Thursday, 18 August 2011

Beautiful Wedding Chapels and Gazebos on the Big Island, Hawaii

If you have your heart set on getting married in a church ceremony at your destination wedding, look no further than the Hawaiian islands. Not every bride wants to get married in the sand but opts for a romantic seaside gazebo or an delightful little chapel. My business partner, Cathy, and I spent two weeks this summer in this tropical paradise visiting different wedding venues on the Big Island of Hawaii. We found the island had numerous picturesque wedding locations at elegant little chapels or gazebos throughout the island perfect for a Hawaiian destination wedding:

Bayside Chapel and Gazebo: Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa located on the Big Island of Hawaii, has the Bayside Chapel, which is a cute little church located in Kona in a beautiful location.  Close by is an lovely little gazebo. Keauhou which means a “new beginning” is the name of this very special place“. The charming green and white chapel and neighbouring gazebo are located in luxurious green tropical gardens overlooking the brilliant blue Pacific.


The chapel can accommodate up to 75 guests and the gazebo accommodates ten people.

 
The beautiful gardens located right beside the ocean provide a lovely tropical backdrop for your wedding photos. The nearby wedding lawn is a venue where many couples hold their reception.

This resort also has a wide variety of venues available for receptions, ranging from formal ballrooms to the outdoor Crystal Blue Terrace and Point, which offers a dramatic view of Keauhou Bay.

Little Blue Church: One of my favourite little churches is Saint Peter’s Church also known as the “Little Blue Church” located on famous Ali’I Drive in downtown Kona, the Big Island. This picture perfect Catholic Church is stunning. The church is surrounded by flowering trees and is situated right beside the beach in Keauhou. It only contains 12 pews, making it one of the smallest churches in the world. Built in 1889, there is a beautiful stained glass window at the back of the church overlooking the ocean.



Photo courtesy of Hawaii Inside - Jean Cooper  

Hilton Waikoloa Village Chapel: Hale Aloha Chapel at Hilton Waikoloa Village is located in a grove of towering palm trees overlooking Waiulula Bay on the sunny Kohala Coast on the Big Island.




This attractive and charming little chapel seats up to 18 guests but the windows can be opened so guests can sit outside and still be a part of the ceremony.


This enchanting oceanfront property features beautiful stained glass windows and mosaics.







Part of the grounds on the resort can be blocked off by an attractive gate so the wedding couple can enjoy privacy at their ceremony.



 Located about 30 yards away from the wedding chapel is the cute little Oceanside gazebo at Hilton Waikoloa Village. This provides an alternative setting for couples wishing to have a smaller wedding.


The Fairmont Orchid Chapel: The Fairmont Orchid built on the lava beds of the Kohala Coast on the big Island, is home to the classic, Victorian-style white wedding gazebo. This elegant setting is located on manicured lush green  lawn with breathtaking ocean views of sparkling blue water in the background.

This lovely venue allows for a small intimate wedding or hundreds of guests.




Photo courtesy of Ainahua Florals

All photos courtesy of Muriel MacRae unless otherwise indicated. 

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Muriel MacRae plans exciting getaways and customized vacations for discerning travellers, honeymooners and families. As the owner of Del Sol Travel, she offers romantic vacations with personalized service and unique itineraries. Getting to know and understand her clients is critical in helping turn their ideas and vision into a unique and memorable masterpiece when creating their customized vacation. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans weddings, destination weddings, and honeymoons for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your wedding, honeymoon, or romantic getaway, please contact her attravelinfo@delsoltravel.ca or phone 403-477-0643.