The Garden Isle, with towering green mountains and miles of golden sand, is one of the most picturesque destination wedding locations. If you’re considering Hawaii for your wedding and wonder about the best time to plan, where to host the ceremony, reception venues, or even where to reserve your guest rooms and suites, we’ve got you covered.
As a local company with years of experience helping guests plan perfect Kauai vacations, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your Big Day. Check out our resources and get ready to say I Do to a Kauai wedding that’s sure to wow everyone!
In This Article:
- Best Time to Plan a Wedding in Poipu
- Where to Get Married on Kauai
- Kauai Wedding Reception Venues
- Things to Consider as You Plan
- Beach Rules for Wedding Ceremonies
- Best Wedding Party Lodging in Poipu
Best Time to Plan a Wedding in Poipu
While every day is paradise when you’re in Hawaii, some months have their benefits over others. Here’s a breakdown of key timeframes so you can choose the best option for your Kauai wedding.
Shoulder Season
- When: Mid-April to early June and September to mid-November.
Shoulder season means fewer tourists, lower accommodation rates, and warm, dry weather. It’s the best chance for a sunny ceremony, and the potential to have a beach or garden wedding without too much commotion from nearby crowds.
Peak Season
- When: Mid-June through mid-August and December through April
People flock to the island for summer vacations and in winter to see the whales and escape the cold. This season means you’ll have the largest variety of venues, vendors, and accommodations available, but the trade-off is they’ll likely cost more and be harder to book due to demand.
Rainy Season
- When: November through March
If you’re leaning toward a winter wedding, Poipu Beach on the South Shore is the best choice. North Shore locations receive much more rain this time of year.
Where to Get Married on Kauai
You can get really creative when planning a wedding on Kauai. Beaches, botanical gardens, and even the outdoor areas at your resort are all viable options. There are also chapels, event spaces, and restaurants. Check out Pinterest or TikTok for inspiration, and first decide:
- What’s the backdrop? Ocean, Mountains, Waterfalls?
- Is this a large or small ceremony?
- Indoor or Outdoor?
Once you’ve narrowed down those logistics, you can fine-tune your search to venues that will meet all your requirements. Some of our favorite wedding venues near Poipu Beach are:
Waimea Plantation Cottages – Historic charm, perfect for small ceremonies. Great outdoor space with views of the ocean and ancient banyan trees.
Ko’a Kea Resort – Wedding packages for up to 60 guests—includes ceremony and reception, plus optional add-ons. Highly customizable packages and beautiful indoor or oceanfront settings. Pictures in the resort gardens are also stunning.
Smith’s Kauai – Perfect for those who want lush backdrops of ferns and vibrant flowers. This verdant venue embodies everything we love about the Garden Isle. Best for elopements and very small ceremonies or vow renewal celebrations.
The Beach House Restaurant – For brides who are going all out, this exceptional oceanfront restaurant accommodates up to 300 guests. Enjoy indoor and outdoor spaces, great food, and direct beach access. It’s a spectacular South Shore venue near Poipu
Poipu Kai Resort – Our overall favorite has to be this all-in-one dream. Poipu Kai Resort has a full-service wedding concierge who will help you plan every detail. Their villas offer incredible wedding party lodging options. The grounds are beautiful, it’s close to the beach, and has great locations for your reception. You can’t go wrong!
Kauai Wedding Reception Venues
Some couples may opt for a very small ceremony that’s just for them, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to celebrate afterward! If that’s you and you just need a venue for your reception, places like the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa, Poipu Kai Resort, Plantation Restaurant, The Beach House Restaurant, and Koloa Landing Resort are all great options.
Things to Consider as You Plan
So much goes into planning a wedding. Things you may have never even considered. For example, did you remember to buy gifts for practically everyone you’ve ever met? That’s an exaggeration, but when you’re in the throes of planning, especially for a destination wedding, it can begin to feel like every time you turn around, there’s some new decision to make.
While every ceremony is a bit unique, they’re also fairly similar. Here are some things you definitely want to consider as you plan a wedding in Kauai:
- Permits – You may need permission for beach or garden ceremonies
- Time of Day – If you’re getting married in the winter and want sunset pictures, make sure your ceremony is early enough to accommodate the shorter days
- Jet Lag – If you’re flying from the East Coast to Kauai, you’re looking at a five-hour time difference. Arrive a few days early so you can adjust. You don’t want circles under your eyes on your wedding day!
- Seasonal Demand – Weddings during peak season need to be planned farther in advance to guarantee you get the venue, date, and vendors you want.
Beyond these items, you’ll need to find photographers, DJs or bands, officiants, decorators, planners, and caterers. At Suite Paradise, we’ve compiled a guide to some of the best on the island.
Weddings and Honeymoons in Poipu
Beach Rules for Wedding Ceremonies
Before we get into the specifics, we’ll start by saying your officiant or wedding planner can typically handle your permits, but it’s always important to check when planning so you know if the responsibility falls to you.
With that out of the way, the legalities of a beach wedding in Kauai are pretty standard. You must obtain a permit from the Department of Land and Natural Resources and a Certificate of Liability Insurance. You can find frequently asked questions, and links to these permits and certificates here.
Best Wedding Party Lodging in Poipu
Featured Property: Kahala 932 at Poipu Kai Resort
When it comes to planning your Kauai wedding, one of the most important pieces is making sure your wedding guests and party are taken care of. At Suite Paradise, you’ll find stunning villas and resort accommodations that keep everyone close together, plus our local on-island team is available 24/7 to assist with anything you need.
Poipu Kai Resort not only makes for a stunning wedding and reception venue, but the villas are second to none. Enjoy beautiful pools, incredible beachfront views, lush, tropical grounds, and an excellent location in the heart of Poipu near the best restaurants, shopping, and activities.
Explore 4 Bedroom Poipu Rentals
In addition to these features, our Wedding Package provides access to certified vendors, assistance with all guest accommodations, concierge planning services, an unlimited-mileage rental car, welcome refreshments, and discounts at many local restaurants.
Most importantly, when you book your wedding accommodations directly with Suite Paradise, you’ll gain access to the best rates available. Don’t send your guests to Airbnb where they’ll pay third-party fees and extra commissions. Our local team is ready to help you secure all the rooms you need as you plan your perfect Kauai wedding.