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CEREMONY STYLES & SAMPLES

There are many more vows available then what is listed below

Any Questions? Drop us an email. tophatstyle@gmail.com or call 509-547-3511

Traditional Ceremony

(Songs, poem reading, candle lighting may be added during ceremony)

________________, we are here to celebrate your marriage. This day you have chosen to affirm your
love for each other with spoken words, with prayer, with the sharing of symbols,

And most of all with the up lifting of the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Marriage is a commitment to life... To the best that two people can find and bring out of each other. It
offers opportunities for sharing and growth no other human relationship can equal, a physical, and
emotional 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, and listener.

Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher;
commitment is stronger.

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, made
in the hearts of two people who love each other, which takes a lifetime to fulfill.

As you have chosen to affirm your love for each other by committing your lives together, the foundation
that has been laid down for you to build your relationship upon; is based on the holy scriptures.

From 1 Corinthians

It is written, 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 in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never
fails... And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

(Declaration Of Intention):

_______, do you wish for _______, to be your wife? If so, please say, "I do."

_______, do you wish for _______, to be your husband? If so, please say, "I do."

________________, do you promise to let your love for each other grow? As it will, as it must; so that
in the years to come you will renew your acceptance, your understanding; and your

trust of one another? If so, please say, "We promise."

(Marriage Vows. Bride and groom repeat after minister):

As you have chosen to affirm your willingness to enter into this covenant of marriage, before god, and
these witnesses; repeat after me, your marriage vows.

I _______, take you _______, to be my wife. I promise to love you, only you, and cherish you; I will be a
companion to you. I will share my strengths, and my achievements. I promise to respect you, and be a
friend to you. For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long as we
both shall Live.

I _______, take you _______, to be my husband. I promise to love you, only you, and to cherish you; i
will be a companion to You. I will share my strengths, and my achievements. I promise to respect you,
and be a friend to you. For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, as long
as we both shall live.

(Ring Ceremony):

The weddings rings are a symbol of longevity in the Marriage covenant. The circle of the rings
symbolizes a never ending circle of love and commitment which you are making.

Always see the best in each other and each day that you are together, let it be full of the beauty of the
never ending love you have for each other through the symbols of these rings. (any other vows can be
inserted here)

(_______, repeat after me your ring ceremony):

_______, I give this ring to you, as a sign of my love

I give myself to you to be your husband,

So that from this day forward, you shall not walk alone.

I feel so honored, to have you as my wife.

I vow to love and sustain you,

In the covenant of our marriage.

As long as we both shall live.

(_______, repeat after me your ring ceremony):

_______, I give this ring to you, as a sign of my love.

I give myself to you to be your wife,

So that from this day forward, you shall not walk alone.

I feel so honored, to have you as my husband.

I vow to love and sustain you,

In the covenant of our marriage.

As long as we both shall live.

(Pronouncement):

We have been witnesses to this special day. Therefore, I and those of us here with you have
recognized that you have become husband and wife, and we and all of your families and friends shall
honor you as the same from this day forward.

(Blessings)

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of his spirit be with you
always.

May God bless you and keep you, may God's face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May God
lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

(benediction):

__________________, remember this day with joy and thanksgiving, and may you love to live, and live
to love.

Now by the authority given unto me as an ordained clergy and by the laws of this state; I now
pronounce that you are husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!

Whom God has joined together let no man put asunder!

I present to you as husband and wife, Mr. And Mrs. __________________!

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
______

ELOPEMENT B CEREMONY

(This it a brief elopement ceremony - shortest non religious ceremony - only about 5 minutes - but still
more meaningful than an courthouse wedding.)

___________ & __________, today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments and give recognition
to the worth and beauty of love, as you join together in vows of marriage.

(Groom ) ___________________, do you take ________________ to be your Wife? ("I do") Do you
promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her? ("I do")

(Bride _____________________ , do you take __________________ to be your Husband? ("I do") Do
you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him? ("I
do")

(If rings are exchanged each does so before repeating the following vows - unless you do not wish to
repeat vows. It is not required to repeat vows.) Rings are NOT required)

(Groom) ,I _____________, take thee, ________________ to be my Wife- To have and to hold, in
sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you. Or (With this ring, I thee
wed.)

(Bride), I _________________ , take thee _______________, to be my husband. To have and to hold,
in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise My love to you. Or (With this ring, I thee
wed.)

____________________________ and ___________________________, 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
also will 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 always so 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 the journey you both now pledge to share together.

________________________ and _________________________, 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, Now
by the power given unto me as a minister of the gospel and by the laws of this state; I now pronounce
that you are husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!

Congratulations

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
______

CONTEMPORARY I (NON RELIGIOUS CEREMONY)

(This is a contemporary, non religious ceremony. You may change it anyway you wish or construct your
own ceremony)

(Opening Words)

Good afternoon (morning/evening)! We are gathered here today, not to witness the beginning of what
will be, but rather what already is!

Today we celebrate with __________________ and ___________ the wondrous and joyful
occurrence that has already taken place in their lives.

(The Celebration Of Marriage)

As you take these vows, I would have you remember: To love is to enter a whole New World, a world of
togetherness, a world of sharing.

Always remember those unique qualities that drew you to each other in the beginning...the thrill of
discovery.... That wonderful feeling of oneness when your eyes met.

To love is to constantly search for new ways to bring each other to happiness, to make the most of
every moment you share together.

With love there is no need to pretend...where you can be yourselves.... And know within your hearts, you
will be accepted by one another.

To love is to always believe and trust in one another.

To love is to dream, and to dare.... And always believe that all things are possible with faith and love.

So what do we mean by love? When we love, we see things other people do not see. We see beneath
the surface, to the qualities which make our beloved special and unique. To see with loving eyes, is to
know inner beauty . And to be loved is to be seen, and known, as we are known to no other.

