Write Your Own Ceremony!

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Our Library Of Ceremonies, Poems and Readings From Across The Years!

Dear Friends:


We hope this package will be helpful in providing additional information which you can use in writing your ceremony. Feel free to use our package with any other material in customizing your ceremony. Please remember that all items used in the ceremony must be provided by you. For all Courthouse Ceremonies, these items (i.e., unity candle, sand ceremony, wine ceremony, memorial candle, etc.) cannot be used. Let your minister know of any questions that you may have. FOR SAME SEX CEREMONIES, WE WILL MAKE THE APPROPRIATE CHANGES TO A CEREMONY, IF NECESSARY. For all ceremony wordings other than Ceremonies A-L as stated, we must have the entire ceremony wording word for word at least 2 weeks prior to the ceremony to have time to discuss the ceremony.
Rev. Byron performing beautiful custom written ceremonies!

THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOU.

WE'VE PROUDLY WRITTEN CEREMONIES FOR YOUR SPECIAL DAY

Every ceremony we write aims to make your wedding day a blessing!

Ceremony A: NON-RELIGIOUS WITH NO WELCOME/INTRODUCTION
Ceremony B: SEMI-RELIGIOUS
Ceremony C: SEMI-RELIGIOUS WITH CONTEMPORARY GENERIC PRAYER
Ceremony D: CHRISTIAN
Ceremony E: CONTEMPORARY- NON-RELIGIOUS, INCLUDING SAND CEREMONY
Ceremony F: CHRISTIAN INCLUDING UNITY CANDLE
Ceremony G: NON-DENOMINATIONAL INCLUDING JUMPING OF BROOM, UNITY CANDLE, 2 READINGS, AND NON-RELIGIOUS RING BLESSING
Ceremony H: NON-RELIGIOUS WITH OWN VOWS AND UNITY CANDLE​​​​​​​
Ceremony I: NON-DENOMINATIONAL WITH HANDS CEREMONY, OWN VOWS, & NO RINGS VOWS​​​​​​​
Ceremony J: SEMI-RELIGIOUS INCLUDING RELIGIOUS RING BLESSING AND BREAKING OF GLASS
Ceremony K: CONTEMPORARY NON-DENOMINATIONAL WITH RECOGNITION OF PARENTS
Ceremony L: CHRISTIAN INCLUDING 2 PRAYERS, APACHE WEDDING BLESSING, THE LORD’S PRAYER, AND E.E. CUMMINGS READING 

 READINGS

"The Apache Wedding 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 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.
Go, now, to your dwelling place, to enter into the place of your togetherness,
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
FROM THE PROPHET, BY KAHLIL GIBRAN

You shall be together forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
You shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
Let there be spaces in your togetherness,
and let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bond love;
let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone,
even as the strings of a lute are alone,
though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together:
for the pillars of the Temple stand apart,
and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

A READING FROM THE BOOK OF RUTH


Do not press me to leave you, and to stop going with you, for wherever you go, I shall go, wherever you live, I shall live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Where you die, I shall die.

MARRIAGE IS A PROMISE OF LOVE, By Edmund O'NEILL

Marriage is a commitment for life-to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal, a 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, listener, and critic. 

There may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent for a child. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. 
Happiness is fuller; memories are fresher; commitment is stronger; even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. 

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 create a spirit unique to themselves, which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential, made in the hearts of two people who love, which takes a lifetime to fulfill.

THE ART OF A GOOD MARRIAGE, By Wilfred Arlan Peterson


Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.
A good marriage must be created.

In marriage, the little things are the big things.
I is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I Love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal.

Selections


Selection One: Family and Friends

Selection Two: Minor Children Still Living At Home

SELECTION ONE (FAMILIES & FRIENDS)


MINISTER: Would the immediate families of (Bride) and (Groom) please rise? (PAUSE) This is an important day for the families of (Bride) and (Groom). And so, I ask you: Do you bless them as they are married to each other?

RESPONSE: WE DO!

MINISTER: Will the other family members and friends of (Bride) and (Groom) please rise? (PAUSE) You are here today to witness this marriage. And so, I ask you: Will you encourage them and support them in their marriage?

RESPONSE:WE WILL

MINISTER:Let us pray for the families of (Bride) and (Groom) who have given their blessing to this union: LET US PRAY! O God our Father, who in infinite wisdom has provided families as the protecting and nurturing units of our natural existence, We thank you for the families (Bride) and (Groom), for the strength, character, and joy which they have shared with them through the years. Thank you also for such good friends, whose love and friendship has mutually enriched each others' lives. IN YOUR NAME WE PRAY, AMEN!

MINISTER: THANK YOU; PLEASE BE SEATED!

SELECTION TWO (MINOR CHILDREN STILL LIVING AT HOME)


MINISTER:(To the new step-parent) (Name), will you promise to guide, nurture, and love (names of children) with unfaltering devotion? Will you care for (him/her/them) as your own from this day forward?

RESPONSE: I WILL!

MINISTER:  (addressing children from previous relationships) (Names of Children), You are entering a new family! Will you give to this new family, your trust, love, and affection?

RESPONSE: (I/WE) WILL

MINISTER:Let us pray for (this/these) (child/children) who (is/are) entering this new family life: LET US PRAY! O God, Father of us all, we ask you to bless with your great love (this/these) wonderful child/children____________________________________). They deserve the warmth, security, and environment of a loving family. Give to this new family unit, the peace and power and love which you have promised to all of us, Your Children! IN YOUR NAME WE PRAY, AMEN!

SELECTION THREE (ADULT CHILDREN)


MINISTER: (Groom), Is there anything else special you would like to promise (Bride)?

GROOM: (Bride), As I pledge you my love and promise to be a good husband, I also promise to love and support (names of children), and to treat them as if they were my own. I welcome (names of children) into my heart and my home.

MINISTER: (Bride), Is there anything else special you would like to promise (Groom)?

BRIDE: (Groom), As I pledge you my love and promise to be a good wife, I also promise to love and support (names of children), and to treat them as if they were my own. I welcome (names of children) into my heart and my home.


INDEX/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:

1. Unity Beer Ceremony: The Knot and Great Officiants in Wedding Planning Websites

2. Unity Coffee Ceremony: The Knot and Great Officiants in Wedding Planning Websites

3. Veil/Cord/Coins: Officiant Eric in Wedding Planning Websites

4. Foreign Language Readings: Church of Ancient Ways in Wedding Planning Websites

5. Ceremonial Washing of Hands: Wedding Wire and the Knot in Wedding Planning Websites 

6. Handfasting Ceremony: Officiant Eric, Wedding Stories, and American Marriage Ministries in Wedding Planning Websites 

7. Communion: Wedding Wire and The Knot in Wedding Planning Websites  

8. Unity Candle Ceremony: (Ceremony F-H), Customization, Customization 2

9. Sand Ceremony:(Ceremony E) Great Officiants in Wedding Planning Websites

10. Seven Jewish Blessings: Church of Ancient Ways and American Marriage Ministries in Wedding Planning Websites

11. Cord of Three Strands: Celebrate Intimate Weddings in Wedding Planning Websites

12. Candle Lighting Ceremony: Customization

13. Breaking of the Glass: (Ceremony J) Church of Ancient Ways in Wedding Planning Websites

14. Jumping of the Broom: (Ceremony G), African Weddings And Our Everyday Life in Wedding Planning Websites

15. Wine Ceremony: Customization, Customization 2

16. Rose Ceremony: Customization

17. Signing of the Ketubah: American Marriage Ministries In Wedding Planning Websites

18. Apache Wedding Blessing: (Ceremony C and L) Readings

19. The Lord's Prayer: (Ceremony L) Customization

20. 1 Corinthians 13 Reading: (Ceremony D), Readings 3

21. Ephesians 5 Reading: (Ceremony F)

22. The Lasso Ceremony: Celebrate Intimate Weddings in Wedding Planning Websites

23. Muslim Wedding Customs: The Knot in Wedding Planning Websites

24. Wine Box Ceremony: Officiant Eric and Great Officiants in Wedding Planning Websites

25. Hands Ceremony: (Ceremony I) Customization

26. Silent Blessing: (Ceremony J) Customization

27. Hindu Wedding Customs: The Knot in Wedding Planning Websites

28. Family Options: (Ceremony K and L) , Customization, Customization 2, Selections 1-3, Church of Ancient Ways and American Marriage Ministries in Wedding Planning Websites

29.  Contemporary Acrostic Prayer: (Ceremony C) 

30. E.E. Cummings Reading: (Ceremony L)

31. Declaration of Intent: Customization 2

32, Bible Verses, Customization, Readings 2, Readings 3, Bible Reading in Wedding Planning Websites (Ceremony C,D, F)

33. Declaration of Intent, Customization 2

34. Pledge of Support: Customization 2, Selection 1

35. Prayers, Blessings, Invocations: (Ceremony C, D, F, and L), Customization, Customization 2

36. Wedding Vows: (Ceremony A-L) Customization, Customization 2

37. Non-Religious Ceremonies: (Ceremony A, E, and H)

38. Semi-Religious Ceremonies: (Ceremony B, C, and J)

39. Non-Denominational Ceremonies: (Ceremony G, I, and K)

40. Christian Ceremonies: (Ceremony D, F, and L)

Wedding Planning Websites

Celebrate Intimate Weddings

WEDDING CEREMONINAL READINGS


YOU CAN CUSTOMIZE ANY CEREMONY THAT YOU WOULD LIKE.

