CEREMONIES
THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU.

CEREMONY A: CIVIL/NON- RELIGIOUS

Who brings this woman to marry this man? (Dad generally says "her mother and I", or "I do").

(Groom) and (Bride), this is the time you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you both every happiness in your future life together. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty, marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience, and respect, the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship. We who are witnessing your marriage, hope that despite the stresses inevitable in any life; Your Love, Respect for each other, Your Trust and Understanding of each other, will increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living. Everyday you live, learn how to receive love with as much understanding as you give it. Find things within yourself, then you can share them with each other. Do not fear this love! Have an open heart and a sincere mind! Be sincerely interested in each other's happiness! Be constant and consistent in your Love! From this comes security and strength. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us on this day of your marriage! Try to commit yourselves fully and freely to each other!

(Groom and Bride), before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the serious and binding nature of the relationship you are now about to enter! I shall now ask you to make your marriage vows!

(Groom), do you take (Bride) to be your lawful wife? Do you promise to love her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her for as long as you both shall live? (Response: "I do")

(Bride), do you take (Groom) to be your lawful husband? Do you promise to love him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him for as long as you both shall live? (Response: "I do")

RING VOWS

Groom: (Bride), With this ring, I thee wed.

Bride: (Groom), With this ring, I thee wed.

(Groom and Bride), As you have consented together to be bound to one another in lawful marriage, and have made special promises to each other which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, taking of vows, and by the giving and receiving of rings, and by the authority vested in me, according to the laws of the __________ of __________, I now pronounce you husband and wife! YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE!

PRESENTATION (OPTIONAL)

CEREMONY B: SEMI-RELIGIOUS

INTRODUCTION (OPTIONAL)

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome each of you, the friends and family of (Groom and Bride) here to this ___________(WRITE IN DESIRED WORDING) to celebrate their love and witness their marriage!

Who gives this woman to be married to this man? (Dad says "her mother and I", or "I do").

OPENING

(Groom and Bride), You are here to pledge to each other to be loving friends and partners in marriage; To talk and to listen, to trust and appreciate one another; to respect and cherish each other's uniqueness; and to support, comfort, and strengthen each other through life's joys and sorrows. You must promise to share hopes, thoughts, and dreams, as you build your lives together. May your lives be ever intertwined; your love keeping you together!

(Groom and Bride), Will you now face each other and join both hands?

Do you (Groom) take (Bride) to be your wife? To join with you and to share all that is to come, to give and to receive, to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond; a commitment made in love, kept in faith, and eternally made new? (RESPONSE: " I DO".)

Do you (Bride) take (Groom) to be your husband? To join with you and to share all that is to come, to give and to receive, to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond, a commitment made in love, kept in faith, and eternally made new? (RESPONSE: "I DO".)

RING VOWS

(Groom and Bride), please receive your rings! As the rings have no end, so your love should have no end! They are a perfect circle representing the eternal nature of God.

GROOM REPEATS AFTER MINISTER: (BRIDE) I promise to love you, in good times and bad, with all I have to give, and all I feel inside, in the only way I know how, completely and forever. From this day forward, you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter, and my arms will be your home.

BRIDE REPEATS AFTER MINISTER: (GROOM) I promise to love you, in good times and bad, with all I have to give, and all I feel inside, in the only way I know how, completely and forever. From this day forward, you shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter, and my arms will be your home.

PRONOUNCEMENT

(Groom and Bride), May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitement marriage should bring, and may life grant you also patience, tolerance, and understanding, May you always need one another-not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness. May you enter into the mystery which is the awareness of one another's presence-no more physical than spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in separate rooms or even distant cities. May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it loving one another. Marriage is not only the beginning of a relationship, but also the end of a life-long search for the other half of your soul. By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE!

PRESENTATION (OPTIONAL)

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, for the first time as husband and wife: Mr. and Mrs. (GROOM'S FULL NAME).

CEREMONY C: SEMI-RELIGIOUS WITH CONTEMPORARY GENERIC PRAYER

INTRODUCTION / WELCOME (OPTIONAL)

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to welcome each of you, the friends and family of (Groom and Bride), here to this __________ (WRITE IN DESIRED WORDING), to celebrate their love and witness their marriage!

Who giveth this woman to be married to this man? (Dad says "her mother and I" or "I do".)

(Groom and Bride), You are here to pledge to each other to be loving friends and partners in marriage. To talk and to listen, to trust and appreciate one another; to respect and cherish each other's uniqueness; and to support, comfort, and strengthen each other through life's joys and sorrows. You must promise to share hopes, thoughts, and dreams as you build your lives together. May your lives be ever intertwined, your love keeping you together. You will build a home that is compassionate to all, full of respect and honor for others and each other. May your home be forever filled with peace, happiness, and love.

