Q :: Our dog is definitely a member of our family and I'd love for her to be a part of our ceremony... What venues are dog friendly?
Every season, brides challenge me with a question I need to do a little research and investigating to find the answer. Last season, it was about uplighting and which venues have enough power to support this new must-have design aspect, the season before it was about multi colored dresses and what the tradition and custom was behind wearing an all-white gown. This season... it's all about dogs!
Pups have truly entered the home - diva style. And weddings are no exception. Brides aren't asking for their dogs to simply be a guest at their wedding, but to be a part of their wedding party as a ring bearer or flower girl. Dog clothing companies all over the world have tapped into this market (check out www.hawaiianmoon.com), creating adorable tutus custom made for girl ring pups and sassy tuxedos with top hats for the boy ring bearers! But what locations in Hawaii give the thumbs up to walking your pooch down the aisle with you? Here's a list of venues that welcome your pups as part of your wedding day.
- KAHALA HOTEL AND RESORT: This gorgeous hotel is perfect for dog lovers as they are one of the few hotels in Hawaii that allow dogs to stay in the hotel rooms, as well as join you for the wedding! There is a 30lb limit for dogs and a $150 clean up fee.
- BEST BRIDAL: This pristine chapel located in the Hilton Hawaiian Village allows "well behaved dogs" to kick it with the bridal party...
- HOTEL RENEW: A chic new hotel that welcomes dogs and their owners to stay. While there is no wedding site, they have a wedding guest program for out of towners who bring their pups. Weight limit is 30lbs with a $25 clean up fee per night.
- THE BAYER ESTATE: Owner Sooz Mirikitani is a huge dog lover and advocate herself and welcomes all dogs to be a part of your special day. In fact, her beautiful black lab Teddy, wears a maile lei and greets guests as they arrive to weddings at the estate. Dogs are welcome, just be aware there is no gate in the backyard, which leads directly to the ocean.
- HILTON WAIKIKI PRINCE KUHIO: The best kept Waikiki secret... this newly-renovated hotel is completely dog friendly for weddings and overnight stays! They even have a designated area for pups to pee!
- KO'OLAU BALLROOMS and the MOANA SURFRIDER A WESTIN RESORT & SPA: Dogs are A-OK for outdoor ceremonies... but you will need to bring a dog sitter to take your pup home after the ceremony is over, which is totally fine since Fido will be in all your wedding pictures!
- HYATT REGENCY WAIKIKI & SPA: Dogs are welcome to be a part of the outdoor terrace ceremonies and allowed to remain on property in their crate, which will be placed in a comfortable, air conditioned room during the reception.
Dog lovers unite!
