Frequently Asked Questions
Give Lei or Bob a call at our toll free number (800-800-8489 ) and We'll will talk you through our packages, options and ideas. If we are not in the office, please leave a message and we will return your call promptly. It is our pleasure to assist you in making the right choices for your special day!
It’s so easy! We will make your licensing appointment with an agent closest to your accommodations and give you an internet address to either request or download your license application beforehand. All you need to do is bring a current I.D. and $60 cash when you meet with your agent.
To download your license application go to www.hawaii.gov/doh/ , click on Vital Records, then click on Marriage Licenses, then download the marriage license application which is located at the bottom of the page.
Before printing out your application for a marriage license it is important that you read "About Marriage Licenses" .
Be sure to fill out your marriage license application before leaving home as there is some information you may need to obtain from your family. Also, be sure that you have filled out your marriage license application BEFORE going to see the licensing agent.
We hold weddings 365 days each year!! There is not really one month which is preferred over another. Summer is a time when families plan trips, however with year round schooling, any month can be the perfect time for you.
Air costs seem to escalate during the summer months and during the Christmas holiday season.
Our temperature is rather consistent: between 75 and 85 degrees but what makes it "hot" is the combination of temperature and humidity. Keep in mind that we do have tradewinds, which help to "keep us cool". Purchase "The Ultimate Guide to Kauai" to find some very helpful information about our weather. This has been the resource that our couples repeatedly say has been the most beneficial for them in planning their trip! You should be able to find it at your local bookstore.
Firstly, keeping up with the weather forecasts is something that we do daily! If we know for sure that rain will be heavy throughout the day, we can d o a number of things:
There are many advantages! A few are as follows:
Our photographer will tell the story of your wedding through the photos: blowing of the conch shell, ceremony, toasting, cake cutting, signing the license, etc. Following the ceremony he will walk you around the location area and take more pictures of the two of you and of your guests (should you have them). If you have special poses you would like, simply tell the photographer. He will work with you to make you feel comfortable and at ease, so as to insure the best possible memories for your photo album!
Your pictures will be all digital- we shoot primarily with a Nikon D200.
8. How soon after our wedding will we get our photos and video?
The photographer normally downloads and sorts the digital images within 48 hours of your wedding. If you are still on the island, you are welcome to make an appointment with the photographer to pick up your photo CD at our office. Otherwise, they will be sent US Priority mail. to your home or designated address within 2 weeks. Albums may take up to 4 weeks to produce. Special arrangements can be made for express mail service. A 48 hour rush fee is available for $125.00.
Videos (DVD's), on the other hand, will take 2-3 weeks but are available within 72 hours for a rush fee of $125.
9. Can we write our own wedding vows?
Absolutely!! We will send you a copy of our non-denominational wedding ceremony with several suggestions for vows with our confirmation letter (or you may see them @ www.mohala.com/ceremony) and you are welcome to change them to better reflect your individual hearts and sentiments if you wish. We want your wedding to be exactly the way that you’ve envisioned it, right down to the Vows!
10. What makes Kauai special over other islands like Maui, Oahu and the big Island (Hawaii)?
Kauai, The Garden Island certainly deserves serious consideration for your wedding and honeymoon. It has a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere which contributes to your enjoyment. Its beaches are beautiful, but not as crowded as the larger islands. The Waimea Canyon, the NaPali Coast, mountains of waterfalls, white sandy beaches, and Fern Grotto are wonderful to experience. Some couples who have come to marry here have said, "Why do we have to leave here for another island?" One family after spending a week on each of the other major islands arrived on Kauai and said, "We’ve finally found Hawaii!!"
11. What choices do we have for ceremony sites?
Kauai has more beaches, than any other island in Hawaii. If saying "I do" to the sound of the surf is your idea of heaven, you've come to the right place. Kauai is home to beautiful, unblemished beaches — many of them quiet, secluded and perfect for an intimate exchange of vows. Better yet, public beaches and parks are available free of charge. There's nothing ordinary about a church wedding in Kauai, home to charming, historic churches as well as lovely wedding chapels. Kauai also has a number of romantic resorts to choose from, each with its own distinctive character. All happily accommodate weddings, however they as well as the churches all charge site fees.
