Venue Spotlight: JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko 'Olina

Of the many beautiful locations for weddings in Hawai'i, the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa at Ko'Olina has got to be one of our favorites.  Their stunning Lagoon Lawn makes for an amazing, oceanfront ceremony location, and the resort offers many fine options for receptions such as their Ocean Ballroom, Malolo Room, Lurline Room, Hokulani Ballroom, and the Lagoon Lawn, for those wanting open-air dining with a view of the water.  From a planning perspective, we love weddings at the Ihilani due to the flexibility with decor possiblities and the great staff that makes events there come together.

Here are a few photos of weddings we have planned there over the years...

Happy Planning!
Mona

The bride and her 'maids make their way over to the "first look" location.  Photo by Mike Pham Photography.

A romantic kiss by the water at the Ihilani.  Photo by Eugene Kam Photography.

Destination Weddings in Waikiki - A Look at Pros and Cons

Gorgeous view of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach from the Sheraton Waikiki.  Photo by Eclat Photography.

As a wedding planner, part of my job is to help couples weigh pros and cons regarding the numerous decisions they need to make regarding their wedding.  I recently had a bride ask for my thoughts about holding a wedding in Waikiki.  Here are some things I shared with her...

While Waikiki can feel a bit hurried at times, with traffic being a bit of a bear, it offers so many advantages.

Proximity to the beach.  If at an ocean-front property, the views of the water and of the iconic Diamond Head are spectacular, but anyplace in Waikiki is no more than a block or two from the beach, so photographers can easily take couples out for photos with their toes in the sand.

Nearby accommodations.  Waikiki boasts a slew of options for accommodations, ranging from budget to luxury, and includes resorts, hotels, boutique hotels, condo-tels, and rental units.  Guests can choose a place to stay in walking distance, at a price point comfortable for them.

This means that the wedding can probably be planned without regard for providing transportation to and from the wedding site for guests, since the assumption is that most guests will stay nearby.

Moments before the wedding in one of the beautiful guest rooms of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel.

Mild(er) weather.  Believe it or not, it can rain in one part of the island, and yet be perfectly dry in another.  Seldom do we find ourselves making a "rain call" to move a wedding ceremony indoors.

Overall, if looking for a wide, expansive space of country-side, Waikiki is not for you.  Overall, however, the benefits far outweigh the small disadvantages to holding a wedding in Waikiki.  That said, a wedding is one of those lifetime events where the decision on where to celebrate that special occasion is a very personal one.  Fortunately, we have numerous venues here in Hawai 'i, and there is sure to be someplace to please just about any couple.  Hiring a wedding planner can help a couple to seek out the best, and sometimes, little known venues.  I encourage couples to enjoy the venue search and to remember, it should not feel like work, but rather, part of the exciting time in life of being engaged, and a part of the journey in preparing for a wedding.

Happy Planning!

Mona

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(formerly known as "Weddings by Grace and Mona")