And that question is – Drum roll please…….

What is the Turnaround Time for my Wedding Pictures?  

Turnaround time is the length of time between your wedding day and when you will get the final edits of your pictures.  Picture it (no pun intended) – you had a great wedding!  Good food and all night dancing with friends and family.  Now you want to see the pix of your awesome day.  So you contact your photographer and they get back to you three days later and tell you that you will get the pix in 2 months.  TWO MONTHS!  This is the first time you are hearing that it will take 2 months – you know why?  Because you didn’t ask. 

The length of the turnaround time is based on several factors.  Did you hire them to do touch ups on your pictures?  Touch ups can take some time.  How long was your wedding day?  Did you have a 20-minute ceremony with 2 guests on the beach or did your wedding start with hair and makeup at 6am, 250 guests, and the program finished at 8pm?  Definitely a big difference in the number of pictures that were taken.  Is your wedding during the busy season?  Does the photographer have weddings every weekend for the next 3 months?  That will factor in on how long it will take for you to get your pix.

So, what can you do?  ASK! And if you don’t like the answer then it might be time for you to find a different photographer.

You can also ask if they offer a ‘sneak peek’.  A ‘sneak peek’ is when a photographer will provide ~10 pictures to hold you over till you get the entire lot.  Ask if they do that and how long it will take.

Last point – if your photographer tells you that it will be two months for your photos, don’t email them 10 days after your wedding and ask for the pix.  They told you how long it would take.  Don’t be ridiculous.  What you can do is email them at 7 weeks and tell them that you had a great time at your wedding (on so & so date) and can’t wait to see your pix next week.  A gentle nudge – you don’t want to piss off the person doing touch ups on your photos.  You could end up with a mustache in your pix (see Charlotte & Harry’s Engagement Announcement in Sex in the City).

Ok – you got it.  The ONE QUESTION that EVERY couple forgets to ask their wedding photographer.  Now good luck photographer hunting.  

Aloha

The post The ONE QUESTION that All Couples Must Ask their Photographer appeared first on Elin Trinh.

Did you know that Hawaii is one of the top five wedding destinations in the entire United States — attracting thousands of couples every single year who want to say “I do” with their toes in the sand and the sound of the Pacific in the background? I completely understand why. There’s something undeniably magical about the islands.

Hawaiian weddings aren’t just beautiful — they’re deeply meaningful. Rooted in ancient Polynesian culture and shaped by centuries of tradition, a Hawaiian wedding ceremony weaves together spirituality, nature, family, and love in a way that few other wedding styles can match. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding on Maui, a beachfront ceremony on the Big Island, or simply want to incorporate a touch of aloha spirit into your celebration, understanding Hawaii’s rich wedding customs will help you create an experience that’s truly unforgettable.

Here are two traditions that will be easy to incorporate into your wedding.

Lei Exchange

Lei is exchange is common in Hawaii.  Lei are given for birthdays, graduation, or a promotion.  It is given to show love, friendship, honor, and greeting. 

A lei exchange between a couple is a symbol of love and respect. It is a beautiful tradition that can easily be incorporated into your wedding ceremony. Most officiants are familiar with the tradition and know how to add it to your ceremony seamlessly.

Now the fun part – picking a lei. Luckily you can get (or make) a lei with any budget. There are puka shell leis.  These lei are inexpensive and will last lifetime.  There are flower lei that run from $20-$200 depending on the type of flower, labor, and artistry.  Flower lei are beautiful and add color to your day.  Or you can chose to make your lei.  All it takes is a needle, thread and flowers.  DO NOT take flowers without permission! Most locals do not mind sharing their flowers, but you HAVE TO ASK!

Having a lei exchange during your ceremony will bring a beautiful Hawaiian touch to your ceremony.

Hawaiian Music

Hawaiian music can be incorporate in a few ways.  You can choose to play a recording-this can be played during the ceremony, or during processional and recessional.  For this you will need a way to play the music and someone to start and stop the music.  Another option is to hire a musician that plays Hawaiian music.  Most commonly it is a musician that plays the ukelele.  The ukelele provides a beautiful sound and brings a beautiful Hawaiian touch to your ceremony.

The Lei Exchange and Hawaiian music are two beautiful Hawaiian traditions that will be easy to add to your wedding ceremony whether you have 2 guests or 100s.