12. What is Traditional Hawaiian wedding attire for a man and a woman?
Couples who live in Hawaii wear clothing similar to that in the mainland USA. The groom will wear a tuxedo and the bride a bridal gown. Some of our couples choose this formal route also. In the past, the "Traditional Hawaiian" attire consisted of a white shirt and pants with a colored sash for the groom and a holoku for the bride (a long white muumuu with a train), but could wear any style of long white dress. The white shirt, pants, shoes may be rented, the sash purchased. Color is very important to the Hawaiian people. The state color is red. The color for Kauai is purple. One of these colors would be appropriate – although you may choose any color you wish. The holoku is harder to come by although there are dress makers on the island who may assist.
The groom will traditionally wear a Maile Lei and the bride will wear multiple strands of Pikake – the wedding flower- and a haku lei on her head.
13. What is the "proper" or "normal" attire for a wedding?
There’s no such thing as "proper" or "normal" attire! We’ve coordinated weddings with couples as casual as wearing swimming attire, to tuxedos and gowns with long trains! You’re welcome to be as casual or formal as you’d like while still being appropriate in whatever location you choose.
Most couples wear clothing appropriate for going out to dinner. The groom may choose to wear slacks with open or banded collared shirt with or without a jacket. The bride in a nice dress in a flattering color.
My suggestion is to think ahead to the days when you’ll remember your wedding through your photos, then dress the way you want to be to remember "your day".
You may go on line to: www.jeffreymorton.com and select a style, go to a tuxedo shop in your area to be measured, then call us with your measurements – including: height, weight and shoe size. We will place the order and arrange for you to pick it up on Kauai. It is possible to arrange your licensing appointment with the agent who will also have your tuxedo. We love one-stop shopping!!
15. What are "musts" for us to see and do while on Kauai?
Please take advantage of our private concierge. It is a free service to you. The top attractions on Kauai would be: a luau (call us for suggestions) where you will experience some of the ono (delicious) food and unique culture, a helicopter tour (we live on 4% of the island so the remaining 96% remains hidden!), the NaPali coast tour by power catamaran (the boat will stop for an hour of snorkeling – the fish are waiting to be seen - and scuba for $25 additional). Plan to spend a day on the north shore going to the shops in Hanalei and visiting the wet and dry caves toward the end of the road. Take your suits!! Save one day for the Waimea Canyon – the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. It is truly spectacular!! Don’t forget to spend some time on Kauai’s beautiful white sand beaches. Mohala Weddings will answer questions, give expert recommendations and schedule all your discount activities, dinner and spa reservations with service, quality and value.
16. How many days do you recommend we stay on Kauai?
I suggest a minimum of 5 days although a week is preferred to allow time to see the sights and to do some relaxing on Kauai’s beautiful beaches!
17. How soon after arriving on Kauai should we be married?
My suggestion is to get your license the afternoon you arrive – if you are arriving by 2pm, or the next morning. You may be married any time after receiving your license. I suggest that you marry early on in your vacation so that you can spend most of your time as Newlyweds on your honeymoon!!. After the ceremony, the HONEYMOON begins!!
A 50% deposit will be due at booking in order to confirm your wedding date. If you cancel for any reason $250 will be retained and the balance refunded to you within 5 days of cancellation . There is also a non-refundable deposit of $100 for reception planning, if applicable. Additionally, weddings that are cancelled within a 72- hour time period prior to the wedding your full 50% deposit will be retained and the balance refunded to you within 5 days of the cancellation .
Payment for your balance in full is due 14 days prior to your wedding date.
All prices subject to 4.17% state tax. All prices subject to change without notice.
Absolutely! We can make your vision a reality, no matter how simple or extravagant it may be.
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