Your Ceremony can be personalized
for your specific needs.
Each section in the example
below can be modified,
or even deleted entirely.
And of course sections can
be added if you wish.
The Ceremony can be made
more or less religious as required.
(I have even officiated an agnostic ceremony)
Here is an example of a typical ceremony:
(1)
Opening Remarks
(1a)
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together
here in the sight of God and the presence
of these witnesses to join
this COUPLE in the
bonds of matrimony.
or slightly longer opening remarks
(1b)
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today
in the sight of God to join this
loving COUPLE in holy matrimony.
Not to be entered into lightly,
holy matrimony should be entered into
solemnly and with reverence and honor.
Into this holy agreement these two
persons come together to be joined.
or it can be personalized with something special:
(1c)
Today we gather together to witness
the joining of (name) and (name),
in the bonds of love and matrimony.
This is truly a special day,
because exactly 6 years ago,
on December 15th, 2003,
(name) and (name) first met each other.
They had no idea those 6 years ago of the
powerful love that would grow between them.
(2)
Invocation
(2a)
God, for the joy of this occasion we thank you.
For the meaning of this wedding day we thank you.
For this important moment in an ever
growing relationship we thank you.
For your presence here and now and
for your presence at all times,
we thank you. In Christ's name.
or
(2b)
May the God who has created and sustains us,
hear our words to each other and grant
blessing to this couple,
their families, and their friends.
Amen.
or
(2c)
Thank you, Dear Lord, for love.
Thank you for marriage.
Thank you that you have given your gift
of a beautiful love to (name) and (name).
Today they want to dedicate that love to each other.
We pray that your loving presence will
encircle this wedding service.
We pray that your blessing will
encircle the marriage of (name) and (name).
Amen.
(3)
Optional Minister Reading
(3a)
Marriage begins in the giving of words.
You cannot join yourselves to one
another without giving your word.
This must be an unconditional giving,
for in joining yourselves to one another,
you join yourselves to the unknown.
Marriage is one of the most important
obligations that two people can commit to,
in their lifetime.
A successful marriage is
dependent upon many factors,
the first being a strong bond
of friendship and respect.
Your love for each other will
grow with each passing day,
yet it is your willingness to accept
each other's strengths and weaknesses,
with patience and understanding,
that is the true foundation of a healthy marriage.
When a couple decide to
join together in marriage,
they should do so with a full
realization of its' responsibilities.
It is a serious commitment.
When they come together to make a public
confession of their love and devotion,
pronouncing vows and pledging
their lives to each other,
it is a threefold union.
They are joined together legally,
spiritually and physically.
While marriage is a big commitment,
it is also cause for a joyous celebration.
You are about to take a new step forward into life.
It is my hope that your joy in your
relationship as loving spouses
increase with each passing day.
(4)
Parents Presentation
(Optional)
Will the parents of the
Couples please stand?
Minister to 1st set of Parents
Who is bringing (name) to be
joined in holy matrimony to (name) ?
First Parents -- We are.
Minister to 2nd set of Parents
Who is bringing (name) to be
joined in holy matrimony to (name) ?
Second Parents -- We are.
Minister to ALL Parents
Are you willing now and always willing
to support and strengthen this marriage
by upholding both (name) and (name)
with your love,
your concern,
your counsel,
and your prayers?
All Parents -- We are.
Minister -- Thank you, you may be seated.
(5)
Declaration of Love
If therefore, it be your desire to
be united in this holy bond,
will you signify that fact by
joining your right hands.
Minister to 1st person --
Do you (name),
take this person whose hand you now hold,
to be your true and wedded spouse?
-- I do.
Minister to 2nd person -
and Do you (name),
take this person who now holds your hand,
to be your true and wedded spouse?
-- I do.
(6)
The Wedding Vows can be short
(6a)
Minister --
(name) Please repeat after me,
I, (name), take thee, (name)
to be my wedded spouse,
to have and to hold,
from this day forward,
for better or worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
'till death do us part.
(repeat for partner)
or Wedding Vows can be longer
(6b)
Minister --
(name), Please repeat after me
I, (name), take you, (name),
to be my wedded spouse,
my constant friend,
my faithful partner
and my love from this day forward.
I offer you my solemn vow
to be your faithful partner
in sickness and in health,
in good times and in bad,
and in joy as well as in sorrow.
I promise to love you unconditionally,
to support you in your goals,
to honor and respect you,
to laugh with you
and cry with you,
and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
(repeat for partner)
or you can write your own vows
(7)
Optional reading or song by friend of family member
There will now be a reading/song by (friends name)
(8)
Optional Minister Reading
"The Art of Marriage"
(8a)
A good marriage must be created.
In the art of 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 each day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation and
demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right partner...
It is being the right partner.
