Planning a Sikh wedding in Hawaii might seem like a bold choice—but for couples looking to combine rich tradition with breathtaking scenery, it can be a truly unforgettable experience. With its tropical beauty, warm hospitality, and secluded landscapes, Hawaii offers a serene and sacred backdrop for a celebration rooted in faith, family, and culture.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from selecting the right venue and working with local vendors, to managing logistics and honoring Sikh traditions respectfully. We’ll also take a closer look at Grumehr and Matt’s stunning Sikh wedding in Hawaii at Kahua Ranch Stables on the Big Island.
Table of Contents
Why Plan a Sikh Wedding in Hawaii?
Sikh weddings in Hawaii offer a meaningful blend of spirituality and natural beauty. Sikh weddings—known as Anand Karaj ceremonies—are sacred, symbolic, and deeply rooted in community. While they are traditionally held in a gurdwara (Sikh temple), many couples today choose to host destination weddings that honor their culture while incorporating nature and personal meaning.
Hawaii offers an ideal canvas: majestic mountain views, ocean breezes, and wide open skies. It’s also home to experienced planners and vendors who specialize in multicultural weddings, making it possible to respect every ritual while enjoying a destination experience. Whether you’re blending traditions with a partner from a different background, or simply envision a wedding that feels spiritual and intimate, a Sikh wedding in Hawaii can be an incredible choice.
Choosing the Right Venue
While most of Hawaii’s wedding venues cater to Western-style ceremonies, certain locations are especially suited to a Sikh celebration. You’ll want a venue that allows for:
- Ample space for a mandap or canopy structure
- Privacy for religious rituals
- Flat ground for barefoot or seated ceremonies
- Shade or cover for hot midday sun
- Flexibility with outside decor and vendors
Kahua Ranch Stables
Grumehr and Matt’s Sikh wedding in Hawaii took place at Kahua Ranch Stables—a scenic working ranch on the Big Island with sweeping views of the hills and coastline. This venue offered everything they needed: privacy, natural beauty, and a wide, open space to host their sacred ceremony.
The rustic charm of the stables paired beautifully with traditional elements like floral garlands, ceremonial carpets, and the rich colors of Punjabi attire. The couple chose to hold the Anand Karaj ceremony outdoors, beneath a custom mandap adorned with florals and sheer fabric that gently danced in the island breeze.
Planning the Sikh Ceremony
The Anand Karaj (“blissful union”) is the spiritual heart of a Sikh wedding. Traditionally performed in a gurdwara before the Guru Granth Sahib, it can also be held outside of a temple if approved by a Granthi (Sikh officiant).
For Sikh weddings in Hawaii, most couples fly in a Granthi from the mainland or work with someone connected to their family’s gurdwara. The key is ensuring the ceremony is conducted with the same integrity and reverence as it would be at home.
Ceremony Essentials
- Guru Granth Sahib: The holy scripture must be respectfully transported, placed on a Palki Sahib (a raised platform), and shaded properly.
- Shoes off & heads covered: All guests are asked to remove shoes and cover their heads with scarves or turbans.
- Laavaan: The couple walks around the Guru Granth Sahib four times as the sacred hymns are recited.
- Seating: Guests sit on the ground on either side of the aisle—traditionally men on one side, women on the other, though many modern weddings integrate the seating.
Planning for these elements in an outdoor environment requires attention to detail. Ground seating should include carpets or layered fabric, head coverings should be offered at the entrance, and amplification may be needed for the officiant and prayers.
Styling & Decor Inspiration
Sikh weddings in Hawaii are known for their vibrant color palettes, ornate clothing, and lush floral installations. For a Hawaiian Sikh wedding, many couples opt to blend tropical elements with traditional Indian aesthetics:
- Mandap Decor: Tropical foliage, local orchids, or plumeria garlands paired with marigolds or roses
- Color Palettes: Rich jewel tones (like magenta, emerald, or saffron) with neutral linens and soft wood accents
- Guest Attire: Brightly colored lehengas, anarkalis, and embroidered sherwanis are beautiful against the island landscape
- Welcome Table: A basket of scarves, floral water bowls, and signage explaining Sikh traditions for guests unfamiliar with the customs
Work with a planner or florist who understands both the visual richness of South Asian weddings and the seasonal availability of local Hawaiian flowers, such as Sunshower Weddings or Mira Savara Events.
