Q: Do you offer packages?
A: Yes and no. Mostly no. What The Wedding Cottage offers is two separate services–a place to sleep, and a spot to tie the knot. In other words we provide boutique style lodging and a lovely event venue. Our services can be reserved in combination or individually, and we customize your package according to your group size and wish list.
Keep in mind the event fee is based on a guest list of up to 50 and moves up incrementally from there, with a cap at 150.
Also keep in mind that if you stay less than three nights the event fee doubles.
Q: If we only want to rent the venue for the day of our event how does that effect pricing?
A: The most economical Wedding Cottage package includes lodging because the longer you stay the less you pay, but we do offer a venue-only event fee.
For a complete list of pricing, you can email dollyettawright@gmail.com
Note: Event fee increases for over 50 guests, with a cap at 150. Also, a wedding coordinator is required.
Q: Do you provide a wedding coordinator?
A: If you have over 50 guests, you will need to hire a wedding coordinator. We know a fabulous one (Elias Gonzalez), and we’re not afraid to drop his name (Elias Gonzalez).
If you bring your own coordinator on board, we’ll need fingerprints and a background check. Joshing, of course, but please do seek our approval so we can rest assured your coordinator is up for the job.
If your guest list is less than 50 we can make suggestions and recommendations for catering, floral arrangements, couture veils and stylists, cakes, photography, the works.
Q: If we book the venue only, when can we start setting up?
A: Your venue-only fee reserves you a 24 hour window of time for set up and clean up. The house will be available beginning at 3 p.m. on the day prior to your event, although tent deliveries can be made as early as 11 a.m. Leave your stuff at the cottage over night, free of charge, but if, at the last minute, you decide you too want to crash at the cottage, a small fee of $200 for up to five guests, and $400 for up to ten guests will be added to your bill.
Q: Does the venue-only fee allow for a wedding rehearsal prior to the event?
A: Yes, it does allow for a wedding rehearsal, but not a full wedding rehearsal dinner party, since that would be an event unto itself.
Q: Do you give military or kama’aina discounts?
A: Our pricing is military and kama’aina friendly in advance. The Wedding Cottage always strives to provide convenience and affordability for local residents, and our costs are considerably lower than pricey resorts.
If you’re a destination wedding, welcome to our island ohana.
Q: If we get married on the beach, will that lower the cost of the venue?
A: Even if you wed barefoot in the sand, the venue-only event price stands firm (yet gentle).
If your heart is set on taking the plunge at the beach, we are happy to recommend lovely beaches just minutes away by car–to the north, Kokololio, near Kawela Bay, and to the south, Secret Island, near Ku’aloa.
We are also happy to point you in the right direction to get started securing the necessary permits to make your dream come true. Simply click on this link: Dept. of Land and Natural Resources.
Not to be a downer, but keep in mind, unless you have a very small wedding party, the beach is friendlier for photo shoots than wedding ceremonies. The coveted ocean breeze and crashing waves have their downside–you won’t be able to hear a word the preacher is saying. And your hair! Let’s not even start with your hair.
Q: What about the wedding license?
A: Note to bride and groom: Plan a time, in between snorkeling and putting the finishing touches on your tan, when you can run into Honolulu and secure a wedding license before your ceremony. Here’s a helpful link to the Hawaii Vital Records.
Q: What about parking? Can your venue accommodate our parking needs?
A: The islands boast sturdy grass, and our one-acre property has room for parking on the lawn for up to 50 cars. If your party requires parking for more than 50 cars, your coordinator will need to provide shuttle assistance.
No street parking is necessary or allowed.
Q: Do we need to provide lighting for our event?
A: We provide a front yard welcome featuring Tiki torches, and backyard mood lighting, featuring tropical stars and moonlight. This is enough lighting to set the mood, but not enough to keep from stepping on your dance partners toes.
You will want to work with your wedding coordinator, designer, or party rental supplier to work out your specific lighting needs. We recommend bulb lighting, draped from the tent, for a soft touch, or a couple of strategically placed ground spotlights. We provide two 50 ft. extension cords, and our porch light illuminates nearly half the yard with a pleasant glow.
Q: Can we serve alcohol at our wedding reception?
A: Yes, but unless you employ a licensed bartender you will have to purchase wedding insurance.
Q: Can we party like it’s 1999 at our wedding reception?
A: Go for it! As long as you have wedding insurance. And a conservative perspective on noise. And, despite what Tangled has inspired in you, you don’t launch fireworks or Chinese lanterns.
Even grand romantic gestures can’t break the law. Or the sound barrier.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi at The Cottage?
A: YES! We may be vintage, but we’re not stone-age.
Q: We have more out-of-town guests than your cottage can accommodate overnight. Are there reasonable lodging options close by?
A: Yes, there are several affordable lodging options nearby which we will gladly recommend.
Q: What about bad weather?
A: It’s always safe to expect the unexpected, but in Hawaii you can expect the expected: sunny with a chance of rain. We HIGHLY recommend a tent to provide a comfortable cover for your guests from both rain and shine. We would be happy to refer you to a rental company to get you set up.
Q: Can I rent the venue for other celebrations other than my wedding?
A: Of course. The venue has been used for graduation parties, engagement parties, birthday parties, photo shoots, movie sets, etc. It’s also a great vacation rental.
Q: How many people does the cottage sleep?
A: The three bedroom cottage sleeps up to six, providing two queen size beds and one full size bed. The upstairs suite sleeps four, providing one queen size bed and two twin beds. Ultimately the cottage fits ten adults comfortably, and with the available couches, and extra blankets and pillows, you can squeeze in a few kids as well. (You’re welcome.)
Q. Are you pet friendly?
A. If you are, we are. But please ask for approval first. We thrive on approval.
at 4:08 pm
Hi, I’m interested lodging for nine adults and the yard for a wedding reception on the weekend of the 12th of May. We expect a small guest party of 25-30. how much would use of the yard cost? Or is it included with lodging?