This post was all about beautiful and meaningful Hawaiian Wedding Traditions that you can easily incorporate in your wedding ceremony.

The post Beautiful and Meaningful Hawaiian Wedding Traditions You Can Add Easily to Your Wedding Ceremony appeared first on Elin Trinh.

Getting married in Hawaii is a dream come true! While picking the flowers and photographer are important the MOST important is getting your marriage license.

As a person that worked in the wedding industry for over a decade, I can help you navigate the steps to planning your dream Hawaiian Wedding and getting your license.

You are going to learn who can apply, how to apply, when to apply, and where to apply so that you can check this off your long To Do List.

This post is your Helpful Guide to Getting Your Hawaii Marriage License.

What is the difference between a Hawaii Marriage License and a Hawaii Marriage Certificate?

Good question! A Hawaii Marriage License is obtained BEFORE the wedding and permits the wedding to take place. A Hawaii Marriage Certificate is obtained AFTER the wedding has been performed.

Who can get a Hawaii Marriage License?

You do not need to be a US citizen or state residence to get married in Hawaii. You are also not required to get a blood test.

You will need to be at least 18 years old to get married in Hawaii. If you are under the age of 18 you will need consent from a parent or guardian. (And in my personal opinion – if you are under the age of 18 – DON’T DO IT! Just wait a few more years.)

How do I apply for a Hawaii Marriage License?

Lucky for you the process is really easy! The application can be found online. Simply fill out the application and pay the fees (at this time the fee is $65). After you fill out the application, make sure to write down or print the Authorization Code/Locator Identification. You will need this information

When you are 30 days out from your ceremony you will need to meet with an agent from the state to review your application. You can find the link to make the appointment and office hours on their website.

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment?

For the appointment you both need be there in person. You will both need a valid government issued photo identification, like a driver’s license, passport, etc. If you are getting a Hawaii Marriage License within 30 days of getting a divorce or your previous spouse passing you will need to bring the certified divorce decree or death certificate (if applicable).

Conclusion

Getting married in Hawaii is a dream come true! And getting your Hawaii Marriage License is your most important step. Simply follow these steps and cross this item off your long ‘To Do’ list.

Aloha

The post Your Helpful Guide on How to Get a Hawaii Marriage License appeared first on Elin Trinh.

Hiring the right wedding planner can make the process easier and fun whether you call Hawaii home or are planning from across the Pacific.  We can help you narrow down that list with these 5 Critical Questions.

What Is Your Experience with Planning Weddings?

Ask how many years they have been planning weddings and how many weddings they have planned.  Ask if they normally do weddings at hotels or remote locations.  Ask them if they have experience at your ceremony and reception location-if they do they will know the requirements, rules, and restrictions for those venues.  Do they have experience with large guest lists?  Or large wedding parties? (Surprisingly – a large wedding party can be one of the hardest parts on the Day-of)

What Are Your Prices & What Do They Include?

Before asking this question I would ask yourselves-What do you want in a Wedding Planner?  Or What does your venue require for a Wedding Planner.  As explained earlier, some venues require at least a Day-of Coordinator.  So, in that case find out how the venue would define a Day-of Coordinator (they could need a certain amount of insurance, etc) and find a Wedding Planner that can fulfill those requirements.

If you are getting a Wedding Planner because you WANT a Wedding Planner then talk with your partner about how much help and handholding you will need.  Then find a planner that will offer services that will match your needs.  Many Wedding Planners will be able to customize a package for you-don’t feel embarrassed to ask.

The cost of wedding planners may be a surprise, especially for Day-of Coordinators.  Most will think that the cost is high but what you don’t see is all the behind the scenes work that they do to prepare for the Day-of.

Ask your planner if there are packages that they offer or if there are services that can be booked ala carte.  Make sure to understand what the cost will include and verify that all this is in the contract.  Ask if there are any additional fees, for example, travel fees, supply costs, taxes, etc.  Also ask about their cancellation policy and add that date to your calendar just in case.

How Will We Be Communicating?

COMMUNICATION IS KEY!  This is true in all aspects of your life and especially in wedding planning.  