One who loves us, gives us a unique gift: a piece of ourselves, but a piece that only they could give us.

To make this relationship work, therefore, takes more than love. It takes trust, to know in your hearts
that you want only the best for each other.

It takes dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so.

And it takes faith, to stay true to the journey you both now pledge to share.

Through this journey, we give ourselves, our lives and love; into the hands of the one we love. We do
so trustingly and generously.

And so, each of us receives a gift: the life and love of the other. We receive this gift, not only from the
one we love, but also from the parents who brought us into the world, and from our friends and
families as well.

And so as _______________ and _________________s friends and family, we are here to share
with them this joy and hope, and to see them off on the path they will walk together.

Vows

Would you please face each other and join hands.

(Groom ) ___________________do you take _________________to be your wife?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only to her
forevermore? ("I do")

(Bride ) ________________do you take_________________ to be your Husband?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only to him
forevermore? ("I do")

(Ceremony of the Rings)

Traditionally, the marking- of the passage to that of husband and wife is marked by the exchange of
rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love.

Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each
is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.

(Each places the ring on the other’s finger and repeats this simple vow or any vows of your choosing:)

"With this ring, I thee wed."

________________ and _________________, remember to treat both yourself and each other with
respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together.

If each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your lives together, your life together will be marked
by abundance and delight.

(The Unity Candle and/or The Rose Ceremony may be added at this point if you wish. You also may
add the Cherokee Wedding Prayer or a Traditional Prayer of Blessing. )

PRONOUNCEMENT

Inasmuch as you have consented to join in matrimony and have promised your love for each other with
these vows, now by the authority given unto me as an ordained clergy and by the laws of this State, it
gives me great pleasure to pronounce that you are Husband and Wife.

Congratulations, you make kiss!

(Recessional)

verses and prayers to add or replace within your chosen ceremony.

Vows

[Groom] I,________________ take thee _________________, to be my wife. To have and to hold, in
sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore.

[Bride ] I,___________________ take thee ________________ to be my Husband. To have and to
hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore.

Vows

Would you please face each other and join hands.

(Groom ) ___________________do you take _________________to be your wife?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only to her
forevermore? ("I do")

(Bride ) ________________do you take_________________ to be your Husband?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only to him
forevermore? ("I do")

prayer of Blessing

" Dear heavenly Father (or "Oh Lord"), our hearts are filled with great happiness on _____________
and _________________’s wedding day, as they come before You pledging their hearts and lives to
one another. Grant that they may be ever true and loving, living together in such a way as to never bring
shame or heartbreak into their marriage. Temper their hearts with kindness and understanding, rid
them of all pretense of jealousy. Help them to remember to be each other's sweetheart, helpmate,
friend and guide, so that together they may meet the cares and problems of life more bravely. And with
the passage of time, may the home they are creating today, truly be a place of love and harmony,
where your spirit is ever present.

(optional mention of children in prayer here; see prayer including children below)

Bless this union we pray, and walk beside _________________ and ________________ throughout
all their lives together. We ask these things in Jesus name; AMEN

PRAYER INCLUDING CHILDREN:

(This is added to the Prayer above)

"Oh Lord, today we not only celebrate this marriage, but we also celebrate the formation and
affirmation of a family with - (child or children's names) -

We pray that you guide _______ and ________ as parents to raise and teach (child/children’s names)
with love and respect; and that you protect this new family and keep them always in your care..."

         Classic Reading from"The Prophet"

" Love one another, but make not a bond of that love. Let it rather be like a moving sea between the
shores of your souls.

And stand together, and yet not too near together. For even the pillars of the temple must stand apart;
and the oak tree and the cypress will not grow in each other’s shadow.

Remember that love gives nothing but from itself. Love possesses not, nor would it be possessed, for
love is sufficient unto love.

And think not that you can direct the course of love. For love, if it finds you worthy, will direct your course."

CHEROKEE PRAYER:

"God in heaven above please protect the ones we love.

We honour all you created as these two pledge their hearts and lives together.

We honour mother-earth - and ask for this marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the
seasons;

We honour fire - and ask that this union be warm and glowing with love in their hearts;

We honour wind - and ask they sail though life safe and calm as in our father's arms;

We honour water - to cleanse and soothe this relationship - that it may never thirsts for love;

With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as they forever
grow young together. Amen."

Involving children in the ceremony


If children are coming into the marriage, there are many different ways to involve the children in the
wedding ceremony itself. I believe it is very important that if children are coming into the marriage that
they be recognized or participate in some aspect of the wedding ceremony itself. Children often can
not express fears or doubts they have.

I am very aware as to how much children will be an influence in the couple's life together. Involving
children in the ceremony help them to transition to the new relationship they are now a part of. They
can easily be involved in the Unity Sand, Unity Candle or even walking down the aisle.

MENTIONING THE CHILDREN:

I think it is much more important that children hear their names mentioned in the ceremony, than it is
that they play any major part of the ceremony. Mentioning their name during the wedding assures that
they are an important part of the occasion and have special status which guests and other family
members attending do not. Children need to feel important to their parents.

If children are coming into the marriage, it is appropriate to mention in the ceremony that not only is a
marriage being formed, but also a family - and then name each child. If a prayer is in the ceremony,
each child's name will be stated in the prayer.


24 Contemporary Wedding Vows

To replace vows in any of the ceremonies

(to help you say what's in your heart. Many different options to choose from to fit your style and feelings.)

1. (Name), I take you to be my lawfully wedded (husband/wife). Before these witnesses I vow to love
you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I
offer myself to you with all my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and turn to you
when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life.

2. I love you, (Name). You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to
encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I
promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when
our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest
regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.

