eychoi

We were hoping to make several bookings for our friends. We don't plan on more than 50 people at the wedding. However, in Maui, we've noted that most places require a 14 night stay. Are there exceptions anywhere, or is this policy uniform? Also, we were very interested in Kauai, but were concerned about rain. We like Grand Hyatt, which is on the south side of the island. Do you have any experience with weddings at this site? Have any been in the winter? Finally, as a travel agent, have you booked group rates for airlines and condos for Hawaiian destination weddings? Thanks. Ed

Hi Everyone, It's been awhile. While we initially concentrated on Cabo and Mexico in general, it appears we now planning on Hawaii. Although the boards seem to focus on Mexico, I'd like to know if anyone's ever had a wedding in Kauai during the winter on the south side (i.e. Poipu). As for Maui, is it impossible get condos during the holiday season (December 18 - January 6) there without committing to 14 nights? Please let me know any thoughts any of you might have. Our favorites right now are the Grand Hyatt Regency Kaui and Grand Wailea. Thank you all! Ed

Thanks again for all the useful info. My fiancee was impressed with my progress today. To answer the prior post, I'm an in-house lawyer for World Poker Tour.

All the advice has been invaluable. I am now checking out the Four Seasons. Looks great. Does the use of a wedding consultant/planner help reduce costs or are they consistent even I'm dealing with them personally?

The time kinda depends on the place. For Hawaii, November is beginning of rainy season. So, it might be sooner, like in August or early September. If Cabo, then we're a little more flexible. So, I've been trying to pin down a location, but it's been difficult. Now, I'm going back and forth over Princeville vs. Grand Hyatt, if we wanted to do in Hawaii..... or if in Maui, Four Seasons, Ritz, or if in Oahu, Kahala or Hakeluni.... As you can tell, it's difficult.

I'm a planner. My fiancee hasn't really gotten into planning yet, because she wants to enjoy the engagement, but I feel time is of the essence, so I've kinda taken over.

Has anyone done a wedding at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Can a wedding be done there for $15K for 20 to 40 peeps? Sorry for going off Cabo.

I'm enjoying this. Thanks, it's all very helpful. At Esperanza, it is $84 for three hours total for the deluxe option and $56 for the "Esperanza Selection" for three hours. A spreadsheet they sent me confirms that these are the totals because the subtotal comes out to $2460 for for thirty guests, if you include an additional hour at $14.00. Anyway, with tax and gratuity, which they also have a column for in the spreadsheet, it comes out to $3,075. The dinner they use for the spreadsheet come out to $2,880 after tax and gratuity for thirty people. All in all, the total comes out to $22,532, if you include wedding cake, music for three hours, photographer for three hours, flowers and arch, and all the legal stuff, like Justice of the Peace, Interpreter, Minister, Paperwork and Wedding Fee. It's a little over my budget, since it doesn't include room and travel, but might be able to make it work. But, I shall also investigate the other suggestions. Thanks. Are you guys always patrolling the other threads as well?

Lunch buffets at Esperanza are $44 to $52 Plated lunch is $52 Dinner buffet is $75 to 95 Plated dinner is $78 Open bar was $56 per person for 3 hours. Are the Food and Drink Minimums the amount you pay for the reception, or the amounts paid by the guests during their stay total, or both? The Esperanza also gave me information that conflicted with the Las Ventanas information. Esperanza noted that I could take the blood tests in the U.S. so long as it was 30 days before or less and submitted 21 days before. Las Ventanas says that you have to take them in Mexico, two days before the ceremony. Even though, I'm a lawyer, I do not know whether the prenup they make you sign is enforceable in CA? Anyone know? Has anyone had a civil ceremony in the U.S. before having a symbolic one in Mexico?

Oh, btw, TammyM, I work at World Poker Tour.. I noticed your Poker Champion. My fiancee's little sis wants to pet dolphins, and my fiancee wants to jet ski.. Are those activities nearby anywhere? Can I get away with $15 to 20K in Cabo for 30 peeps in a four to five star venue? I need to align my expectations to reality.

Hi, We would just pay for my fiancee's family. I just got a quote from Esperanza, which looks like a fabulous place. The One & Only also sent something, and it was kinda expensive, only because the minimum drink and beverage was $12,000. My dream places in Cabo, so far, are Las Ventanas, Esperanza, and One & Only.

Thanks for the welcome. I just got engaged 10 days ago. We are really not sure where we want to have it. Cabo's starting to look good, but I'm trying to stay away from Cabo San Lucas. My family's conservative, and I don't think they'd love the party atmosphere, if any. So, looking a little more north. Anyway, any thoughts would be appreciated. We're looking to spend no more than $15 to 20K for about 20 to 40 guests. Are the more luxury resorts out of reach?

Ed Choi Groom Cabo August to November