beach, this is a gorgeous private setting on the South side for a morning or sunset wedding. If you are slightly adventurous and want a beautiful, uncrowded spot, there are are many spots to choose from.. high on a lithified cliff overlooking the ocean or on a secluded beach.

Moir Gardens at Plantations Gardens Restaurant (photo 1) (photo 2)
At Kiahuna Plantation in Poipu, just across the street from the beach, Plantation Garden Restaurant garden has lovely gardens and, private grassy areas, miniature fish ponds for a small wedding. There are also private areas on the sheltered porches. $100.00 site fee, sometimes waived with your wedding dinner at Plantation Gardens. I can put you in touch with the contact person. I can e-mail you photos of this location.

Poipu Beach fronting the Sheraton & Kiahuna Plantation Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3
While this is a crowded well populated beach most of the day, there are some spots that afford some privacy and a beautiful setting. For parties staying in the condos or hotels along the Poipu Beach Strip, this is a convenient spot, especially if eating at Plantation Gardens afterwards. (Might be less crowded early in the morning, but if you don't mind a few people around, sunset is also very nice!)

Baby Beach Photo 1 Photo 2
Tucked between some oceanfront homes, Baby Beach offers a somewhat private setting with a beautiful view of the ocean, palm trees, and a hint of sunset. Being close to the Beach House Restaurant, it's a popular wedding spot.

Beach House Restaurant in Poipu/Koloa
The Beach House Restaurant can reserve a portion of their lawn for your ceremony and offer a cocktail hour and dinner to celebrate afterwards. Site fee and coordination... see
http://www.the-beach-house.com/parties.html

Lawai Beach
Also near the Beach House Restaurant, the beach in front of the Lawai Beach Resorts, makes a beautiful and intimate setting for watching the sun set. Because crowds often gather at sunset at this location, you might consider watching the sunset together, then having a small intimate ceremony just after dark, in the twilight hour.

* Lawai Waterfall
There is a waterfall I know of, but am keeping the location a secret. We can discuss this option.

West Side Kauai Wedding Locations:

* Japanese Garden at the Kukuiolono Golf Course photo coming soon
A pretty park setting for your wedding. Dependable weather. Less windy than a beach setting and on the dry side of the island. Free or sometimes a $50 to $150 site fee, depending on size of party.

Waimea Plantation Cottages in Waimea
This resort is perfect for your wedding getaway, with a wedding coordinator on site, salon and spa on property, and the best chance for dry sunny days on the island! Please contact the resort for more information, but do let them know you'd like to substitute your own officiant, me of course!

* Kalalau Valley Lookout in Kokee (photo)
This is on State Land, requiring a permit, just like the beaches, but is a breathtaking view. This is about 20 miles up from the highway from Waimea, but is a gorgeous spot for a quiet naturally spiritual ceremony.

Polihale Beach Photo
This is as far as the road can take you on the west side of Kauai. If Polihale Beach has special significance for you, this is an uncrowded beach for a sunset wedding. Very long bumpy road to get to it. It's a dark ride back, so a morning or pre-sunset wedding is best.

Other non-traditional wedding locations on Kauai

Rent a vacation rental home on Kauai and ask the owner if you can have your wedding there and/or your reception. I can tell you about some of the homes that other couples have rented for their wedding. Sometimes it's more economical to rent a house that sleeps 10 than renting 5 hotel rooms for the week, plus then you get your wedding and reception venue included in the price.

Activity Weddings: Get married on a boat, or hike to a scenic vista, or say your vows above Kauai in a helicopter or airplane! How about atop air mattresses in a calm bay? Your imagination is the limit!

Julie Wirtz, Kauai Wedding Officiant
State of Hawaii License to perform marriages # 05-1071
Please e-mail me to see if I will be available on Kauai for your wedding in 2009.