CONSECRATION

LET US PRAY:

In joining your lives may God grant you both...
LOVE...to afford each other a special quality of time together.
JOY...in the accomplishments of one another.
UNDERSTANDING...that your interests and desires will not always be the same.
FRIENDSHIP...based on mutual trust.
COURAGE...to speak of a misunderstanding, and to work on a solution before the setting of the sun.
COMPASSION...to comfort each other in pain and sorrow.
FORESIGHT...to realize rainbows follow rainy days.
IMAGINATION...to keep with you part of the child you used to be.
MIRTH...from your sense of humor.
AWARENESS...to live each day with the knowledge that there is no promise of tomorrow.
May God Bless You and Keep You in the palm of His Hand. AMEN!

(Groom and Bride), will you now face each other and join both hands?

Do you (Groom), take (Bride), as your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part? (Response: "I Do")

Do you (Bride), take (Groom), as your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part? (Response: "I Do")

RING VOWS

(Groom and Bride), please receive your rings! As the rings have no end, so your love should have no end. They are a perfect circle, representing the eternal nature of God!

GROOM REPEATS AFTER MINISTER: From this day forward, You shall not walk alone.
My heart will be your shelter, and my arms will be your home. With this ring, I thee wed.

BRIDE REPEATS AFTER MINISTER: I promise to love you, in good times and bad, with all I have to give, and all I feel inside, in the only way I know how, completely and forever. With this ring, I thee wed.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other.
Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you.
May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years.
May happiness be your companion, and your days together be good and long upon the earth.

Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness, and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties, and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at one time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives-remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if both of you take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

PRONOUNCEMENT

The greatest pleasure of life is love! God has joined you together-let no one tear you apart! "May the Lord Bless You and Keep You; May His Face Shine Upon You; May He Be Gracious to You and give you Peace, Forever!" By the authority vested in me, according to the laws of the __________ of __________, I now pronounce you husband and wife! YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE!

PRESENTATION (OPTIONAL)

Ladies and Gentlemen, before God we have all witnessed __________ and __________ pledge their love for each other; it is my honor to present to you, for the first time as husband and wife: Mr. and Mrs. (GROOM'S FULL NAME)

CEREMONY D: CHRISTIAN

WELCOME TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS (OPTIONAL)

In the eyes of God, and each other, we are here today to celebrate (Groom and Bride) being joined together in Holy Matrimony. Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and instituted by God, signifying unto us the spiritual union, which also exists between Christ and the Church; so too may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love!

Who giveth this woman to be married to this man? (Response: "Her mother and I", or "I Do")

OPENING

(Groom and Bride) in the days ahead of you, there will be times of difficulty and conflict. When you find yourselves in these situations, I ask you to reflect on this marriage advice:

Let your love be stronger than your anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.
Look for the best in your beloved rather than the worst.
Confide in your partner, and ask for help when you need it.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.
Give your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Say "I Love You" every day!

And I ask you to remember what 1 Corinthians 13 teaches us of love: "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love is never-ending."

(Groom and Bride), will you now face each other and join both hands?

(Groom), do you take (Bride), as your lawfully wedded wife, to live together after God's holy ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Do you promise to love her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health: and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her, for as long as you both shall live? (Response: "I Do")

(Bride), do you take (Groom), as your lawfully wedded husband, to live together after God's holy ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony? Do you promise to love him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health: and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him, for as long as you both shall live? (Response: "I Do")

(Groom and Bride), As You Know, it is a custom to exchange rings as a symbol of your love, and to seal your holy covenant. May we have the rings please?

GROOM REPEATS AFTER MINISTER: I, __________, give this ring to thee, __________, in token and pledge, of my constant faith, and abiding love, and with this ring, I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

BRIDE REPEATS AFTER MINISTER: I, __________, give this ring to thee, __________, in token and pledge, of my constant faith, and abiding love, and with this ring, I thee wed, and with all my worldly goods, I thee endow; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

God Bless this couple, __________ and __________, that you see before you this day! Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help them to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May __________ and __________ see each other as healer, protector, shelter, and guide. We ask this in Jesus name, Amen!

PRONOUNCEMENT

__________ and __________, for as much as you have consented together in Holy Matrimony, before God and His witnesses, and have shown and pledged your love for each other, by giving and receiving rings, and by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! "What therefore God hath joined together, let no man put asunder." YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE.

PRESENTATION (OPTIONAL)

Please allow me to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. (GROOM'S FULL NAME)

CEREMONY E: CONTEMPORARY- NON-RELIGIOUS, INCLUDING SAND CEREMONY

CONVOCATION

This marriage and dedication of love has already taken place in the hearts and minds of this couple. We are here to listen to their vows for our own sake, and to help them celebrate their commitment to each other!