3. Name), I pledge to you to be your loving friend and partner in marriage. To talk and to listen, to trust
and appreciate you; to respect and cherish your uniqueness; and to support, comfort, and strengthen
you through life's joys and sorrows. I promise to share hopes, thoughts, and dreams as we build our
lives together. May our lives be ever intertwined, our love keeping us together. May we build a home
that is compassionate to all, full of respect and honor for others and each other. And may our home be
forever filled with peace, happiness, and love.

4. (Name), today I will marry you, my friend, the one I will live with, dream with, and love forever. I take
you to be my (husband/wife). From this day forward I will cherish you. I will look with joy down the path
of our tomorrows, knowing we will walk it together side by side, hand in hand, and heart to heart.

5. (Name), I promise to love you above all others, and to value your friendship as a precious gift. I look
forward to raising our family, and building our relationship, under the care and guidance of God. I
promise to stand beside you in sickness or health, in times of prosperity and decline, in peace and in
turmoil, as long as we both shall live.

6. I, (Name), take you (Name), to be my (husband/wife), and companion of my days. We shall bear
together whatever of sorrow and adversity life may place upon us, and share together whatever of joy
and fulfillment life may hold in store. I commit my life to you; a commitment made in love, kept in faith,
lived in hope and eternally made anew. I pledge to you a life of giving and of hoping, of growing and of
loving. I shall be with you in your tears and in your laughter, just as I shall bring to you my own joys and
my own sorrows. You will be my (husband/wife), as long as love remains. My commitment is made in
love, kept in faith, lived in hope and eternally made anew.

7. I, (Name), take you (Name), to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, trusting what our
future will bring to us. Whatsoever life may bring to you, I will be at your side, for all the risings and
settings of the sun, for all the days of fullness and in barren times. In the foreknowledge of joy and
pain, strength and weariness, I pledge myself to deepening in love and understanding as long as love
remains. My commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope and eternally made anew.

8. I, (Name), choose you (Name), as my (husband/wife), in friendship and in love, in strength and
weakness, to share the good times and misfortune, in achievement and failure. I will cherish and
respect you through all the changes of our lives, forever giving thanks that we found each other.

9. I (Name), in the Name of the spirit of God, that resides within us all, and the love that resides within
my heart, take you (Name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. I promise to love
you wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life
and beyond, where we shall meet, remember and love again. I shall not seek to change you in any
way. I shall respect you, your beliefs, your people, and your ways as I respect myself. This is my
solemn vow.

10. (Name), in the presence of our dear family and friends, I pledge to be your (husband/wife) from this
day forward. Where there has been cold, you have brought warmth; where there was darkness, you
have brought light. Our miracle lies in the path we have chosen together. I enter this marriage with you,
knowing that the true magic of love is not to avoid changes, but to follow the path together, hand in
hand. Let us commit to the miracle of making each day work, together. Whatever lies ahead, good or
bad, we will face together. Distance may test us for a time, and time may try us. But if we look to each
other first, we will always see a friend. For better or worse, richer of poorer, in sickness and health, in
joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, to be faithful to you alone Today, I take my place as your
(husband/wife). May our days be long, and may they be seasoned with faith, love, understanding, and
respect, forever and ever. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives. I choose to spend today, and
all of my tomorrows, with you.

11. (Name), this day, before our family and friends, with joy in my heart, I pledge myself to you as your
(husband/wife), promising to love you, to cherish our moments together, for now and forever.

12. My beloved (Name), emptying my heart of all others, I fill it now with you, to love you until the end of
my days as my most treasured spouse. I promise that I will love you, hold you, and enjoy you, console
you, delight you, astound you when I can, and cherish you dearly.

13. I (Name), take you (Name), to by my (husband/wife), secure in the knowledge that you will be my
constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. On this special day, I give you in the
presence of God and all those in attendance, my sacred promise to stay by your side as your faithful
(husband/wife), in sickness and in heath, in joy and in sorrow, as well as through the good times and
the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to
achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be
open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

14. (Name), I take you to be my partner; to have and to hold, from this day forward. I give to you my
unending love and devotion. I promise to be true to you, to cherish you, and to share my thoughts,
hopes, and dreams with you. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with you, my best friend. I will
love you forever.

I take you, (Name), to be my (husband/wife). I promise to be true to you, in good times and in bad, in
sickness and in health, and I will love and honor you all the days of my life.

15. (Name), I promise to be there when you need me, to fill your days with sunshine, to comfort you
and encourage you, to help you reach your goals, to be your best friend ever, and to love you all my life,
with all my heart.

16. (Name), I take you to be my lifetime partner, secure in the knowledge that you will be my constant
friend, and my one true love. On this special day, (Name), I give to you, in the presence of [God and] all
these witnesses, my promise to stay by your side, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, as
well as through the good times and the bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in
times of distress, encourage you to achieve all of your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with
you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you, for as long as we both
shall live.

**17. I, (Name), take (you/thee), (Name), to be my (husband/wife), knowing in my heart that you will be
my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love. (**easy vows to repeat yet very
meaningful)

18. I, (Name), ask you, (Name), to be my (husband/wife), as my friend and my love. On this day I affirm
the relationship we have enjoyed, looking to the future to deepen and strengthen it. I will be yours in
plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, in failure and in triumph. Together we will dream, will
stumble but restore each other. We will share all things, serving each other and our fellow humanity. I
will cherish and respect you, comfort and encourage you, be open with you, and stay with you as long
as we shall live, freed and bound by our Love.

19. (Name), I offer you my Love. I offer you my strength. I offer you my weaknesses. I offer you my
support. I offer you my loyalty. I offer you my faith, for as long as we both shall live.

20. (Name), I take you to be my (husband/wife), from this time (onward/forward); to join with you and to
share all that is to come; to be your faithful (husband/wife); 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.

