Getting Married in Hawaii
How do I get a marriage license?
Do I need to hire a wedding coordinator?
I am having my wedding on a public beach. Should I consider using a private location or a hotel grounds?
I’m having my wedding on a public beach next to a hotel. Can we go onto their grounds for photos?
Does it matter what day of the week I have my wedding on?
Do you have any advice to help insure a “smooth” wedding day?
Working With First Class Weddings
Working with First Class Weddings
Proposals and estimates: Can I get quotes and information before I hire you?
What can I expect from First Class Weddings once I secure my wedding date with a deposit?
Should I hire a wedding coordinator first? And; how does First Class Weddings get paid?
Should we find a wedding location first?
What are your cancellation, terms and conditions, and payment policies?
Photography Questions
What’s the best time of day to have my wedding so I can get the nicest possible photos?
We are having a sunset wedding. What time should we start?
I am interested in the 48 package, does this mean the Photographer takes only 48 photos?
How much time should I allow and what photography package should I pick?
What is medium format photography?
What is “photojournalistic” style photography?
When does my photography coverage start?
I have certain shots that I would like, when and how should I tell the photographer about them?
Can our photographer cover my reception as well?
Can I get black and whites as well as color photos?
How long does it take to get my photographs and/or album?
Will the photographer sell me the negatives?
How do I view and receive my photos?
Cinematography Questions
What is Professional Video?
What is Journalistic Style Video?
How long does it take to get my video?
Getting Married in Hawaii
How do I get a marriage license?
Brides no longer require Rubella testing in the state of Hawaii. First Class Weddings arranges your marriage license appointment for you. A detailed map with the licenser’s name and phone number is forwarded to our clients prior to their arrival on Maui. Picture I.D. is required with a fee of $60.00 in cash. There is no additional paperwork needed for Foreign countries and your license is valid anywhere in the world.
Do I need to hire a wedding coordinator?
A successful relationship with a wedding coordinator can guarantee that you will happily recall your wedding day for years to come. Founded in 1994, you have over a decade of experience working for you when hiring First Class Weddings. You can hire us to coordinate your entire wedding, your reception, or any group event and we include pricing on our website and provide written itemization letters to you in advance of your event so that you can monitor your budget and make important decisions in a timely manner. With personalized attention to every detail, we promise to guide you, assist you, and stand by you every step of the way.
I am having my wedding on a public beach. Should I consider using a private location or hotel grounds?
Public beaches are very popular with our visitors and residents. If privacy is a concern, you may want to consider paying for a resort courtyard or a private property location since they offer a more secluded location. Under no conditions may we block off or reserve a beach area. You must also be prepared for other Maui weddings taking place nearby. In our experience it is well worth it to pay a location grounds fee to assure privacy, a back up location in case of bad weather and to take advantage of the variety of scenery, architecture and landscaping. There are many more photo opportunities available when choosing this option. Lush tropical gardens with custom water features, native Hawaiian foliage, private coastlines and beautiful beach front locations provide you the best of both worlds. Consult with First Class Weddings about the best location for your needs.
I’m having my wedding on a public beach next to a resort. Can we go onto their grounds for photos?
No, you may not go onto to resort property wearing your wedding attire with a professional photographer and/or videographer without paying their grounds fee (typically $400 and up) even if you’re a guest at the resort. There is resort staff that monitor this type of activity as it is unfair to the clients that have paid a grounds fee.
Does it matter what day of the week I have my wedding on?
Yes. If you are having your Maui wedding on a public beach it’s best you don’t choose the weekend because the beaches tend to be more crowded on those days and Saturdays in particular are a real popular day for weddings. Holidays need consideration as most venues and some resorts charge more for holidays.
Do you have any advice to help insure a “smooth” wedding day?
Yes, be on time and relax! Just go with the flow and do not allow anything to bother you. You have put a lot of time and energy into planning the perfect wedding and/or event and now that your special day is here, enjoy each other and the beauty of the moment. First Class Weddings will take care of facilitating your wishes so that you remain supremely unaware of the inner workings of the day.
Working with First Class Weddings
Proposals and estimates: Can I get quotes and information before I hire you?
Yes! We have taken great consideration in designing a web site that provides potential clients with answers to questions, including our prices. You can obtain your own quote by simply adding up the a la carte prices for the services you wish to obtain or you can just choose a wedding package that meets your budget. If you need further assistance, we offer one complimentary consultation of services. However, a financial commitment is then required to continue your services with us. This way we can continue to provide outstanding personalized service to our confirmed clientele.
What can I expect from First Class Weddings once I secure my wedding date with a deposit?
