This is the ceremony I build from when creating your wedding. If you choose the basic ceremony, this is essentially what will be performed, with the appropriate elements subtracted depending on your situation.
The groom, best man, and officiant will walk to the ceremony area through a side door or entrance. The officiant will make small welcome and give a gentle reminder to turn off cell phones.
Processional
See order here (can always be changed/customized): http://weddings.about.com/od/yourweddingceremony/a/Processional.htm
Introduction
Friends and family, thank you for being here on this special day. We are gathered here to celebrate the joining of ___________________ and ____________________ in marriage. This is a chance to not only celebrate their love, but also to reaffirm, reflect upon, and appreciate the love and friendship we have in our own lives. Let us celebrate by being fully present here today.
The Giving in Marriage (optional)
Who supports this couple in their marriage?
OR
Who gives this woman to be wedded?
OR
Your choice of words
Opening Blessing (can be customized)
May every desire you have for your love be fulfilled, and may you be given the vision with which to clearly behold one another, the listening with which to perceive each other most genuinely, and the endless generosity of spirit with which to nourish each other and sweetly keep the promises you make to each other here today.
Optional prayers or readings by family and friends.
Charge to Couple
___________________ and _________________, today you take the first step in what you intend to be a long and beautiful life together. Marriage is not an easy task and takes a conscious act of will. Marriage requires both of you to be open and vulnerable to the other, to love, accept, and embrace the flaws in each other. By committing to each other today, you are accepting the daily and lifelong challenges that come with marriage.
Marriage will alter you as individuals, define you as a couple, and deepen your love for one another. Today, you will officially be brought together as one, yet you will retain your separate identities. Grow together, learn together, and love together. Respect and value the differences within each other, and your relationship will flourish.
The building blocks of a marriage are loyalty, trust, and support. You both must commit to respecting your partner's dreams and goals while building a life together. A good and strong marriage fosters love, devotion, and a willingness to compromise. Be ready to love together, cry together, be strong together, patient for one another, and above all, laugh together. These are the foundation blocks to a good marriage.
Statement of Intent to Marry
_________________ and __________________, your marriage today is the public and legal joining of your lives that have already been united as one in your hearts.
Do you, __________________, welcome ___________________, as your wife/spouse/partner, offering him/her your love and loyalty, trust and respect, as together you create your future?
(I do)
Do you, __________________, welcome ___________________, as your husband/spouse/partner, offering him/her your love and loyalty, trust and respect, as together you create your future?
(I do)
Personal Wedding Vows (optional)
Exchange of Rings or Gifts
Marriage is a state in which two people come together and create something greater than the sum of their individual parts. The ring is a symbol of something eternal; something that has no end. It represents the couple's regard for their marriage and its permanence. These rings are a symbol of your commitment.
As you place this ring on ________________'s finger, please repeat after me:
I give you this ring
As a reminder
That I will love, honor, and cherish you
In all times
And in all places.
I ask you to wear this ring
As a symbol to the world
That you are my wife/partner/spouse.
As you place this ring on ________________'s finger, please repeat after me:
I give you this ring
As a reminder
That I will love, honor, and cherish you
In all times
And in all places.
I ask you to wear this ring
As a symbol to the world
That you are my husband/partner/spouse.
Unity Candle Ceremony or Other Ceremony (optional)
Declaration of Marriage
Today ____________________ and _____________________ have declared before all of us that they shall be together in marriage. They have vowed to be loyal and loving with each other. They have formalized the bond that already exists between them with the giving and receiving of rings. Therefore, it is my honor and true pleasure to pronounce them husband and wife/ married. You may now kiss.
Introduction of Newlyweds and Blessing
_______________________ and _______________________, may you find joy and comfort in one another and the loved ones here with us today. May your marriage be a source of joy and inspiration in the years to come. May your happiness and love be shared and evident with all who know you. May you dream big dreams, love like tomorrow will not come, and be the best people you can be with the support and guidance of one another.