Who gives this woman to be married to this man? (Father of bride says; "I DO", or "HER
MOTHER AND I DO.")

INTRODUCTION

(Groom) and (Bride), every experience you have ever had, everything you have ever done, everything you have ever learned, has brought you to this moment, as you now stand before me to take each other as husband and wife. New experiences lie before you with opportunities to grow deeper in love with each other. As you walk hand in hand into the future, cherish each moment as a gift, a gift given to strengthen the bond between you!

READING

(Groom) and (Bride), The miracle of love is like the miracle of a flower. It thrives upon the sunshine of a smile. It entwines itself around the heart. Its roots are secured in the memories of yesterday. And its petals breathe the promise of joy-filled tomorrows. To be loved is to know happiness and contentment. To give love is to know the joy of sharing oneself. It is through the miracle of love that we discover the fullness of life. It is the miracle of love that brings us together this day, and the miracle of love that (Groom) and (Bride) have found in each other.

ADDRESS

This is a new beginning for both of you and I'd like to offer some gentle reminders to ease your life-long task of living and growing together. Be kind to each other. And when you disagree, do it respectfully! Be gentle and forgiving with each other. When you forgive, your hearts make room for a little more love, a little more understanding, and a little more compassion. Communicate with each other. Share the joy that's in your heart, and the sorrow that burdens your soul. Open your hearts and find your love!

EXPRESSION OF INTENT

Your marriage begins with the vows and promises you speak to one another today. The marriage vow is a promise of fidelity and honesty.

(Groom), do you love (Bride) willingly and completely, withholding nothing? Do you intend to protect her, and give consideration of her feelings, desires, and needs? (RESPONSE: I DO)

Do you intend to strive to keep your love flexible and adapt to changing circumstances in the marriage? And do you intend to be (BRIDES) counselor, helpmate, sweetheart, and lover, and her best friend, from this day forward? (RESPONSE: I DO)

(Bride), do you love (Groom) willingly and completely, withholding nothing? Do you intend to protect him, and give consideration of his feelings, desires, and needs? (RESPONSE: I DO)

Do you intend to strive to keep your love flexible, and adapt to changing circumstances in the marriage? And do you intend to be (GROOMS) counselor, helpmate, sweetheart, and lover, and his best friend, from this day forward? (RESPONSE: I DO)

CONSECRATION

May your days together be long, and may they be seasoned with love, understanding, and respect!

THE VOWS

(Groom), please repeat after me: I (Groom), take thee (Bride), to be my wife, and before these witnesses, I promise to be a faithful and true husband.

(Bride), please repeat after me: I (Bride) take thee (Groom), to be my husband, and before these witnesses, I promise to be a faithful and true wife.

THE RING SYMBOLISM

May I have the rings please?

Marriage is a state in which two people come together and create a union that is greater than the sum of its parts. It is difficult to express in words the profound relationship that is love. Since the beginning of time, the ring has been an emblem of the sincerity and permanence of a couples' love for one another in regard for their marriage. As the circle can begin anew at any point, so a good marriage can pick any point to renew itself. These rings are symbols of your eternal love. Let them always be a reminder of the vows, promises, and intentions, you made to each other today.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

(Groom), as you place the ring on (BRIDES) finger, please repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you: In all times, In all places, and in all ways forever.

(Bride), as you place the ring on (GROOMS) finger, please repeat after me:

I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you: In all times, In all places, and in all ways forever.

SAND CEREMONY

(Groom) and (Bride) have chosen to create a physical reminder of their vows on this day through a sand ceremony. Using these individual containers of sand, they will pour them into this single vessel symbolizing their union and their willingness to combine their two lives into one. Just as the grains of sand can never be separated and returned to their individual containers, so the couple is no longer two, but now one, with no willful intentions to separate from one another.

BENEDICTION AND PRONOUNCEMENT

May light and love surround both of you and always guide you to right action. May love, joy, and peace be yours in great abundance. Throughout this ceremony, you have vowed to be loyal and loving towards one another. And you have formalized your bond with words spoken, and the giving and receiving of rings. Therefore, by the power invested in me, by the __________ of __________, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

KISS

You may now seal this marriage with a kiss!

PRESENTATION

Friends, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. (GROOMS FULL NAME)
 

CEREMONY F: CHRISTIAN INCLUDING UNITY CANDLE

WELCOME TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS

We have come here today to celebrate love. We see it in the faces of (Groom) and (Bride) who stand before us. It is a love which is spoken of in all religions and is our true home and meeting place. It kindles our souls with hope. We are grateful to them for inviting us to witness and share in this precious moment. May all who gather here as witnesses support and encourage their union and be blessed and uplifted as we celebrate with them!

Who giveth this woman to be married to this man? (FATHER OF BRIDE: "I DO" or "HER MOTHER AND
I DO.")

