Frequently Asked Questions
Check a date, Call 808 875-0350, or email
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers
1. - Would be cheaper on a weekday rather then a weekend to have the wedding? There is no difference between weekdays & weekends.
2. - We found an additional $25.00 night resort fee for wedding and honeymoon package, are there any other hidden fees or costs we should be aware of? This is the resort service charge that every hotel charges and are not fees that we have added. So that you know about these fees in advance, we have listed them on the Rate Details page for each hotel. This is not a fee that is collected by us, but is charged to you upon checkout by the hotel. If you are married on a beach, there is a Beach Wedding permit that we must purchase for your wedding. We pay this to the State of Hawaii. the fee is (for a small group up to 12) $50. Fees are more based on the number of people on the beach at your wedding. If you have looked at the Book my Wedding form, you will also see that there is also an energy surcharge fee of $25 that is assessed to all weddings. Being that all energy in Hawaii is higher than anywhere else and higher that it has been in the past, instead of raise the price of all of our packages, we started the energy surcharge fee. This covers the increased cost of flowers, gasoline and electricity. This is clearly stated on the form.
3. - We see the Package includes marriage license arrangements. Does that include the cost of the license or is there an extra charge and if so how much? Marriage license arrangements means that we will arrange the appointment for your marriage license. The fee for the license is $65 ($60 in Oahu) payable directly to the license agent when you meet with her. None of our packages include the license fee, since it is the State of Hawaii who collects the fee.
4. - We were thinking of doing a luau as a reception. We saw the Te Au Moana Luau is at the resort on Monday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. If we were to do the luau does it have to be on one of those days? Yes. Those are the days of that luau. There are other luaus that are every night, but they are in Lahaina. If you go to a luau on your wedding night, you will not be able to have a sunset wedding, your wedding will have to be earlier say at 2:00 PM.
5. - We are not completely set on a luau as a reception so could you put in your proposal a luau, or a dinner for about 20-30 people? You will have your own personal Activity Specialist who can arrange all your activities including luau. This is paid directly to the activity company and is not included on your Proposal. If you want a catered dinner for 20-30, we can arrange that and put it on your Proposal. Catered dinners do your include alcohol, but you can provide that yourself separately, a bartender is included. If you want a reception at a restaurant, you will need to contact them directly to make arrangements and give them your credit card info. We have listed under Receptions many of these options for your convenience. We do not add a commission for your reception.
6. - Does the car rental in the package include unlimited mileage? Yes. There are no mileage limitations or extra fees.
7. - Would you be able to help or give ideas for guest room specials? Yes, we have rooms specials we can offer at the hotel you are staying at in otter categories like terrace, garden or mountain views, or at other properties that we have not listed, like close by condos. Also, your guests can configure there own travel, rooms and car at discounted rates through our affiliates Pleasant Holidays,
8. - Can we add additional wedding services as we are planning the wedding together at a later time (i.e. wedding cake or archway?) Yes, although we like to have all the information at the time you book, you can make up changes to your wedding plans, Just send us an email.
9.> What happens if it rains on my wedding day? If there is a possibility of rain on your wedding day, we may, change the time or location of the wedding to a drier location, or in case of rain at all locations, will provide for an indoor location, usually a church (a $300 church donation is required). Also see our Contract.
10.> What is your Hawaiian minister's service like? Our associate minister is Rev. Alalani Hill. She is an authority on Hawaiian protocol for Traditional Hawaiian weddings. She offers a spiritual Christian or contemporary ceremony. She can blow the Pu (conch shell) and bless you with, an ancient Hawaiian chant at no additional charge. See information on her Ancient Hawaiian Ceremony.
11.> Do we receive the negatives along with the photographs? Hawaiian Island Weddings has the exclusive right to make reprints and enlargements of the negatives for the clients. Since we deal with only professional photographers, the negatives are not included in most of our wedding packages, (with the exception of our Waimea Falls Wedding) and are available for purchase only 2 years after your wedding (pricing varies depending on the photographer). If a wedding company offers negatives with your wedding package, you are probably not dealing with a professional photographer. Obviously we want to make any additional photos for you, which are reasonably priced, this way we are assured of the quality of the photographs. All of our reprints and enlargements are satisfaction guaranteed.
