Over the years photographing weddings in Hawaii, I have had the honor of visiting so many stunning wedding venues. There is truly not a place on this island that wouldn’t be a breathtaking backdrop for your big day. Which can make narrowing down my top picks pretty tricky! BUT, if we are picking favorites I’d have to put Kualoa Ranch near the top of my list.
Why Kualoa Ranch for your Oahu wedding venue? In short, it’s the options. What makes my heart sing as a wedding photographer is when I get to see my couples show off THEIR love on the big day. What makes them, THEM is what this day is all about. Kualoa Ranch wedding venue offers FOUR different spots with the ability to celebrate with a group of 5 guests to group of 250.
From intimate vows on a secret beach, yep they got that. Jaw dropping gardens, filled to the brim with all your favorite peeps, yep they have that too. Maybe you’re the DIY couple that’s down to piece your day together yourself, just to be in a remote valley that could easily pass for an Oahu postcard, great news they have that too!
Okay, Okay, now that I have your full attention let’s get into the details!
SO where the heck is Kualoa Ranch?
Kualoa Ranch Wedding Venue is located on Oahu.It is on the North East side, about 45 minutes from Waikiki or an hour from the North Shore.I HIGHLY recommend getting a shuttle service for your guests (for those larger weddings) or making sure everyone has a rental! Its a bit too far to taxi or uber.
But wait, 45 minutes from Waikiki That`s a long ride in my dress!
They`ve got you covered!! You can get ready on the Kualoa property! Paliku Gardens
+ Moli’i Gardens have bridal suites with AIR CONDITIONING, can I get high five AND it`s included in your venue cost! Moli’i Gardens actually has TWO spaces to get ready! An air conditioned bridal suite AND an open air dupree cottage!
Where should me and my guests stay?
If I had my choice I would stay at Turtle Bay. The rooms are all modern, updated, and photograph beautiful. It will be a bit of a drive to get to your wedding location but it will be 1000% worth it! I love hotel blocks for large parties! It provides a central space for everyone to come and go as they please but never feel left out! Or check out some airbnbs nearby! You could even rent one for just a night or two to have a space to get ready or for guests to mingle before and after your celebration! Here`s a few that look pretty wonderful!
Kualoa Ranch Paliku Gardens Wedding Site
This spot is an absolute stunner. Located at the base of Kanehoalani mountain peak, you have a range of views from chinaman’s hat, to Kaneohe Bay and unlimited lush greenery. I love the way the bright florals pop in this location. The garden includes two large lawns as well as an open air pavilion available for your reception! Depending on the season you can go fully uncovered and eat + dance the night away under the skies of Hawaii or opt for tent coverage with string lights to give the day full blown fairy tale vibes. Any way you do your day in the Paliku Gardens is sure to be absolutely beautiful, there is no wrong way to go here.
Other things we love about the Paliku gardens:
- Bridal suite with AC
- 250 guest capacity
- Chair + Table options (included in venue price)
- Restrooms
- Easy peasy FREE parking on the lawns
- Short walk from parking to ceremony + reception site!
If you don’t have a trip on the books before your big day, don’t stress you can check out their virtual tour, and view all the current rates on their website here!
Moli’i Gardens
Moli`i gardens is a super unique space, it overlooks one of the biggest fish ponds on Oahu + has a guest capacity of up to 200! You`ll tie the knot on shore on the lawn surrounded by lush greenery. This is a great space to add a minimal arch and bright cheery florals. At Moli’i Garden get use of the lawn space, gardens and covered pavilion. We love the long staircase + boat house on the edge of the water for photos!
What we love:
- Air Conditioned bridal suite
- Variety of options for photos
- Table and chair rentals included in venue fee
- Up to 200 guest count capacity
- Restrooms
- Mountain views
- Easy parking + access to ceremony site for guests
Secret Island Ceremony Site – Kualoa Ranch
Secret Island is my all time favorite ceremony site at Kualoa Ranch. It’s not even actually at the ranch! It’s a 5 minute boat ride away! Talk about an experience your guests will never forget, and of course my personal fav, PHOTO options! On the boat ride you`ll see views of Mokoli’i Island, the Ko’olau Mountain range, and Kane’ohe Bay!! We love this unique take on a wedding experience, with an intimate and secluded beach for your ceremony and access to kayaks, paddle boards and corn hole for your celebration! While it has less amenities than other venues on the property this twist on a ceremony site is not to be overlooked!!
What we love:
- Non-traditional celebration options
- Boat ride experience + jaw dropping views for your guests
- Air Conditioned restroom trailer
- Optional ceremony chair rental (not included)
- 50 person boat + driver included in rental for duration of your rental
Jumanji/ Low Camp
Jumanji Kualoa Valley Ceremony Site
We had to save the most unique one for last! This is a super remote location surrounded by the greenery of the mountains! Located in the Ka’a’awa Valley, this site is 360 degrees stunning. Oahu`s jagged, green covered mountains will have your wedding photos looking like they belong on a postcard! This is great for couples with smaller guest counts, with its 125 person capacity!
You will park at low camp and Kualoa will provide a shuttle for you and your guests. This is also a great site if you have a vision board of vendors lined up to work with! Kualoa does not provide any rentals for this space, you can choose exactly who you`d like to work with for all the details of your day, as well as coordinate the delivery of them! This allows you to create a super tailored experience for you and your guests and truly let YOUR personality shine through the details in the most stunning location!
What we love
- Kualoa provided shuttle
- Remote + super unique backdrop to your day
- Ability to craft a celebration that’s true to you!
Kualoa is stunning for your Hawaii Wedding; it doesn’t come as a surprise that many films have taken place at the ranch! It’s also become a hub to some thrilling activities! Adventure tours are available via zipline, ATV, catamaran and even horseback! You do not want to miss out on all the fun that’s going on at Kualoa Ranch! And I will never tire of capturing my couples best day ever at this epic location!
I can’t wait for you to celebrate YOUR love here!! To Book Mersadi Olson and her Team please inquire
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