Post # 1
Member
32 posts
Newbee
Hello Ladies!
I just joined and wanted to know if any of you have had your wedding here and what did you think about the site, coordinators, vendors. etc. I have fallen in love with that location and unfortunately there is nothing like that on O’ahu where i live. They are very pricey and wouldnt mind using a different location if it still had that “secret garden” feel to it.
I have not booked it yet and currently emailing Allie at Palama Alii (i emailed their website and she responded) and the site fee is $4500 plus coordination fees comes out to $7,100 for a $15,000 budget ceremony/reception. I am so sad that it costs that much just for the site and their services.
Any information on them whether its worth the money or NOT, please let me know!
And if any ladies on the other islands, please let me know if there are other venues that have a rustic/old feel to it. I don’t have a picture, but the mill is a broken down building with vines growing all over it and the inside has these beautiful stairways, a small waterfall and just gorgeous! At night its lit up by tons of candles and really gives off a fairy-tale likeness to it! I love architecture and LOVE ruins, especially with vines growing on them that it reminds me europe!
Post # 3
Member
1 posts
Wannabee
Hello:
I too inquired of the Haiku Sugar Mill, after considering a beach wedding I wanted more privacy without the worry of other people on the beach the same time that we would be. After some research I found the most beautiful place I have ever seen the HAIKU SUGAR MILL! WOW! is this place fabulous. I recieved the same pricing that you did, however, after inquiring a little more I found out that they do ceremony only packages where you can have the mill for 2-4 hours it includes your coordination, photography, bouquet, boutionnire, wedding leis, chairs for up to thirty guests, musician etc. prices range from 5500.00 to 9300.00. We are traveling with about 14-20 guests its very pricey for a small intimate wedding, not sure if I want to spend that. I wish they were a little more flexible with their pricing. I too would like some ideas for a Maoui wedding we have only set a tenative date for our wedding it is still flexible at this point.
Post # 4
Member
32 posts
Newbee
Thank you for responding! Yes, Allie sent me the ceremony package for the same price that you quoted, but i figure that it is so expensive for a ceremony, i might as well do the whole she bang! Plus, a big part of why i want the reception there is that it is GORGEOUS at night with all the candles lit. I don’t want to give that up, haha.
I spoke with someone who went through White Orchid Weddings and she got the place for $3500 (under 50 guests) BUT, i do not know if the prices have changed since the Mill has a new owner. If you decide to go with them (they have a package deal on their website for “Stairway to Heaven” for the Mill that is just under $10,000 for everything) but be aware that you don’t have a choice in the vendors. The lady that i spoke with that booked through them said she was given a number to THEIR florist, THEIR baker, etc. The only exception was the photographer that they were allowed to select from a pre-selected group. I know Palama Alii has a few vendors to choose from, but its still not a big selection, but nevertheless, you have a choice.
Were you set on having your wedding on Maui or the other islands? Currently, we are booked at Lanikuhonua on O’ahu. If you want private, you got it. For under 150 people the cost is $2350. But, that is just the site location. You have to find everything else yourself (which is fine with me, because i like to have control of who i want to spend money on.) If you are not familiar with that location, its a big beautiful grassy lawn with palm trees and their own beach. Please know that Hawaii law forbids any set up on the beaches for weddings. People will get married on the lawn overlooking their beach and the sun sets right there. It is a gorgeous location and they book FAST. Just thought i’ll let you know about them. You can google their pictures and a lot of O’ahu photographers have shot there if you check out their website.
I love Lanikuhonua, but my wedding theme “secret garden/shabby chic” works perfectly with the Mill. If only i had the money…
🙁
Post # 5
Member
51 posts
Worker bee
that place is gorg! jeeze i wonder how much they would charge just so i can take pics their? hmmmm.
Post # 6
Member
1 posts
Wannabee
Well, I had a very nasty experience dealing with their head wedding coordinator.
I began contact with them about a month ago for ceremony only packages and holding the venue without deposit. From the very beginning, I asked them about the time limit for us to hold the venue but there weren’t any answers.
Meantime, I spoke to several other wedding planners at the same time and finally, after about 3 weeks of much consideration on the packages offered, my fiancé and I decide on another wedding coordinator.
I informed Haiku mill about our decision; they told us that if we were their initial point of contact and after so much correspondence on their packages, it is their policy that we have to work with them or else, get another venue with the other wedding coordinator.
Later, we were told that we were holding them up for too long. Well, we did ask about their time limit and never got an answer.
Well, I’d like to work together with Haiku mills if their packages work for my wedding.
I think it is ridiculous of them to tell their clients to take their package even though their package won’t work for the clients and futhermore, preventing their client from using their venue.
I am sorry to see that they are bahaving so selfishly as Haiku mill is a indeed beautiful venue. Needless say that I will have to find another venue.
Post # 7
Member
1 posts
Wannabee
Glad to hear everyone’s feedback about the Mill. This place is being heavily hyped in several places. I am writing the annual bridal guide for the Maui News (my 8th bridal guide), including a piece on unusual wedding venues. Am now debating including the Mill after what I am read, especially when there are so many other beautiful (and less expensive) places around.
fire gypsy – you said you couldn’t find anything like Haiku Mill on Oahu – did you try Kualoa Ranch? It’s on the cover of Hawaii Bride and Groom. From the photo shoot looks very much like Haiku Mill.
Did you consider the Olowalu estate on Maui? Right on the beach and private.
By The Way – Carol Lee @ White Orchid Wedding is one of my favorite wedding coordinators. She really knows her stuff.
Post # 7
Member
1 posts
Wannabee
Hi Ladies,
I am thinking about having my ceremony/reception at Haiku Mill. I am currently waiting on information from elements event luxury on pricing. Anyone have updated information on pricing or information that you can share with me?
Thanks
Jeaneen
Post # 8
Member
1 posts
Wannabee
fire gypsy : I haven’t heard any response from them. What contact number or email did you reach them at?