12.> Can we provide our own wedding cake to be served on location? You may provide any additional items you wish, provided the wedding takes place at a public area or beach park location (hotels do not allow this). If you want us to set up a cake you have purchased on location there will be a $50 set up fee. This will include a cake table, tablecloth, cake cutter & server, paper plates, forks and napkins. Feel free to bring additional champagne and glasses (for beach location) and designate a serving person, we will not serve Champagne you have purchased yourself.
13.> Are tuxedo and gown rentals available? If so, what is the price? Tuxedo and gown rentals are available. Wedding gowns rent for between $350-$500 depending on style. There are many styles to choose from depending on the size that is needed. Tuxedos are between $120-$130. We will need all the proper measurements at least one week prior to your wedding, including height, weight and credit card number for the deposit. We like to arrange a fitting two or three days prior to your wedding to arrange for alterations.
14.> How long does the wedding last? From beginning to end your wedding will last one to one 1/2 hours. The actual wedding vows are only about 15-20 minutes long.
15.> What is your sunset sail wedding like? I'm sure you would enjoy our Sunset Sail Wedding! We charter a 65 foot yacht for you and your party, and perform your ceremony while under sail. During whale season (December through April) you may see whales jumping and playing around the yacht during the sail. Minister, Photography, Video, Music, appetizers and extra champagne is all included!
16.> Can we be married by a natural waterfall? As far as a waterfall location - there are natural and man made waterfalls. Most natural waterfalls are located in the tropical rain forests and usually involve a hike through muddy trails to get there. .
17.> How many days before the actual wedding date do you recommend arriving? We suggest that you arrive two days before your wedding date. This way you can relax and look and feel your best for your wedding day and have time to obtain your marriage license.
18.> We like the sound of your minister, but can we provide our own minister? Yes... and no. You may provide your own minister if you like, although, if your minister is not licensed in the State of Hawaii, you will also need our minister to actually pronounce you and sign the marriage license for the State.
19.> We Plan to marry in Kona, are other options available? Yes, you may go with our Kohala Coast Wedding or our Place of Sanctuary Wedding, or the King´s Knoll Wedding.
20.> We would like to learn more about the ministers in Oahu, the content he likes to say, flexibility on vows, readings etc. Your minister will allow any vows you wish to say to each other... your minister will vary depending on the package you choose. In the Waikiki area we have either a male or female minister who will be very flexible with the service. At Waimea Valley they have their own minister who is very good... not plastic or shallow. You´d be surprised.
21.> While yours attracts us the most so far, we'd need some way of checking some business and personal references. Any happy couples on file in our area we could call? 22.> Which Wedding & Honeymoon package is best? That depends on which island you will be visiting. All of the resorts we arrange are top four star resorts. We have Wedding & Honeymoon packages on Oahu, Maui and Kauai, see All of them here . Please give me a call for availability during your dates.
23.> Is a Hawaiian marriage legally valid in Australia? Yes, we have married many couples from Down Under, and many other countries.
24.> Is it possible for you to manage the wedding with a couple of weeks time of preparation? Yes, as long as we can arrange the details ASAP.
25.> Do you know about special requirements for German Couples? We have married many couples from Germany with no problems. You must file an apostille when you return home, which legalizes your marriage in Germany. If you have questions, call the State Health Department in Honolulu at (808) 586-4544.
26.> Is it possible for both to hold their old last names? Yes.
27.> We want something semi- traditional i.e. flowers, formal dress, in Kauai. Any ideas on packages or other custom weddings? We have a very nice church in Kauai that I think you would like, very traditional, located in Koloa. Feel free to customize your wedding with any of our additional services, or let us know any ideas you may have which we may not have thought of.
28.> What about a Rabbi? Would your organization be able to accommodate this request? Answer... we might be able to, just depends on the island (there are very few temples in Hawaii... the missionary's came here first).
29.> My fiance and I are interested in getting married at a golf resort. Do you coordinate this type of a wedding? Sure! You may be married on the grounds of the Gannon's Restaurant at the Wailea Golf Course. See our Island Locations page. Or look at our Makena Waterfall Wedding, which is right on Makena Golf Course.
30.> How far in Advance do you need a firm date? Most weddings are planned about four months in advance. It also depends on the day of the week, Holidays, etc. If you're flexible there shouldn't be a problem.
