Twenty years of marriage is a milestone worth celebrating, and Hawaii is one of the most beautiful places to do it. Here is our first featured 20 year vow renewal: Steve and Sara, who came all the way from Italy to say “I do” again by the water at Magic Island in Honolulu.
Steve & Sara · The Vows · Rings & Leis · Family & a Toast · On the Beach · Ideas · More Couples · FAQ
Featured couple
Steve & Sara’s 20 Year Vow Renewal
Steve and Sara flew from Italy to Hawaii to celebrate twenty years of marriage. They wanted something very simple and intimate, so on a sunny September afternoon they chose an elegant look, all in white, and a spot right by the water at Magic Island, where the city softens into sand: a garden arch of green leaves and bright tropical flowers, with the Waikiki skyline on one side and Diamond Head on the other. With their family beside them, they read the vows they had written, exchanged white plumeria leis and their rings, and shared a kiss that felt just like the first one, twenty years later. Then came a toast, and a walk on the beach and under the palms. And the celebration was not over: from Honolulu they set sail on a 14 day honeymoon cruise to Tahiti.
- The coupleSteve & Sara
- FromItaly
- Celebrating20 years of marriage
- WhenSeptember 2026, early afternoon
- WhereMagic Island, Honolulu
- StyleSimple, intimate, all in white
- AfterwardsA 14 day honeymoon cruise to Tahiti
- TraditionsTheir own vows, plumeria leis, rings and a toast
Under the flower arch with Diamond Head behind, and their first kiss again after 20 years.
The setting
A Flower Arch at Magic Island
At Magic Island, a garden arch wrapped in greenery and tropical flowers stood on the grass right at the water’s edge, with Diamond Head across the bay and the Waikiki skyline behind.
The vows
Vows Written From the Heart
Steve and Sara each read the vows they had written for each other, a few lines about twenty years of life, love and laughter, and promises for the years ahead.
Steve and Sara each reading their own vows.
Hawaiian traditions
Rings, Leis & a Tropical Bouquet
They exchanged fragrant white plumeria leis, a Hawaiian symbol of love and aloha, and placed their rings on each other’s fingers once more. Sara carried a bright tropical bouquet in pink and orange.
The ring placed again, and their rings resting on pink plumeria.
The kiss
Twenty Years Later
Then the moment everyone was waiting for: a kiss, a big hug, and plenty of laughter in each other’s arms.
Family
Family, a Certificate & a Toast
Their family, all in white, gathered around for photos, Steve and Sara held up their vow renewal certificate, and everyone raised a glass to twenty years.
Photo tour
Romance on the Beach
Afterwards the two of them walked down to the sand: hand in hand by the water, a twirl and a jump for joy, and quiet close ups of smiles, leis and bracelets.
Under the palms
A Stroll Under the Palms
The day ended with a stroll under the palm trees of Magic Island, and one last look back at the flower arch by the water.
Ideas
Ideas for Your 20 Year Vow Renewal
The traditional 20th anniversary gift is china, and the modern symbol is platinum, strong, rare and lasting, just like twenty years of marriage. In Hawaii we can bring that feeling to your day with all white outfits, white plumeria and orchid leis, a garden arch of tropical flowers by the water, and a toast with your family. Many couples, like Steve and Sara, write new vows for the next twenty years.
See more: leis · bouquets · arch designs · cakes · Magic Island · the golden harp
More couples
More Anniversaries We Have Celebrated
Steve and Sara are our first featured 20 year vow renewal, and we have celebrated many more anniversaries. For their 25th, one couple renewed their vows in the forest by a waterfall, and another held up a blue starfish for a kiss. More photo stories are coming soon.
See all of our vow renewals, from 5 to 50 years, and our 50 year golden anniversaries.
20 Year Vow Renewal Questions
Do we need a marriage license to renew our vows in Hawaii?
No. A vow renewal celebrates your marriage, it is not a new legal marriage, so no marriage license is needed. That makes it easy for couples coming from other countries, like Steve and Sara from Italy.
Can we write our own vows?
Yes, and we love it when couples do. Write a few lines about your 20 years together and what you promise for the years ahead.
Can our children and family be part of the ceremony?
Yes. They can stand with you at the arch, give you your leis, read a few words or hold the rings.
What should we wear for a 20 year vow renewal?
Anything you feel wonderful in. All white is a beautiful choice, with white plumeria leis and a bright tropical bouquet.
Where can we renew our vows on Oahu?
By the water at Magic Island with a view of Diamond Head and the Waikiki skyline, at Waialae Beach Park, on the beach, in a park under the palms, or by a waterfall in the forest.
What is the best time of day?
Mornings are calm and bright, and sunsets bring warm golden light. Both are lovely for photos.
Do you get a vow renewal certificate?
Many couples like a keepsake vow renewal certificate to hold up for photos, like Steve and Sara did. Ask us when you plan your day.
How far ahead should we plan if we are traveling from overseas?
Start a few months ahead so you can plan your flights and hotel, then contact us with your date and we will help with the rest.