Once your deposit is received, a receipt and confirmation of services letter goes out to you. In addition we send you a Customized Event Outline for you to fill out and return to us. This document asks you specific questions in regards to your day and will allow us to get a better feel to the overall style of your event. A phone consultation is then scheduled to go over any questions you may have and secure specific service items. Afterwards, a confirmation letter will be sent to you listing your services and the costs related to your day. Remember; this is a work in progress and we allow you to make changes to your services up to two weeks prior to your event. You may contact First Class Weddings with your questions anytime by phone or email. If you get our voice mail please know that we return calls as soon as feasibly possible. If we are onsite at a wedding or giving our undivided attention to a client that day, we will call you the following day. Once your wedding day arrives you will receive the same personalized attention.
Should I hire a wedding coordinator first? And how does First Class Weddings get paid?
Finding a professional wedding and event planning company early in the process gives you an edge in booking services in Hawaii so it’s important to make this your first decision. First Class Weddings is experienced in negotiating venues, banquets, vendor contracts, and can often obtain special discounts that you wouldn’t get otherwise because we consistently hire other professionals in the field giving us the edge. We also can anticipate problems, prevent mishaps and keep you supremely unaware of any troubles that may affect your day. Click here for more information on securing our services
Should we find a wedding location first?
First Class Weddings discourages this. Issues regarding the timeline, property rules, liability insurance, rehearsals, property prepping and cleanup, we work in your best interest and need to have the ability to regulate the venue so that your event goes smoothly. Also, by hiring First Class Weddings you have a local expert at your disposal, a reputable company that offers you unbiased information on every wedding property available to you. We do the leg work for you which saves you time gives you the utmost confidence that you have selected the very best wedding and/or event location for your needs.
What are your cancellation, terms and conditions, and payment policies?
Photography Questions
What’s the best time of day to have my wedding so I can get the nicest possible photos?
Photographically speaking, the best time of day is late afternoon into sunset when the lighting is the most flattering. It will also be cooler and more comfortable for you and your guests. The worst time of day is 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when the sun is directly overhead which leads to highly undesirable photographic conditions, plus the temperature is often hot and humid.
We are having a sunset wedding, what time should we start?
Unlike the U.S. mainland, the sun sets fast in the tropics with very little twilight time. Check the sunset time (link:xxx) for your wedding day; it varies between 5:30pm to 7:15pm with the shortest days in the winter. First Class Weddings will evaluate your needs based on if you’re seeing each other prior to the wedding, the amount of people you have, the size of your photo/video package, etc… and will create a full itinerary for you to follow.
I am interested in the 48 package, does this mean the Photographer only takes 48 photos?
Most of our Photographers take over 48 photos. It mostly depends on how much time the Photographer has with you and how well you do in front of the camera. The quality and amount of photographs taken will be directly affected by the cooperation and promptness of you and your wedding party. Given this, The photographer will take plenty of photos to insure a variety of different poses for you to choose from. Note this answer applies to all photo packages, not just the 48 pack.
How much time should I allow and what photography package should I pick?
The package you choose depends on several factors:
The number of people attending, does your event include cake, champagne, limousine, video, etc. The more “goodies”, the longer amount of time the photography takes and a larger photo package may be required.
What is medium format photography?
Technically, medium format photography refers to the size of the negative that the camera produces, that is, a medium format camera produces a “medium” sized negative (2 ¼ x 2 ¼ in size). Normal 35mm photography that you are accustomed to would be considered to produce a “small” negative.
A negative from a medium format camera has to be enlarged only 2.2 times to produce a standard 5×5 print, whereas a 35mm negative must undergo far more magnification to produce the equivalent size 4×6 print. As a result, photos from a medium format camera are extremely sharp, ideal for enlargements and keep their printed quality very well.
Medium format photographers usually have to have some form of education or training in the study of photography in order to correctly operate the equipment and become respected as a professional in their field. Medium format photographers are generally more experienced artists and continually expand their knowledge by further educating themselves.
Everything about medium format photography is extremely expensive (equipment, film, photo labs etc…). There are only a handful of professionals that use medium format photography as digital now seems to be the mainstream.
What is “photojournalistic” style photography?
Photojournalism is a spontaneous style of black and white (sometimes color) photography that is popular. Generally, a photojournalistic photographer does not stage or pose any shots but works in the “background” capturing the wedding as it unfolds. The photojournalistic photographer does not “impose” him/herself on the subjects and accepts all of life’s “little imperfections”. That is, the photo journalistic photographer takes all photos as they occur, even when the subject may be striking a less than magnificent pose. Photojournalistic style is well complemented by classical medium format portrait style and couples that choose photojournalism are strongly encouraged to hire another photographer as well.
The photojournalistic photographer needs to respond quickly, therefore, digital equipment is the tool of choice. In addition, a very large volume of photos are taken, offering the client hundreds to thousands of images to choose from. First Class Weddings only hires photojournalistic photographers who are committed to, and have demonstrated expertise in this style of photography.
