Traditional Contemporary Ceremony
PROCESSIONAL:
Who gives this woman to be married to this man? (Optional)
Introduction:
We are here today, to witness and participate in a ceremony celebrating the public acknowledgment of a love which ________________________________ have for each other.
Knowing that by our presence here, with them, we are saying that they are loved by many . This celebration is for the union of these two hearts and minds. It is a celebration of the joining of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between a man and a woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. We are here to bear witness to their entry into the covenant relationship of husband and wife, of these beloved friends, who are already one in spirit.
This day you take a giant step of courage and commitment to love, understand and grow. When a commitment this strong is made by two people, it reaches out and touches all of us around you. Like a stone dropped in a still pond, the ripples of your love, from this celebration extend and change the world we live in.
You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in the entire world whom you love most. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the love and companionship for someone with whom you can share in an intimate and trusting way, all the hopes, joys, and dreams of life. Real love, is laying down your life for each other. It is the expression of your thoughts, feelings and desires as one. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger, so you can be involved with life in ways you dare not risk alone.
It is my expectation that those of you who have already taken the vows of marriage, as you listen to them share their vows, perhaps it will strengthen your memory of your happy day, and remind you of the meaning of the vows you yourselves once took. Perhaps it will even strengthen the bonds of love that has been growing between you.
Exchange of vows: (Or you can say your own vows.)
__________ and _________ will now exchange their vows:
Bride/Groom Repeat:
I promise to always stand by your side as your partner, your love and your best friend. I give you all my trust and all my tomorrows. I promise I will always cherish you and I promise my love for you is forever.
Do you ________; take this woman, to live together in marriage; will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in health and in sickness, in prosperity and in adversity; and forsaking all others, to be faithful to her, so long as you shall live?? I DO
Do you ________; take this man, to live together in marriage; will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in health and in sickness, in prosperity and in adversity; and forsaking all others, to be faithful to him, so long as you shall live?? I DO
The Wedding Ring Exchange:
The wedding rings (the unbroken circle) are symbols of eternity. The gold is symbolic of that which is pure and the diamonds are symbolic of what is permanent and incorruptible. Today you have chosen to exchange rings, as a sign of the love you have for each other and a seal of the promises you are making this day.
May we please have the rings?
___________ as you place this ring on her finger repeat after me. Groom recites: May this ring forever be a symbol of my growing love for you. Please wear it as a sign to the world that you are my wife. With this ring I thee wed.
___________ As you place this ring on his finger repeat after me. Bride recites: May this ring forever be a symbol of my growing love for you. Please wear it as a sign to the world that you are my husband. With this ring I thee wed.
Optional: Unity Candle or Sand Pouring, Communion, Readings, Special Music, etc.
Closing Remarks:
As you begin in your marriage, here are a few words you can take with you on your journey together:
Let your love be stronger than your anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.
Believe the best of 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 kindness you bestow On your friends.
Don't forget to say "I love you" every day.
May life grant you patience, tolerance and understanding.
(Optional) Wedding Prayer or Blessing:
Pronouncement:
And now as you enter the greatest journey of your life: In as much as you all have agreed to enter the marriage relationship, having exchanged vows with sincere and devoted hearts, and have given and received rings as tokens of your love, it is now my honor and privilege to pronounce you husband and wife.
YOU MAY NOW KISS YOUR BRIDE:
Presentation of Couple:
Ladies and gentleman, I now present to you _____________________________________
RECESSIONAL:
Can-A-Lope Wedding Officiants
