Ceremonial Considerations
On the beach, at a hotel, or private property; these are only the beginning of what to consider when planning your special day. Who will be invited? Do we need to have witnesses? Where do we get our marriage license? Do we want a traditional Jewish wedding or a spiritual ceremony? What about a Ketubah? Can we change the ceremony at the last minute? What is a lei ceremony? Can we have a Jewish same sex commitment ceremony? Answers to these and many other questions in life are found below or on linked pages.
Wedding planners can help you with these and many other considerations. Dale of Joyful Ceremonies conducts the actual ceremony and can recommend planners to help with the rest. A list of planners, stylists, locations, and others needed to complete your day are available when the date is confirmed.
You may customize your ceremony with additional readings from my suggested list or yours. Poetry, stories of how you met, or special remembrances can be added to the ceremony. Including family and friends in the ceremony is a wonderful way to enhance the day. I will send you a suggested ceremony when the deposit for the date is received. You can make changes up until an hour before the ceremony.
Beach wedding permits are available through Joyful Ceremonies. The specific beach can be decided up to 2 days before the event. Chuppahs and chairs are not allowed on the beach, however, so for Jewish weddings we suggest a hotel, park or private location near the beach where we can put up a chuppah and then take photos on the beach. A list of recommended locations will be sent when the date is confirmed.
In Hawai`i you are not required to have a witness for your ceremony, although there is space on the license for up to 2 witnesses if you want them to sign. So, it is usual, but not necessary.
Jewish Weddings and Commitment Ceremonies
Traditional Jewish weddings and commitment ceremonies include Hebrew prayers, the seven blessings, and breaking the glass. Conducted under a chuppah, traditional Jewish weddings, interfaith, and same sex commitment ceremonies are available.
Ceremonial Objects
You can bring a glass to break, buy one here custom made, or Dale can provide one. Containers to bring home the broken shards are available on Kaua`i both pre-made and custom made. Adding sand from a Hawai`i beach makes your keepsake even more personal.
We can recommend jewelers on the island if you do not bring your own rings.
Spiritual ceremonies do not mention God, but speak of love and spirit. These ceremonies usually include intentions rather than blessings, and can easily include your own readings. Lei ceremonies are a wonderful way to round them out.
In Hawai`i lei ceremonies are a beautiful tradition. Partners can exchange leis, partners can give leis to family and friends, leis can be exchanged before, during or after the wedding/commitment ceremony. Ti leaf, maile, pikake, ginger…so many to choose from. Dale will include suggested options in the ceremony she creates for you.
Same Sex Commitment Ceremonies
Hawaii allows same sex commitment ceremonies, but does not yet recognize them as legal marriages. We hope to see that change soon. Dale conducts commitment ceremonies in Jewish or spiritual style.
Answers to Life Questions
I can’t really answer them here, but I will gladly explore them with you!