Our Ceremonies
Unforgettable Wedding Ceremonies on the South Shore of Kauai
At Kauai South Shore Weddings, we believe your ceremony should be more than just beautiful—it should be deeply meaningful. Officiated by Pastor Harold Kilborn, a native Hawaiian Kahu with years of experience, each ceremony is crafted with care, reverence, and the spirit of aloha. Whether you’re planning a small beach wedding, a garden ceremony, or a cliffside celebration overlooking the ocean, we provide heartfelt, customized services that honor your unique love story.
We offer four distinct ceremony scripts to choose from, each one grounded in timeless values and Hawaiian cultural traditions. Our most popular ceremony begins with the spiritual significance of aloha, a word that reflects not only greeting and farewell—but love, unity, and presence. This opening sets the tone for a sacred and joyful experience that blends personal vows, symbolic gestures, and—if desired—biblical readings or Hawaiian blessings.
Ceremonies often include optional elements such as:
• Lei exchange, symbolizing respect and the unbroken circle of love
• A reading from 1 Corinthians 13, a passage that reflects the patience, kindness, and loyalty foundational to marriage
• Ring exchange, with reflections on love’s enduring nature
• A special marriage blessing using the acronym “BEST”—Bless, Edify, Share, Touch—offering practical encouragement for a thriving marriage
• A closing Hawaiian prayer or chant (optional), honoring the land, sea, and sky as eternal witnesses to your union
Each ceremony is conducted with heartfelt intention and tailored to reflect your personalities, beliefs, and the journey that brought you together. We work closely with you in advance to select or adapt a ceremony that resonates most deeply, whether you’re seeking a traditional Christian wedding, a non-religious celebration, or a culturally enriched Hawaiian experience.
Couples may choose to hold their ceremony at scenic south shore locations like Poipu Beach, Shipwreck (Keoneloa) Beach, or the serene Kukuiolono Japanese Garden. We also offer support with permitting, timelines, and vendor coordination to ensure a seamless experience from arrival to I do.
Let Kauai South Shore Weddings help you begin your marriage with a ceremony as memorable and authentic as the love you share.
Sample of Our Most Popular Ceremony:
Groom’s name_______ & Bride’s name_______: This is a special day as you have chosen this beautiful corner of paradise that we call the Garden Isle of Kauai as the place you will declare your abiding love for each other. Here in the Hawaiian Islands when one leaves or arrives, people say “aloha”. For the Hawaiian people the word “aloha” has three meanings. I believe that each of these meanings has significance for y our marriage today.
The first meaning of “aloha” is “hello”. This signifies that you are beginning a new life together; a life of love and deep commitment.
The second meaning of “aloha” is “good bye”. This signifies that you are leaving the past behind as just fond memories and greeting the future with excitement and anticipation..
The third meaning of “aloha” is probably the most important. And that meaning is “love”. As you have been growing in your knowledge of each other, you have discovered together how special love is when it is shared. At this time will you turn to each other and express from your heart “ALOHA”… (by exchanging leis. Exchanging leis is optional).
______ and _____, You are two people from different walks of life entering into the marriage relationship of oneness. A relationship in which neither of you loses your personal identity but where you help each other be their best in all things. Marriage is the blending of each person’s interests, dreams and desires. Together you will work to make the marriage a relationship of love
Let me read from I Corinthians 13:4-7 on love that you need to always model in your relationship.
“Love is patient and kind,
never jealous or envious,
never boastful or proud,
never haughty or selfish or rude.
Love does not demand its own way.
It is not irritable or touchy.
It does not hold grudges and
will hardly even notice when others do it wrong.
It is never glad about injustice,
but rejoices whenever truth wins out.
If you love someone
you will be loyal to them no matter what the cost.
You will always believe in them,
always expect the best of them,
and always stand your ground in defending them.“
______ (Groom) Are you willing to commit your life to ______ (Bride)
______ (Bride) Are you willing to commit your life to ______ (Groom)
Vows
(Couples face each other with their hand joined and repeat after me).
I_____, take you,(wife, husband)to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love faithfully through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. What may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold so I give you my life to keep, as God is my witness.
The Exchanging Of Rings
Though small in size, these rings are (this ring is) very large in
significance. Made of precious metal, they remind us that love is not
cheap nor common; indeed, love may cost us dearly.
Made in a circle, their design tells us that love must never come to
an end; we must keep it continuous. As you wear these rings, whether together or part for a moment, may they be constant reminders of these glad promises you are making today.
______ (Groom) I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.
______ (Bride) I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.
May these beautiful rings be a sign to each of you of the continuing love you pledge to each other today.
Blessing for a Marriage
Let me share four things that I believe are imperative for a growing and exciting marriage. You may imprint them on your mind by remembering that when you put the first letter of each word together it spells BEST.
Bless – Speak well of each other often. Express and share appreciation for the small things as well as the big things they do for you.
Edify – Cheer each other on in every area of life. This will encourage, strengthen and bring harmony and peace. Never criticize or tear each other down.
Share – Share your hearts and feelings everyday with each other. Another word for sharing is communication. Take time each day to focus attention on each other. Learn to listen to what each other means as well as what they say.
Touch – Marriage is a hands on relationship. Let there be plenty of caressing, hugging, touching and kissing.
Remember! You both chose THE BEST! Take care of each other the way you want to be cared for.
Prayer in English and Hawaiian (Optional)
E mau ke aloha me ke kai la,
E kupa’a me ke kuahiwi
E mehana i kala
E pa’a no ka olelo ho’ohiki aloha
I ka po me kea o
Mai ka la hiki a ka la kau
O ka noho pu
Me na hoku o ka lani
Let love continue as the sea
Stand firm as the mountains
Be warm in the sun
Let the vow of love be firm
Night and day (all times)
From East to West (all corners)
Living together and sparkling
As the stars of heaven
Pronouncement
With this union of hearts and hands, and by the authority vested in me as a minister and by the laws of the State of Hawaii, I pronounce you husband and wife. At this time you may kiss the bride.
Introduces the Couple
Elopements and Vow Renewals on Kauai’s South Shore
Not every love story follows the traditional path—and not every celebration needs a crowd. Whether you’re planning an intimate Kauai elopement for just the two of you, or returning to paradise to reaffirm your commitment with a vow renewal, we offer ceremonies that are simple, meaningful, and deeply personal.
Our elopement packages are ideal for couples who desire a stress-free, romantic experience in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We’ll help you choose a stunning location—like Poipu Beach, Shipwreck Cliff, or a tucked-away garden—and provide a heartfelt ceremony that honors your love without distraction. You’ll have the option to include Hawaiian traditions, such as a lei exchange, conch shell blowing, or a Hawaiian blessing, along with optional photography to capture the moment.
For couples celebrating a milestone anniversary or simply wanting to say “I still do,” our vow renewal ceremonies are designed to reflect the journey you’ve shared. Pastor Harold Kilborn will work with you to craft a personalized ceremony that honors your growth as a couple, your enduring love, and your continued commitment to one another.
Many couples choose to involve family members or children in the ceremony—or keep it beautifully simple with just the two of you, the waves, and the breeze.
Every elopement and vow renewal includes:
• Your choice of ceremony script or custom wording
• Guidance on permits and ceremony timing
• Optional add-ons like photography, videography, leis, or music
• A focus on authenticity, warmth, and aloha
Whether you’re starting your journey together or celebrating a love that has stood the test of time, Kauai South Shore Weddings is honored to be part of your story.