OPENING

Marriage is a commitment for life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growing that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. As you enter into marriage today, I ask you both to reflect on this advice: Let your love be stronger than your anger. Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break. Look for the best in your beloved rather than the worst. Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it. Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. Give your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.

SCRIPTURE

EPHESIANS 5:25, 28, 31, 33: Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for it. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joined unto his wife and they two shall be one flesh. However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife respect her husband.

OPENING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we pray that your love and your joy may flow through us and around us at this time. Shine your light upon (Groom) and (Bride) so that they may give wholly to one another in total joy. Nourish their minds with your wisdom. Enrich their hearts with your love. Feed their souls with your peace. Bless their marriage with your presence. Give them the courage and inspiration to honor the vows they make here today! Amen.

VOWS (EITHER REPEATED AFTER MINISTER, MEMORIZED, OR READ)

I, (Groom), take you, (Bride), to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to honor and to cherish unconditionally. Forsaking all others, I will be faithful to you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

I, (Bride), take you, (Groom), to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to honor and to cherish unconditionally. Forsaking all others, I will be faithful to you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

(Groom) and (Bride) have chosen rings as outward symbols of the commitment they share. For centuries, the ring has been a symbol of committed love. This unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment to love that is also never ending.

(Groom), take the ring which you have selected and place it on (Brides) finger and say to her these words: I give thee this ring in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love.

(Bride), take the ring which you have selected and place it on (Grooms) finger and say to him these words: I give thee this ring in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love.

UNITY CANDLE

(Groom) and (Bride), you have exchanged vows and rings expressing your desire to be united as one in a Christ-honoring marriage. As you enter marriage, may the light of his presence in your life be seen as a light in the darkness. May that truth be reflected as you now take the flames from two separate candles and blend them into the one center candle. May the Lord unite you with one faith, one hope, and one love.

CLOSING PRAYER

As we close this blessed ceremony, let's take a moment to ask for God's blessing upon (Groom) and (Bride), and their new life together. Let us pray!

Heavenly Father, it is our prayer at this moment that your presence and power shall rest upon this couple to keep them in times of difficulty, to sustain them in moments of abundance as well as in moments of poverty. I pray that you will write these vows indelibly upon their hearts, so that they may walk with you as they walk with each other. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

PRONOUNCEMENT AND KISS

(Groom) and (Bride), having witnessed your vows of marriage and by the authority vested in me, I announce with great joy that you are husband and wife. YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE!

PRESENTATION

It is my honor to present for the first time as husband and wife: MR. and Mrs. (GROOMS FULL NAME)

CEREMONY G: NON-DENOMINATIONAL INCLUDING JUMPING OF BROOM AND UNITY CANDLE

It is my pleasure to welcome each of you here to witness the joining together of (Groom) and (Bride). We have come here today to celebrate love. We see it in the faces of (Groom) and (Bride) who stand before us. It is a love which is spoken of in all religions and to this day they bring their love as a treasure to share with one another.

Who brings this woman to be this man's wife? (FATHER OF BRIDE: "I DO" or "HER MOTHER AND I")

OPENING

Marriage is a commitment for life, the best that two people find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities of sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty, marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience, and respect, the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship. May all who gather here as witnesses support and encourage their union, and be blessed and uplifted as we celebrate with them. The institution of marriage is to be honorable among all, and therefore should not be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently and discreetly.

FIRST READING (OPTIONAL)

VOWS

(Groom) and (Bride), will you now turn and face each other and join both hands?

(VOWS MAY BE REPEATED AFTER MINISTER, MEMORIZED, OR READ)

GROOM: (Bride), I give myself to you to be your husband. I promise to love and sustain you in the covenant of marriage, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, as long as we both shall live.

BRIDE: (Groom), I give myself to you to be your wife. I promise to love and sustain you in the covenant of marriage, from this day forward, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, as long as we both shall live.

SECOND READING (OPTIONAL)

RINGS

(Groom) and (Bride) have chosen rings as outward symbols of the commitment they make today. From the earliest of times, the ring has been a symbol of an unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizing a commitment to love that is also never ending. "MAY I HAVE THE RINGS PLEASE?" (RINGS ARE HANDED TO MINISTER: "WE BLESS THESE RINGS AND THIS UNION"

GROOM REPEATS OR IS MEMORIZED: (Bride), I love you! Not only for who you are, but for who I am, when I am with you. With this ring, I thee wed.

BRIDE REPEATS OR IS MEMORIZED: (Groom), I love you! Not only for who you are, but for who I am, when I am with you. With this ring, I thee wed.

UNITY CANDLE

(Groom) and (Bride), you have exchanged vows and rings expressing your desire to be united as one in marriage. As you enter marriage, may the light in your life be seen as a light in the darkness. May that truth be reflected as you now take the flames from two separate candles and blend them into the one center candle.