This is the "Art of Marriage"
or "The Magic of Love"
(8b)
Love is like magic, and it always will be,
For love still remains life's sweet mystery.
Love works in ways that are wondrous and strange,
And there's nothing in life that love cannot change!
Love can transform the most commonplace
Into beauty and splendor and sweetness and grace.
Love is unselfish, understanding and kind,
For it sees with its heart, and not with its mind.
Love is the answer that everyone seeks;
Love is the language that every heart speaks.
Love can't be bought, it is priceless and free.
Love, like pure magic, is life's sweet mystery!!
(9)
Ring Vows
Minister --
What pledge do you give to to each other today ?
-- A ring.
A ring is a unbroken band of precious metal,
with no beginning, and no end, like time.
The hole in the center of the
ring is not just space either;
it is important on its own as the
symbol of the gateway, or door;
leading to things and events both known and unknown.
Minister -
As you place this ring
on your partner's finger, please repeat after me.
With this ring, I thee wed;
Wear it as a symbol of our love and commitment.
(repeat for other partner)
(10)
Challenge the guests
The bonds this couple have made
today are sacred and holy,
and should not be broken.
But nearly every relationship
is tested at one point or another,
by conflict, temptation, strife, and change.
I will hope, that everyone here today;
their loved ones, their family, and their friends,
agree to help (name) and (name) keep those bonds holy,
reminding them of their love for one another,
and helping them cross through those stressful periods.
(11)
Pronouncement
In consideration of these solemn and sacred pledges,
I am authorized by the laws of the
state of Ohio to pronounce you Married,
Legal spouses as recognized by the United States of American.
As I do this, let me remind you
that henceforth you are one;
one in interest,
one in reputation and above all else
one in affection.
What God hath joined together,
let no man part asunder.
You may now kiss to seal this loving bond.
(12)
Presentation
At this time, it is my great honor
and privilege to present to you,
(names)
(Option 1)
"Unity Candle"
If you wish to have a unity candle ceremony,
there are two common ways to have the
"side candles" lit during the ceremony.
Some couples choose to prelight the
unity side candles and these lit candles
are carried in by the mothers, and placed
into the candelabra/candle holder as
the mothers enter the ceremony.
A more common option is that the unlit
candles are placed in the candle
holders before the ceremony and the mothers
light these side candles during the ceremony.
The lighting of the candles can be done
at the very beginning of the ceremony
before the opening remarks,
just after the parents presentation,
or at any point during the ceremony that you wish.
Then, during the ceremony,
normally just before the "Ring Vows",
each of the couple take a lighted
side candle from the holder,
and together, in unity, they light
the single unity candle.
Normally the side candles remain lit.
If you choose to have a unity candle ceremony,
please be certain to rehearse these steps
during the Wedding Rehearsal.
The Unity Candle ceremony does not
work well at an outdoor wedding.
Another option for an OUTDOOR Wedding
would be "Unity Sand Ceremony".
The ceremony that would be read during the lighting
of the unity candle could be:
At this time, the couple are going
to light their wedding candle,
as a symbol of their marriage.
The candles from which they light it represent
each of them in the fullness of their personhood.
They come into their marriage relationship as
individuals and they do not lose their identity,
rather they create through their commitment
the relationship of marriage.
Therefore, three candles remain lighted,
one for each of them
and one for their marriage
as symbols of their commitment
to each other and to a lasting and loving marriage.
or
The two outside candles have been lighted by
their parents to represent their lives to this moment.
The lights, representing the faith, wisdom, and love
they have received from their parents,
are distinct, each burning alone.
They light the center candle to
symbolize the union of their lives.
As this one light burns undivided,
so shall their love (be one with God).
From now on their thoughts shall be
for each other rather than
for their individual selves.
Their joys and sorrows shall be shared alike.
or very brief
Together they light one candle from two smaller
candles as they acknowledge their union as a married couple..
By allowing the flame of the two smaller candles to remain lit,
they also accept the individuality of each
other as a means to fulfilling their oneness
(Option 2)
"Just Cause"
It is no longer required to ask
"If any person can show just cause why this
couple should not be joined together let them
speak now or forever hold their peace."
Originally this question was asked
for two reasons,
(a)
does anyone know,
is either of these two people
already married to someone else ?
(b)
does anyone know,
are these two related closer
than second cousin?
These questions are now asked while
you apply for your marriage license
at the local courthouse,
so it is no longer necessary
to ask during the ceremony.
Also, if the question were to be asked,
and of someone would object,
the ceremony would need to be put on "pause"
and then take the couple and the objector
into a room and discuss the objection privately,
then return and continue with the ceremony.
(not something you would want to happen)
The above Ceremony lasts
approximately 10-15 minutes
not including a guest reader/singer.
