A stunning oceanfront celebration at one of Kauai’s most breathtaking venues

When I think about the most spectacular wedding venues on Kauai’s North Shore, The Makai Golf Course in Princeville always comes to mind. There’s something magical about the way the dramatic cliffs meet the endless Pacific, creating a backdrop that needs no embellishment. For Ross & Jessica’s wedding, nature delivered one of those perfect Kauai afternoons—golden light, gentle breezes, and views that stretched all the way to the horizon.

While many couples gravitate toward Kauai’s beaches, The Makai Golf Course offers something uniquely spectacular. Perched on the bluffs of Princeville, the ceremony site overlooks the dramatic coastline with unobstructed views of the beautiful blue ocean. The contrast between the manicured greens and the wild, rugged cliffs create an amazing atmosphere and a perfect backdrop for your wedding photos.

As a wedding photographer on Kauai, I’ve worked at dozens of venues across the island, and The Makai Course delivers a big impact with it’s breathtaking vistas. The late afternoon light here is pure magic—it bathes everything in a warm, golden glow that makes everything feel ethereal and timeless.

The ceremony and reception design was crafted by Lost Girls Kauai, one of the island’s most talented florists. Their work elevated an already stunning location into something extraordinary and picture perfect. The floral installations complemented rather than competed with the natural beauty surrounding us, creating an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere that felt both luxurious and organic.

I always love working alongside Lost Girls Kauai—they consistently create designs that photographs beautifully while honoring the beauty of the natural surroundings. I get excited when I see them on the wedding day!

The ceremony itself was intimate and heartfelt, with the ocean breeze carrying the couple’s vows out over the water. I find myself grateful to witness such genuine emotion as two people commit themselves to each other is a beautiful thing, and against such a magnificent backdrop makes for some amazing photos.

After the ceremony, we took advantage of the Makai Course’s stunning landscape and the warm light of sunset for some of their couples portraits. The dramatic cliff edges, the sweeping ocean views offer a beautiful canvas for something breathtaking. Ross and Jessica were naturals in front of the camera, and didn’t need much direction to fall completely at ease and fully present in the moment, with each other.

As the day transitioned into evening, the celebration moved to 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay for the reception. It was perfect to move from the open bluffs of Princeville to the intimate and luxurious setting of one of Kauai’s most beautiful hotels. The 1 Hotel is natural elegance and sustainability aligned perfectly with the couple’s aesthetic.

And then came the sunset. Without much warning the sky exploded in shades of pink, orange, and gold, creating a backdrop that felt almost unreal. We seized the moment for a few final portraits on the beach in front of the 1 Hotel.

As champagne cascaded down the tower and laughter filled the air, the moon began to rise over Hanalei Bay. It was one of those perfect Kauai nights where everything aligns—the intimate gathering of loved ones, the natural beauty surrounding us, and two people completely present in their joy. This is what destination weddings on Kauai’s North Shore are all about: not grand gestures, but genuine moments under an island sky. Jessica & Ross created exactly what they envisioned—an intimate, elegant celebration that felt both luxurious and deeply personal.

Planning a Kauai wedding? Contact me to discuss how we can capture your love story against the island’s most breathtaking backdrops.

Venue: The Makai Golf Course, Princeville
Reception: 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Floral Design & Styling: Lost Girls Kauai
Photography: Sebastian Romero Weddings