THE FOLLOWING CEREMONY INFORMATION AND THE LINKS MAY BE USED WITH ANY OTHER CEREMONY MATERIAL OF YOUR CHOICE TO ASSIST YOU IN CUSTOMIZING, PERSONALIZING, AND DESIGNING YOUR ENTIRE CEREMONY. IN DISCUSSING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CEREMONIES WITH US, YOU MUST PROVIDE THE CEREMONY LETTER (i.e., A, B, C, etc), NOT THE DESCRIPTION, SINCE WE HAVE MULTIPLE CEREMONIES FOR EACH DESCRIPTION..

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)

SPANISH WEDDING CEREMONIES

SPANISH CEREMONY I

CEREMONY 1   SEMI-RELIGIOUS

INTRODUCTION (OPTIONAL)

Señoras y señores, es mi placer en darles la bienvenida a cada uno de ustedes, amigos y la familia de (Groom and Bride) aquí a este ___ (WRITE IN DESIRED WORDING) para celebrar su amor y ser testigos a su matrimonio!

¿Quién entrega a esta mujer a casarse con este hombre? (Papá dice "Su Madre y Yo", o "Yo").

OPENING - APERTURA

(Groom, and Bride), se encuentran pare comprometen mutuamente a ser amantes, amigos y pareja en la Unión; Hablar y escuchar, a confiar y apreciarse mutuamente; respetar y apreciar la singularidad de cada uno; y para apoyar, consolar y fortalecer mutuamente a través de penas y alegrías de la vida. Usted debe prometer compartir pensamientos, esperanzas y sueños, según ustedes construyen sus vidas unidas. Sus vidas serán entrelazada para siempre; Ambos amor los mantenga Unidos!

¿(Groom, Bride), ahora se enfrentan entre sí y unir ambos manos?

¿(Groom) toma usted a (Bride) como su esposa? Unida con usted a compartir todo lo que se espera, dar y recibir, hablar y escuchar, para inspirar y para responder; un compromiso hecho en amor, en fe y mantenido a nuevo, eternamente? (RESPUESTA: "SI Acepto".)

¿(Bride) toma usted a (Groom) como su marido? ¿Unido con usted a compartir todo lo que se espera, dar y recibir, hablar y escuchar, para inspirar y responder, un compromiso hecho en amor, en fe y mantenido a nuevo, eternamente? (RESPUESTA: "SI Acepto".)

RING VOWS – Compromiso de Anillos 

(Groom and Bride), por favor, reciban sus anillos! Como los anillos no tienen fin, por lo que su amor no debe tener fin! Muestran un círculo perfecto, representa la naturaleza eterna de Dios.

GROOM repite después el Ministro: (BRIDE) prometo amarte, por las buenas y las malas, con todo lo que tengo para dar, y con todo lo que siento dentro, en lo único que sé cómo, completamente y para siempre. Desde este día en adelante, usted no camina sola. Mi corazón será su refugio, y mis brazos serán su hogar.

BRIDE repite después el Ministro: (GROOM), prometo amarte, por las buenas y las malas, con todo lo que tengo para dar y con todo lo que siento dentro, en lo único que yo sé cómo, completamente y para siempre. Desde este día en adelante, usted no camina solo. Mi corazón será su refugio, y mis brazos serán su hogar.

PRONOUNCEMENT - PRONUNCIAMIENTO

(Groom & Bride), Deseamos su matrimonio les entrega a ambos todo emoción matrimonial exquisita, y también que la vida les conceda paciencia, tolerancia, comprensión, siempre ambos necesitan de uno a otro, no tanto para llenar su vacío en cuanto a ayudarte a conocer tu plenitud. Que ambos puedan entrar en el misterio cual es el conocimiento de la presencia del otro, no más por lo físico, sino por su espiritualidad, simpatía y acercados cuando están de lado-a-lado, y simpatía y acercados cuando están en habitaciones separadas o incluso distantes ciudades. Que siempre tengan la felicidad, y puedan ustedes encontrarla sintiéndose felices uno con el otro. Que tengan el amor, y espero que ustedes encontrarse amándose uno al otro. El matrimonio no es sólo el comienzo de una relación, pero también es el fin de una búsqueda permanente de la otra mitad de tu alma. Por la autoridad investida en mí, Ahora los pronuncio como esposo y esposa! 
Ahora, USTED PUEDE BESAR SU NOVIA! 

PRESENTACIÓN (OPCIONAL)

Señoras y Señores, Ahora, es mí placer de presentar a ustedes, por primera vez como marido y mujer: Sr. y Sra. (Groom’s full name).

SPANISH CEREMONY II

CEREMONY 2: SEMI-RELIGIOUS

INTRODUCTION / BIENVENIDO (OPCIONAL)

Señoras y señores, es un placer dar la bienvenida a cada uno de usted, los amigos y la familia de (Groom & Bride), aquí a este ___ ((WRITE IN DESIRED WORDING),), para celebrar su amor y ser testigos a su matrimonio!

¿Quién da esta dama a casarse con este caballero? (Papá dice "su Madre y Yo" o "Yo".)

(Groom and Bride), se encuentras a comprometerse mutuamente a ser amantes, amigos y pareja matrimonial. Hablar y escuchar, a confiar y apreciar mutuamente; respetar y apreciar la singularidad de cada uno; y para apoyar, consolar y fortalecer mutuamente a través de penas y alegrías de la vida. Ustedes deben prometer compartir pensamientos, sueños y esperanzas, en el construir sus vidas juntas. Pueda sus vidas ser siempre entrelazado, su amor los mantiene unidos. Se construirá una casa que es compasiva, lleno de respeto y honor para otros y ambos. Puede su casa para siempre llenarse con paz, felicidad y amor.

CONSECRATION - CONSAGRACIÓN

LET US PRAY - OREMOS:

Al unir sus vidas que Dios conceda a ambos...
AMOR... permitirse mutuamente una calidad especial de tiempo unidos.
ALEGRÍA... en los logros de uno a otro.
ENTENDIMIENTO... que sus intereses y deseos no siempre será el mismo.
AMISTAD... basado en la confianza mutua.
CORAJE... hablar de un mal-entendido y a trabajar en una solución antes de la puesta del sol.
COMPASIÓN... para consolar mutuamente en dolor y tristeza.
Previsión... realizar arco iris seguir días lluviosos.
IMAGINACIÓN... para mantener con usted parte del niño que solía ser.
ALEGRÍA... de su sentido del humor.
CONCIENCIA... a vivir cada día con el conocimiento que no existe ninguna promesa del mañana.
Que Dios los bendiga y los mantenga a ambos en las palmas de sus manos. AMÉN!

¿(GROOM & BRIDE), ambos se enfrentan entre sí y unir ambas manos?

¿(GROOM), acepta a (BRIDE), como su esposa legitima casada y para sostener, desde este día en adelante, para bien, para mal, para alegrías, por más ricos o por más pobres, en la enfermedad y en salud, para amar y para acariciar, hasta que la muerte no tienes que partir? (Respuesta: "Si Acepto") 

¿(BRIDE), acepta a (GROOM), como su esposo legitimo casado y para sostener, desde este día en adelante, para bien, para mal, por más ricos, o por más pobres, en la enfermedad y en salud, para amar y para acariciar, hasta que la muerte no tienes que partir? (Respuesta: "Si Acepto") 

RING VOWS – JURAMENTO CON LOS ANILLOS

(GROOM & BRIDE), por favor, recibir sus anillos! Como los anillos no tienen fin, por lo que su amor debe no tener fin. Son un círculo perfecto, cual representa la naturaleza eterna de Dios!

GROOM; repite después Ministro: Desde este día en adelante, usted no camina sola.
Mi corazón será su refugio, y mis brazos serán tu hogar. Con este anillo, yo me comprometo matrimonial.

BRIDE; repite después Ministro: prometo amarte, por los tiempos buenos y tiempos malos, con todo lo que tengo para dar, y todo lo que siento dentro, en la única manera cual conozco, completamente y para siempre. Con este anillo, yo me comprometo matrimonial.

PRONOUNCEMENT - PRONUNCIAMIENTO

Ahora usted no sentirá lluvia, cada uno de ustedes será refugio para el otro.
Ahora usted no sentirá frío, para cada uno de ustedes será calor al otro.
Ahora no habrá ninguna soledad, para cada uno de ustedes será un compañero a otro.
Ahora serán dos personas, pero hay solamente una vida delante de ti.
La belleza arrodea a ambos en su jornada por delante y a través de todos los años.
La felicidad sea compañero de ambos, y sus días unidos serán buenos y largos sobre este Mundo.

Tratar a sí mismo y al otro con respeto, y ustedes recuerdan a menudo de lo que los trajo juntos. Dar la máxima prioridad a la ternura, gentileza y bondad cual merece su conexión. Cuando la frustración, dificultades y temor asaltan su relación, como amenazan a todas las relaciones en un momento u otro, recuerda a centrarse en lo que es correcto entre ustedes, no sólo la parte que parece incorrecta. De esta manera, ustedes pueden sobrellevar las tormentas cuando las nubes ocultan la cara del sol en su vida-recordar que incluso si pierde vista por un momento, el sol está todavía allí. Y si tanto de ustedes asumen la responsabilidad de la calidad de sus vidas unidas, estarán marcados por la abundancia y el placer.

PRONOUNCEMENT - PRONUNCIAMIENTO

El mayor placer de la vida es el amor! Dios le unió junto-dejar que nadie separadlos! "Que el Señor los bendiga y guárdelos; Que el Rostro del Señor brilla sobre ustedes; Que él Señor sea gracioso a ustedes y darles tranquilidad, para siempre!" Por la autoridad investida en mí, según las leyes de la ___ de ___, Ahora los pronuncio a ambos Esposo y Esposa!  
Ahora, USTED PUEDE BESAR SU NOVIA!

