La Pietra Wedding: A Guide for Modern Couples

Curious About a La Pietra Wedding? It’s Honolulu’s Hidden Gem

La Pietra – Hawaii School for Girls – is nestled at the base of Diamond Head in Honolulu. Originally built in the 1920s as a private estate, it exudes old-world charm with Mediterranean architecture, manicured lawns, and breathtaking views of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean. Though now an esteemed all-girls school, La Pietra occasionally opens its gates for weddings, making it a rare and intimate venue choice on Oahu. It’s beloved for its sophisticated style, quiet elegance, and European-style ambiance that contrasts beautifully with Hawaii’s typical beach wedding scene. You can learn more about the school and venue here.

Why Choose a Wedding at La Pietra?

Couples who want a wedding that stands out from the typical beachside celebration gravitate toward La Pietra for its historic charm, lush landscaping, and stunning architecture. It’s a venue that feels like an estate wedding on the coast of Italy—without ever leaving Oahu. With panoramic views, grand courtyards, and dramatic columns, it offers a one-of-a-kind setting for elegant and artistic celebrations.

La Pietra is ideal for couples who appreciate sophistication, enjoy entertaining, and want their wedding to feel like a private garden soirée or a European destination wedding with Hawaiian warmth.

What is the Cost of a Wedding at La Pietra?

While La Pietra does not publicly list their event rental fees, most couples should expect to spend between $4,000–$6,500 for venue rental depending on the day of the week and guest count. Additional costs may include security fees and time limitations for setup and breakdown.

Keep in mind that La Pietra is a bring-your-own-vendor venue, so you’ll also need to budget for rentals, catering, and coordination. Many couples choose to work with a local planner like Esselle Weddings to help manage the logistics and source reputable vendors.

What are the Ceremony and Reception Options at La Pietra for your wedding?

There are two primary locations couples typically use at La Pietra:

• The Front Lawn: Facing the grand façade of the school building, this space is ideal for wedding ceremonies. The Mediterranean-style columns and lush greenery create a timeless backdrop that looks incredible in photos.
• The Back Lawn: This area is more expansive and well-suited for receptions. It allows room for long feasting tables, a dance floor, lounge areas, and an outdoor bar setup—all under the stars.

Couples may also choose to host cocktail hour in one of the courtyards or garden paths to keep guests engaged as the space transitions from ceremony to reception.

How Do You Get to La Pietra?

La Pietra is located in the Diamond Head neighborhood of Honolulu, just a few minutes’ drive from Waikiki. Most guests will likely stay in Waikiki or nearby Kaimuki. Ride-share services are common on Oahu, but for larger guest lists, consider booking a shuttle to transport guests to and from the venue.

Because the school is an operating campus, access is limited during school hours. Wedding setup typically begins in the late afternoon or on weekends when school is not in session.

What Permits or Rules Should You Know About for a La Pietra wedding?

La Pietra is first and foremost a school, so the venue has clear boundaries. Amplified music must end by 10 PM. The venue also requires couples to provide liability insurance and may require security depending on your guest count.

There is no in-house catering or alcohol service, which means you’ll need to hire a fully licensed catering team like Island Fusion Catering. Alcohol can be served with the proper permitting, and your planner will help you navigate these logistics.

What Vendors Should You Hire for a Wedding at La Pietra?

Here are some trusted, local wedding vendors who understand the layout and aesthetic of La Pietra and can help you bring your day to life:

• Planner: Esselle Weddings – Sophisticated, full-service planning and design with an emphasis on aesthetic cohesion and logistical ease.
• Florist: Mango House Floral – Known for whimsical, fresh-from-the-farm designs that bring color and creativity to every table.
• Photographer: Masha Sakhno Photo – Editorial, documentary-style photography with vibrant tones, artistic angles, and a deep focus on storytelling.
• Videographer: Nomadic Wedding Films – Documentary wedding films that blend cinematic visuals with real, candid moments.
• Makeup + Hair: Reveal Hair & Makeup – On-location glam team specializing in soft, radiant looks that hold up in the Hawaiian heat.
• DJ: DJ Neekz – Keeps the energy high while reading the room flawlessly. From ceremony to reception, his transitions are seamless.
• Rentals: Pacific Party Rentals – For tenting, tables, dance floors, and more, their inventory is extensive and reliable.
• Cake: Kalele Eats – Custom confections that taste as good as they look.
• Dress Designer: Sarah Seven – Modern bridalwear with a romantic, editorial twist.

What’s the Weather Like at La Pietra?

La Pietra enjoys Honolulu’s mild tropical climate, with sunny skies and gentle trade winds most of the year. The most popular months for weddings are from May to October, which offer the least chance of rain. December through February can be wetter, so always consider a tented backup plan—especially for a lawn reception.

Due to the venue’s layout, the sun dips behind Diamond Head in the late afternoon, creating golden light perfect for portraits on the lawn. Your photographer will help you time portraits and the ceremony for optimal lighting.

Christine + Mike’s Colorful La Pietra Celebration

Christine and Mike hosted a vibrant, joy-filled wedding at La Pietra that truly showcased the versatility of the space. Their vision was a day that felt heartfelt, elegant, and full of color—while keeping the focus on connection and shared experiences.

“Our perfect wedding would be a heartfelt and elegant celebration, surrounded by the people we love,” they shared. “La Pietra provides a timeless and intimate feel, with its beautiful architecture and lush greenery creating the perfect backdrop. We envisioned an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming, where every detail—music, food, and decor—reflects our personalities and shared adventures.”

Their ceremony took place on the front lawn, framed by the school’s iconic columns and elevated greenery. Guests sat on wooden chairs as a soft breeze drifted through the palms. For the reception, the back lawn was transformed into a colorful garden party. Tangerines, citrus leaves, and bold florals by Mango House Floral filled the tables. Under a canopy of string lights, guests dined, danced, and laughed the night away.

“We fell in love with La Pietra because of its timeless elegance and unique charm,” said the couple. “It’s not your typical beachside Hawaii venue, but that’s exactly what drew us in.”

“From the excitement of the ceremony to dancing the night away, we can’t wait for all the little moments that will make the day unforgettable,” Christine shared before the wedding. “Seeing our loved ones come together, enjoying amazing food, music, and laughter—it’s going to be pure joy.”

A Note from the Photographer

As an editorial wedding photographer specializing in luxe, multi-day celebrations, La Pietra is one of my favorite venues to shoot. It’s the perfect blend of historic elegance and creative possibility—ideal for couples who want their day to feel elevated but personal. From quiet portraits in the gardens to a packed dance floor on the back lawn, I capture every moment with intention and artistry.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that balances timeless romance with creativity and style, you might also enjoy my guide to the 25 Best Wedding Venues on Oahu.