21. (Name), you are my best friend for life. I pledge to honor, encourage, and support you through our
walk together. When our way becomes difficult, I promise to stand by you and uplift you, so that through
our bond we can accomplish more than we could alone. I promise to work at our love, and always
make you a priority in my life. With every beat of my heart, I will love you. This is my solemn vow.

22. (Name), all that I am, and all that I have, I offer to you, in love and in joy. From this day forward I will
love and comfort you, hold you close, prize you above all others, and remain faithful to you all the days
of our lives.

23. (Name), I bring myself to you this day to share my life with you. You can trust my love, for it's real. I
promise to be a faithful mate, and to unfailingly share and support your hopes, dreams, and goals. I
vow to be there for you always. When you fall, I will catch you; when you cry, I will comfort you; when you
laugh, I will share your joy. Everything I am, and everything I have is yours, from this moment forth, and
for eternity.

24. (Name), the sun smiles on us today, our wedding day, and how can it not, for our love is stronger
than forever, and our hearts beat together as one. I promise to be a true and faithful partner, from this
day forward, in all life's circumstances, as we face them together. In the joys and sorrows, the good
times and bad, in sickness or in health, I will always be there for you, to comfort you, love you, honor
and cherish you, now and forevermore.

25. I yearn to be held, In the great hands of your heart___ Oh let them take me now. Into them I place
these fragments, my life....
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_____

Vow Renewal Sample Vows :

minister may state the following "Declaration of Intent" before the couple takes the standard wedding
vows:

"When you first joined hands and hearts __ years ago, you did not know where life would take you. You
promised to love, honor and cherish one another through all things. Life has surely brought you both
wonderful blessings and difficult tribulations. Therefore, you have fulfilled your promise. And God is
smiling! So, as you come here today to reaffirm

your wedding vows and as you reflect back over all the years as husband and wife, do you now reaffirm
the vows you took __ years ago? If so, repeat after me. (Insert personal vows).

Writing your own vows would be most appropriate. Try the following to help you with the writing of your
personalized wedding vows:

Go through a book of vows and jot down all the words and phrases you like on a piece of paper.

Answer these questions:

How do I love my wife/husband? How has our love grown over the years?

How has my husband/wife made me a better person?

For what am I most grateful to my wife/husband? What is my pledge to him/her for the future?

Equipped with the research and their answers, a couple is often better able to express what is in their
heart. Remember that love brings even the most reticent tongue to verse! Some of the most beautiful
vows I have heard come from those who have never written before. Also, in answering these
questions, you are creating a precious document. How often do we take the time to complete such an
exercise? You will cherish these words for the rest of your lives---and perhaps can even pass it along
to your children one day.

WEDDING VOW RENEWAL TIPS

Involve the children: Involve children in the vow renewal.

It is customary for the husband to escort the bride down the aisle.

Recreate your original bouquet and/or wedding cake.

Return to your original honeymoon destination, staying at the same hotel if possible.

Display your first wedding photograph.

Display photographs of your first wedding specially framed on reception tables and allow guests to
take them home as favors.

Read more about wedding vow renewal etiquette

Wedding Vow Renewal Sample Vows

“Once before, I have stood with you before family and friends; once again, I take your hand as my
partner. (Name), I take you this day, and for all days, as my (husband/wife)."

“I am proud to marry you on this day. I promise to wipe away your tears with my laughter and your pain
with my caring and compassion. We will wipe clean the old canvases of our lives and let God, with His
amazing artistic talent, fill them with new colors, harmony and beauty. I give myself to you completely,
and I promise to love you always, from this day forth."

“I believe in this marriage more strongly than ever. (Name), it is with joy born of experience and trust
that I commit myself once again to be your (husband/wife)."

"I, (name), give to you, (name), a new promise, and yet not so new; a new (husband/wife), and yet not
so new; and a new affirmation of love from the heart that has loved you for (__) years and will love you
for as many more as God allots to it."

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
______

NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY

OUTDOORS-NATURE-SPIRITUAL

(ceremony modified for whichever season

taking place during)

We are here today to celebrate the coming together of Groom and Bride, whose hearts and spirits are
in harmony as one. We will seal this union with Ceremony, Symbols, Promises and Prayer. For today
they announce to the world their intentions to live, grow and experience life together.

To these two special people, this marriage signifies the birth of a new spirit. This spirit is a part of
each of us, but not any one of us alone.

This new beginning reminds us of Spring, the season when all life is reborn and springs forth with
new joy and hope. It is appropriate that this wedding of Groom and Bride be in the Summer, a time to
celebrate the relationship that has now blossomed into a life-long commitment, with strong roots to
support this marriage as it matures and grows. Through the seasons and the years it will become
stronger.

It is also fitting that this sacred union take place under the open sky with Nature as our honored guest.
Here, we are closest to the Earth; in this beautiful setting, we are one with the unity of all life.
Surrounded by all of this beauty, we can appreciate Nature and all that it brings to our lives.

So now let us begin with Ceremony and Symbols. Do you have the rings?

Do you, Bride, knowing this man's love for you and returning it, realizing his strengths and learning
from them, recognizing his weaknesses and helping him to overcome them, take groom to be your
lawfully wedded husband?

BRIDE: I do.

Please place the ring on his finger.

Do you Groom, knowing this woman's love for you and returning it, realizing her strengths and learning
from them, recognizing her weaknesses and helping her to overcome them, take Bride, to be your
lawfully wedded wife?

GROOM: I do.

Please place the ring on her finger.

These rings are not locks binding you together, but keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each
other to love and know, bringing you closer together forever.

I will now read from "The Prophet"

" Love one another, but make not a bond of that love. Let it rather be like a moving sea between the
shores of your souls.

And stand together, and yet not too near together. For even the pillars of the temple must stand apart;
and the oak tree and the cypress will not grow in each other’s shadow.

Remember that love gives nothing but from itself. Love possesses not, nor would it be possessed, for
love is sufficient unto love.

