2026.10.27 — Okinawa / Small weddings
Small Weddings on Miyako and Irabu Islands — Venues for Two to Twenty Guests
Elope or celebrate with family and close friends in the Miyako-blue waters of Okinawa’s Miyako and Irabu islands. Villas and hotels chosen by guest count, and what to check before you book.
Not every couple wants a big reception. If you would rather spend unhurried time with the people who matter most — or say your vows with just the two of you, somewhere unforgettable — a small wedding on Miyako or Irabu Island is hard to beat.
Miyako sits in the far south of Okinawa, known for water so clear it has its own name: Miyako blue. With a small guest list you can reserve an entire villa, stay under the same roof as your guests, and celebrate in ways a large wedding venue simply cannot offer.
Why Miyako suits a small wedding
- Private villas of every size: many resorts here have only a handful of villas, so a buyout never feels empty.
- Ceremony, dinner and stay in one place: no transfers between venues on the day.
- Time for photographs: with fewer guests, there is room for a relaxed location shoot after the ceremony.
Venues by guest count
Just the two of you: i love 385 (Miyako)
About 20 minutes from Miyako Airport, two luxury villas with a private beach right in front. The owner searched for the perfect view, and this is where you can marry under a floral arch, just the two of you — with plenty of free time to enjoy the sea.
Friends too, up to twenty: Villabu Resort (Irabu)
Seven minutes from Shimojishima Airport, an all-villa suite hotel on the oceanfront. Reserve all six pool villas, with accommodation for twelve guests (ceremony up to twenty). A ceremony in the garden or on the beach, a party in the private restaurant, and the whole group travelling together.
For fine food and a refined stay: Grand Bleu Gamin (Miyako)
Fifteen minutes from Miyako Airport, villas with private pools and French cooking that is the pride of the island. A garden ceremony, then a reception in the restaurant reserved for you.
With the comfort of a hotel: IRAPH SUI, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Irabu)
Garden weddings limited to one a day, at a luxury hotel with an infinity pool and beach club — so your guests are well looked after. You can also skip the ceremony and book a photo wedding only.
What to check when planning
| Topic | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Guest count | Maximum numbers for the ceremony and for accommodation |
| Accommodation | Whether guest rooms are included, and for how many nights |
| Getting there | Distance from the airport; car hire or transfers |
| Rain plan | Alternatives for garden and beach ceremonies |
| Photography | Where and when the location shoot takes place |
The islands have two airports, Miyako and Shimojishima, and the closer one depends on the venue. Ask your planner which is more convenient before booking flights.
In short
From a quiet ceremony for two to a few days away with family and friends, Miyako and Irabu offer venues where a small wedding feels complete. To compare other areas, see our page on intimate weddings.
BRIDEs SCENE planners speak English and Chinese and will suggest the venue and plan that fit your numbers and your vision. Tell us a little about your wedding and we will take it from there.
