Frequently Asked Questions

Weddings at Queen Kapiolani Hotel is a premier wedding company that specializes in creating beautiful and unforgettable experiences at Queen Kapiolani Hotel. With years of experience and hundreds of successful weddings, elopements, and vow renewals, the company has gained a reputation for delivering exceptional service and memorable experiences. From the initial consultation to the ceremony itself, the team at Weddings at Queen Kapiolani Hotel works closely with couples to ensure their vision for their special day is brought to life. Whether it's a small and intimate elopement or a grand ceremony, Weddings at Queen Kapiolani Hotel provides unparalleled service, attention to detail, and expertise to make every wedding a truly unforgettable event.

CEREMONY RECEPTION MARRIAGE LICENSE FOOD & BEVERAGE GENERAL WEDDING VENDOR

Ceremony Questions

The ceremony takes around 15-20 minutes depeding if you include personal vows. The remainder of the time is for photography/videography purposes.
A typical ceremony outline includes the Welcome Statement, Personal Vows, Exchange of Rings, The Kiss and the Recessional.
For Ceremony Only Packages: We will perform the rehearsal during the first 30 minutes of your scheduled time.
For Ceremony and Reception Packages: Our standard ceremony rehearsal schedule opens up 60 days before your wedding and is done at 2:30 pm which is between events. If you would like a different rehearsal time, we would have to wait until 30 days before your event to see the available time options. We try and do ceremony rehearsals 1-2 days prior to your wedding date.
Yes, $5 for an additional chair.
We can fit up to 100 chairs outside.
Height is 83in, Width is 65in, Depth is 13in.
Yes, Dogs are permitted on the Leahi Lanai as long as they remain on leash and do not cause a disturbance (they are also not permitted to eat or drink from our kitchen's bowls so please supply a travel bowl of water).

Reception Questions

White table linens, white napkins, silverware, glassware, and plates are included.
Two hours before your event.If vendors arrive prior to that time, there will be a fee.
Your onsite coordinator.
The Queen Kapiolani Event Manager.
Round tables are 70” in diameter or Long tables (6ft).
We recommend 8 guests per round table. We can accommodate up to 10 guests per table with a place setting restrictions.
Rectangle tables are 6ft:”72.00" x 29.75" x 29.13" (L/W/H).
Round tables are 30” diameter, 30” height (low table), 42” height (high table).
Yes, we offer a commercial Bluetooth speaker set for rental to play your own music, or please consider hiring a DJ.
Amplified music on the lanai cannot be played after 7pm. Any music played inside the Ballroom can not exceed 60dB as measured from the lanai (this typically ends up sounding like background dinner music).
Dancing / DJ music is allowed inside the ballroom with the doors closed after dinner. No loud music can be amplified on the lanai. Ceremony music, and “first dance” music is allowed on the lanai.
No.
15 minutes before scheduled end time.
The Leahi Room is 51'x55'.
Our speaker package ($200) includes a bluetooth enabled EV Evolve 50 speaker on a stand. As long as you have your music loaded on a bluetooth enabled device (most people use an ipad) then you should be good to go. Two wireless, hand-held microphones are included with the Speaker Package.
Guests are required to have fully exited the Leahi Room and Lanai by 10:00 pm so that vendors can come in and start breakdown which is typically 10:00 pm-11:00pm.
Dogs are permitted in the Leahi Room (reception site) for a fee. Most clients will either have a pet sitter pick up their doggie-guests or they will take their dog back to their hotel room on-site following the ceremony (with payment of any applicable pet fees to the Queen Kapiolani Hotel).
$125/pet (for up to two pets)
$500/event (for more than 2 pets)
*If the event is okay with having their pet on the lanai throughout, there will be no additional pet fees.
Yes it is possible however due to the heat we do recommend renting a tent to provide your guests with shade.
We do recommend that the Lanai is used for your cocktail hour and then have your lunch inside the ballroom with the doors open so you are able to keep cool but are still able to go in and out and enjoy the view.

