FAQs

See Our FAQs 

  • Can we do a ceremony only or a reception only?

    Yes, you may do just one or the other. However, Saturday morning and special dates do require both ceremony and an exclusive lunch buffet reception to follow for a minimum of 50 guests.

  • What ceremony sites are available for my wedding?

    Your wedding ceremony may be performed in our lush, tropical garden or our beautiful, open-air chapel. Garden ceremony sites are not limited to the featured Hawaiian Hut or Stone Heiau sites.

  • What is the maximum number of seats for guests in the Chapel?

    The chapel includes 50 gold Chiavari chairs with space and availability to rent an additional 50 chairs.

  • Is there a ceremony minimum?

    For all our Saturday morning events or events on special dates, our ceremony minimum is $4000. 

  • What if it rains on our wedding day and we have a garden ceremony site?

    The chapel is a great back-up plan and your ceremony can be moved in there last minute if needed.

  • Can I have my reception in the Gardens?

    All our receptions are in the restaurant, which overlooks the beautiful gardens and offers an incredible view. We do not do any receptions in the Gardens.

  • Are we able to provide our own ceremony and reception décor?

    The restaurant, gardens, and chapel can be decorated to suit your desires, with some limitations. Our wedding professionals can help you in determining what is possible. Please note that no stapling, nailing, glitter, confetti or silk rose petals are allowed in the restaurant, chapel or gardens.

  • What can I expect from the Haiku Gardens Wedding Planner?

    Our wedding professionals will assist you with planning and securing all services for your wedding day from your selected package and our ala carte menu, and be there with you on your big day.

  • Why is event day coordination important?

    Your day of event coordinators will ensure that your event runs smoothly and on time, and is executed as planned. We will also coordinate with vendors in regards to logistics for the day while allowing them access to the venue prior to your rental time, and ensure that guests are comfortable and aware of where they need to be for each part of your celebration. 

  • If you don't have a coordinator, what can expect to happen?

    While we never recommend this option, if you do opt out of our coordination services, we will close the gardens for your contracted two hour time slot. Your approved set up, break down, ceremony and photos would all need to take place during your garden rental time period. 

  • Can I book my own vendors?

    Haiku Gardens has an excellent list of preferred vendors that we work with regularly, however you may book your own vendors with prior approval if you wish, for anything other than catering.

  • What happens to the services I don't want to use in the package because I will be providing it on my own?

    Those services will be forfeited. If you have more than one forfeited service, it may be best to build your own package starting with our ala carte package instead.

  • What about the bugs and mosquitoes in the Gardens?

    Bugs and mosquitoes are a fact of life in Hawaii. However, we keep pests to a minimum with an environmentally friendly pest management program.

  • What kind of shoes is recommended in the Gardens?

    If you normally wear flats and don’t want the height on wedding day, then flats are perfect! If you want something with height, wedges or thicker heels are the best in the grass. 

  • How many guests can be accommodated in the restaurant?

    All our exclusive lunch events are for 20 – 175 guests, Monday – Saturday from 10:30am – 2:30pm; for all Saturday’s lunch events, we do have a minimum of 50 guests.

  • Is there a food and beverage minimum?

    Yes; for 20 – 49 guests, lunch is served plated with a $2000 food and beverage minimum. With 50 – 175 guests, lunch is served buffet style with a $3000 food and beverage minimum. 

  • Am I required to pay for all the alcohol consumed on wedding day?

    You are only required to pay for the non-alcoholic beverages ordered on wedding day. We do offer a full bar which will be available to guests as long as the bartender fee has been added on. It is completely up to you if you would like to fully host the bar bar, limit your host or choose a cash bar. All beverages are paid for on event day, based on consumption. 

  • When do I need to give my final guest count?

    At the 30 day deadline, the minimum head count is due. You may increase that count for another 2 weeks, however it may not be reduced after the 30 day mark.

  • Can we bring in our own liquor?

    Our liquor license does not allow any outside liquor, wine, beer, or champagne being brought into the restaurant, gardens, or bridal suite.

  • Can we bring in a couple of bottles of special wine/champagne for Bride and Groom?

    Yes, you may bring in one standard bottle for the bride and groom to share, as long as it is not a wine currently offered on our menu. A corkage fee of $15 would apply. 

  • Can we use our own caterer?

    We limit outside food service to cakes/cupcakes from a licensed food provider. All other food must be supplied by Haleiwa Joes as we are a full-service restaurant.

  • Can we bring in our own pupus?

    No, we have a full kitchen that has many different types of pupus to select from. 

  • Do you provide tables and chairs in the restaurant and is there a charge for linens?

    Yes, we provide the tables and chairs, along with the silverware, plates and bar glasses. White poly-cotton napkins are also included; tablecloths and specialty linen is available for an additional charge. 

  • Do we need to feed our vendors?

    All vendors booked through Haiku Gardens does not need to be included in your guest count and will receive a complimentary meal, however any outside vendors need to be included in your guest count.

  • Is there a dance floor?

    Yes, our lanai area offers a great setting for dancing during our exclusive lunch events.

  • Is it possible to do a slide show?

    For exclusive day time events only, we can play a running slide show on our bar TV’s. Because the restaurant is an open-aired restaurant with mainly natural lighting coming in, a projector and screen is really hard to see.

  • Can I make my centerpieces?

    Centerpieces generally must be professionally made, however consideration will be taken for DIY centerpieces by sending a photo for approval.

  • Can I make my favors?

    Yes! Please let us know what you have in mind ahead of time for approval. 

  • Is there plenty of parking?

    Yes, there is ample self-parking in our private lot. We do also provide transportation services for large groups – please refer to our ala carte menu for pricing.

  • How do I get my marriage license on Oahu and how long does it take?

    You will both need to go together to the Department of Health at 1250 Punchbowl Street within 30 days of your wedding date to apply for your marriage license. The agency will give you a marriage worksheet that you bring with you on wedding day, and your officiant will then file it with the state. The process at the agency is rather quick and you will generally receive your marriage license in the mail within a few weeks. More information may be found here: http://health.hawaii.gov/vitalrecords/marriage-licenses/#howto

  • How much gratuity should I pay my vendors?

    Gratuity is not required or expected, however, a lot of our couples do ask what is appropriate. 5% - 20% is customary and this info has be gathered from theKnot.com. 

    •Wedding Planner: $100 - $500

    •Day of Event Coordinator: $50 - $100 per coordinator

    •Ministers: $50 - $100

    •Ceremony & Reception Musicians: $30 - $100 per musician 

    •Florist: $50 - $100

    •Baker: $25 - $100

    •DJ: $100 - $150

    •Emcee: $100 - $150

    •Photographers / Videographers: $50 - $200 per photographer 

    •Hair & Make-Up Artist: $50 - $200 per stylist 

    •Limousine Driver: $25 - $100


  • Will Haiku Gardens distribute any additional gratuity that I would like to give my vendors?

    Sure, please give gratuity envelopes upon your arrival, marked for the vendors and your wedding professionals will distribute them appropriately.

  • What is the best way to contact you?

    Your decisions and questions can be communicated through email or phone correspondence. Since we do have many consultations, phone meetings and weddings/events to coordinate, most times emails are the best. However, if you have a lengthy explanation, please call and leave a message. All correspondence should be answered within 24-48 hours unless we are conducting a wedding or event in which case the response should be sent within 72 hours. We appreciate your understanding!

If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call or email us! We’d love to hear from you!

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