And think not that you can direct the course of love. For love, if it finds you worthy, will direct your course."

Turn towards each other and we will begin with Promises

I, Groom, take you, Bride, to be my wife, knowing in my heart that you will be my constant friend, my
faithful partner in life, and my one true love.

I, Bride, take you, Groom, to be my husband, knowing in my heart that you will be my constant friend,
my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.

We will now Bless this marriage with Prayer.

"God in heaven above please protect the ones we love.

We honour all you created as these two pledge their hearts and lives together.

We honour mother-earth - and ask for this marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the
seasons;

We honour fire - and ask that this union be warm and glowing with love in their hearts;

We honour wind - and ask they sail though life safe and calm as in our father's arms;

We honour water - to cleanse and soothe this relationship - that it may never thirsts for love;

With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as they forever
grow young together. Amen."

Groom...Bride, Today you have honored the sacred union of marriage through Promises of love,
Exchanging of rings, and we have prayed for blessing upon your marriage.

I would ask that the two of you embrace each day with Love in your hearts. Begin and end each day
with kind words and affection towards each other. Do not Judge...Criticize or assume.
Communication, understanding and forgiveness will allow your relationship to grow and your marriage
to be strong.

Now, by the authority given unto me as an Ordained Clergy, and by the laws of the State of Oregon, I
now pronounce you Husband and Wife.

You may kiss the bride!

Congratulations

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Elopement A Ceremony

___________ & __________, today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments and give recognition
to the worth and beauty of love, as you join together in vows of 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 also will 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
always so 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 the journey you both
now pledge to share together.

Groom ) ___________________, do you take ________________ to be your Wife? ("I do") Do you
promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her? ("I do")

(Bride _____________________ , do you take __________________ to be your Husband? ("I do") Do
you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him? ("I
do")

(If rings are exchanged each does so before repeating the following vows - unless you wish other
vows or do not wish to repeat vows. It is not required to repeat vows.) Rings are NOT required)

I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my wife, knowing in my heart that you will be my constant friend, my
faithful partner in life, and my one true love.

I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my husband, knowing in my heart that you will be my constant friend,
my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.

It is written, 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 in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never
fails... And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.

________________________ and _________________________, 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, Now
by the power given unto me as a minister of the gospel and by the laws of this state; I now pronounce
that you are husband and wife! You may kiss your bride!

Congratulations

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TO LOVE

Optional Section to add to or replace in any Ceremony Selection

As you take these vows, I would have you remember: To love is to enter a whole New World, a world of
togetherness, a world of sharing.

Always remember those unique qualities that drew you to each other in the beginning...the thrill of
discovery.... That wonderful feeling of oneness when your eyes met.

To love is to constantly search for new ways to bring each other to happiness, to make the most of
every moment you share together.

With love there is no need to pretend...where you can be yourselves.... And know within your hearts, you
will be accepted by one another.

To love is to always believe and trust in one another.

To love is to dream, and to dare.... And always believe that all things are possible with faith and love.

Optional Section to add or replace in any ceremony

They say that Love is blind. Is it really? If you are standing on a high mountain gazing down at the world
before you and all you see is the beauty and wonder that is before you, is that blind? For being able to
see the beauty in all that is before you, such as a lifeless tree among a lush forest or an aged barn in a
golden wheat field. You see the uniqueness, the strength and the beauty of it all. How so is it different
than the way we see each other through Love's Eyes? If each time that you look at the other, you see
the beauty, strength and wonder of the person that is before you, you'll realize that Love isn't blind, it
actually lets you see much more.

One of the prophets had said:

"My Love is neither blind, nor in conflict with the truth. For My love is always wedded to My wisdom, the
marrow of My very being."

Bride & Groom, Love ignores a great deal, but it keeps in focus that one thing that transcends all else.
Love never fails.

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Hand Fasting Ceremony

Bride & Groom, know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life, you have
formed eternal and sacred bonds.

As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real the ideals that to you, give
meaning to this ceremony and to the institution of marriage.

With full awareness,you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and
family,

but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers.

The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union and will
cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.

Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?

Yes.

Groom & Bride, I bid you look into each others eyes.

Will you honor and respect one another, and seek to never break that honor?

We will [the first cord is draped over the couples' hands]

And so the first binding is made.

Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?

We will [Second cord is draped over the hands]

And so the binding is made

Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?

We will [third cord is draped over the couples' hands]

And so the binding is made.

Will you share each other's laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?

We will. [forth cord is draped over the couples' hands]

And so the binding is made.

[Tie cords together]

Groom & Bride, as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union
of love and trust.

Above you is the sun and below you is the earth. Like the sun, your love should be a constant source of
light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.

(from this point the ceremony can move on to traditional vows and/or the traditional ring exchange)

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UNITY SAND CEREMONY

Sample Sand Ceremony...

"BRIDE and GROOM, you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and
promises to each other, this covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who agree that
they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives. The most beautiful example of this
partnership is the marriage relationship. You have committed here today to share the rest of your lives
with each other. Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual
containers of sand one, representing you, BRIDE and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you
will ever be, and the other representing you, GROOM, and all that you were and all that you are, and all
that you will ever be. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual
containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand
can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be."

OR it can include the CHILDREN...

Officiant: Just as we have now bound (Bride/Groom) and (Groom/Bride) to one another, we will now
celebrate the unification of (other family/child/children) into this covenant. The couple will first pour their
sands into the vase, showing that their marriage is the foundation of this family. Their sands mix
together and symbolize their bond of love and respect that can never be separated. As (family
member/child/children) now add their sands, we are reminded that though we are all different people,
it is our individuality which adds a unique color to the tapestry of the family. Like the sands poured
before it, so these sands will also mix and be unable to be separated.

OR...

