Crystal Harris Marries Businessman James Ward on Remote Cook Islands

The widow of the founder of the famous Playboy empire, 39-year-old former model Crystal Harris, recently held a wedding ceremony with her beloved, Hawaiian businessman James Ward. This modest and secretive event took place on the picturesque island of Aitutaki, the second largest in the Cook Islands archipelago, on April 2. This was reported by the popular American magazine People.

Crystal Harris, who was married to Hugh Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017, explained her choice of location, stating, "We chose the Cook Islands because of their remoteness." The ceremony was held without guests, emphasizing the intimacy of the moment.

At the wedding, a local musical group performed a popular Maori love song from the Cook Islands, Akaipoipo Taua, featuring Puasau Josselyn Taia and Teuira Williams. During the ceremony, the couple exchanged handwritten vows and rings, symbolizing their new life together. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds celebrated their wedding by taking a boat ride across various parts of the lagoon, opting to forgo a traditional wedding cake. Their first dance was to the song Safe With Me (Ike Dweck).

Crystal Harris shared her impressions about the choice of wedding venue, noting, "There are no large chain hotels on the island, which creates an incredibly peaceful and authentic atmosphere. Additionally, it is home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Since James and I both love the ocean and nature, it seemed like the perfect place to start this chapter of our lives."

Interestingly, at her modest wedding, Crystal Harris wore a stunning dress from the Ukrainian brand OKSANA MUKHA, model Margo. This lace transformer dress was adorned with over 5,400 Swarovski crystals, adding elegance and luxury to her look.

James Ward, the owner of a tourism company in Hawaii, proposed to Crystal Harris on April 25, 2025. The couple began dating in April 2024. Prior to her relationship with Ward, Crystal was in a five-year marriage with the late Playboy founder Hugh Hefner. She gained popularity after her debut in 2009 on the show The Girls Next Door on E!, when she lived in the Playboy mansion and dated Hefner.

This wedding event marked an important moment in the life of Crystal Harris, who, despite the loss of her husband, has found new happiness with James Ward. Their wedding on the remote island symbolizes a new beginning and the love they are ready to build together.