I recently returned from Hawaii, and every time I visit the islands I’m reminded why I love planning destination weddings. There’s a feeling you get the moment you land, the pace slows, the air feels softer, and everything becomes more intentional. Even though this last trip was to Oahu, it sparked something I often tell my couples: Hawaii isn’t just a beautiful place to get married, it’s an experience that changes how your wedding feels. It shifts the energy from production to presence, from timeline to memory. That’s why Hawaii continues to be one of my favorite destinations to recommend for weddings.

Hawaii is one of the rare places that combines natural beauty, accessibility, and luxury in a way that truly works for both couples and guests. From a planning perspective, it checks so many boxes: no passports required for U.S. travelers, strong flight access from major cities, incredible hospitality standards, and built-in activities for guests throughout the wedding weekend. It’s not just a ceremony location, it’s a full experience. Guests actually want to attend, stay longer, and turn it into a vacation. And when your guests are relaxed and happy, your entire wedding atmosphere changes for the better.

One of the biggest questions couples ask is which island is best for a destination wedding, and the answer always depends on their priorities. Some islands are lively and social, some are adventurous and outdoorsy, and some are quiet and ultra-exclusive. For couples who value privacy, intimacy, and elevated service, I almost always bring one location into the conversation: Lanai.

Lanai is different from the other Hawaiian islands in the best way possible. It’s peaceful, private, and incredibly intentional. There’s a calmness to it that you feel immediately, and that atmosphere translates beautifully into weddings. Celebrations there feel intimate and meaningful rather than busy or overstimulating. Instead of feeling like one of many weddings happening that weekend, your event feels like the event. For couples who want their wedding to feel deeply personal and immersive, that distinction matters.

That’s exactly why I love recommending Four Seasons Resort Lanai. From a planner’s perspective, it’s one of the most exceptional destination wedding venues in Hawaii. The property offers a level of service that is polished yet warm, which is one of the most important elements of any destination celebration. When guests are traveling, the experience they have from arrival to departure shapes how they remember the wedding. Four Seasons Lanai consistently delivers that high-touch hospitality that makes everyone feel cared for without ever feeling formal or stiff.

The setting itself is also extraordinary. Ceremony locations overlook dramatic ocean cliffs, lush tropical landscaping, and sweeping coastal views that honestly don’t require much décor to feel elevated. Nature does most of the design work for you, which allows couples to focus their budget and creative energy on details that truly matter to them. Whether a couple envisions a coastal neutral aesthetic, a lush tropical design, or something modern and minimal, the property adapts beautifully to different styles while still maintaining its sense of place.

Another reason this venue stands out is how seamlessly it supports a full wedding weekend experience. Destination weddings should never feel rushed, and Lanai makes it easy to create a multi-day celebration. Guests can spend their time golfing, snorkeling, sailing, relaxing at the spa, or simply enjoying the beach. Instead of just attending a wedding, they become part of a shared experience — and those shared experiences are what guests remember long after the event is over.

I always tell my couples that the best destination weddings aren’t just beautiful, they’re intentional. They’re designed not only around how the wedding looks, but how it feels for everyone there. Hawaii naturally creates that feeling, and venues like Four Seasons Lanai elevate it even further by pairing breathtaking surroundings with exceptional service and thoughtful logistics.

Planning a destination wedding in Hawaii is about more than choosing a pretty backdrop. It’s about selecting a location that reflects your priorities, your guest experience, and the kind of memories you want to create. For couples who want something refined, immersive, and truly unforgettable, Hawaii — and especially a property like Four Seasons Lanai — will always be at the top of my recommendation list.

If you’re considering a destination wedding in Hawaii and want guidance choosing the right island and venue for your vision, that’s one of my favorite parts of the planning process. Because when the setting is right, everything else falls into place.