Playboy founder's widow Crystal Harris marries James Ward

Crystal Harris, the widow of Playboy magazine founder Hugh Hefner, married James Ward, writes xrust. The ceremony took place on April 2, 2026 on the island of Aitutaki, part of the Cook Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The event was strictly private and took place without invited guests.

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The wedding was organized in a simple and elegant style with an emphasis on nature. The couple exchanged handwritten vows and rings. The waiter was Stephen Docherty. During the bride's passage, a local musical group performed the popular Cook Islands love song in Maori, «Akaipoipo Taua» by T'Angelo.

The bride chose a Margo model dress by designer Oksana Mukha — a fitted lace dress with long sleeves, decorated with more than 5,400 Swarovski crystals. After the ceremony, the newlyweds took a boat ride on the lagoon, performed their first dance to “Safe With Me” by Ike Dweck, and dined on fresh, local ingredients. There was no traditional wedding cake.

Why did you choose the Cook Islands

The couple chose Aitutaki because of its remoteness and natural features. The island is known for having one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world and the absence of large chain hotels, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and authenticity. Crystal Harris and James Ward both love the ocean and nature, so this location fit the bill for how they wanted to start their life together.

Who are Crystal Harris and James Ward

Crystal Harris, 39, was previously married to Hugh Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017. She has worked as a Playboy model, is a licensed realtor, the author of Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, and is an animal rights and women's rights advocate. James Ward is 42 years old. The couple met through mutual friends in Hawaii in April 2024, began dating, and got engaged on April 25, 2025, on the deck of Crystal's oceanfront home. The relationship developed over the course of a year, after which the decision was made to marry in a private setting.

Quotes from newlyweds

Crystal Harris stated, “We wanted something quiet and private where we could be truly present with each other and in the moment.” She added that her partner makes her feel safe, supported and free to be herself.

James Ward noted: “Crystal's heart, especially towards me and all non-human living beings, is something special. To all beings, great and small, she bestows generosity and kindness the likes of which I have never seen. She is the most sophisticated, intelligent and adventurous partner I could ever hope to find.»

Plans for the future

The couple is spending their honeymoon at the same Pacific Resort Aitutaki, where they plan to go diving, spend time on the beach, watch marine life and try local cuisine. In the long term, the couple intend to continue to travel, spend time with nature, animals and the ocean, and build a life together based on trust, support and partnership. They emphasized that marriage for them means choosing each other every day and creating a common future without unnecessary pomp.

Based on materials from https://people

Xrust The widow of Playboy founder Crystal Harris married James Ward