Managing Logistics
Destination weddings require extra planning—but they don’t have to be overwhelming. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Flights & Transportation
- Book flights early, especially for Granthi and family elders
- Provide transportation to/from the venue if it’s remote, like Kahua Ranch
Accommodations
- Reserve a block of rooms near the venue for ease
- Consider vacation homes or resorts that offer shared spaces for extended family
Permits & Cultural Considerations
- Ensure your venue allows religious ceremonies
- Respect the land and Hawaiian customs—your planner can help you navigate what’s appropriate
Vendors
- Hire a planner with experience in Indian or multicultural weddings (like Sunshower Weddings or Mira Savara Events)
- Source caterers for Indian cuisine or work with chefs willing to customize menus (try Cafe Maharani or discuss private chef options)
- Work with photographers and videographers who understand the pacing and significance of Sikh rituals. Learn more about my photography style here.
Real Wedding Feature: Grumehr & Matt at Kahua Ranch
Grumehr and Matt’s Sikh wedding in Hawaii was the heart of their wedding weekend. Held at the Kahua Ranch Stables, the space was transformed into an open-air gurdwara with a floral mandap and carefully laid carpets for guest seating. Guests arrived dressed in a sea of color, many with heads wrapped in vibrant dupattas and scarves.
The ceremony began in the late afternoon, with the sounds of shabads (hymns) drifting across the ranch. As the Laavaan were sung, Grumehr and Matt circled the Guru Granth Sahib together, surrounded by loved ones in quiet reverence. The sun filtered softly through the clouds, and the gentle breeze made the mandap fabric sway in rhythm.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a vegetarian dinner served under a shaded tent. The menu included traditional Punjabi dishes alongside island-style desserts.
The overall feeling was one of warmth, intention, and peace. Despite being thousands of miles from a gurdwara, the ceremony felt sacred and grounding. It was a moving reminder that faith and tradition can travel—beautifully.
Vendor Team
Planner | Sunshower Weddings
Photography | Masha Sakhno Photo
Venue | Kahua Ranch Stables
Floral Designer | Lalamilo Flower Girl
Hair and Makeup | Kassi Bissman Beauty
Content Creation | The BTS Dulhan
Tips for a Meaningful Sikh Wedding in Hawaii
- Honor Tradition with Intention: Even in a non-traditional setting, focus on the core values of Sikhism—equality, humility, and spiritual union.
- Create Space for Education: Include a welcome guide or ceremony program that explains Sikh rituals for guests who may be unfamiliar.
- Be Mindful of the Environment: Choose reusable or compostable materials and be respectful of native Hawaiian land and practices.
- Blend Cultures Thoughtfully: If you’re having a fusion wedding, make space for both cultural elements without letting one overshadow the other.
- Hire the Right Team: Your planner and vendor team can make or break the experience. Choose people who are culturally aware, flexible, and experienced with destination logistics.
About the Photographer
I’m Masha, the photographer behind Masha Sakhno Photo. I specialize in editorial, documentary-style wedding photography for couples who value authenticity, culture, and storytelling. Photographing Sikh weddings in Hawaii is an incredible honor—the beauty of the traditions, the energy of the families, and the peaceful rhythm of the island create something truly unique.
If you’re planning a Sikh wedding in Hawaii, I’d love to connect and hear your story.
FAQ: Sikh Weddings in Hawaii
1. Can we have a Sikh wedding outdoors in Hawaii?
Yes, with proper planning and permission from a Granthi, many couples host Sikh ceremonies outdoors in respectful, beautiful locations.
2. How do we transport the Guru Granth Sahib?
It must be transported with reverence and care, often with assistance from your family’s gurdwara. Work with your Granthi to ensure proper protocol.
3. Do venues in Hawaii accommodate Sikh wedding customs?
Some do! Work with planners who know the logistics, and always check that the venue allows religious ceremonies and has enough space.
4. Do guests need to cover their heads?
Yes, all guests should cover their heads during the ceremony. You can provide scarves or bandanas at the entrance.
5. What should we include in a Sikh wedding welcome bag?
Scarves for head covering, a guide to the Anand Karaj, bottled water, snacks, sunscreen, and a ceremony timeline.
6. Can we serve non-vegetarian food at the reception?
Yes, but the Anand Karaj meal (Langar) should be vegetarian to respect Sikh customs.
7. Do we need to separate men and women during the ceremony?
Traditionally yes, but many modern weddings have integrated seating. It’s up to your family and officiant.
8. What time of day is best for a Sikh wedding in Hawaii?
Late morning is typical, followed by a daytime meal. Outdoor conditions are often best before afternoon heat.
9. Should we fly in a Granthi or find one locally?
Most couples fly in a Granthi they trust. Hawaii does not have many resident Sikh officiants.
10. Can we combine our Sikh wedding with a Western ceremony?
Yes, many couples hold the Sikh ceremony first, followed by a Western-style ceremony or celebration on a separate day.
Sikh weddings are rich with meaning and spiritual beauty—and when paired with Hawaii’s natural serenity, they become truly unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a full weekend or a single sacred ceremony, I hope this guide gives you clarity, confidence, and inspiration.
