The Wedding Ceremony

This chant is called the Oli Aloha. It is the chant of Love and Welcome. And so it is, that Love, has brought the two of you, as man and woman, together to become one as husband and wife in these beautiful surroundings and in the presence of these witnesses. This chant also says welcome, and so it is with Love we welcome the both of you on this blessed event in your lives. Aloha to you both, and welcome to our beautiful island of Maui.

We are gathered here today in the spirit of aloha, the spirit of love. It is the same spirit of aloha that has brought you [Groom] and [Bride] together. We celebrate this new and exciting moment in your life's journey, and embrace now this moment as we are surrounded by the many beautiful and wondrous creations around us.

Ceremony on the Beach

You have come here because you know there is much beauty to behold here in Hawaii. In this place you can see beautiful rainbows and sunsets, you can hear the trade winds blowing or the surf breaking on the shore, you can smell fragrant flowers in the air and, you can hear birds singing in the distance.

As we look out, we know that the ocean has been here since the beginning of time, flowing with a sense of awe and life giving power. The ocean does so because it is alive and constantly changing. The ocean brings life and cleanses all it touches with its ebb and flow. So I invite you to let your love be as far-reaching and as deep as the ocean ever flowing with the currents of change. Be open to the changes and challenges that will come in your new life together, and always share those moments with each other.

You have chosen this day to affirm your love for each other with spoken words, with prayer, and with the sharing of symbols.

Marriage is a commitment to life... to the best that two people can find and bring out of each other. Marriage offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal, a physical and emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime.

Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, confidant, lover, teacher and listener. There may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other brings healing and

the steadfastness of a sturdy foundation that allows the marriage covenant to be established.

Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller; memories are fresher; commitment is stronger. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid, and yet it encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing love through the seasons of life.

When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, they seem to create a spirit unique to themselves, which binds them closer than any spoken or written words.

Sharing of Lei

Here in Hawaii we have a tradition of exchanging flower leis, signifying our open hearts and love for one another. The flower lei can be made of a variety of fragrant flowers, ferns, and/or leaves. These are carefully gathered and strewn or woven together to create a wondrous garland of beauty and love. In this case, it is a reflection of your love for each other.

You will now exchange leis with each other. As you do so, you will begin to weave your own lei of life.

And now, [Groom], take this lei and place it upon your beloved [Bride]. Let the lei gently drape her shoulders. Take her by the hands. Gently move close to her and give the "Ha" or the "breath of life."

[Bride], it is now your turn. Take the lei from me and place it upon your beloved [Groom]. Let the lei gently drape his shoulders. Take him by the hands. Gently, move close to him and give the "Ha" or the "breath of life."

Your love for one another is truly a wondrous thing of beauty. I counsel you both to be diligent and vigilant in your love for one another. Constantly seek for ways to cultivate, nurture and protect your love throughout your life together.

Marriage vows

[Groom], please repeat after me:

I, [Groom], take you [Bride] to be my wife. I promise to love you, only you, and cherish you. I will be a companion to you. I will share my strengths and my achievements; I promise to respect you, and be a friend to you, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.

[Bride], please repeat after me:

I, [Bride], take you, [Groom], to be my husband. I promise to love you, only you, and cherish you. I will be a companion to you. I will share my strengths and my achievements; I promise to respect you, and be a friend to you, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.

Ring Ceremony

Wedding rings are a symbol of longevity in the marriage covenant. The circle of the ring symbolizes a never ending circle of love and commitment that you are making. Always see the best in each other and each day that you are together, when you look at the beauty of these rings, Remember the love that you have for each other is forever.

[Groom], please repeat after me:

I give this ring to you, [Bride], as a sign of my love. I give myself to you to be your husband from this day forward. You shall not walk alone.

I feel so honored to have you as my wife.

I vow to love and sustain you in the covenant of our marriage for as long as we both shall live.

[Bride], please repeat after me:

[Groom], I give this ring to you as a sign of my love. I give myself to you to be your wife. From this day forward you shall not walk alone. I feel so honored to have you as my husband. I vow to love and sustain you in the covenant of our marriage for as long as we both shall live.

Pronouncement

We have been witnesses to this special day. Therefore, I and those of us here with you recognize that you have become husband and wife, and we and all of your family and friends shall honor you as the same from this day forward.

Benediction

Remember this day here in beautiful Wailea, Maui with joy and thanksgiving, and may you love to live, and live to love!

Now therefore by the authority given unto me by the laws of the State of Hawai‘i, I now pronounce that you are husband and wife. Therefore, you may kiss your Bride! E honi ka waha!

I present to you as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. __________!