PRESENTATION (OPCIONAL) PRESENTACION 

Señoras y Señores, ante de Dios, todos hemos atestiguado ___ y ___ prometiendo su amor por el otro; es mi honor presentarles, por primera vez como marido y mujer: 
Sr. y Sra. (Grooms full name)

SPANISH CEREMONY III

CEREMONY 3: CRISTIAN
WELCOME; FAMILY AND FRIENDS (OPTIONAL)

¡BIENVENIDO; FAMILIARES Y AMIGOS (OPCIONALES)

Antes los ojos de Dios y de los demás, estamos hoy aquí para celebrar (GROOM AND BRIDE) quienes se unen en Sagrado Matrimonio. El matrimonio es un estado mayormente honrado, creado e instituida por Dios, lo que significa para nosotros la Unión espiritual, que también existe entre Cristo y la iglesia; por lo que también puede ser adornado este matrimonio por amor verdadero y perdurable!

¿Quién da esta mujer a casarse con este hombre? (Respuesta: "su Madre y Yo", o "Yo")

OPENING - APERTURA

(GROOM AND BRIDE) en los días por delante, habrá momentos de dificultad y conflicto. Cuando ustedes se encuentre en estas situaciones, le pido que reflexionen sobre este Consejo Matrimonial:

Que tu amor sea más fuerte que su ira.
Aprender la sabiduría de compromiso, porque es mejor doblarse, a faltar.
Encontrar lo mejor en tu querido, en lugar de lo peor.
Confiar en su pareja y pedir ayuda cuando la necesite.
Recuerde que la verdadera amistad es la base para cualquier relación duradera.
Dar a su cónyuge la misma cortesía y gentileza que regalar a tus amigos.
Decir "Te Amo" todos los días!

Y les pido que recuerden lo que 1 Corintios 13, nos enseña de amor: " El amor es paciente, es bondadoso. El amor no tiene envidia; el amor no es jactancioso, no es arrogante. No se porta indecorosamente; no busca lo suyo, no se irrita, no toma en cuenta el mal recibido.  El amor no se regocija de la injusticia, sino que se alegra con la verdad.  Todo lo sufre, todo lo cree, todo lo espera, todo lo soporta”. Santa Biblia 2005:

¿(GROOM AND BRIDE), ahora se enfrentan entre sí y unir ambas manos?

¿(GROOM), usted toma a (BRIDE), como su esposa legitima, para vivir unidos antes la Santa Ordenanza de Dios en el Santo estado matrimonial? ¿Prometes amarla, honrar y mantenerla, en la enfermedad y en salud: y renunciar a todos los demás, mantenerse sólo para ella, para siempre y hasta ambos viviréis? (Respuesta: "SI Acepto") 

¿(BRIDE), usted toma a (GROOM), como su marido legítimo, para vivir juntos antes de la Santa Ordenanza de Dios en el Santo estado matrimonial? ¿Prometes amarlo, honrar y mantenerlo, en la enfermedad y en salud: y renunciar a todos los demás, mantenerse sólo para él, para siempre y hasta ambos viviréis? (Respuesta: "SI Acepto") 

(GROOM AND BRIDE), como ustedes saben, es una costumbre de intercambiar anillos como símbolo de su amor y para sellar su santo pacto. ¿Podemos tener los anillos por favor?

GROOM repite después Ministro: Yo ___, entrego este anillo a ti, ___, en símbolo y promesa, de mi fe constante y amor perdurable y con este anillo, me comprometo a ti, y con todos mis bienes terrenales, a ti te los entrego; en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo.

BRIDE repite después Ministro: Yo ___, entrego este anillo a ti, ___, en símbolo y promesa, de mi fe constante y amor perdurable y con este anillo, yo te comprometo a ti, y con todos mis bienes terrenales, a ti te los entrego; en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo. 

PRAYER OF CONSEGRATION - ORACIÓN DE CONSAGRACIÓN

Dios bendiga a esta pareja, ___ y ___, que ves antes de este día! Les da la fuerza para aferrarse durante las tormentas del estrés y la oscuridad de la desilusión. Manténgalos tiernos y suave mientras alimentan su maravilloso amor. Ayudarles a continuar construyendo una relación fundada en tu Gracia, rico en el cuidado y dedicado en alcanzar su perfección. ___ Y ___ ambos verse entre sí como sanador, protector, refugio y guía. Pedimos esto en nombre de Jesús, Amén!

PRONOUNCEMENT - PRONUNCIAMIENTO

___ y ___, por tanto que hayan entrado en común acuerdo en Santo Matrimonio, delante de Dios y sus testigos y han demostrado y jurado su amor por el otro, en entregar y recibir sus anillos y por el poder invertido en mí, Ahora los pronuncio Esposo y Esposa! "Lo que por lo tanto Dios ha unido, dejar que ningún hombre los separe." 
Ahora, USTED PUEDE BESAR SU NOVIA.

PRESENTATION - PRESENTACIÓN (OPCIONAL)

Ahora tengo el HONOR de presentarles a ustedes, Sr. y Sra. (Grooms full name)
 

Wedding Readings - Part 1

John 15: 9-12  

Jesus said to his disciples:
"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.
Live on in my love.
You will live in my love if you keep my commandments,
even as I have kept my Father's commandments,
and live in his love.
And this I tell you that my joy may be yours
and that your joy may be complete.
This is my commandment:
Love one another as I have loved you." 

First Letter of John 4: 7-12 

My dear friends, let us love one another, since love is from God
and everyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.
Whoever fails to love does not know God, because God is love.
This is the revelation of God's love for us, that God sent his only Son into the world that we might have life through him.
Love consists in this:
it is not we who loved God, but God loved us and sent his Son to expiate our sins.
My dear friends, if God loved us so much, we too should love one another.
No one has ever seen God, but as long as we love one another
God remains in us and his love comes to its perfection in us. This is the proof that we remain in him and he in us. that he has given us a share in his Spirit.  

Matthew 5: 1-12a 

Seeing the crowds, he went onto the mountain. And when he was seated his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak.  
This is what he taught them: How blessed are the poor in spirit: 
the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 
Blessed are the gentle: 
they shall have the earth as inheritance.
Blessed are those who mourn:
they shall be comforted.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for uprightness:
they shall have their fill.
Blessed are the merciful:
they shall have mercy shown them.
Blessed are the pure in heart:
they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers:
they shall be recognized as children of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted in the cause of
uprightness: the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

Blessed are you when people abuse you and persecute you and speak all kinds of calumny against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.  

Matthew 22: 35-40 

To put him to the test, one of them asked him a question:
"Master, which is the greatest commandment of the Law?"
Jesus said to him, "You must love the Lord your God with all our heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment. The second resembles it: You must love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang the whole Law, and the Prophets too."  

John 15: 9-12 

I have loved you just as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you this that my own joy may be in you and that your joy be complete. This is my commandment: love one another, as I have loved you.  
  
Dance Me To The End Of Love 

Dance me to your beauty, with a burning violin, Dance me through the panic, till I'm gathered safely in, Lift me like an olive branch, and be my homeward dove, Dance me to the end of love. Let me see your beauty, when the witnesses are gone, Let me feel you moving, like they do in Babylon, Show me slowly what I only know the limits of, Dance me to the end of love. Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on, Dance me very tenderly, and dance me very long, We're both of us beneath our love, we're both of us above, Dance me to the end of love. Dance me to the children, who are asking to be born, Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn, Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn, Dance me to the end of love. Dance me to your beauty, with a burning violin, Dance me through the panic, till I'm gathered safely in, Touch me with your naked hand, touch me with your glove, Dance me to the end of love.  

Sonnet XLIII, from "Sonnets from the Portuguese" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning. 
How do I love thee? 

Let me count the ways. 
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height 
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight 
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. 
I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, 
by sun and candle-light. 
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; 
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. 
I love thee with the passion put to use In my old grief's, 
and with my childhood's faith. 
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints,
--I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life!
--and, if God choose, 
I shall but love thee better after death.  

FROM THE GIFT OF THE SEA  
By Anne Morrow Lindbergh 

When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb. We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity; when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity -- in freedom in the sense that dancers are free barely touching as they pass, but partners in the same pattern. The only real security is not in owning or possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in a relationship lies neither in looking back to what it was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it might be in dread or anticipation but in living in the present relationship and accepting it as it is now. Relationships must be like islands; one must accept them for what they are here and now, within their limits ... islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and continually visited and abandoned by the tides. 

On Marriage, By Edmund O’Neill 

Marriage is a commitment to life - to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal, a 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, listener, and critic. There may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent for a child. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller; memories are fresher; commitment is stronger; even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. 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 create a spirit unique to themselves, which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential, made in the hearts of two people who love, which takes a lifetime to fulfill. 

Blessing For A Marriage, By James Dillet Freeman 

May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a 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. A mountain needs a valley to be complete; the valley does not make the mountain less, but more; and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain towering over it. So let it be with you and you. May you need one another, but not out of weakness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you entice one another, but not compel one another. May you embrace one another, but not out encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces. May you look for things to praise, often say, "I love you!" and take no notice of small faults. If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you hope to have good sense enough to take the first step back. 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!  

The Art Of A Good Marriage, By Wilferd Arlan Peterson 

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In marriage the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.  