Are you the type of person that needs a response to your emails within 2 business days or can wait a week to hear back from them.  Do you prefer email or a phone call?  Let your planner know.  The planner will let you know how they work and how they communicate and if they are a right fit.

Planners may also have a set communication schedule, for example: 1 meeting at the 12, 6, and month mark then bi-weekly meetings.  Ask the planner what meeting schedule has worked best for them and really reflect on if that will work for you.

Are there any vendors that you recommend? Why do you recommend them?

Many planners will have a preferred vendors list.  Ask them for this and ask why they chose to have them on that list.  The reasons that they offer will be an eye opener to how they work and how they work with other vendors.

Ask your planner if they will be assisting you with booking the vendors – setting up meetings, reviewing contracts, etc.  Also ask how much interaction they will have with the vendors before your special day.  Will they be sending a customized timeline to each vendor?  Will they meet each vendor as they arrive at the venue?  Will they double check that all items on the contract have been provided?

How do you handle the unexpected?

Having a plan for the unexpected is MANDATORY!  Planners need to be ready for weather issues, late vendors, wandering wedding parties, etc.  Ask them what they would do and what experience they have with each.  Ask them for examples and how they handled it.

At the weddings that I worked at the most stressful (and entertaining) events included family issues.  There was one time that we had to be on the lookout for a specific person that could crash the wedding.  We had a pix of the person and everything!  I think my two favorite requests were:

1. Don’t let Aunty So&So have the microphone because she will start singing.  Guess what!  She got the microphone!  So we had to work with the DJ to turn down the mic and start playing music.  All without trying to embarrass her.
2. Uncle So&So will try to steal the centerpiece.  We had to have eyes on him the whole time and stopped him at the door to explain that the centerpiece are all promised to other guests.  He wasn’t happy.

Hiring a Wedding Planner is going to be one of the most important (if not the most important) vendors for your wedding.  So take the time to ask these 5 critical questions.

The post The 5 Critical Questions to Ask Your Hawaii Wedding Planner Before You Hire Them appeared first on Elin Trinh.

Whether you are planning your wedding from across the Pacific or lucky to call Hawaii your home this guide will help you pick the best wedding professionals to make your wedding a reality.

Setting Your Wedding Vendor Budget

Setting a budget needs to be the first step when planning your wedding.  You can easily be distracted by all the new wedding decor and pretty favors – and all those are great – but if your budget doesn’t allow it then don’t waste your time.  

Getting married in Hawaii will more than likely be more expensive than getting married in your home town.  One, because our wedding professionals are in high demand and are so great that they can charge the prices they do, and two, because everything is more expensive in Hawaii.  PERIOD

So talk with your partner and decide the order of importance for each wedding vendor.  Is photography more important or maybe the flowers.  When you know what is most important you can decide what you want to cut if the costs get too high.

Hiring a Wedding Officiant

Well, without an officiant there really can’t be a wedding.  Officiants must be licensed with the Department of Health to make the wedding in Hawaii legal.  There are SO many officiants to choose from but if you would like to have your ceremony performed by a friend or family member they can register with the Department of Health. There are 60 days licenses that your loved one can apply for (make sure you provide enough time for the application to go through).

Hiring a Wedding Planner

Hawaii offers Wedding Planners that provide Full Service or Day-of coordinations.   Work with your planner to see how much hand-holding you will need during the process.  Some may offer a combination of Day-of with additional help in specific areas.  Work with them to see what works best for the both of you.

Some venues in Hawaii will require a Day-of planner to get married at their location.  Make sure I find out if it is required and factor that into your budget.

Hiring a Wedding Photographer & Videographer

It may seem that it is impossible to get a bad picture in Hawaii with our beautiful scenery.  But getting a BEAUTIFUL picture requires a professional.  There are all types of photographers and videographers here in Hawaii: Traditional, Photo Journalist, etc.  Most will offer an hourly rate and some will offer packages to best suit what you are looking for.  

A couple of things to keep in mind, there are special permits and restrictions when taking photos or videos.  Make sure that your photographer and videographer are aware of them.  Also, depending on the location of your wedding there may be a travel fee.  You may be wondering what locations would require a travel fee.  On Oahu, any location outside of Waikiki or the Downtown area may require a travel fee.