Marriage License Questions

You can apply in person at The State of Hawaii Licensing Bureau, located at 1250 Punchbowl Street (808) 586-4544 or you can apply online at http://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses/. The current fee is USD $60.00 and must be paid in cash.
Both parties must appear personally to pick up at The State of Hawaii Licensing Bureau, located at 1250 Punchbowl Street. There are no residency or citizenship requirements. The legal age to marry in Hawaii is 18 years. Proof of age is required in the form of ID or driver’s license.
You can apply and obtain a marriage license the same day. You can pre-apply for the license within one year of the wedding date. The marriage license is good for 30 days from and including the date or its issuance.
The State of Hawaii will issue a temporary copy of the marriage license which can be downloaded online within a few days of the ceremony. You will then receive a certified copy of your marriage license by mail within 120 days of your wedding. If you need a certified hard copy of your marriage license sooner, you can go online to request the copy or contact the Department of Health (808-586-4544) for more information.
Each person will be required to present in person a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license or passport. If you were previously married, proof of the original divorce decree or death certificate needs to be presented if the divorce or death was finalized within 30 days of applying for a marriage license.
Yes, as long as you apply and pickup your wedding license there is no waiting period before the wedding.
No, the Officiant serves as the witness granted that the Officiant performing the wedding is licensed in The State of Hawaii.

Food & Beverage Questions

Yes, our menu is seasonal and subject to change. Menu is guaranteed 3 months prior to your wedding.
LUNCH
30-50 Guests: $2,000
50-75 Guests: $4,000
75-100 Guests: $5,000
100+ Guests: $6,000
DINNER
30-50 Guests: $4,000
50-75 Guests: $6,000
75-100 Guests: $8,000
100+ Guests: $10,000
No, tax and service fee are in addition to the food & beverage minimum.
The Queen Kapiolani Event Manager.
Your Food & Beverage minimum based on your guest count is due 30 days prior to the Function
Yes, we have white linen and napkins, round white plate (10.5 inches in diameter) silverware, and glassware.
Yes, we can accommodate dietary restrictions. This information should be submitted with your food & beverage order 30 days prior to your event.
We currently have:
Plated Vegetarian Options
-Eggplant Lasagne
-Eggplant Parmesan
-Vegetable Pasta Primavera
Plated Vegan Options
-Grilled Portobello Mushroom "Steak" with Garlic Mashed Cauliflower & Seasonal Veg
-Vegan Risotto with Sautéed Seasonal Veg
Inside on the East side of the room
Leftovers from a buffet will not be removable due to State of Hawaii Health Regulations.
No.
Yes. We require wedding cakes that will be served to be produced in a commercial bakery that has liability insurance.
When planning an event, the bar setup significantly shapes the guest experience. Understanding the distinctions between an open bar, partially open bar, and cash bar is crucial for making the right choice.
Open Bar: Ultimate Hospitality.
An open bar is a generous offering where all drinks are complimentary, covered entirely by the host. It creates a relaxed atmosphere but requires careful oversight to ensure responsible drinking.
Partially Open Bar: Balancing Generosity and Budget.
This option provides a middle ground, offering some complimentary drinks or covering a limited time frame. It balances hospitality with cost control, allowing hosts to manage expenses while still providing a degree of free service.
Cash Bar: Guest-Paid Beverages.
In a cash bar setup, guests pay for their drinks. While it might seem less hospitable, it’s practical for budget-conscious events and gives guests more control over their choices.
Our bar is charged based on actual consumption. Should you decide to fully host the bar, our bar tender will keep of the actual items ordered (soft drinks, house beer, house wine, spirits and cocktails) and the final amount (plus tax and 20% service fee) will be charged to the card on file at the end of the evening.
It is difficult to estimate costs as guest preferences can vary quite a bit. In the past, in order to manage costs, we have had clients set up their bar in a number of different ways: 1) establish a hosted bar limit (or a dollar amount at which they wanted to be informed so that they could either continue to host or switch to a cash bar), 2) use drink tickets to give every guest a predetermined number of drinks (this can be further limited by making the tickets only good for beer, wine and soft drinks if you would like, with cocktail and spirits available for cash purchase), or 3) host beer, wine and soft drinks throughout the night, with spirits and cocktails available for cash purchase.
No, the satellite bar set-up and bartender is included in the package.
No, the bar is a separate business and drinks from the restaurant cannot be brought into the Leahi Room & Lanai.
We can generally pour 6 flutes of sparkling wine or champagne per glass - 8 if you want a very light pour.
We have one portion to share between the bride and groom that is complimentary. Additional portions will be charged.
No, we do not allow outside spirits or beer.