PRONOUNCEMENT AND KISS

(Groom) and (Bride), having witnessed your vows of marriage, and by the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE!

JUMPING OF THE BROOM (OPTIONAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN TRADITION)

Jumping of the Broom is a ritual, handed down from generation to generation to remind us of a time when our vows were not legally sanctioned. During slavery, our ancestors sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom and into the bonds of domesticity. For our ancestors, this small ritual will be a legal and binding act connecting them with the heritage of the homeland, and giving legitimacy, dignity, and strength to their union. (Groom) and (Bride), you may now jump the broom!

CEREMONY H: NON-RELIGIOUS

INTRODUCTION

We are gathered here today to celebrate the love of (Groom) and (Bride) who stand before us. It is a love we experience in our own hearts as well. It is a love of which is spoken in all religions, and is our true home, our true meeting place. It kindles our souls with hope. We are grateful to them for inviting us to witness and share in this precious moment. To this day, they bring their love as a treasure to share with one another.

Who brings this woman to be this man's wife? (FATHER OF BRIDE: "I DO" OR "HER MOTHER AND I
DO")

LOVE LETTERS

At this time, we will have the privilege of listening to the vows of (Groom) and (Bride). (Groom) and (Bride) have each meditated upon the vows that they will take this day, and have also written the words that they will share with each other. (EACH SHARES VOWS WITH THE OTHER)

RING EXCHANGE

GROOM REPEATS AFTER MINISTER: I, (Groom), give this ring to you, (Bride), in token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love. And in appreciation of our unique and precious love, I give you this ring: To bind our hopes and dreams, and lives together. With this symbol of these promises, and those we have made in the past, I thee wed.

BRIDE REPEATS AFTER MINISTER: I, (Bride), give this ring to you, (Groom), in token and pledge ofmy constant faith and abiding love, And in appreciation of our unique and precious love, I give you this ring: To bind our hopes and dreams, and lives together. With this symbol of these promises, and those we have made in the past, I thee wed.

UNITY CANDLE

(Groom) and (Bride), You have exchanged vows and rings expressing your desire to be united as one in marriage. Will you now light the unity candle symbolizing this union in faith, hope, and love?

PRONOUNCEMENT

For spirit we come, and to spirit we go: from their union the power of love will flow. The winds of reason will stir the air; and temper their quarrels with respectful care. Their bond is forged upon the fire and love will fill their hearts with steady desire. The waters of understanding will fill them up, and they will drink together from wisdom's cup. The earth and all heavens in her glory will smile upon this pair; health, harmony, and happiness
will be theirs to share. For what goes around, returns again to those who love. For the spirit of union reflects the pattern above, as these two hearts have combined like the flame of their candles, made strong by love. May the light of their love become a beacon by which they may always find one another. These children of love have lit a candle in the darkness of the world. May it always burn with a steady light, and if it should flicker or threaten to go out, may both raise a hand to guard and shield it. For the candle of their love may well assist other travelers on the road of life. For as much as (Groom) and (Bride) have agreed together according to the laws of this state, I as a minister of the gospel, declare that they are husband and wife. YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE!

PRESENTATION

It is my honor and privilege to present to you for the first time as husband and wife:

Mr. and Mrs. (GROOMS FULL NAME)

CEREMONY I: NON-DENOMINATIONAL INCLUDING HANDS CEREMONY

OPENING

It is my great pleasure to welcome each of you here to witness the joining together of (Groom) and (Bride). We have come here today to celebrate love. We see it in the faces (Groom) and (Bride) who stand before us. It is a love which is spoken of in all religions, and to this day, they bring their love as a treasure to share with one another. 

As we come now to join these two together in matrimony, who gives this woman to be this man's bride? (FATHER OF BRIDE: "I DO" OR "HER MOTHER AND I")

HANDS CEREMONY

(Bride), please face (Groom) and hold his hands palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams.

These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within you.

These are the hands that look so large and strong, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.

These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief wrack your mind.

These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you.

(Groom), please hold (Brides) hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, smooth, young, and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.

These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it is time to let go.

These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings after you've had a long hard day.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.

These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope, each time she tells you that you are to have another child, that together you have created a new life.

These are the hands that will give you support, as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

LET US PRAY!
God, Bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May (Groom) and (Bride) see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide. We ask this in your name, AMEN!

PERSONAL VOWS AND RING EXCHANGE

(COUPLE SAYS OWN VOWS AND THEN EXCHANGES RINGS)

PRONOUNCEMENT

The greatest pleasure of life is love! By the authority vested in me, by the __________of_________, I now pronounce you husband and wife!

KISS

YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE!