Hiring a Wedding Caterer

If you get married at a hotel this may be a moot point.  But if your location allows you to bring a caterer there are SO many options specially with all the different cultures and food types here.  It is hard to go wrong.  There are caterers that can feed a small dinner or party or army.

Hiring a Wedding Florist

Hawaii has beautiful flowers and greenery and it is beautiful if you can incorporate local florals in your wedding but we can also fly in any other kinds of flowers for your special day.  The number of wedding florists is more limited, compared to photographers, but there are great ones!  

Many florists can help with the floral designs for your wedding.  With all their experience they know what will work best for each location and couple.  Definitely lean on them for ideas.

And like most Hawaii professionals there may be a travel fee if you are getting it delivered remotely. 

Hiring Wedding Entertainment

Wedding Entertainment has a broad spectrum from an ukulele player at your ceremony, a famous DJ at your reception, and even a magician (to each their own).

Any wedding entertainment you hire will need to know the requirements, permits, and restrictions for each location. 

Hiring a Hair and Makeup Artists

Hair and Makeup artists in Hawaii understand that you makeup and hair will need to be able to withstand the Hawaii elements.  Again, with all of Hawaii’s different cultural and ethnicity the makeup artists here have A LOT of experience with all different skin colors and hair textures.

Vetting and Researching Hawaii Wedding Vendors

Your research will start with Google and that is understandable.  Take a look at their website, ask to see their portfolios and to talk to past clients.  

You will know if you have a professional if they understand what permits are needed, if there are any restrictions or requirements for what you are looking for.

And most importantly make sure that they fit your budget and you get a contract!

Conclusion

Having your dream wedding in Hawaii is possible.  And there are GREAT wedding professionals that can help you.

So start early and let Your 2026 Guide on How to Choose Hawaii Wedding Vendors help!

Aloha

The post How to Choose Your Hawaii Wedding Vendor in 2026 appeared first on Elin Trinh.

Most couples budget around $800-1,200 per guest for the full wedding experience in Hawaii. That breaks down roughly to $15,000-20,000 for venue and catering, $8,000-12,000 for photography and videography, and $5,000-8,000 for flowers and decor. But those numbers? They’re just the tip of the iceberg.

Hidden Expenses That’ll Blindside You

Here’s where we got absolutely hammered – the stuff nobody warns you about. Shipping costs for decorations and favors. Wedding permits? Another $50-200 depending on the location. Want that perfect sunset ceremony at a state park? Permit required.

The vendor transportation fees. Remote meant a 20-minute drive from town, but apparently that’s remote in wedding vendor speak.

Money-Saving Strategies That Actually Work

Book during shoulder season – April-May or September-October.

Consider weekday ceremonies. Monday through Thursday bookings can save 30-40% on venue costs. Plus your guests might appreciate the excuse for a longer vacation.

Guest Accommodations Will Make or Break Your Budget

This is where things get tricky with family dynamics. Your guests are looking at $200-400 per night for decent accommodations, plus $800-1,500 for flights depending on where they’re coming from.

Book accommodation blocks early, like 8-10 months ahead. Hotels offer group discounts, but they fill up fast during peak season

Pro tip: create a wedding website with accommodation recommendations at different price points. Not everyone can afford the $400/night resort, and that’s totally okay.

Your Hawaiian Wedding Dream Within Reach

Planning a destination wedding in Hawaii is undoubtedly a significant investment, but armed with the right knowledge and realistic expectations, it can be the most magical celebration of your life. Yes, you’ll likely spend more than a mainland wedding – sometimes substantially more – but what you’re really paying for is an experience that your guests will talk about for decades.

The key takeaway? Transparency and preparation are everything. Build that 20% buffer into your budget from day one, communicate openly with your guests about costs they’ll face, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your vendor search. The couples who have the smoothest Hawaiian wedding experiences are the ones who go in with eyes wide open about the true costs.

Start your planning early, do your research, ask locals for recommendations, and be flexible with your dates and island choice. Your Hawaiian wedding doesn’t have to break the bank – it just requires smarter planning than you might be used to.

The islands are calling, and now you know exactly what to expect when you answer. Happy planning, and congratulations on your upcoming celebration in paradise!

The post Setting Your Hawaii Destination Wedding Budget appeared first on Elin Trinh.