Thank you, friends and family, for witnessing the marriage of ______________________ and ________________________ here today.
Recessional
*Anything can be changed, added, personalized, omitted, etc.
Processional
See order here (can always be changed/customized): http://weddings.about.com/od/yourweddingceremony/a/Processional.htm
Introduction
Friends and family, thank you for being here on this special day. We are gathered here to celebrate the joining of ___________________ and ____________________ in marriage. This is a chance to not only celebrate their love, but also to reaffirm, reflect upon, and appreciate the love and friendship we have in our own lives. Let us celebrate by being fully present here today.
The Giving in Marriage (optional)
Who supports this couple in their marriage?
OR
Who gives this woman to be wedded?
OR
Your choice of words
Opening Blessing (can be customized)
May every desire you have for your love be fulfilled, and may you be given the vision with which to clearly behold one another, the listening with which to perceive each other most genuinely, and the endless generosity of spirit with which to nourish each other and sweetly keep the promises you make to each other here today.
Optional prayers or readings by family and friends.
Charge to Couple
___________________ and _________________, today you take the first step in what you intend to be a long and beautiful life together. Marriage is not an easy task and takes a conscious act of will. Marriage requires both of you to be open and vulnerable to the other, to love, accept, and embrace the flaws in each other. By committing to each other today, you are accepting the daily and lifelong challenges that come with marriage.
Marriage will alter you as individuals, define you as a couple, and deepen your love for one another. Today, you will officially be brought together as one, yet you will retain your separate identities. Grow together, learn together, and love together. Respect and value the differences within each other, and your relationship will flourish.
The building blocks of a marriage are loyalty, trust, and support. You both must commit to respecting your partner's dreams and goals while building a life together. A good and strong marriage fosters love, devotion, and a willingness to compromise. Be ready to love together, cry together, be strong together, patient for one another, and above all, laugh together. These are the foundation blocks to a good marriage.
Statement of Intent to Marry
_________________ and __________________, your marriage today is the public and legal joining of your lives that have already been united as one in your hearts.
Do you, __________________, welcome ___________________, as your wife/spouse/partner, offering him/her your love and loyalty, trust and respect, as together you create your future?
(I do)
Do you, __________________, welcome ___________________, as your husband/spouse/partner, offering him/her your love and loyalty, trust and respect, as together you create your future?
(I do)
Personal Wedding Vows (optional)
Exchange of Rings or Gifts
Marriage is a state in which two people come together and create something greater than the sum of their individual parts. The ring is a symbol of something eternal; something that has no end. It represents the couple's regard for their marriage and its permanence. These rings are a symbol of your commitment.
As you place this ring on ________________'s finger, please repeat after me:
I give you this ring
As a reminder
That I will love, honor, and cherish you
In all times
And in all places.
I ask you to wear this ring
As a symbol to the world
That you are my wife/partner/spouse.
As you place this ring on ________________'s finger, please repeat after me:
I give you this ring
As a reminder
That I will love, honor, and cherish you
In all times
And in all places.
I ask you to wear this ring
As a symbol to the world
That you are my husband/partner/spouse.
Unity Candle Ceremony or Other Ceremony (optional)
Declaration of Marriage
Today ____________________ and _____________________ have declared before all of us that they shall be together in marriage. They have vowed to be loyal and loving with each other. They have formalized the bond that already exists between them with the giving and receiving of rings. Therefore, it is my honor and true pleasure to pronounce them husband and wife/ married. You may now kiss.
Introduction of Newlyweds and Blessing
_______________________ and _______________________, may you find joy and comfort in one another and the loved ones here with us today. May your marriage be a source of joy and inspiration in the years to come. May your happiness and love be shared and evident with all who know you. May you dream big dreams, love like tomorrow will not come, and be the best people you can be with the support and guidance of one another.
Thank you, friends and family, for witnessing the marriage of ______________________ and ________________________ here today.
Recessional
*Anything can be changed, added, personalized, omitted, etc.
