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Destination Wedding Guide: How to Plan a Hawaii Wedding

Source and Image Source:cntraveler.com

If you met each other waiting to ride Space Mountain and squealed “yes” as he proposed in front of Cinderella Castle, this is your kind of wedding site. Opened just last year, the Disney resort may not have audio-animatronic dolphins in the lagoon, but its river pool and kids’ clubs make it a natural for bridal couples with families and young’ns in tow.

Where it is -With more direct flights from the mainland than any of its sister isles, Oahu is the easiest bit of Hawaii to reach. The Ko Olina resort area is fairly isolated; a cab ride from the Honolulu airport will cost you a tidy $90. If you rent a car, be prepared to pay a hefty parking fee. No problem if you forgot your phone charger or flip-flops; there’s a Target 10 minutes from the hotel.

Meet the staff - Candice Inouye, a Disney’s Fairy Tale Wedding planner, was born and raised in Hawaii—in fact, the only time she left the islands was for college. She understands the spirit of Hawaiian weddings like few other planners, and will hold your hand every step of the way.

The looks department -You’ll have to search for Disney branding; the Aulani prides itself on the ways it embraces the Hawaiian culture in artwork (paintings, murals, and sculptures by local artists), gardens (there’s a taro patch), and architecture (the main building was inspired by traditional island homes). The lagoon and man-made beach make classic photo backdrops; when it comes to wedding details, count on ukulele players, an aisle of orchid petals, and driftwood centerpieces.

Party spaces -The spaces are fresh and handsome, with Aulani beach as the signature location. You’ll find lawns as flat and perfect as a billiards table; a pool with a Pacific view; and the Kipuka Courtyard, with a mod wall of water (it would be great for a ceremony, too). Want a beachside setting without the sand? The Ama Ama Patio can accommodate up to 100 guests literally steps from the water.

For guests on a budget -The pickings in this hood are slim, but friends who band together can rent a condo from Ko Olina rentals; access to a kitchen will save them some serious money.

Keep in mind - While you can ask Mickey and Minnie to stop by the reception (something that 90 percent of Japanese couples do), they aren’t allowed to officiate.