Crystal Harris marries James Ward in intimate Cook Islands Elopement

Crystal Harris has married James Ward in a private elopement, marking a new chapter years after the death of her former husband, Hugh Hefner.

The couple exchanged vows on April 2, 2026, in Aitutaki, a secluded island in the Cook Islands, chosen for its tranquility and natural beauty.

“We chose the Cook Islands because of how remote it is,” Harris shared, noting the absence of large chain hotels and the island’s peaceful, authentic atmosphere, Crystal told People.

“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.”

Opting for a deeply personal ceremony, the pair decided against a traditional guest list. 

Harris explained that keeping the wedding small allowed them to focus on meaningful details and remain fully present in the moment.

“Marriage means choosing each other every day and building a life based on trust, support, and partnership,” she said.

Ward, 42, echoed the sentiment, calling himself “the luckiest guy alive” and praising Harris for her kindness and adventurous spirit.

The couple, who met through mutual friends in Hawaii in 2024, shared their first dance to Safe With Me by Ike Dweck — a song Harris said reflects the sense of safety and support she has found in the relationship.

The marriage marks a fresh start for Harris, who was previously married to Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017. 

In her memoir Only Say Good Things: Surviving Playboy and Finding Myself, she reflected candidly on that relationship, describing it as complex and shaped by a significant power imbalance.

Harris has since spoken openly about rediscovering her identity in the years following Hefner’s passing, including personal changes and a shift toward a more authentic life.

Now, with her new marriage, she appears focused on a future rooted in simplicity, mutual respect and emotional security.