THE ONE, By Bernie Taupin 

I saw you dancing out on the ocean Running fast along the sand A spirit born of earth and water Fire flying from your hands In the instant that you love someone In the second that the hammer hits Reality runs up your spine And the pieces finally fit All I ever needed was the one Like freedom feels where wild horses run When stars collide like you and I No shadows block the sun You are all I have ever needed Baby, you’re the one  

Thoughts In a Garden, By R. Gerhardt 

This is a special place, a place where people have brought beautiful living plants, here to establish them, to nurture and care for them, that they may forever surround us with the beauty we now see. And into this place where we stand, you have brought something beautiful -- the relationship that is becoming your marriage. Here you are declaring it and pledging it, promising to establish and nurture it. We are aware of the special beauty between the two of you, just as we are aware of the special beauty of this place. We are with you now in this appropriate place to celebrate your relationship as it is and as it is yet to be, and in doing so, we ask only that you remember how your life together will have the same seasons and needs as this garden. There will be growth like spring and loss like fall; there will be giving as the blossoming flower, and rest as the seed beneath the snow. All the seasons will be yours, but remember, too, that gardens are not must happenings. The more wonderful the garden, the more skilled the gardener. So you will have to care deeply for the life that is yours together, and nurture it. You will have to appreciate your differences and cultivate them. You will have to take care of yourself, if for no other reason than out of love for the other. And you will need the support of family and friends to reach full growth. As you caringly chose this place to declare your marriage, so remember its lessons for your life together through the seasons that are yours to share. And may those seasons bring you and yours joy and happiness.  

The Covenant of Marriage 

Marriage has certain qualities of contract, in which two people take on the housekeeping tasks of living, together, to enhance life’s joy. However, marriage is more than a contract. Marriage is a commitment to take that joy deep, deeper than happiness, deep into the discovery of who you most truly are. It is a commitment to a spiritual journey, to a life of becoming -- in which joy can comprehend despair, running through rivers of pain into joy again. And thus marriage is even deeper than commitment. It is a covenant -- a covenant that says: I love you. I trust you. I will be here for you when you are hurting, And when I am hurting I will not leave. It is a covenant intended not to provide haven from pain or anger and sorrow. Life offers no such haven. Instead, marriage is intended to provide a sanctuary safe enough to risk loving, to risk living and sharing from the center of oneself. This is worth everything.  
I do
I do… 
Want to laugh with you, 
Learn with you, 
Grow with you. I do… 
Want to be with you All my life through, 
For I love you with all of my heart, 
And today I’m so happy to tell you… 
I do 

Memories 

Within my book of memories are special thoughts of you, and all the many nice things you often say and do. As I turn the pages and recall each single thought, I realize the happiness that knowing you has brought. There are memories of the times we’ve shared both bright and gloomy days. There are memories of your kindness and your friendly thoughtful ways. There are memories of your laughter and your bright and cheery smile, that add a bright note to each day and make life more worthwhile. There are memories of the things we planned, each friendly little chat, when we would get together and just talk of this and that. And when I recall these memories I go along life’s way, and find they grow more precious still with every passing day. 

Tribute

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.
I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart, and passing over all the foolish and frivolous and weak things which you cannot help dimly seeing there, and for drawing out into the light all the beautiful, radiant belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find.
I love you for ignoring the possibilities of the fool and weakling in me, and for laying firm hold on the possibilities of good in me. love you for closing your eyes to the discords in me, and for adding to the music in me by worshipful listening.

I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life not a tavern but a Temple, and of the words of my every day not a reproach but a song.

I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fate could have done to make me happy.

Two Souls, One Life  

Before the heavens and the earth, when we were still a part of the Great Spirit, you and I asked for a journey to be remembered for all time. Out of Love our hearts desires answered and we were granted these lives. 
Today we fulfill that destiny and begin the journey of a lifetime. We were once one soul, then we became two, and were born into this world. We have lived lives separate. Now let us give thank to the Great Spirit for loving us enough to allow our love for each other to be expressed. yesterday we were two souls, today we are one life.

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READINGS FOR YOUR WEDDING

Readings are not required, but a distinctive and well-read presentation can enhance the quality of your wedding ceremony. Readings also afford you a good opportunity to involve more people in your wedding ceremony. Generally, there are no more than three, readings. The following suggested readings offer you a mixture of religious (Sacred Scripture) and secular readings. You may use other readings of your choice. The only word of caution is that you choose adults who read clearly and loudly enough so that your family and guests can hear them comfortably. The first four readings are four different translations of the same letter from St. Paul.

No. 1 – St. Paul (I Corinthians 12:31 - 13:8)

Set your mind on the higher gifts. And now I am going to put before you the best way of all. Though I command languages both human and angelic -- if I speak without love, I am no more than a gong booming or a cymbal clashing. And though I have the power of prophecy, to penetrate all mysteries and knowledge, and though I have all faith necessary to move mountains -- if I am without love, I am nothing. Though I should give away to the poor all that I possess, and even give up my body to be burned -- if I am without love, it will do me no good whatever.

Love is always patient and kind; love is never jealous; love is not boastful or conceited, it is never rude and never seeks its own advantage, it does not take offense or store up grievances. Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but finds its joy in the truth. It is always ready to make allowances, to trust, to hope and to endure whatever comes.  
Love never comes to an end.

No. 2 – St. Paul (I Corinthians 12:31 - 13:8)

Even if I can speak in all the tongues of the earth – and those of the angels too – but do not have love, I am just a noisy gong, a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy such that I can comprehend all mysteries and all knowledge, or if I have faith great enough to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away everything I own to feed those poorer than I, then hand over my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. Love is not jealous, it does not put on airs, and it is not snobbish; it is never rude, or self-seeking, it is not prone to anger, nor does it brood over injuries. Love doesn’t rejoice in what is wrong, but rejoices in the truth. There is no limit to love’s forbearance, to its trust, its hope, its power to endure. Love never fails.

No. 3 – St. Paul (I Corinthians 12:31 - 13:8)

But eagerly desire the greater gifts. And now I will show you the most excellent way. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails, but where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. …And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

No. 4 – St. Paul (I Corinthians 12:31 - 13:8)

If I speak in the tongues of men and angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

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 never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect; but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

No. 5 – St. Paul (Romans 12:9-18)

Let love be without any pretense. Avoid what is evil; stick to what is good. In sincere love, let your feelings of deep affection for one another come to expression and regard others as more important than yourself. In the service of the Lord, work not halfheartedly but with conscientiousness and an eager spirit. Be joyful in hope, persevere in hardship; keep praying regularly; share with any of God's holy people who are in need; look for opportunities to be hospitable.

Bless your persecutors; never curse them, bless them. Rejoice with others when they rejoice,
and be sad with those in sorrow. Give the same consideration to all others alike. Pay no regard to social standing, but meet humble people on their own terms. Do not congratulate yourself on your own wisdom. Never pay back evil with evil, but bear in mind the ideals that all regard with respect. As much as possible, and to the utmost of your ability, be at peace with everyone.

No. 6 – St. Paul (Colossians 3:12-17)

Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt compassion, with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with one another; forgive whatever grievances you have against one another-forgive in the same way God has forgiven you. Above all else, put on love, which binds the rest together and makes them perfect.

Let Christ’s peace reign in your hearts since, as members of one body, you have been called to that peace. Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you. Instruct and admonish one another wisely. Sing gratefully to God from your hearts in psalms, hymns and songs of the Spirit. And whatever you do, whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of Jesus our Savior, giving thanks to God through Christ.

No. 7 – St. Paul (Philippians 2:1-5)

If our life in Christ means anything to you-if love, or the Spirit that we have in common, or any tenderness or sympathy can persuade you at all-then be united in your convictions and united in your love, with a common purpose and a common mind. That is the one thing that would make me completely happy. There must be no competition among you, no conceit, but everybody is to be humble; value others over yourselves, each of you thinking of the interest of others before your own. Your attitude must be the same as that of Christ Jesus.

No. 8 – First Letter of John (4:7-12)

My dear friends, let us love one another, since love is from God and everyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. Whoever fails to love does not know God, because God is love. This is the revelation of God's love for us, that God sent his only Son into the world that we might have life through him. Love consists in this: it is not we who loved God, but God loved us and sent his Son to expiate our sins. My dear friends, if God loved us so much, we too should love one another. No one has ever seen God, but as long as we love one another God remains in us and his love comes to its perfection in us. This is the proof that we remain in him and he in us, that he has given us a share in his Spirit.

No. 9 – Kahil Gibran

You shall be together forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
You shall be together even in the silent memory of God.

Let there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. 
Love one another, but make not a bond love; 
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other's cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together, yet not too near together: for the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.

No. 10 – Eric Fromm

Love is not simply a relationship to a specific person;
It is an attitude; an orientation of character, which determines the relatedness of a person to the world as a whole, not toward one "object" of love.
If a person loves only one other person and is indifferent to the rest of his fellow person, this love is not love but a selfish attachment, or an enlarged egotism. 
If you truly love one person, you love all persons, you love the world, you love life.
If you can say to somebody else, "I love you" you must be able to say, "I love through you the world, I love in you also myself.

No. 11 – Carl Sandburg

I love you for what you are, but I love you yet more for what you are going to be. I love you not so much for your realities as for your ideals. I pray for your desires that they may be great, rather than for your satisfactions, which may be so hazardously little. A satisfied flower is one whose petals are about to fall. The most beautiful rose is one hardly more than a bud wherein the pangs and ecstasies of desires are working for larger and finer growth. Not always shall you be what you are now. You are going forward toward something great. I am on the way with you and therefore I love you.

No. 12 – Author Unknown

Love me because I try to touch life within the framework of uncertainty.
Love in me the shadows of my indecision as I strive to gain knowledge.
Love in me the silence of my hurts and the noise of my confusions.
Love me for the feeling of my heart not the fears of my mind.
Love me in my search for the truth though I may stumble upon fallacy.
Love me as I pursue my dreams sometimes retarded by illusions.
Love me as I grow to know myself even during the times of stagnation.
Love me because I seek God's harmony not man's discord.
Love me for my body that I wish to share with affection, wrapping you in warmth.
Love me because we are different as we are the same.
Love me that our time together will be spent in growing, kindling the world with understanding.
Love me not with expectations but with hope.
I will love you the same.