When does my photography coverage start?
This depends on the size of your photography package. Things to consider are engagement photo shoots (done prior), Henna (done a few days prior), getting ready shots in your room or salon shots, pre-shots of the couple (if you’re seeing each other prior), location photos, Maui scenic, candid shots before your event, detail shots, main & post coverage activities. For sunset weddings, the last 1/2 hour of coverage is often reserved for the Bride and Groom only on the beach and/or for sunset photos. It is important that you choose the appropriate package that allows time for coverage of these events. First Class Weddings event planner can assist you in selecting the perfect package for you.
I have certain shots that I would like, when and how should I tell the photographer about them?
Most of our Photographers take over 48 photos. It mostly depends on how much time the Photographer has with you and how well you do in front of the camera. The quality and amount of photographs taken will be directly affected by the cooperation and promptness of you and your wedding party. Given this, The photographer will take plenty of photos to insure a variety of different poses for you to choose from. Note this answer applies to all photo packages, not just the 48 pack.
Can our photographer cover my reception as well?
Most of our weddings in Hawaii take place outdoors; as a result, receptions are casual and typically take place immediately following the ceremony and consist of cake cutting and champagne. If you are having a reception after sunset you may want to consider posing your cake and champagne shots beforehand to take advantage of the light of day and the beautiful scenery. However, if you are having a formal reception and you want photography coverage, additional time and a package upgrade are often necessary.
Can I get black and whites as well as color photos?
Yes, just make sure you let us know you want black and whites. Most photographers offer some black and whites for an additional fee ($125 and up).
How long does it take to get my photographs and/or album?
This varies between photographers because each photography studio may use different labs to process your film or digital images. Film processing will take much more time to process. Digital images are usually processed before you leave the island so that you can review them (on-line or by going into the studio) and select an album, purchase additional images beyond your package etc… Your photographer will go over all of your options with you on your wedding or event day (usually at the end of your coverage time). If you are having a reception back home, our photographers make the utmost effort to get them to you prior to your reception.
Will the photographer sell me the negatives?
Most highly trained professional medium format and photojournalistic photographers do not release or sell their negatives. Those that do sell you them will charge you more than if you were to order reprints or enlargements directly with them. Why? Because our recommended photographers are highly trained, experienced professionals and find it necessary to have control of their original work. The color, contrast, and density are significantly affected by who prints the photos. Some photographers don’t want to risk their reputation with the possibility of having reprints made somewhere else that might poorly reflect their work. Please consult with your wedding or event planner to go over your options in further detail.
How do I view and receive my photos?
The procedure for viewing and selecting your photos after your wedding varies by photographer. Some photographers make it a point to meet with you prior to you leaving the island so that you can view photos, design your album and discuss all of your options including individual print prices, enlargements, packages, and custom upgraded albums…, Other photographers may send you a web site link to view all your images on line prior to making your selections. Your selected photographer will go over their particular procedure with you prior to ending their coverage.
Videography Questions
What is Professional Video?
First Class Weddings does not recommend friends or family members to videotape your event. First Class Weddings highly recommends hiring a professional, trained in the field of cinematography to capture these once in a lifetime moments. Our cinematographers use only high-end commercial grade digital equipment. These video cameras produce a much sharper image and superior color reproduction. Audio is recorded with a minimum of two wireless microphones. Coverage time of four hours or more includes a production assistant and supplemental lighting kits are used when necessary. “Lighting is only used to compliment the video while still maintaining the ambiance of the event.” Cutting edge techniques and various camera support tools are used.
Our professional memory keepers are image specialists that are hired to make you look your best. Upgrades can include Maui scenery or favorite photographs that are added to your DVD.
What is Journalistic Style Videography?
Journalistic style video offers everything above (see “What is Professional Video?”) and more. The biggest difference is the style of the video taken and edited. Journalistic style video offers a spontaneous style similar to photography that has recently become very popular. These professionals work very hard to capture the wedding as it unfolds in a very contemporary style.
The Journalistic style videographer is able to respond quickly, therefore capturing large amounts of footage, knowing in advance that many shots are edited out of the polished production. Deluxe editing is included with the latest techniques like letter boxing, slow motion, black and white and special effects.
First Class Weddings only hires Journalistic style Videographers who are committed to, and have demonstrated expertise in this new style of video and this style of Videography is much more expensive than the professional style. Because Journalistic style video has recently become “all the rage”, there is only one studio on Maui that First Class Weddings hires so availability is on a first come, first serve basis.
How long does it take to get my DVD?
Our Cinematographers make every effort to have your DVD ready within a few weeks after the event. Your studio will go over their process with you and answer any further questions.