31.> We would like to be married in Kauai on the beach. What could you offer us? I'm sure you looked at our Kauai weddings by clicking on Kauai from our home page, also look at various Kauai locations on our Island Locations page. There are also church, private gardens and private beach locations in Kauai.
32.> What is the difference between the standard video & deluxe edited version? We offer only Edited Video productions of your wedding. Edited means any mistakes made by the videographer, (or yourselves for that matter), are edited out of the video. Also, any background audio (voices and noises) not during the actual ceremony are recorded over with your choice of music. If you would like a special song on your video, you may bring it on a CD and the videographer will edit it onto your video. Usually a Maui scenic section is added at the beginning of the video, (for Maui videos), title graphics, live audio during the ceremony (wireless microphones are used), and two or more songs following the ceremony.
A Deluxe Edited Video production of your wedding includes all of the same features as the Edited Video, plus an additional highly edited sequence (usually at the end) which can include what I call, "A still frame montage of wedding events" - which are selected poignant stills taken from the video and dissolving in and out and put to yet another song. The Deluxe Edited Video requires at least 1 1/2 extra hours of editing time and therefore is more expensive, but frankly, worth it.
33.> Is the number of photographs priced out actually the number taken? Or, does the photographer take extras to be sure they got a good one? (In Maui)- Your photographer will take a number of photographs of which you may choose the 28 to be included in your album. The photo albums are also expandable and you may choose additional photographs at that time. Additional photographs are half price for 4x6 when purchased at the time you are shown the photographs. If you are having guests, family and friends attending your wedding, it is highly suggested that you order additional photography (see our Additional Services page). Your photographer will then show you many more photographs from which to choose from. If you wish to have photographs taken at a second location on your wedding day, i.e.; reception, dinner or hotel location, you must order additional photography (min. 12 extra photos) which will include the second location.
34.> Are the prices quoted in American Dollars? Yes.
35.> Are the prices quoted per person or for the couple? And for the ones with hotel stay included, is the price based on per person, double occupancy? Prices are per couple, not per person. This is the total cost of both your wedding and complete accommodations. These prices do not include taxes, resort service charges, and State highway tax, insurance, airport concession fees, gasoline, or other add-ons.
36.> We are not religious people and would prefer to be married by a justice of the peace instead of by a minister. Would this be possible? Yes, we can provide for a Justice of the Peace for your ceremony. See our Ministers page under Judges (not available on all islands).
37.> Can you mix and match your wedding and honeymoon packages. For example would it be possible to combine the Deluxe Oceanfront Wedding with a Waterfall ceremony? Yes, our honeymoon packages are just our Molokini Sunset Wedding added to the accommodation portions. You may subtract $775.00 from the Wedding & Honeymoon package and then add the Makena Waterfall Wedding, for example.
38.> Any waterfalls on Kauai, man made maybe? although there are plenty of natural waterfalls, they are either remote, or do not provide access for weddings (See FAQ16. There is a man made waterfall at the Hyatt Regency Resort in Kauai, it is very picturesque. There is an additional fee for the use of the Hyatt Grounds.
39.> We have been sent price lists from others on Maui who arrange weddings, and one is quite a bit lower at $599. Why is yours so much more? We are aware that there are many part-time wedding planners who will perform weddings for less than we do. There are over 100 wedding companies in Maui, although there are only handfuls that are full-time. A few things to consider before putting the most important event of your lives in the hands of a cheep wedding planner...
1. Check with the Better Business Bureau in Maui, their 24 hour number is 808 536-6956.
2. Ask them for references of previous wedding couples in your area, we have references from all over the US, Canada, and internationally.
3. Ask them if their photographers are professionals who have a degree in photography, ours do.
4. If you don't have an on-site coordinator, what happens if it rains on your wedding day?
5. Remember... you get what you pay for.40.> We will need a Catholic ceremony (we have already completed the official Marriage Preparation Course the church requires) and would like a small, outdoorsy reception. We can send you a list of Catholic Churches, which you can then contact. The priest will want to speak with your priest and make sure all of the requirements have been met. Then, when you have arranged the date, if you would like your wedding in Maui you may go with our Traditional Church Wedding (although it would take place in the Catholic Church), or, on the neighbor islands, one of our standard or deluxe packages.