PRESENTATION

Allow me to present, Mr. and Mrs. (GROOMS FULL NAME)

CEREMONY J: SEMI-RELIGIOUS INCLUDING RELIGIOUS RING BLESSING AND BREAKING OF GLASS

WELCOME

Good (morning/afternoon/evening)! It is my great pleasure to welcome each of you here today to witness and celebrate an act of deep love. (Groom) and (Bride), in their devotion, respect, and love for each other wish to unite in the holy bond of marriage and to dedicate themselves to each other's happiness and well-being as life mates and partners. On behalf of them, I welcome you all!

Who giveth this woman to be married to this man? (FATHER OF BRIDE: "I DO" OR "HER MOTHER AND I DO."

Although this is their day, it is also a tribute to all of you. For knowing you and interacting with you has helped to make (Groom) and (Bride) who they needed to be to find each other. They would like to thank you all for that. All of you are the threads of which are woven the tapestry of their lives. Each one of you is an important piece in the story it tells. It is the fabric that they wrap around themselves and take comfort in when the world seems cold. And on days like today, when everything is right in their world, that tapestry is proudly spread out and displayed for everyone to see, with all the glorious colors and textures that your diversity adds. You will hold a place in their hearts reserved for those that they have chosen to call "family" and "friends" and they are deeply grateful for each and every one of you here today.

FOUNDATION

Marriage is an opportunity for great personal and spiritual growth. Marriage endures through the ages of trends and fads. As long as individuals are drawn by God, marriage will be a natural unfolding of that relationship.

Feelings come alive at a wedding! Great happiness! Some sadness. Apprehension. And sometimes pure relief! There is an acute awareness that something special is about to happen. Something is gone forever and something is born and tender. Something to be nurtured and cared for, protected and cherished, challenged and strengthened-your never before created marriage.

Each of you brings gifts to the other today. Gifts of hope and laughter, focus and seriousness of purpose. Sensitivity and recognition of the beautiful and profound. But these gifts are not to be yours alone. A strong and resilient marriage is not an escape from the world, but a contribution to it. (Groom) and (Bride), may you now combine and strengthen your gifts, to be offered as a distinct and beautiful gift to the world. For the world is in need of the beautiful and the good, and nothing is better suited to evoke that than a good marriage.

And now you stand before this loving community of family and friends, ready to acknowledge to the world: THIS IS MY BELOVED, THE ONE WITH WHOM I CHOOSE TO DEVOTE THE REST OF MY LIFE.

SILENT BLESSING

(Groom) and (Bride) would like to bring to mind their loved ones who could not be here today. Though they are absent physically, we invoke, through our thoughts and prayers, their loving presence.

THE QUESTIONS

(Bride) and (Groom), if you are ready to step into the holy circle of matrimony, assuming all its rights, obligations, and abundant joys, please so indicate by joining hands.

Do you, (Bride), take this man, (Groom), as your husband, to love him and to honor him, to nurture, serve, and support him, in times of joy and in times of difficulty? Do you promise to remain by his side regardless of what trouble befalls you, and in the presence of temptation to forsake this love, do you promise to remain steadfast and true? Do you promise with all your heart and soul to honor this vow till death do you part? If so, answer now, "I DO."

Do you, (Groom), take this woman, (Bride), as your wife, to love her and to honor her, to nurture,serve, and to support her, in times of joy and in times of difficulty? Do you promise to remain by her side regardless of what trouble befalls you, and in the presence of temptation to forsake this love, do you promise to remain steadfast and true? Do you promise with all your heart and soul to honor this vow till death do you part? If so, answer now, "I DO."

RING CEREMONY

And so we come, (Bride) and (Groom), to the presentation of rings by which you symbolize and bind your love.

The circle has long been a symbol of spirit and power. The sky and earth are round. The wind in its greatest power swirls. The sun and moon, both round, come forth and go down again in a circle. Even the seasons form a great circle in their changing and always come back again to where they were. Without beginning or end, and with no point of weakness, the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of God, and of unending strength. Let the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of your endless love and unending faithfulness. Your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded, to allow the presence of another human being to enhance who you are. Your rings carry a potent double message: WE ARE INDIVIDUALS AND YET WE BELONG; WE ARE NOT ALONE. As you wear them through time, they will reflect not only who you are, but also the union that you are now creating. MAY I HAVE THE RINGS PLEASE? "GOD BLESS THESE RINGS AND THIS UNION."

(Bride), place the ring on (Grooms) finger and repeat after me: With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you, today, tomorrow, and always.

(Groom), place the ring on (Brides) finger and repeat after me: With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you, today, tomorrow, and always.

WEAR THESE RINGS AS THE ENCLOSING BOND OF REVERENCE AND TRUST. FULFILL THE CIRCLE OF LOVE THAT NOW MAKES YOU ONE.