Officiant: Now we will celebrate the creation of a family. The (three/four/etc.) vials of sand here
represent (Bride/Groom), (Groom/Bride), and (child/children/family members). As each pours in the
sands, they show how the individual colors create a beautiful masterpiece of love and mutual respect.
Just as the sands are forever intermixed, so are the lives of the people being celebrated today. As we
join this couple in marriage, we are also reminded of the significant role that (child/children/family
members) play in this marriage. Today, a new unified life is shared within this family.

OR...

Officiant: Just as we have now bound (Bride & Groom) to one another, we will now celebrate the
joining of (Children Names) into this marriage. The two of you will first pour your sands into the vase,
showing that your marriage is the foundation of this family. Your sand will mix together and symbolize
the bond of love and respect that can never be separated. As(Names of Children) pour their sand into
the vase, they show how the individual colors create a beautiful masterpiece of love and mutual
respect as a family. Each child may keep a portion of their individual sand and pour however much
they would like to add to the Unity.

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COMMITMENT VOWS TO READ OR MEMORIZE

Our love extends beyond earth, sea, wind, and flame. It is greater than who we are and meaningless
without us. It is more powerful than our past, yet the foundation for our future. It has brought us here
today to become one in the eyes of our family and friends, for all days to come. Our love is the essence
of our lives.

With you, love means freedom. Freedom to love you without judgement and freedom to be yours while
maintaining the very soul of me. So on this day, a day we choose together to meet in union before
family and friends, I accept you as my partner, in the name of love. My most cherished freedom is now
the freedom to love you for a lifetime.

My aim is not to change you, but rather to grow with you. I bring a stronger heart to this choice than I
have brought to any other. But I sense that it will grow stronger still with days lived along side you. Stay
with me. Learn with me. Live by my side. I will do the same faithfully and joyously.

I will base my life with you on love and caring. I will be considerate of your wishes and desires, and
respect your integrity and intentions. I will support your dreams and goals, and strive to keep our lives
with laughter and joy. Where there are troubles, I will stand with you. I bring to you the very best person
that I can be, now and forever.

Our lives run in parallel, side by side, yet together. With continued love, friendship, trust, and
communication, I take joy today in committing my life to yours. When you need me, I will be there, and
when your strength fails you, may mine always be there for you. Side by side, step by step, may our
journey together begin here, from this day forward

It is written that those who walk in the light of God forever are blessed. They will rejoice in his perfect
righteousness. Today we begin our journey. May we walk in the light of God forever. I have been
blessed to share in your love, strive to be fair and honest, wise and true. May God always keep us and
watch over our home. (religious: adapted from Psalm 89)

You and I will live with the miracle. And miracles are possible where there is love. Love is the reason
we are here before God. And I believe that today, God opens his hand to us. I believe that I was chosen
to live my life with you from this day forward. Today I act on this belief before our friends and family,
giving myself unendingly to you.(religious)

This act is one we share with God, who here joins two souls for all eternity, and who will know us from
this day not as two but as one. May God always be gracious unto us, bless our days, and abide in our
home. May His tender mercies solidify our union as we join beneath His hand today. (religious)

I open my arms to you in the promise of everlasting love, understanding, and hope for the tomorrows
yet to come. May we relish the solidity of God who has entered our lives. In His infinite wisdom, He has
brought us together today to be made as one. May we continue to grow in His sight as a couple.
(religious)

I promise to be your partner in times of joy and in times of trouble, to provide for and support you in
friendship, trust, and love. I promise to work with you to build our lives together. May we grow, our lives
intertwined, our love bringing us closer. Let us create a home based on love. May it be a home filled
with peace, with happiness, and with love.

May my heart be your shelter, my arms be your refuge, for when your strength alone will not carry you
through, my strength will forever be there for you. I open my heart and arms to you with the promise of
everlasting love, understanding, and hope for our tomorrows yet to come. Side by side, step by step,
may we journey together through our eternity.

I pledge to love you forever. To be open honest and faithful to you. To nurture your spirit and support
your dreams. To honor your thoughts and feelings. I promise to comfort and challenge you. I promise
to stand with you as we share this life, and cherish the memories we make together.

You are my best friend and everlasting companion. Whatever road we travel down, I will always be by
your side. From the first day I laid eyes on you. I knew you were the one. So beautiful then and even
more beautiful now. In return, all I ask is that you never give up. Never in my life have I been happier
than I am at this very moment.

With this ring, I give you my promise of honesty, trust, and devotion. I will stand beside you through the
difficult times, wonderful times and the strong and weak times. May we overcome all obstacles
together. With this ring, I interlock my heart with yours for eternity.

You have brought me the truest happiness I have ever known. I will walk by your side throughout all of
life's labors because that is the love I promise to give to you. I will weep with you, laugh with you, and
always listen to you with a patient heart. You are the most beautiful gift in my life and it is the most
humbling honor to love you.

I choose now to stay this path with you, wherever it leads, whatever the outcome; To respect the unique
person that you are and help you to become who you will be. To travel with you through the adventures
of life, loving you at my side; in all that we will find, I pledge my friendship, my faith and my love.

I promise to love and care for you, through times of joy and times of sorrow, to rejoice when you are
happy, and grieve when you suffer, to share your interests, and hopes for the future, to try to
understand you even when I do not agree, to do all in my power to help you be your true self, the
person God calls you to be. (religious)

This is the moment. The one I have prayed for - the one I have dreamed of. From this moment on, my
life will be shared with another. I promise to you my love, my friendship, my loyalty, and all that life gives
to me. We have come together as one, and nothing will ever diminish the love I have for you, nor the
happiness you bring me.

You are my best friend and everlasting companion. You have brought me the truest happiness I have
ever known. I take joy today in committing my life to yours. With this ring I promise to stand with you as
we share this life, and cherish the memories we make together.