41.> We understand that the $150.00 deposit is non-refundable, but if we pay the $300.00 deposit for our accommodations portion of the package, what happens if we decide to cancel the hotel part? Should you cancel 60 days prior to check-in; you will qualify for a deposit refund with a deduction of a $100.00 service charge. Cancellations made less than 60 days from the arrival date will result in forfeiture of the entire deposit.
42.> What is the difference between 4x6 images on a CD and high-resolution images? Most of our packages include a CD with 4x6 sized images. This is useful for emailing photos, using on social networking sites, saving on your computer and making as many 4x6 sized photos you wish. The 4x6 image CD is not going to make enlargements like 8x10's. The high -resolution Disk (many times a DVD), includes all the images taken at your wedding in the camera resolution (usually 60" x 40"). You can make as many photos in any sizes with the high-resolution Disk. See more on our Photography Options page.
43.> Do any of your wedding packages include hotel accommodations? Yes! We offer Wedding and Honeymoon packages on Maui, Oahu, Kauai and Hawaii. See our Wedding and Honeymoon page.
44.> I booked my wedding with you, but forgot to put the coupon code in the box to receive a discount. Can you please give me the discount anyway? Sorry, no. Our policy is that if the code number is not entered in correctly, or is not indicated at all, the discount can not apply. Coupon specials are for those who are aware of the coupon special, find the code number, and follow the instructions by entering the code number correctly. A link to our Coupon Specials is located right on our booking form, so you do not have to look far for it when you are booking your wedding. Code numbers are not case sensitive.
45.> Are there Catholic priests to perform ceremonies? There are Catholic priests, although, they will only perform weddings in the Catholic Church and will want to talk to you and your priest before the ceremony. although, this eliminates all of our on-location weddings, like, beaches and gardens. Otherwise, we have Hawaiian Ministers who perform religious or non religious ceremonies. See our Ministers Page.
46.> Hawaii Marriage License Information: We will arrange an appointment for your marriage license, usually the day after you arrive, there is no waiting period, the cost is $60 payable in exact cash to the license agent. There is no blood test required. You both must be at least 19 years old and present a picture ID (driver´s license or passport). If either of you have been married before, you will need to provide the date and place of divorce or separation (death). If you have been divorced less than one year you will need to provide divorce documentation. No documents are needed provided your divorce took place more than one year from your appointment date. If you have questions, you may call the State Health Department in Honolulu at (808) 586-4544, or see their website.
47.> Where are your additional services? Our Additional Services price list is linked to our web site. Just click on Additional Services.
48.> There will only be the two of us at the ceremony, is this OK? Do we need witnesses? With regard to ceremonies with just the two of you, many of our wedding couples come alone to the islands to avoid the hassles of planning large weddings at home. If you are not bringing guests we will provide your witnesses for you at no additional charge.
49.> Is there a limit on how many guests we can bring? There is no limit to the number of guests for most of our weddings, with the exception of our Fern Grotto, Waimea Falls and Place of Sanctuary Packages (which are limited to 17, 10 and 10 guests respectively, there is an additional charge for more guests of $15.00 each).
50.> How far in advance should we book our wedding? Usually we book weddings 4 to 6 months in advance, unless you are having many guests or having us arrange a reception for you, in which case a year is not too soon.
51.> Can we add extras to the wedding packages? What about custom arrangements? You may customize your wedding package with a number of Additional Services and Special Services options that we offer, or you may have something totally different in mind. Just let us know what your thinking and we will be happy to put together a custom wedding to fill your needs.
52.> How do I book my wedding with you? Fill out our Book my Wedding form. Then send the deposit required with your credit card with our secure server Pay Pal. We will then secure your wedding date and begin your wedding plans. Your balance on your wedding is due at least 30 days prior to your wedding date. (If you have any questions about the deposit required, please give us a call.)
53.> How can I pay more than $4000 on your website? Are there any restrictions when using my credit card? Our website will accept credit card payments up to $4000. If your payment is over $4000 we require that you send a check, cashier´s check, or wire transfer. If you wish to make a payment over $4000 by credit card, there is a 3% transaction fee.
Answers are subject to change.
