United Kingdom, April 4 -- Crystal Harris and James Ward have tied the knot.

The former Playboy model - who was previously married to Playboy founder Hugh Hefner from 2012 until his death in 2017 - eloped with Ward to Aitutaki, one of the Cook Islands, where they wed on Thursday (02.04.26).

Crystal, 39, told PEOPLE: "We chose the Cook Islands because of how remote it is. There are no big chain hotels, which makes it feel incredibly peaceful and authentic. 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."

Crystal and James decided on a simple wedding with no guests.

She explained: "Because the wedd...