General Questions

Queen Kapiolani Hotel can accommodate up to 150 guests in the Ballroom.
There is limited valet parking upon availability which is $10.00 with validation. Additional public parking is available directly across the street at The Honolulu Zoo which is $1.50 per hour.
Our site tours are done Monday - Friday from 11::00 am - 4:00 pm depending on staff availability and our events schedule. Site Tour Reservations are required
We start booking 18 months before your wedding date.
After you have selected one of our venues, wedding date and time of ceremony, one of our reservation agents will email you a proposal/contract. Due to our high interest in our properties, dates and venues are not officially held or confirmed until a 50% non-refundable deposit and signed contract is received. Once the signed contract and deposit is received, you will receive a confirmation 24-48 hours officially confirming your booking.
We do not hold dates due to our high interest in our properties. Dates and venues are not officially held or confirmed until a 50% non-refundable deposit and singed contract is received.
After we’ve received your signed contract and 50% non-refundable deposit, one of our on-site ceremony specialists will contact you via email to start the exciting process.
Our Complimentary Day of Event Coordination service is perfect for the couple who plan to be very hands-on during the planning process and can handle the contracts and organization, but want someone to take care of all the details the week before and be there on the day of. We will review all the minor details and coordinate your vendors and setup on the day of your wedding so you and your family members can just relax and enjoy your time in Hawaii. Service includes: Initial consultation with bride and groom, Ceremony planning & rehearsal, Prepare schedule/timeline and checklists, Final wedding day timeline will be prepared before the wedding day, Finalization meetings to review all details: The month of the wedding and the week prior to the wedding, 2 Coordinators on wedding day, Up to 8 hours on wedding day. • Up to 8 hours on wedding day. • Additional hour/s can be purchased for $150/hr.
The damage deposit check will not be cashed unless needed. If not needed we will destroy the check.

Wedding Vendor Questions

Yes, you may use your own vendors for your ceremony. We do ask that you provide your on-site ceremony specialist with all vendors contact information so she may inform them of our rules, regulations and time schedule in order to make sure your day runs smoothly.
Yes. Commercial general liability insurance covering the Licensee’s operations and the Licensee’s use and occupancy of all or any part of the Wedding Facility, including broad form contractual liability coverage insuring the Licensee’s obligations under this Agreement, written on an “occurrence” form with minimum limits of $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 general aggregate per policy year, and $50,000 per occurrence for fire legal liability, covering all bodily injury, property damage, personal injury and other covered loss (however occasioned) occurring during the policy term, with endorsements as the Licensor may reasonably request from time to time.
Please list: A2H2 Media, LLC dba Weddings At Queen Kapiolani Hotel 47-472 Hui Kelu Street Kaneohe, HI 96744.
A downloadable link will be emailed to you around 4-6 weeks after your Ceremony. You will be able to download and share all of the edited high resolution and color corrected images. The link will expire in 30 days. If after 30 days and your photos have not been downloaded, there will be a $25 reactivation processing fee during the first year.
It is our standard company policy that we do not release unedited RAW (.CR2 files) files. A RAW file straight from the camera does not meet the high standard our company has set forth for sharing of our images. We would not want those files to inadvertently represent our company in any shape or form.
A downloadable link will be emailed to you around 6-8 weeks after your Ceremony. You will be able to download your video and save to your computer. The link will expire in 30 days. If after 30 days and your photos have not been downloaded, there will be a $50 reactivation processing fee during the first year.