I place this ring on your finger as a symbol of my constant faith, abiding love, and belief that I was
chosen to live my life with you. From this day forward, when you need strength, I will give you mine.
When you need encouragement, I will listen and understand. When you need solace and comfort and
the silent speech of love, I will be there.

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FAMILY FRIENDLY

(This ceremony involves family and guests; making them all feel a part of your special day )

Every body please rise...

Being assured that your love, and your choice of each other as life long companions, and that you have
your families blessing, I now ask, who gives this women to be married to this man?

Thank you ________.

Family and Friends, I would like to welcome you to this special occasion.

Today Bride and Groom proclaim their love to the world, and our joy and thoughts are with them.

By entering into this marriage, Bride and Groom are stating publicly, the feelings, and commitments
they have held privately between them. They are proclaiming their love for, their trust in and their loyalty
to, the one they cherish above all others.

Marriage has been described as living in love with your best friend. Love is one of the few constants in
the universe. It is reality, affinity, and communication. Only love is capable of joining living beings by
their deepest essence, uniting, completing, and fulfilling them.

Marriage is a symbol of the commitment, to create a lifelong partnership, based on love.

Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and before your witnesses, I am to remind you of the
serious and binding nature of the relationship you are now about to enter. Are you both here of your
own free will?

Vows

Bride and Groom, please face each other and join your hands together.

Groom, would you please repeat after me…..

Today, Bride, I join my life to yours, not merely as your husband, but as your best friend, your lover, and
your confidant. Let me be your shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion in your
life. With you I walk my path from this day forward.

Bride, please repeat after me……

Today, Groom, I join my life to yours, not merely as your wife, but as your best friend, your lover, and
your confidant. Let me be your shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion in your
life. With you I walk my path from this day forward.

Friends and Family, know that this wedding is a celebration of the marriage that has already occurred
in their hearts, a marriage that will grow, not without challenge and adversity, but with patients, love,
and the belief, that they have chosen wisely in choosing one another, and don’t forget a good sense of
humor… And also let us not forget, both families here today, that are behind them every step of the
way…

The Rings…

We will now present the rings…

The circle of the ring represented the symbol of the sun, the earth and the universe, wholeness and
perfection, peace and love. It is worn on the third finger, because of an ancient belief that this finger
goes strait to the heart….

These rings mark the beginning of a long journey together, wear them proudly, as they are symbols
which speak of love that you have for each other….

Groom as you place this ring on Bride's finger, please repeat after me…

Bride, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between
us today. 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 if you except please say “I DO”.

Bride as you place this ring on Groom's finger / would you please repeat after me…

Groom, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made
between us today. 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... Groom if you except please say “I DO”.

I would like to ask child the Daughter/Son of Bride and Groom to please come to the front.

As part of the family nature of God’s creation we recognize Child and the significant role she/he plays
in this marriage being celebrated today.

Bride and Groom, would like to present (ring, necklace, etc.) as a symbol of family unity and for the
hope and joy made visible through this marriage.

Love is truly an adventure, and today Bride and Groom are beginning that life´s journey together, but
not alone. The essence of a good marriage also depend upon the constellation of friends and family
that surround it.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Bride and Groom have demonstrated in your presence today, their belief in
their love, and their desire to live together in Holy Matrimony. If you also believe in their love, and wish
to add your blessing on their marriage today, please respond now by saying……………WE DO

And are you all willing to sustain and strengthen this marriage, by giving Bride and Groom the public
commitment of your love and support, through all the ups and downs ahead of them…If you are willing,
please say……….WE ARE

Your gift to each other for your ceremony today has been your wedding rings, which shall always be an
outward demonstration of your love, and respect, and a public showing of your commitment to each
other…

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Unity Sand

Bride and Groom, today you join your separate lives together.

The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets
of friends. They represent all that you are and all that you’ll ever be as an individual. They also
represent your lives before today. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container,
the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these
grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your
marriage be.

Bride and Groom, if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, it is that it was love
that brought you here today, and it is by love which your marriage shall remain.

Final words From an Indigenous Prayer…

Now you will feel no pain / for each of you will be shelter to another….

Now you will feel no cold / for each of you will be warmth to another…

Now there is no loneliness for you / for each of you will show compassion to the other…

Now you are two persons / but there is one life before you…..

Go now to your dwelling place / to enter into the days of your togetherness….

And may your days be good and long / upon this earth…..

Bride and Groom, now that you have both agreed to be united in Holy Matrimony, you have promised
your love, and exchanged rings, this bond that has been formed today can be broken by none.

By the authority given unto me as an ordained clergy and by the laws of this State, today the
________2007 / It is my honor Groom and Bride, to now pronounce you husband and wife.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Family and Friends….

Mr. and Mrs. ________________

You may kiss the bride……..

REAL LOVE:   (Optional to use in any ceremony)

Real love is identifiable by the way it makes us feel. Love should feel good. There is a peaceful quality
to an authentic experience of love that penetrates to our core, touching a part of ourselves that has
always been there. True love activates this inner being, filling us with warmth and light. An authentic
experience of love does not ask us to look a certain way, drive a certain car, or have a certain job. It
takes us as we are, no changes required. When someone truly loves us, their love for us awakens our
love for ourselves. They remind us that what we seek outside of ourselves is a mirror image of the
lover within. In this way, true love never makes us feel needy or lacking or anxious. Instead, true love
empowers us with its implicit message that we are, always have been, and always will be, made of
love.

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HAND CEREMONY (OPTIONAL TO ADD TO ANY CEREMONY)

Bride & Groom, please face each other and take each other’s hands, so that you may see the gift that
they are to you.

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 along side 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 temporarily comes your way.

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 give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.

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

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

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

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.

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UNITY CANDLE CEREMONY

____________________ and _____________________, the two separate candles symbolize your
separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. I ask that each of you take one of the lit
candles and that together you light the center candle.