No. 13 – A Touch of Heart

There was a time ... a moment I felt all alone but then the sun shined upon me bearing gifts of love, friendship and harmony
everlasting love shared and expressed through you to me. The prayers, the cares, the gestures brought forth to me heal my soul
for at times I'd only known to give but failed to accept and receive with grace. I'm not alone now for your warmth overwhelms me your spirit fills my soul, and I am ALIVE with your love.


No. 14 – The Apache Wedding Blessing

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness for you,
Now there is no more loneliness.
Now there is no more loneliness,
Now you are two persons.
But there is 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 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, difficulty, 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 each of you takes the responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

No. 15 – Pablo Neruda (Sonnet XVII)

I don't love you as if you were the salt-rose, topaz or arrow of carnations that propagate fire:
I love you as certain dark things are loved, secretly, between the shadow and the soul.
I love you as the plant that doesn't bloom carries hidden within itself the light of those flowers,
and thanks to your love, darkly in my body lives dense fragrance that rises from the earth.
I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where,
I love you simply, without problems or pride:
I love you in this way because I don't know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep it is your eyes that close. 

No. 16 – An Irish Prayer

An Irish Marriage Blessing
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face, 
The rains fall soft upon your fields. 
And until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of his hand. 
May God be with you and bless you; 
May you see your children's children. 
May you be poor in misfortune, 
And rich in blessings, 
May you know nothing but happiness 
From this day forward. 
May the road rise to meet you 
May the wind be always at your back 
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home 
And may the hand of a friend always be near. 
May green be the grass you walk on, 
May blue be the skies above you, 
May pure be the joys that surround you, 
May true be the hearts that love you. 


No. 17 – A Wedding Poem

On this day of love
As you are joined as man and wife
May your hearts know all the promise
Of a new and happy life.
A marriage that is measured 
Not by months and years alone,
But rather by a greater joy
Than you have ever known.
May you count your days together
By the fun and by the laughter
By memories you’ll fashion
That will live forever after.

May you count your years by challenges
And goals that you’ll pursue
By pathways that you’ll travel
On the way to dreams come true.

And always
May you share the joys
Your hearts are fondest of
As you count your years
 By happy times
And the sunshine of your love.

No. 18 – Marriage

I ask that you not be my inferior.
I ask, too, that you not act my superior.
I ask only that we be together, partners, forever equal.
And that we share our lives with love 

No. 19 – An Irish Blessing (The Friendship Bracelet)

May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.



Irish Celtic Wedding Blessing
An Irish Marriage Blessing
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face, 
The rains fall soft upon your fields. 
And until we meet again, 
May God hold you in the palm of his hand. 
May God be with you and bless you; 
May you see your children's children and their children.
May you be poor in misfortune, 
And rich in blessings, 
May you know nothing but happiness 
From this day forward. 
And may the hand of a friend always be near. 
May green be the grass you walk on, 
May blue be the skies above you, 
May pure be the joys that surround you, 
May true be the hearts that love you.
May the road rise to meet you 
May the wind be always at your back 
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And the rains gently on your shoulders and until we meet again 
May God hold you in the palm of His hand! No. 20 – Something That We Do

I will remember well this day we wed
I will keep that picture in my head
I believe the words we say forever will ring true
Love is certain, love is kind
Love is yours and love is mine
But it isn’t something that we find
It’s something that we do.

It’s holding tight and letting go
It’s flying high and laying low
Let your strongest feelings show and your weakness too
It’s a little and a lot to ask
An endless and a welcome task
But it isn’t something that we find
It’s something that we do.
We helped to make each other all we can be
Though we can find our strength and inspiration independently
The way we work together is what sets our love apart
So closely that we can’t tell where I end and where you start

It gives me heart knowing how
We will start with a simple vow
There’ so much to look back on now,
Still it feels brand new
We’re on a road that has no end
And each day we begin again.
Love’s not just something that we’re in
It’s something that we do.

Love is wide, love is long,
Love is deep and love is strong
Love is why together we belong
And I know you feel this, too.
I will remember well this day we wed
I will keep this picture in my head
Love isn’t just these words we say
It’s something that we do.
There’s no request too big or small
We give ourselves, we give our all
Love isn’t someplace that we fall
It’s something that we do.

No. 21 – Tribute 

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.

I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart, and passing over all the foolish and frivolous and weak things which you cannot help dimly seeing there, and for drawing out into the light all the beautiful, radiant belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find.
I love you for ignoring the possibilities of the fool and weakling in me, and for laying firm hold on the possibilities of good in me. I love you for closing your eyes to the discords in me, and for adding to the music in me by worshiped listening.
I love you because you are helping me to make of the lumber of my life not a tavern but a temple, and of the words of my every day not a reproach but a song.

I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fated could have done to make me happy. You have done it just by being yourself. Perhaps that is what being a friend means after all.

No. 22 – Because You Love Me (Diane Warren)

For all those times you stand by me,
For all the truth that you make me see,
For all the joy you bring my life,
For all the wrong that you make right.
For every dream you make come true,
For all the love I find in you,
I’ll be forever thankful.
You’re the one who hold me up, never lets me fall.
You’re the one who sees me through it all,
You are my strength when I am weak,
You are my voice when I can’t speak,
You are my eyes when I can’t see, 
You see the best there is in me,
You stand by me and I stand tall,
I have your love, I have it all,
I’m grateful for each day you give me,
Maybe I don’t know too much, but I know this much is true.
I am blessed because I am loved by you.
I’m everything I am because you love me!

NO. 23 – Together

You shall be together forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
You shall be together even in the silent memory of God.

Let there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you.  
Love one another, but make not a bond love; let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.  
Fill each other’s cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping.
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.
And stand together, yet not too near together; for the pillars of the Temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

NO. 24 – What Should a Wedding Be?

A solemn, serious time, or a time of celebration?
Celebration with those we love and those who care.
Singing and dancing, talking together about love and life.
Two people reviewing intentions.
The ringing of bells. The communion of food shared,
The exhilaration of wine and laughter and hugs and kisses and tears.
What should a wedding be?
The celebration of life.
Life renewed.
Life beginning.
Life affirmed.
Many waters cannot quench love, no flood can sweep it away;
If we were to offer for love the whole wealth of our house, it would be utterly scorned.

NO. 25 – Manfred Hausmann

Never in this world and time can man and woman become one. As long as two people believe this they are still under the illusion of youth. But if they know in every deepening awareness and agony it is impossible and still make the decision, the grave and crucial decision not to remain along-it is not good for man to be alone-remember, this was the first time that something was not good in those days when everything else was found to be good-when tow people decided to become one in full knowledge of the impossibility of their enterprise, it is then that marriage begins. Marriage is the bold defiance, the will for the impossible between two people. Everything else is but trifle and play.

NO. 26 – Need To Be Next To You

I’ve run from these feelings for so long,
Telling my heart I didn’t mean it,
Pretending that I was better off alone.
But I know that it’s just a lie,
So afraid of taking a chance again,
So afraid of what I’d feel inside.

But I need to be next to you.
I need to share every breath with you.
I need to know I can see you smiling each morning,
Look into your eyes each night,
For the rest of my life.

Here with you, near with you,
Oh! I need to be next to you.

Right here with you, is right where I belong.
I’d lose my mind if I couldn’t see you;
Without you there is nothing in this life
That would make life worth living for.
I can’t bear the thought of you not there.
I can’t fight what I feel anymore.

‘Cause I need to be next to you.
I need to share every breath with you.
I need to know I can see you smiling each morning,
Look into your eyes each night
For the rest of my life.

Here with you. Near with you.
Oh! I need to be next to you.

I need to have your heart next to mine
For all times;
Hold you for all my life;
I need to be next to you.

I need to be next to you;
Need to be, need to be next to you;
Share every breath with you;
I need to feel you in my arms, babe,
In my arms, babe.
I need to be next to you.

No. 27 – “If” for Lovers (Emily Matthews)

If you have found a smile
That is the sweetest one
You’ve known.
If you have heard
Within a voice,
The echoes of your own.
If you have felt a touch
That stirs the longings
Of your heart,
And still can feel 
That closeness
In the moments you’re apart.

If you believe
Some things in life
Are simply meant to be,
Then you have found
Your soul mate-
Your hearts own destiny!

NO. 28 – Forever One (Oswald J. Smith)

Forever one – our prayers have all been answered,
Our dreams at last have all, yea all, come true;
We stoop and drink of love’s eternal fountain
And from this day we live our lives anew.

Forever one – the wedding march is ended,
And now our marriage vows have all been said;
We turn our faces from the past forever
And trust in God for all that lies ahead.

Forever one – Oh words of God’s own choosing,
By love made one for He ordained it so;
And now with Him we journey on together
No more alone as down life’s path we go.

Forever one – the path is yet before us,
Our lives are God’s, oh may we faithful be!
And when at last the twilight falls upon us,
May we forevermore His glory see.
NO. 29 – Spectacles (Jacques Prevert)

Young people in love embrace upright
Braced against the doors of night
And the passersby who pass point them out
But young people in love
Are not thee for anybody
They are only a shadow
That trembles in the night
Exciting the fury of passersby
Their fury their disdain their laughter and their longing
Young people in love are not there for anybody
They are elsewhere far beyond the night
Far beyond the day
In the dazzling brilliance of their first love

NO. 30 – The Meaning (Kellie Spehn)

To love is to share life together;
To build special plans just for you;
To work side-by-side
And then smile with pride
As one-by-one, dreams all come true.

To love is to help and encourage
With smiles and sincere words of praise;
To take time to share, to listen, and care
In tender, affectionate ways.

To love is to have someone special;
One who you can always depend
To be there through the years 
As a partner, a lover, a friend.

To love is to make special memories 
Of moments you love to recall;
Of all the good things that sharing life brings
Love is the greatest of all.

I’ve learned the full meaning
Of sharing and caring
And having my dreams all come true;
I’ve learned the full meaning of being in love
By being and loving with you.

NO. 31 – From the Irrational Season (Madeleine L’Engle)

But ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take...It is indeed a fearful gamble…Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that together we become a new creature.

To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that person can take…If we commit ourselves to one person for life, this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation…It takes a lifetime to learn another person….When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.

Something That We Do

I will remember well this day we wed
I will keep that picture in my head
I believe the words we say forever will ring true
Love is certain, love is kind
Love is yours and love is mine
But it isn’t something that we find
It’s something that we do.

It’s holding tight and letting go
It’s flying high and laying low
Let your strongest feelings show and your weakness too
It’s a little and a lot to ask
An endless and a welcome task
But it isn’t something that we find
It’s something that we do.
We helped to make each other all we can be
Though we can find our strength and inspiration independently
The way we work together is what sets our love apart
So closely that we can’t tell where I end and where you start

It gives me heart knowing how
We will start with a simple vow
There’ so much to look back on now,
Still it feels brand new
We’re on a road that has no end
And each day we begin again.
Love’s not just something that we’re in
It’s something that we do.

Love is wide, love is long,
Love is deep and love is strong
Love is why together we belong
And I know you feel this, too.
I will remember well this day we wed
I will keep this picture in my head
Love isn’t just these words we say
It’s something that we do.
There’s no request too big or small
We give ourselves, we give our all
Love isn’t someplace that we fall
It’s something that we do.

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GUIDELINES FOR REHEARSAL


These are just guidelines; you can do almost anything you want and it is okay! After all, it is your wedding!  

Before beginning the rehearsal you want to determine how the bride and groom and the entire wedding party will stand for the ceremony. There are options. The traditional way (minister facing people and bride and groom with backs to people); a slight variation of this with bride and groom turned slightly toward each other; the reverse of the traditional (bride and groom facing people and minister’s back or side toward the people); everyone facing the people; or the bride and groom facing the minister but standing sideways (profile) to the people.  

You may consider having music (live, taped, CD, or whatever) beginning at any part of the ceremony described below. You may consider a piece of music for the beginning and a special piece for the bride’s entrance.

The maid of honor should be very aware of helping the bride with her dress, train, and bouquet as she approaches the minister, especially if there are stairs. She should be alert to help her as she moves about and prepares to leave at the end of the ceremony.

After all your other guests are seated, grandparents are seated, then mothers. (This is really the beginning of the ceremony.) An usher or groomsman (offering their right arms to female guests) escorts grandmothers, then mothers, up the aisle, with husbands or escorts following along. If you choose to have a unity candle, at this point the mothers go to the table up front and light the two thin candles, symbolizing your individual personalities. They then go their seats. The bride’s usual side (as you face the front) is to the left, with the groom’s side to the right; whether you want other guests, beyond immediate family, to follow this order is up to you.

The minister, groom and best man enter from the front or come up the main aisle. The remaining groomsmen, arranged by height usually, with the tallest man first, can enter with the minister, groom and best man or they may enter after the minister, groom, and best man are in their places. Then the bridesmaids enter, each waiting until the one before her is at least halfway up the aisle or completely in place up front. The maid, or matron, of honor always enters alone, just before the bride. If there is a flower girl and/or ring bearer, they enter between the maid/matron of honor and the bride. (If one or the other is very young and needs some steering, it might be best to put them in front of the maid/matron of honor rather than in front of the bride.) Once at the front, the attendants face the guests, turning slightly to follow the bride’s walk down the aisle. The bride is usually escorted by her father or mother, or other male figure important to her, but may be escorted by both parents, or may walk in alone.  

Once the bride reaches the front, her father may lift her veil, kiss her, shake hands with the groom, or interlock the bride and groom’s arms or hands and then be seated. (Later, if you choose to have this part in your wedding, when the father or parents are asked who gives this bride/broom away, they can just answer from their seats.) The bride and groom can turn and face each other, lock arms, or hold hands. The attendants can turn sideways and face the bride and groom. Just before the vows, the minister will ask the couple to join right hands. The bride will pass her bouquet to the maid of honor at this time. 

If you choose to have a unity candle, both the bride and groom approach the table where their parents lit the two candles at the beginning of the ceremony. The bride and groom each take a light from their parents’ candles and light the large middle candle.
 
The last part of the ceremony will be the announcement of you as husband and wife. This is your cue to kiss, and ours to applaud. After a few moments, the groom will offer his right arm to his bride and they walk back down the aisle. Best man and maid/matron of honor will follow together, after which male and female attendants walk back arm in arm. Parents of the bride and groom leave next, followed by grandparents, immediate family, and guests beginning at the front rows proceeding to the back rows.

If one of you is Jewish and you wish to incorporate some elements of the Jewish ceremony (with or without a rabbi or cantor), you can start with the “Jewish format” processional as shown here. This offers a special opportunity for the entry of the bride’s grandparents, followed by the groom’s grandparents, to begin the ceremony. Once they are seated, (the rabbi/cantor and) I enter, followed by the groomsmen and the best man. Then the groom will enter, escorted by both his parents. Following the groom, the bridesmaids will enter, then the maid/matron of honor, the flower girl and ring bearer, and finally the bride on the arms of both her mother and father. Arriving at the front, the bride and groom, maid/matron of honor and best man, and both sets of parents join (the rabbi/cantor and) me underneath the chuppah. The remaining attendants take their place outside the chuppah. When the Jewish service is over, the bride and groom march out first, followed by the bride’s parents, groom’s parents, maid/matron of honor and bridesmaids, groomsmen, best man.

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CELEBRATION AND BLESSING OF A MARRIAGE


After everyone else is seated, the mothers are the last escorted in (with husbands). If there is a Unity Candle ceremony later, the mothers may light the two individual candles. The Unity Candle ceremony can also take place later in the ceremony. The priest then enters, leading the groom, best man and other male attendants. They stand to the right and wait for the bride and her attendants to process in. When the bride appears, the people stand. Looking toward the front, the bride and her attendants are on the left, the groom and his attendants are on the right. The bride and groom are in the center, facing each other, as the attendants face toward the center. 

The priest may stand between the bride and the groom, facing and addressing the bride and groom, yet the family and friends at the same time. Or the couple (and the entire wedding party) may stand facing the people while the priest stands off to the side and also faces the people and the couple during various parts of the ceremony.

WELCOME

(Selection 1)
Priest: Good evening! And welcome to this happy occasion, the marriage of (Bride & Groom).
We are gathered here to day for one of the happiest occasions in all of human life, to celebrate 
before God the loving and joyful union of a man and woman who have chosen to spend their 
lives together in the bonds of sacred matrimony. We come to share in their joy and to ask God to 
bless them.

It is a joy to witness and celebrate their wedding in your presence before our God who is Love. (Bride & Groom) come before us to pledge their love and to include their families and friends in the celebration of their commitment. They come before us today as two individuals. They come before us to become one -- not to lose their individual identities, but to promise a new life of unity and wedded love. 

Priest: Who gives (Bride) to (Groom) to be married? Parents: We do.

Priest: Who gives (Groom) to (Bride) to be married? Groom’s Parents: We do.

(One option is have the parents light the Unit Candle at this time. Or it can still be done later.)

(Selection 2)
Priest: Good evening! Welcome to all of you who have come here this evening to witness the joining of (Bride and Groom) in holy matrimony; to celebrate the love they have for each other; and to rejoice with them in making this most important commitment of giving themselves to each other for the rest of their lives.

Priest: (Bride and Groom) also welcome you. Today they are surrounded by those they love most. Each of you has given something of yourself to their lives. (Bride and Groom) express their gratitude for your friendship, love, and support. Your presence here today sharing in the joy of their commitment to each other makes this day all the more special to them.
 
INTRODUCTION

(Selection 1)
Priest: Marriage is a gift of God, sealed by a sacred covenant. God gives human love, because God is love. Through that love, husband and wife come to know each other with mutual care and companionship. And God gives joy. Through that joy, husband and wife share their new life with others. We pray that (Bride) and (Groom) may fulfill God’s purpose for the whole of their lives. And we support them with our love as they freely give themselves to each other. 

To this moment they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure to share with each other. 
They bring dreams that bind them together. They bring their own special gifts, their passions, 
their talents, their own personalities and spirits, the blending of which will create their new life 
together. We rejoice with them now as they express by outward symbol their inward union of 
hearts -- a union created by friendship, respect and love.

(Selection 2)
Priest: (Bride and Groom), you are about to enter into a union that is most sacred and most serious. It is most sacred because it is established by God; it is most serious because it will bind you together for life in a relationship so close and so intimate that it will profoundly influence your whole future.

That future, -- with its hope and disappointments, its successes and its failures, its joys and its sorrows, its pleasures and its pain — is hidden from your eyes. You know that these elements are mingled in every life and are expected in your own. Yet, it is a beautiful tribute to your faith in each other that, not knowing what is before you, you are nevertheless willing and ready to face these uncertainties together.

As the years go by, you will realize that this marriage you have chosen for yourselves was not given to you free from effort or responsibility. It has been and must continue to be, a process that builds throughout your lives. You must work at it day-by-day, meeting the disappointments as well as the joys, that your lives together will bring. We have gathered with you to help you give added life to this marriage that you have chosen for yourselves. But in doing this, we realize that this outward act is but a symbol of that which is inward and real, a union of two people.

May then this love with which you join your hands and hearts today never fail, but grow deeper and stronger as the years go on. And if your love and the perfect spirit of self-sacrifice guide your every action, you can expect the greatest measure of happiness that can be allotted to a man and woman in this world.

(Selection 3)
Priest: (Bride and Groom), family, friends and witnesses, we have come here this evening to celebrate the marriage and intertwining of the lives of (Bride and Groom) who have fallen in love and chosen to get married.

Whether we know it or not, the path of our lives is already laid out deep within us, and life is the process of being willing to discover the direction of our path, the giving of ourselves to whatever it takes to be able to achieve our goals. In other words, we are all here for a reason, and it is our business, as our lives progress, not only to discover what that purpose is but also to cultivate the conditions -whether emotional, educational, personal, or geographic- that allow us to fulfill that highest purpose.

In this context, marriage is a nurturing model in which two individuals can continue to expand and develop, so they can fulfill their individual destinies and offer their gifts to each other and to the world. In this view, the focus is not so much on the couple and what they may undertake together, but more on the power of the individuals and what they have to contribute through their lives - how their union serves to enlarge and develop each of them.

Although this may appear on the surface to be an unromantic vision of love, it is a view that holds a relationship in the highest spiritual regard, for it has as its underlying assumption that each of us is alive for an important purpose, and that marriage enhances that capacity for individual contributions and participation.

It is in this spirit that they marry, not just because of their mutual attraction to one another, but because the combination of their experiences has brought them to where they are ready to fulfill what is theirs to accomplish in this life - to join the forces of their individual spirits, capabilities, and backgrounds for the purpose of accomplishing together and individually what is theirs to do.
Therefore, we celebrate with them their arrival at the portal of true and conscious loving. We are very happy for them and with them that one of the landmarks in the vast landscape of their becoming is the love that has brought them, and us, to this joyous occasion of their marriage.

INVOCATION

(Selection 1)
Priest: Almighty God, hear our prayers for (Bride and Groom). With faith in you and in each other they pledge their love today in marriage, May their lives always bear witness to the reality of that love.

(Selection 2)
Priest: All-knowing God, we invite, indeed, we entreat, you to join us in this ceremony binding the lives and destinies of (Bride and Groom). As they speak and we hear the words that will forever join them, allow the intentions being uttered in their hearts stand true in time and run deep as a singing river through the landscape of their lives.

READINGS

All take their seats if chairs are available. You may have as few or as many readings as you wish; the usual number is three. You may choose any of the readings I offer, or you may choose your own readings. Adults who can read loud enough for all to hear should usually do the readings. It is a good time to involve others in your wedding ceremony.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE

(Music is optional. It may be vocal or instrumental. It may take place between the readings or just after the last reading.)
 
ADDRESS (Priest)

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Introduction:

(Selection 1)
Priest: In this sacred and joyful moment, we call upon the highest in you, (Bride) and (Groom), 
the divine inner presence that brought you to love and has chosen for you the commitment of 
marriage. For you we ask every blessing of this moment; a confirmation of the wisdom of your 
choice; great happiness on the path that is set before you; discretion, kindness and care as you 
walk upon that path, strength to live out your purpose, grace and peace through each step of your 
journey, and beloved friends and family to support you. And so, in the presence of your family 
and friends, I ask you to state your intentions.

(Selection 2)
Priest: (Bride and Groom), you have come together today so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of your family and friends. Christ abundantly blesses this love. He has already consecrated you in baptism and now he enriches and strengthens you by a special sacrament so that you may assume the duties of marriage in mutual and lasting fidelity. And so, in the presence of your family and friends, I ask you to state your intentions. 

(Selection 3)
Priest: You have been reminded once again of the deep value of your own self-knowledge, and understanding that marriage is the convergence of your individual and joint destinies as well as the greatest support for them; that as well as being a mirror for the story of yourselves, your marriage is in itself a worthy enterprise. And so, in the presence of your family and friends, I ask you to state your intentions. 

Declaration:

(Selection 1)
Priest: (Bride and Groom), have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? Will you love and honor each other as man and wife for the rest of your lives? We will.
Will you accept children lovingly from God, and bring them up according to the law of Christ? We will

(Selection 2)
Priest: (Bride), will you have (Groom) to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of 
marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and help him, in sickness and in health? 

Bride: I will.

Priest: (Groom), will you have (Bride) to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of 
marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and help her, in sickness and in health? 

Groom: I will.
 
(Selection 3)
Priest: Do you, (Groom), choose to marry (Bride), to speak the words that will bind you to her as her husband and allow you to become most fully yourself in her presence for the rest of the days of your life? Groom: I do.

And do you, (Bride), choose to marry (Groom), to speak the words that will bind you to him as his wife and allow you to become most fully yourself in his presence for the rest of the days of your life? Bride: I do.

PLEDGE OF SUPPORT

Please note: you may have more than one or two selections in this Section 5, as the family situation dictates.

(Selection 1)
Priest: Would the immediate families of (Bride) and (Groom) please rise. (PAUSE) This is an 
important day for the families of (Bride) and (Groom). I ask you: do you bless them as they are 
married to each other? Parents/Families: I do.

Priest: Will the other family members and the friends of (Bride) and (Groom) please rise. 
PAUSE. Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold (Bride) and 
(Groom) in their marriage? All: We will. 

Priest: And so, let us pray for the families of (Bride) and (Groom) who have given their blessing 
to this union: O God our Father and Mother, who in infinite wisdom has provided families as 
the protecting and nurturing units of our natural existence, we thank you for the families of 
(Bride) and (Groom) for the strength, character, and joy which they have shared with them 
through the years. Thank you for such good friends, whose love and friendship has mutually 
enriched each others’ lives. Amen.

(SELECTION 2)
Priest: (addressing children from previous relationships:) (Name/s), you are entering a new 
family. Will you give to this new family your trust, love and affection? Children: I (we) will.

Priest: Let us pray for the children who are entering this new family life. O God, Father and Mother of us all, we ask you to bless with your great love this/these wonderful child/children, ________, _________, ________. They have come through security to anticipation, and they desire the warmth, security and environment of a loving family. Give to this new family unit the peace and power and love which you have promised to us, Your children. Amen.
 
(SELECTION 3)
Priest: (To the new step-parent:) (Name), will you promise to guide, nurture and love (names of 
children) with unfaltering devotion? Will you care for (him/her/them) as your own from this day 
forward? Answer: I will.

Priest: (To the natural/present parent:) (Name), will you share the joys and responsibilities of 
(names of children) with (spouse)? Will you trust (his/her) sincerity and accept (his/her) love for 
(names of children)? Answer: I will.

Priest: (Children), will you promise to love and honor (Name of new stepparent)? Will you 
respect (his/her) guidance from this day forward? Answer: I will.

Blessing of Hands

Bride and Groom, these are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.  

EXCHANGE OF VOWS

Priest: (Bride) and (Groom), the God who hears your promises to each other will be present to aid you in keeping them for the rest of your lives. Please join your right hands and repeat after me. 

(Selection 1)
(Groom) 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, to honor, and to cherish you all the days of my life. I will be faithful to you as long as we both shall live. 

(Bride) 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, to 
honor, and to cherish you all the days of my life. I will be faithful to you as long as we both 
shall live. 

(SELECTION 2)
Groom: 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, to honor and 
to cherish unconditionally. Forsaking all others, I will be faithful to you. 

Bride: 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, to 
honor and to cherish unconditionally. Forsaking all others, I will be faithful to you. 

(Selection 3)
Groom: (Bride), we entered into each other’s lives and experienced love and happiness. Today I 
am confirming my promise for all of my life to love and respect you, to be faithful and honest 
with you, to give you encouragement and strength and trust, to stand together in our times of joy 
and of sorrow. I pray that our home will be one of love and understanding and patience ... not to 
remain the same, but to grow better and stronger with the passing of time, and through the love 
we have for one another. Our lives have become joined with the times we have shared, and will 
be more complete by the memories ahead, ready to be made. I am promising from this day 
forward that I will be your husband, to walk with you throughout all your tomorrows. I love 
you.

Bride: (Groom), we entered into each other’s lives and experienced love and happiness. Today I 
am confirming my promise for all of my life to love and respect you, to be faithful and honest 
with you, to give you encouragement and strength and trust, to stand together in our times of joy 
and of sorrow. I pray that our home will be one of love and understanding and patience ... not to 
remain the same, but to grow better and stronger with the passing of time, and through the love 
we have for one another. Our lives have become joined with the times we have shared, and will 
be more complete by the memories ahead, ready to be made. I am promising from this day 
forward that I will be your wife, to walk with you throughout all your tomorrows. I love you.

(SELECTION 4)
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.

(SELECTION 5)
Groom: (Bride), I want you to be my wife. I promise to give you the best of myself and to ask of 
you no more than you can give. I promise to respect you as your own person and to realize that 
your interests, needs and desires are no less important than my own. I promise to share with you 
my time and my attention, and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our relationship. I 
promise to keep myself open to you to let you see through the windows of my world into my 
innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams. I promise to grow along with you, to be 
willing to face changes as we both change in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting. I 
promise to love you in good times and in bad, with all I have to give and all I feel inside, in the 
only way I know how ... completely and forever.

Bride: (Groom), I want you to be my husband. I promise to give you the best of myself and to 
ask of you no more than you can give. I promise to respect you as your own person and to 
realize that your interests, needs and desires are no less important than my own. I promise to 
share with you my time and my attention, and to bring joy, strength and imagination to our 
relationship. I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you see through the windows of my 
world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams. I promise to grow along with 
you, to be willing to face changes as we both change in order to keep our relationship alive and 
exciting. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, with all I have to give and all I feel 
inside, in the only way I know how ... completely and forever.

(Selection 6)
(Groom): (Bride), my beloved, I choose now to take this journey with you wherever it leads; whatever the outcome; no matter what may befall us. As God is my witness, through all the days of our lives.
(Bride): (Groom), my beloved, I choose now to take this journey with you wherever it leads; whatever the outcome; no matter what may befall us. As God is my witness, through all the days of our lives.
  
BLESSING OF RINGS (Ring Bearer steps forward.)

(Selection 1)
These are the rings that (Bride) and (Groom) will wear for the rest of their lives, that will 
symbolize the love that they have for each other. Let us take a few moments and send our 
thoughts, our prayers and our love to them, so that as (Bride) and (Groom) wear them they 
will carry our love with them. (Priest pauses and holds the rings out for about 5-10 seconds for the guests to see.)

Priest: Let us bless these rings: Lord, these wedding rings are seamless, like the round of years 
in your sight, like the love that (Bride) and (Groom) feel for each other and You have for them. 
May that love and care deepen and broaden through the years, and may these rings remind them 
of their commitment to each other and to You. 

(Selection 2)
(Bride and Groom), you will now seal your vows through the giving and receiving of rings. The perfect circle of a ring symbolizes eternity. Gold is the symbol of all that is pure and holy. Our prayer is that your love for each other will be as enduring and precious as these rings. In the years to come these rings will remind you of the promises you have made to each other today. May you always be as happy as you are in this sacred hour.

Lord, bless these rings which we are blessing in Your name so that those who wear them may be protected by your grace and love.

(Selection 3)
Rings are made precious by our wearing them. They carry our meaning; they say whom we are, where we have been, and where we are going. They become us; they reflect us; they are a symbol of our true essence.

(Bride and Groom), 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 the 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 you are making, the fact that throughout the rest of your lives each of you will be imprinted by the other but yet remain as yourself.
Lord, bless these rings which we are blessing in Your name so that those who wear them may be 
protected by your grace and love.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

(Selection 1)
Priest: (Groom placing ring on bride’s finger says:) (Bride), I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.

(Bride placing ring on groom’s finger says:) (Groom), I give you this ring as a sing of my love and faithfulness.

(Selection 2)
(Groom repeats after priest::) As a sign of my love, and that I am choosing to share my whole life’s journey with you, and of my knowing that in marrying you I shall become much more than I am, I give you this ring, with the pledge that with you, I shall become most truly myself and offer such gifts as I have and I am to the world.

(Bride repeats after priest:) As a sign of my love, and that I am choosing to share my whole life’s journey with you, and of my knowing that in marrying you I shall become much more than I am, I give you this ring, with the pledge that with you, I shall become most truly myself and offer such gifts as I have and I am to the world.

LIGHTING OF THE UNITY CANDLE
Priest: As the flames of your two souls have burned alone, lighting your way to this sacred 
moment, now they have begun to burn together and become one flame. To symbolize this 
new unity and togetherness, (Bride) and (Groom) will now light their Unity Candle.

Priest: At the beginning of this ceremony your parents lit two candles which represent your individual lives to this moment. Those candles are two distinct lights, each capable of going their separate ways. But they also bring bliss and happiness to your home where the two flames must merge into one light. The one candle you both lit from your parent’s candles symbolizes what just took place before us when you made your wedding vows to each other. This is what the Lord meant when He said: "This is why a person leaves his father and mother and is joined to a spouse and the two shall be one flesh." From now on, your thoughts shall be for each other rather than for your individual selves. Your plans shall be mutual, your joys and sorrows shall be shared alike.

WEDDING WINE CEREMONY (OPTIONAL)

Parents or representatives approach the wine table and pour the white wine from two separate uncorked bottles into two separate wine glasses. The two separate wine bottles represent the individual lives of bride and groom up to that day. The minister/priest, family member or friend then reads the following before the couple shares the wine together:

Throughout history, in nearly all cultures and traditions, the sharing of a cup of wine has been used as a universal and central moment of sharing. The Wine Ceremony or the “Cup of Life” includes the sharing of a glass of wine between the bride and groom at the end of the ring exchange. For many it symbolizes the celebration of the harvest and the changing seasons of life. Just as the grapes clinging to the vines, were harvested and transformed to become sweet tasting wine, so too the lives of the bride and groom are changed and transformed. They are no longer two individuals but one in spirit. So it is fitting that the couple take their first cup of wine as husband and wife, to not only celebrate all that has taken place in their lives to this point, but as an expression of hope and faith in the harvest of their lives and the commitment they make to one another.

UNITY WINE CEREMONY

PRAYER OF THE COUPLE
(Bride and Groom say together.) God, our Father we feel you brought us together in the beginning, helped our love grow and at this moment are with us in a special way. We ask that you stay by our side in the days ahead. Protect us from anything, which might harm our marriage, give us courage when burdens come our way, teach us to forgive one another when we fail. Finally, in the years to come, may we love each other more dearly and cherish each other more deeply as we do at this very moment. May you grant these wishes which we offer through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

CHARGE
Priest: (Bride and Groom), be merciful, kind and forgiving toward each other. Whatever sacrifices you have to make to preserve this common life, always make them generously. Be genuine partners in everything you do. Share your thoughts and feelings, Communicate your needs and desires. The paradox of marriage, however, is that you will only grow personally as you become more generous and loving to your spouse.
Yes, a good marriage requires love, commitment, discipline, patience, and the courage to grow and change; marriage is hard work. But if you work at it, this love relationship, with God’s help, will allow you to realize your spiritual potential as human beings, to become complete and loving people capable of nurturing others.

May the love in your hearts and the greatness of life’s possibilities give you joy. And may the assurances of your friends’ and families’ good wishes give you peace and strength.

THE NUPTIAL BLESSING
(Priest asks everyone to stand, raise their right hand and silently in their hearts ask God’s blessing on the newlyweds as the priest says the following blessing.)

(Selection 1)
Priest: (Bride and Groom), 
May our all-loving God unite your hearts in the never-ending bond of pure love.
May the peace of Christ live always in your hearts and in your home.
May you have true friends to stand by you, both in joy and in sorrow.
May you be ready and willing to help and comfort all who come to you in need.
May the blessings promised to the compassionate be yours in abundance.
May you find happiness and satisfaction in your work. May daily problems never cause you undue anxiety, nor the desire for earthly possessions dominate your lives. But may your hearts first desire be always the abundance of good things awaiting you from our loving God.

May the Lord bless you with many happy years together, so that you may enjoy the rewards of a good, long and healthy life. And after serving God by your love of others in this physical world, may God welcome you into the eternal spiritual world for all ages to come.

(Bride) and (Groom), may you be filled with joy, may you keep your promises with ease, 
may love abide with you always. May your hearts sing and ever be warm, and may your 
every day be filled with peace. And may the Blessing of Almighty God, the Creator, the 
Redeemer and the Sanctifier be with you and remain with us all, now and forever. Amen.

(Selection 2)
Priest: Almighty God, you created mankind in your own image and made man and woman to be joined. 
(Bride and Groom), may all that you have already become, which has brought you to this day, and all you will become as a consequence of it, in the lifelong joining of your hearts and minds continue to show you your purpose.
May you always be brought most beautifully and steadfastly into the presence of yourselves and of one another, and may you live long and happily fulfilling all that your are. Amen.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE

(Selection 1)
Priest: (Bride and Groom), before God, your family and friends you have declared your love for one another and have made your solemn vows to each other. You have confirmed your promises by joining of hands and by the giving and receiving of rings. Therefore, I now proclaim you husband and wife and invite you to seal your vows with a kiss.

It is my honor to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. (The people give a sign of approval.)

(Selection 2)
Priest: (Bride and Groom), now having freely chosen to leave behind the private vigil of seeking self-knowledge in solitude, and having taken up the task of clearly seeing and supporting another human being, having promised your love by honoring one another with the gift of your rings, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal that union with a kiss.

RECESSIONAL

(The couple kisses and then turns to the gathering for affirmation by applause. They then turn around and walk back down the aisle. ) 
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MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION


MARYLAND

The law requires that you obtain your license in the local jurisdiction where the ceremony will be performed. FOR EXAMPLE: If the ceremony will be performed in Montgomery County, the license MUST BE obtained in Montgomery County. There is a two day waiting period, and no blood test, and the license is valid for six months. THE LICENSE CANNOT BE USED ANYWHERE ELSE IN OR OUT OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND.
Dorchester County - 410-228-0480
Prince George's County - 301-952-3288, 1
Charles County - 301-932-3300, 7, 6, 1
Anne Arundel County - 410-222-1434
Calvert County - 410-535-1660
Howard County - 410-313-2111, 4
Frederick County - 301-600-1906/1975
Baltimore City - 410-333-3780, 4
Baltimore County - 410-887-2607, 3
Carroll County - 410-386-2022
Montgomery County - 240-777-9450/9460

WASHINGTON, DC 

The law requires that you obtain your license in the District of Columbia, if your ceremony will be performed in the District of Columbia.. There is no blood test and no waiting period and the license does not expire​​​​​​​! . THE LICENSE CANNOT BE USED OUTSIDE OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
District of Columbia Marriage Bureau: 202-879-4840

VIRGINIA

The law requires that you obtain your license in one of the local jurisdictions in Virginia, if your ceremony will be performed in Virginia. FOR EXAMPLE: If your ceremony will be performed in Arlington County, you may obtain your license in Arlington County, or any other circuit court in Virginia. There is no blood test, and no waiting period. The license is valid for 60 days. THE LICENSE CANNOT BE USED OUTSIDE OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA.
Arlington County - 703-228-4372
Stafford County - 540-658-8750
Alexandria City - 703-838-4044, 1, 1
Virginia Beach - 757-385-8926
Fairfax County - 703-691-7320, 3, 6, 1, 2, 0
King George - 540-775-3322
Prince William County - 703-792-6040/6045
Henrico County - 804-501-4202
Loudoun County - 703-777-0270, 1
Buckingham County - 434-969-4734
Warren County- 540-635-2435
Fauquier County - 540-347-8610
Fredericksburg - 540-372-1066
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