We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words that shall unite____________and___________in marriage.
___________and____________, I would ask that you both remember to treat each other with respect and remind yourself often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do in every relationship at one time or another - focus on what is still right between you and not on the part that seems wrong. When clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for the moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked with abundance and delight.
_____________, do you take __________to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only on to her?
__________, do you take__________to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only on to him?
Ring Exchange I, ___________, take you_________, as my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, in joy and in sorrow. I promise to love you all the days my life.
I, ___________, take you_________, as my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, in joy and in sorrow. I promise to love you all the days of my life.
Pronouncement __________ and ___________, it is my joy and honor to pronounce you husband and wife.
Kiss Introduction of Mr. and Mrs. _______________
Standard Marriage Ceremony (sample)
Welcome! What a joy it is to come together today to celebrate the love of __________ and ___________, to share in this ceremony of their commitment to each other in marriage. They are happy and grateful that you are here with them on this special day.
Who gives this bride in marriage? (optional)
Prayer (optional) Let us begin by acknowledging the presence of God and the love that draws us all together with prayer.
Dear God, In stillness and in trust we recognize Your presence. We know Your love drew _______ and _______ together, that they may live the adventure of life as one. We also know that Your love drew each of us together so that we might add our love and blessings to this marriage. We affirm that You are with us now, as always, guiding us, upholding us and blessing us with abundance of health, success and faith. Amen.
Thoughts on Marriage It is Divine love that has brought ______ and ______ together at this time in their lives. These two are entering into this commitment fully aware of the purpose of marriage.
May we each take this occasion to remember there are no categories of love. The love that is real is the love that lies at the heart of every relationship. This love does not change with form nor circumstance. This relationship between ______ and _______ creates the state where love can be and grow.
You, _______ and ________, are reminded that the purpose of marriage reminds you to respond in love. To offer gentleness, to forgive, to nurture and to support and encourage each other. The commitment of sharing love with each other is an invitation to knowing you are a friend to each other, a best friend. Best friends share their secret hopes, their dreams and aspirations. Friends encourage each other to explore and enjoy life.
Vows ________ and ________ want to publicly share their vow of commitment with each other in your presence.
________, do you choose ________ as your wife? Do you pledge to share your life with her openly, to tell the truth to her in love? Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for her, to cherish and encourage her own fulfillment as an individual, and to love and respect her through all the changes of your lives? If so, please answer, "I do."
________, do you choose _______ as your husband? Do you pledge to share your life with him openly, to tell the truth to him in love? Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for him, to cherish and encourage his own fulfillment as an individual, and to love and respect him through all the changes of your lives? If so, please answer, "I do."
Blessing of the Rings You have chosen to exchange rings as a symbol of your love. These rings come in the shape of a circle -- reminding you love is a continuous journey. There is no beginning and no end to love. The substance from which these rings are made, symbolizes purity -- this is a new beginning in your life with one another. Exchanging rings reminds you that you no longer live for your self alone, but for each other as well.
Please repeat after me: I, ________, join with you, ________, in marriage, as my partner in life. I commit to be with you...as your support and friend...to love, respect and cherish you throughout life's journey. Wear this ring as a symbol of my love.
I, _______, join with you, ________, in marriage, as my partner in life. I commit to be with you...as your support and friend...to love, respect and cherish you throughout life's journey. Wear this ring as a symbol of my love.
Closing Prayer (optional)
Pronouncement ________ and ________, it is my joy and honor to pronounce before God and those gathered here today that you are husband and wife.
