Top 10 Oahu Wedding Venues - Oahu Wedding Photographer’s Perspective

In no particular order, these are some wedding venues on Oahu worth checking out:

1. Kaimea Estates (Kahala / East Honolulu)

   Close to the city but not in the business of Waikiki. Your guests traveling can stay in Waikiki or even at The Kahala Hotel for short commutes. You could even coordinate a shuttle bus (or a few) from Waikiki. Parking is a bit tight because it’s still in the city and doesn’t have a parking deck like the big hotels. Sound curfews - can’t be quite as loud as a bigger venue or hotel wedding. But it’s a much more personal feeling space versus how a hotel can feel big and corporate. It’s giving relaxed vacation home with elegance and convenience. Perks for photos: gardens, ocean view backdrop, interior / exterior transitions, interesting architecture.

2. Paliku Gardens at Kualoa Ranch - Honestly any venue at Kualoa Ranch is beautiful but this is a top pick (book far in advance though it fills up bookings far out). Can we just say the MOUNTAINS!! - they are so lush and green. Adjacent are ocean views. You get both. The view of China Man’s Hat is the cherry on top. Screams lush island wedding with elegance. I do recommend one of those white wedding tents because it is on the Eastside of the island - so it might rain; hence, everything being so lush and green. Maybe a cute umbrella - cause we all know if we plan for just in case rain - there won’t be one drop - or so the saying goes. Sunset goes over the mountain so it will cast a shadow and get dark a bit sooner. Perks for photos: Feels like Jurassic Park - oh yeah? maybe cause it was filmed here. Mountains, lush greenery. Takes you away from the city.

3. Loulu Palm Farm Estate (North Shore)

   Want something that feels less resort-like, less commercial, more off the beaten path and intimate? Check this venue out, it feels like a backyard wedding but nicer. Do account for the drive time to the North Shore and give plenty of extra time just in case of traffic. You could stay at Turtle Bay. They do weddings too (for a pretty penny or let’s be clear - many of them - a nice splurge for the wedding night at their bungalows if you want to stay North Shore). Perks for photos: beach, ocean views, palm trees.

4. The Deck / Leahi Room at Queen Kapiolani Hotel (Waikiki / near Honolulu Zoo)

   If you’re going with a hotel venue, this is a gem. On the second floor, there is a nice area for weddings with views of Diamond Head and the beach depending on where you look. There is also a church a few blocks away where the ceremony can happen and this could be the reception spot. This venue is great for central location in Waikiki, views, as well as convenience for you and your guests. We can walk to get beach photos too - do keep in mind this beach is crowded (still nice to grab sunset photos though). Perks for photos: nearby beach, Diamond Head views.

5. Four Season’s Resort O’ahu Ko Olina

   Very resort feeling. Sophisticated luxury within a resort setting. You get the garden, ocean view, and chapel. While these are beautiful, do keep in mind these areas are built environments (aka Becky down the beach can watch your wedding and cheer you on). Hotel guests and a crowd a possibilities for the background. We can frame and crop in photos; but, you won’t have the Ko Olina lagoon to yourself for beach photos. If you want more privacy there are ballrooms. It’s westside, so it doesn’t rain that often. I personally would recommend the ocean lawn or chapel for ceremony.

6. Sunset Ranch (North Shore)

   Feels like your own paradise in nature but it’s a wedding venue. It’s tucked away, there’s parking, it’s lush and green. If you want beach photos, that will be a 10 minute drive (maybe 15 with traffic) but you might never want to leave. If you love the feeling of being surrounded by nature, this one’s for you. There are hiking trails near it that I personally love. It’s nice if you can do shuttles for your guests so that everyone is happy and accounted for. It’s a far drive back to town and if you want your guests to drink a cold one, it’s nice if they can fully be in the moment and not think about the drive back. Key takeaways: lush, green, secluded.

7. Dillingham Ranch (North Shore)

   Off resort feeling, more nature centric. Multiple great spots within the venue as well as guest facilities that can be rented for bridal parties to stay overnight for an extra fee. Secluded, nice. It’s giving quiet luxury and privacy in nature. Across from it is another North Shore Oahu Wedding venue close by - the Hawaii Polo Club Fields (great if you want beachfront and lawn). They also have a horse rental (FYI you can’t just gallop off together after the ceremony - they have a person that moves the horse around between photos but still a nice touch). Definitely shuttle your folks to and from either of these venues.

8. Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden (Eastside)

   It’s lush and green. More nature oriented. Stunning views of pond and mountain. This is a public garden that has a wedding venue. Not much to say other than - take a look at those views… the mountains are stunning. You’ll want to hang these photos and use them as postcards or something.

9. Royal Hawaiian Golf Club

   Located just before the main Kailua area, this venue is tucked away. Great for golf lovers. If you get married here and golf, that might mean golf anniversary visits? Even if golf isn’t your thing, it’s giving country club meets mountain views in Hawaii. It’s also got a clubhouse feeling indoor venue that leads out to the outdoor space. So if the weather turns, this is great for the best of both worlds and keeps the party going.

10. Paradise Cove (Westside)

    Close to the Four Seasons. Offering a manicured lawn setting with ocean views. Hedging allows privacy and the beach offers both sandy and rocky features and a Mountain View in the distance. Westside is often dry which makes for a great outdoor venue.

There are other venues but this is a good start! If you’re looking for photography or videography, get in touch!