(light candle together then stand before me again)

The individual candles represent your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that
your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining together of your two families and
sets of friends to one.

CONTEMPORARY II   (INVOLVING PARENTS)

We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of Bride and Groom. We come together not to
mark the start of a relationship, but to acknowledge and strengthen a bond that already exists. This
ceremony is a public affirmation of that bond.

A marriage is more than a wedding. The act of wedding is only a symbol, a public announcement of
that which is within; a union which a celebrant makes legal, but which the law can neither create nor
quench. At its heart, a marriage is the promises made and kept by two individuals. No one can marry
you but yourselves, Bride and Groom, and the promises that you are about to exchange, serve as a
verbal representation of the love and commitment you pledge to each other.

Marriage embodies all the precious values and warmth which grow from human companionship and
love. It represents the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman. It should be entered into with
certainty, with mutual respect, and with a sense of reverence, but also with humour, happiness and joy.

Bride and Groom, love can be one of the highest experiences that comes to humankind. It reduces our
selfishness, enriches our personalities, and makes our lives far more meaningful. By its very nature it
makes one want to give to another, and to feel joy in the joy of that other. Such love can call forth the
best qualities in each of you.

Reading:

"Of Shared Love in Marriage" (Victor Hugo)

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. The great acts of love are done by
those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness. We pardon to the extent that we love. Love
is knowing that even when you are alone, you will never be lonely again. A great happiness of life is the
conviction that we are loved. Loved for ourselves. And even loved in spite of ourselves.

Marriage Declaration

Before you, Bride, and you, Groom, are joined together in marriage in my presence and in the
presence of these, your family and friends, I am bound to remind you publicly of the solemn, serious
and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

Marriage is the voluntary and full commitment of a man and a woman, made in the deepest sense, to
the exclusion of all others. It is entered into with the desire, hope and firm intention that it will last for
life.

Welcoming of Bride and Groom

Will the parents of Bride and Groom please stand?

All parents stand and step forward

This union brings together different family traditions in the hope that a new family tree will become
strong and fruitful. Theirs is a personal choice and a decision for which they are responsible, yet their
life will be enriched by the support of their families. Therefore I have these questions for you.

To Bride's Parents

Do you Father, and you Mother, welcome Groom, as a member of your family?

Do you affirm your continuing support and love to Bride and Groom as they grow in their marriage?

Do you offer to them the best of your care and counsel in their times of struggle,

and your celebration with them in their times of joy?

Father: I do.

Mother: I do.

To Groom's parents

Do you Father, and you Mother, welcome Bride, as a member of your family?

Do you affirm your continuing support and love to Groom and Bride as they grow in their marriage?

Do you offer to them the best of your care and counsel in their times of struggle,

and your celebration with them in their times of joy?

Father: I do

Mother: I do

Thank you. You may be seated.

Parents take their seats

The Asking

Groom, will you take Bride to be your wife? Will you be her friend and partner for life, honouring,
supporting and loving her, through all of the joys and challenges you may face, individually and
together, for now and for always?

Groom: I will.

Bride, will you take Groom to be your husband? Will you be his friend and partner for life, honouring,
supporting and loving him, through all of the joys and challenges you may face, individually and
together, for now and for always?

Bride: I will.

Vows

Bride, cued:

I, Bride,

have chosen you, Groom,

to be my husband.

I will give you love, understanding and comfort

in whatever the future may bring.

I look forward to shared achievements,

as well as our individual successes.

Today we affirm our partnership,

and become the core of a new family.

Today I marry my best friend.

I offer you my love and loyalty, always and forever.

Groom, cued:

I, Groom,

have chosen you, Bride,

to be my wife.

I will give you love, understanding and comfort

in whatever the future may bring.

I look forward to shared achievements,

as well as our individual successes.

Today we affirm our partnership,

and become the core of a new family.

Today I marry my best friend.

I offer you my love and loyalty, always and forever.

Wine Ceremony: (or replace with unity candle or sand)

"A Toast to Life"

The years of your lives are as a cup of wine poured out for you to drink. The grapes when they are
pressed, give forth their good juices for the wine. Under the wine press of time, our lives give forth their
labour, and honour and love.

This cup contains within it the sweet wine of happiness and hope. This same cup, at times, holds the
bitter wine of sorrow and despair.

One who drinks deeply of life invites the full range of experience into his or her being.

This cup is symbolic of the pledges you have made to one another to share together the fullness of life.

As you drink from this cup, you acknowledge that your lives have become one vessel into which all your
sorrows and joys, all your hopes and fears will be poured, and from which you will receive mutual
sustenance.

Many days you will sit at the same table and eat and drink together.

Drink now, and may the cup of your lives be sweet and full to overflowing.

Celebrant passes goblet to Groom. He sips from it and then passes it to Bride who does likewise.

Reading:

"The Art of Marriage" (Eben Eugene Rexford) To be read by celebrant or other

A good marriage must be created

In the 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 objectives.

It is standing together and facing the world.

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 a common search for the good and the beautiful,

It is not only marrying the right person

It is being the right partner

Exchange of Rings

Traditionally, the passage to the status of husband and wife is marked by the exchange of rings.
These rings are a symbol of the love you share and a reminder of the vows you have taken here today.

Groom, place the ring on Bride's finger and repeat after me:

This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my love for you and the promises we have made here today.

Bride, place the ring on Groom's finger and repeat after me:

This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my love for you and the promises we have made here today.

Pronouncement of Marriage

As Groom and Bride go forward in life together, seeking an even richer, deepening relationship, and
because they have pledged to meet sorrow and joy as a family, we rejoice to recognize the
commitment they have made to one another.

By my authority as an ordained clergy and by the laws of the State of Oregon, I pronounce that you are
husband and wife.

I now invite them to share their first kiss as husband and wife.

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