BREAKING OF THE GLASS

It is a Jewish custom to end the wedding ceremony with the breaking of a glass. The exact origins of this custom are unknown. There are various interpretations of why this is done. It is seen as a reminder of the destruction of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the many losses suffered. It was also meant to remind us, on a happy occasion like this, that the world is full of less fortunate people. Just as a broken glass can never be reconstructed, so too is this relationship forever. As (Groom) breaks the glass, I invite everyone to shout "Mazel Tov", or GOOD LUCK.

PRONOUNCEMENT AND KISS

Forasmuch as you, (Bride) and (Groom), have openly declared your wishes to be united in marriage, and in the presence of these witnesses, have pledged your love to each other, and have confirmed the same by joining hands, exchanging rings, and declaring your vows, and I having witnessed these vows, and by the authority vested in me, now pronounce you husband and wife. YOU MAY NOW KISS THE BRIDE!

PRESENTATION

Friends, I present Mr. and Mrs. (GROOMS FULL NAME)

Ceremony K: CONTEMPORARY NON-DENOMINATIONAL WITH RECOGNITION OF PARENTS

INTRODUCTION:
  (Groom) and (Bride), The step which you are about to take is the most important into which human beings can come. It is a union of two people founded upon mutual respect and affection. Your lives will change, your responsibilities will increase, but your joy will be multiplied if you are sincere and earnest with your pledge to one another.

GIVING OF BRIDE: 
  Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Father- Her mother and I do.
 
READING OF LOVE: 
 (Groom) and (Bride), Just as two very different threads woven in opposite directions can form a beautiful tapestry, so can your two lives merge together to form a beautiful marriage.

  To make your marriage work will take love. Love should be the core of your marriage; love is the reason you are here. But it will also take trust- to know in your hearts you want the best for each other. It will take dedication- to stay open to one another; to learn and to grow together even when this is not easy to do.

  It will take faith- to always be willing to go forward to tomorrow, never really knowing what tomorrow will bring. And it will take commitment - to hold true to a journey you both now will share together. 

RECOGNITION OF PARENTS:
  Before we go on to say more about love, it is important to recognize from where love comes in our lives. Of course, someone first loved (Bride) and (Groom). Someone cared for them as children, showed them what love, compassion, kindness, and care is. Of course we are speaking of the parents. The work of our parents is critical in preparing us to be the loving adults we are, so today, (Bride) and (Groom) want to make special recognition of their parents today, for making today possible. I speak for everyone here when we say "thank you mom's and dad's for beginning in (Groom) and (Bride) something so special." 

EXCHANGE OF VOWSs: 
(Bride) and (Groom), Will you face each other and join both hands?

   (Groom), will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, and forsaking all others, keep you only unto her, for as long as you both shall live?

Response: I WILL 

   (Bride), will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, and forsaking all others, keep you only unto him, for as long as you both shall live?

Response: I WILL

  (Repeat after me Vows): 

.I, (Groom), take you, (Bride), to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, to love and to cherish, from this day forward.
 I, (Bride), take you, (Groom), to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, to love and to cherish, from this day forward.

 EXCHANGE OF RINGS:

These are the rings that (Bride) and (Groom) will wear for the rest of their lives, that express the love that they have for one another. Let us take a moment and send your prayers, our thoughts, and our love to these rings, so that as they wear them, they will carry our love with them as well. 

(Groom), Do you have a ring for this bride?

Response: yes

(Groom), Please place the ring on (Bride's) finger and say: With this ring, I thee wed.

 (Bride), Do you have a ring for this groom?

Response: yes

(Bride), Please place the ring on (Groom's) finger and say: With this ring, I thee wed.

(Bride) and (Groom), Let these rings be given and received as a token of your affection, sincerity and fidelity to one another.
 

CHARGE TO THE COUPLE
: 

    (Bride) and (Groom), as the two of you have joined this marriage uniting as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges and live each day that you may share together - as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect. 

PRONOUNCEMENT AS MAN AND WIFE: 

    (Bride) and (Groom), in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the giving of these rings and the joining of your hands, I now declare you to be husband and wife.

 Congratulations, you may kiss!!!!!!

Family and Friends, it is my honor to present to you, for the first time as Husband and Wife, Mr. and Mrs. (GROOM'S FULL NAME) , (When necessary, academic and military titles are used: i.e., Dr., Commander, Colonel, etc.)

Ceremony L: CHRISTIAN INCLUDING 2 PRAYERS, APACHE WEDDING BLESSING, THE LORD’S PRAYER, AND E. E. CUMMINGS READING

Opening Prayer

We are gathered here in the presence of God, family and friends to witness the marriage of (Groom) and (Bride), to surround them with our prayers, and to share in their joy. 

Who gives this woman to be married to this man? (Dad says "her mother and I do".)

