Orchid Hawaiian Marriage Ceremony
by Reverend Dennis C. DeRego
Let us take a moment to be aware of all the beauty around us, taking in a breath of air, and listen to the sounds of nature, as the waves come up on the shore and the gentle breeze caress our face, feel the harmony of this island. We are all part of one, and we call upon the love that is ever present to bless this special day.
Chant:
Hear the words from an
ancient Hawaiian Marriage chant:
There was a seeking of the
loved one, and now it is found. A mate
is found. One to share the chills of
winter and the warmth of summer. Love
has made a plea that you two are to become united here in Hawaii, Hawaii is a perch, a perch in to the Heavens. You two are now to become one. For the day is here at last! You are to be wedded. The prayer and chant has gone its’ way.
Greeting:
Aloha (Bride) and Aloha
(Groom) We are here to celebrate your
marriage, on this very special day of (Date).
That you have chosen to affirm your love for one-another with spoken
words, (Music), (prayer) and with the sharing of vows and giving of rings. Aloha Nui Loa, welcome with much love to you
and all of your family and friends that have come together here at the beautiful (Place)
(Location). Every experience you have
ever had, everything you have done, everything you have ever learned, has
brought you to this moment. As you stand
before these witnesses you take each other as husband and wife, you confront
the future together, promising to stand by each others side, to face new
experiences as husband and wife, always growing together, honoring, respecting
and cherishing each other through all life has in store for you. (Groom) and (Bride) you bring individual
strength and weaknesses to this marriage, but as you stand together as couple,
you will compliment each other, and be exactly what other needs, as your love
and commitment continues to deepen throughout your married life. This is the most significant moment, the
moment you will give yourself to each other and you will have been made
complete, and happy because of your deep assurance of your love for
one-another.
Lei Exchange:
(Optional)
In Hawaii we exchange leis
as a symbol of our love. The beautiful
crafted lei with all its hand picked flowers and twine, carefully bonded
together with love, is a reflection of your love and Aloha that you share for
one-another. As you exchange these leis
you will begin to weave your lei in life with love throughout eternity. May the exchange of these leis be the new
beginning of your lives together and now we ask for the blessings of life so we
may open our hearts to the ways of love and now, with loving Aloha, please
present your leis to one-another with a smile and a kiss upon each others
cheek.
Joining of
Hands:
Stand with Aloha.
With your hands together as
one you stand with Aloha, your love so strong, and yet so tender and free. As your hearts beat as one, your thoughts are
beautiful, as your eyes meet, there is no doubt, your lives have touched, and
throughout all eternity, the beauty shall be there, as sure as the Makani
(wind), as sure as you Ma’lama (care), as sure as you Aloha (love), the breath
of life.
“Seashore”
As these ocean tides ebb and
flow, so, to, do the fortunes of life.
Footprints in the sand are washed away, driftwood moves on its’ endless
quest for a peaceful harbor. Only a deep
and abiding love can withstand the tides of change in two lives. Your love, shall be enduring and profound and
we have gathered here to witness this love and the vows and commitment you will
make here today.
Declaration of
Consent:
(Groom/Bride) do you give
yourself to (Groom/Bride) this day with complete joy and love and promise to be
a true and faithful (husband/wife) and promise to comfort (him/her), respect
(him/her), cherish (him/her), for all the days together on this earth?
(Groom/Bride) “I Do”
As the sun light smiles on
you today, and your hearts beat as one, you will share the Spirit of Aloha,
your joy is indescribable as you take each other as husband and wife, promising
to be true and faithful in all of life’s circumstances as you face them
together.
Marriage Vows:
I (Groom/Bride) take you
(Groom/Bride) for my wedded (Wife/Husband), to love and cherish for better or
worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, from this day forward,
with all of my Aloha and Love.
Exchange of
Wedding Rings:
As long as time can be
remembered, the ring has been symbolic, of the completed bond. The ring is without beginning, the ring is
without end, the ring is without end, the ring goes on forever. Circles of Life, Circles of Love, these rings
are given and received as tokens of never ending Aloha.
Blessing of
Rings:
Hiki ka haku ho’omaika’ike’ia
mau komo ke’la’ oe hau’olu mehe kou ho’ailona o aloha a la ahia amene”.
Ring Vows:
(Groom/Bride) as you place
this ring on (Groom/Bride)’s finger I ask that you repeat these words; “This
ring is my sacred gift to you, a symbol of my Love, a sign that from this day
forward and always, My love will surround you, With this ring I thee wed”.
(Music)
Hawaiian
Blessing:
No ka mea, ua aloha nui mai
e Akua I ko ke ao nei, nolaila, ua haawi mai oia I kana keiki hiwa hiwa, I ole
e make ka mea mana oio ia ia, aka e loaa ia ia ke ola mau loa. Amene.
May the gift of love that
has flourished in you spread Love to all, and by doing so, giving you
everlasting life.
Closing:
(Groom) and (Bride), you are
united as husband and wife and go forth on your journey together. May you be a comfort to each other, share
each others’ joys, console each other in sorrows, help each other in all of
life. Care for each other truly and
deeply putting your commitment before all else.
Live for your love and your love will live forever.
May you trust each
other. Trust life and not be afraid, and
may you be given the gift of memory of this moment, and this day forever.
May you always share with
each other the gifts of love and be one heart and always beautiful of mind, and
may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts love, generosity
and kindness.
Benediction:
May peace and unconditional
love surround you and remain with you now and forevermore.
And so by the power vested
in me by the State of Hawaii
I now pronounce you Husband
and Wife
You may seal your vows with
a kiss.
(Music)
Recessional: