Hugh Hefner's Widow, Crystal Harris, Ties the Knot with James Ward in Romantic Island Ceremony

Crystal Harris and James Ward exchanged vows in a picturesque ceremony on Aitutaki, one of the stunning Cook Islands, marking a new chapter in their lives.

The former Playboy model, now 39, was previously married to Hugh Hefner until his passing in 2017. This time, she eloped with Ward, 42, on Thursday, embracing the island's serene beauty.

“We chose the Cook Islands because of how remote it is,” Harris explained in an interview. “There are no big chain hotels, which makes it feel incredibly peaceful and authentic.”

She added, “It’s also home to one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Since James and I both love the ocean and nature, it felt like the perfect place for us to start this chapter of our lives.”

With the help of wedding coordinator Sandi Brown, the couple crafted a ceremony that was “really peaceful,” focusing on simplicity and elegance. “Because the wedding is small, it allowed us to focus on the meaningful details rather than managing a large event,” Harris noted.

“We didn’t want a huge production. We wanted something quiet and personal where we could really be present with each other and the moment.”

Harris donned the “Margo” gown by Oksana Mukha, a stunning white lace dress adorned with over 5,400 Swarovski crystals. “When I saw the dress, I instantly fell in love with it,” she shared. “It reminded me of a Disney princess dress — romantic, timeless, and very feminine.”

Ward expressed his admiration for Harris, highlighting her compassion for all living things. “Crystal’s heart is a thing to behold,” he said. “She’s the classiest, brainiest, most adventure-seeking partner I could have ever hoped to find.”

In April 2025, Ward proposed to Harris with a six-carat diamond at her home in Hawaii after a year of dating. “It truly feels like a full-circle moment,” she recalled. “James completely surprised me.”

Harris described how Ward transformed a special picnic spot into a romantic proposal site. “I had no idea he was secretly turning it into something permanent and symbolic,” she said.

The couple was introduced by mutual friends, and in September 2024, Harris expressed how valued and validated she felt in her relationship with Ward. “I’m nurturing the real me, my adventurous spirit, my inner child,” she reflected.

“I feel like I’ve become the person I always needed when I was growing up. I feel accepted and more myself than ever before.”