Marriage is an honorable estate, and is therefore not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, advisedly, soberly and with God's blessing. Today, (Groom) and (Bride) will receive God's greatest gift: another person to share with, grow with, change with, be joyful with, and to stand with as one when trials and tribulations enter their lives. It is fitting, therefore, that we should on this occasion begin by asking for God's blessing on this marriage. 

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we gather to celebrate your gift of love, and its presence among us. We rejoice that these two people have chosen to commit themselves to a life of loving faithfulness to one another. We praise you, Lord, for the ways you have touched our lives with loving relationships such as that of (Groom) and (Bride), and we give thanks for the special love and friendship you have put in their hearts. Renew within us an affectionate and loving spirit. Enrich our lives with the gracious gift of your love so that we may embrace others with that same love. May our participation in this celebration of love and commitment give to us a new joy and responsiveness to the relationships that we cherish. In your loving arms we pray, Amen. 

You may all be seated.

Definition of Commitment

Marriage is a joyous occasion. It is connected in our thoughts with the charm of love, the warmth of home, and all that is pleasant as being one of the most important events of our lives. Its sacredness and unity are the most significant and binding covenant known in human relations.

(Groom) and (Bride), let me charge you both to remember that your future happiness is to be in mutual consideration, patience, kindness, confidence and affection. It is the duty of each of you to find your greatest joy in the company of the other; to remember that your love pledged today must remain undivided for a lifetime. 

It is your duty, (Groom), to be to (Bride), a considerate, tender, faithful, and loving husband; to support, guide and cherish her in prosperity and trouble; to thoughtfully and carefully enlarge the place she holds in your life; to constantly show to her the tokens of your affection, to shelter her from danger, and to love her with an unchangeable love.

It is your duty, (Bride), to be to (Groom), a considerate, tender, faithful, and loving wife; to comfort, guide and cherish him in prosperity and trouble; to give to him the unfailing evidences of your affection; to continue making the place he holds in your heart broader and deeper; to support him, value him and work with him to make your marriage the very best that it can be.

I call your attention to the seriousness of the decision which you have made and the covenant you are about to declare before God. The vows you are about to take are not to be taken without careful thought, for in them you are committing yourselves exclusively to one another for as long as you both shall live. 

Wedding Vows

If you are ready to assume the obligations and duties before God, as I have defined them, you will unite your hands and pledge your love and your lives to each other.

(Groom), repeat after me.
I (Groom), take you, (Bride), to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

Now (Bride), please repeat after me.
I (Bride), take you, (Groom), to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

Exchanging of the Rings

May I have the rings, please?

You will now exchange rings as a symbol of the lifelong commitment and abiding love which you as husband and wife have promised to each other.

The circle is a most fitting symbol of marriage. Without beginning or end and with no point of weakness, the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of your love and of unending strength. Your wedding rings are special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded, to allow the presence of another being to enhance who you are. Your rings carry a potent double message: we are individuals, and yet we belong. We are not alone. As you wear them through time, they will reflect not only who you are, but also the glorious union to which you are now entering. 

(Groom), please place the ring on (Bride) finger, and repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness. 

And (Bride) please place the ring on (Groom) finger and repeat after me.
I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.

*A Reading*

I Carry Your Heart With Me, by E. E. Cummings

I carry your heart with me
(I carry it in my heart)
I am never without it
(Anywhere I go you go, my dear;
And whatever is done by only me is your doing, my darling)
I fear no fate
(For you are my fate, my sweet)
I want no world
(For beautiful, you are my world, my true)
And you are whatever a moon has always meant, 
and whatever a sun will always sing is you
Here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(Here is the root of the root, and the bud of the bud, 
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life, which grows higher and higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
And this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart
I carry your heart
(I carry it in my heart)

Closing Prayer

Eternal God, help (Groom) and (Bride) to fulfill the promises they have made here today and to reflect your steadfast love in their commitment to each other. Give them kindness and patience, affection and understanding, happiness and contentment. May their family and friends continue to support them in difficult days, so that their love for each other may continue to grow so long as they both shall live. 

Let us all pray. 

Our Father, who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name, 
Thy kingdom come, 
Thy will be done, 
On Earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, 
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
And the power, and the glory,
Forever and ever. 
Amen

Blessing

As this couple has joined lives here today, it's important to understand that everyone present has played a part in shaping the characters of (Groom) and (Bride), and will play a vital role in their continuing lives. And thus we are here not only to witness their vows to each other, but also to bestow upon them our blessing.

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. 
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. 
Now there will be no more loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. 
Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you. 
May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years.
May happiness be your companion 
And may your days together be good and long upon the earth. 

Declaration of Marriage

(Groom) and (Bride), having witnessed your vows for marriage before God and all who are assembled here, by the authority invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!

It is my pleasure to introduce to you for the very first time... 
Mr. and Mrs. (Grooms Full Name)

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