FAQ’S
Couples, especially for destination weddings, naturally may have a number of questions about their event. Please review the below as it addresses most of the common questions and concerns that our couples ask about. If something is not included here just let us know and we will be more than glad to address it for you.
How do I schedule my wedding or vow renewal?
- Review our wedding or vow renewal packages and make your selections.
- Go to “Locations” and select your preferred location or submit one of your own choosing.
- Go to “Get Scheduled” and complete and submit the reservation form.
- Within 2-3 business days we will send you a complete contract package with a detailed quote, terms and conditions of your agreement with us, and an invoice for your initial deposit of a minimum of $100.00.
- Make the deposit payment and you are officially scheduled!
Can I customize my wedding or vow renewal plan?
- Yes, you may add any items from our list of recommendations or our A La Carte menu. If you don’t see something just ask and in most cases we can source it for you.
Can I use my own photographer minister, et cetera?
- We prefer to use our own vendors as they are familiar with our process, have been completely vetted, and ensure the quality standards that we expect in these areas. That being said we will allow couples to use outside vendors as long as: We are provided with a copy of their General Liability Insurance policy with a minimum aggregate coverage of $1 million dollars, a copy of any applicable required State of Hawaii or City and County of Honolulu media permit, and participation will be subject to a fee of $50 per outside vendor. All outside vendors must also agree to be subject to our supervision for the ceremony.
- Personal Pastors are more than welcome to officiate.
What happens next?
- When we are within 30 days of your ceremony we will reach out to you as necessary.
- 7 days before the ceremony we will send you a confirmation with your minister’s name and contact information.
- The day before we will re-confirm exact meeting time and location.
- Our process is for the couple to meet their officiant and other Team members at the ceremony site at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time to properly meet and greet one another and to review the details of your ceremony. Please adhere to this so that we can start on time.
- For formal weddings our officiant Team members will plan to be on site about 30 minutes before the ceremony.
- Please note: Our practice is to focus on ceremonies within the next 30 days with the exception of events for which we are the coordinators. If you have any questions about your ceremony we ask that you hold them until we are within that 30 day window and address them all at once. Obviously, if you have something that you need us to address that is urgent and time sensitive then of course please feel free to contact us.
What do we need to do to get legally married in Hawaii?
- For complete information on getting legally married in Hawaii please click here: Marriage license info
How long is the ceremony?
- Depending on the exact options selected, ceremonies will run from about 12 to 20 minutes.
- So if your ceremony is scheduled for 2:00 PM then your minister will meet you onsite at 1:45 PM, review everything, start the ceremony promptly at 2:00 PM and generally be completed by 2:15-2:20 PM.
- Be aware that it is essential to start on time. The idea that a bride is entitled to be late on her wedding day is not something that we subscribe to. We do allow some “just in case” time because we do understand that sometimes things happen. But generally, the minister will be scheduled to leave no more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time. If tardiness will cause the ceremony to run beyond that and only IF the officiant and other vendors can remain then late fees of $25 per vendor per 15 minutes or any portion thereof will be applicable and payable before the ceremony can start.
- Time for late starts may also be taken off the total photography or video shooting time.
Can I make changes to my order?
- Additional items and/or services may be added at any time up to the ceremony date, subject to availability.
- Cancellation of any services or item must be done more than 60 days before the ceremony date to avoid cancellation penalties. Any cancellation at any time will be subject to the cancellation clause per our Terms and Conditions document. The initial deposit in non refundable.
What do we wear?
- Basically, whatever you want. For beach weddings couples have ranged from swimsuits to full gowns and tuxes and everything in between. That being said we recommend casual and comfortable and while we understand that some brides have a very special affection for their shoes, high heels are not practical on a sandy beach. But bring them anyway and we will make sure to get them in the photos somehow!
Can I “walk down the aisle” on a beach?
- Yes, you can definitely do that. If it is just the bride and an escort no problem. However, if it is a full processional with a formal bridal party then the processional will have to be fully rehearsed prior to the ceremony by the couple and their party. If you would like us to conduct a full rehearsal in advance we can do so for a fee of $150.00. Another option is to do a quick rehearsal on the beach 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time which we can do for a fee of $50.00. IF NONE OF THESE ARE DONE THERE CAN BE NO PROCESSIONAL OR, IF IT CAN BE DONE, LATE FEES OF $25 PER VENDOR MAY BE ASSESED TO YOU ALONG WITH THE $50 REHEARSAL FEE.
What if it rains?
- When weather may be a concern we monitor it very closely. Because weather in Hawaii is so fluid we advise couples not to panic and to wait until the day before to see what the weather forecast looks like. In most cases a change in time and / or location will suffice. Worse case scenario is to change the date. We do have a couple of churches that may be available that do not have a fixed cost but simply ask for a “contribution of conscience”. If none of these work for you then we take out the umbrellas and make the best of it.
Please go to the Help Center at the bottom of any page on our website and go to our “Disclosure” page and print it out for you to review these important policies and information.