Officiant: Welcome,
We are gathered here today to witness and to celebrate the joining of ____________ and __________ in the unity of marriage. They ask you, their family & friends, for your support and blessings in this endeavor.
Marriage is an outward symbol of an inward union of hearts, a union created by friendship, respect, faith, passion and love. Love is one of the greatest experiences that we as humans can have – for ________ & _______, it’s as great as standing on the summit of a mountain: as powerful as being completely immersed in song. But it is when love is combined with real friendship, that both are infinitely enhanced.
_________ and _____________ have found in each other a relationship in which each person’s individuality is enhanced by the other, where each person can express his or her emotions without fear of being judged; a relationship where they openly share not only the joys of their successes, but also the sorrows of their failures; a relationship filled with mutual trust, respect and love. They are two individuals, living one life together.
As _________ and _________ enter into marriage, they do so with thought and reverence. They give thanks for the past, which has brought them to this place, and look forward with hope to what the future will bring.
INCLUSION OF/UNITING OF FAMILY & FRIENDS:
Officiant:
When a couple in love pledge their hearts to each other, they not only create a home and a family of their own, they also carry with them the support, good will, and hopes of all that care for them as individuals. By uniting together, each of you join the family of the other - to bare its strengths and promise into the future. Having this acknowledged is an important matter. For this reason, I would ask this of your family and friends:
(Turning to ________ representatives – the bridesmaids and _________ parents)
Do you, as representatives of _________ family, accept __________as ________lifelong love - And thereby, as one of your own?
(Representatives answer: YES)
(Turning to _________representatives – the groomsmen
and __________ parents)
Do you, as representatives of R_________ family, accept ________as __________lifelong love - And thereby, as one of your own?
(Representatives answer: YES)
INTENTIONS & CONSENT:
(Turning to Bride)
_______, is it your wish to take ________to be your husband and soul mate, to join together your heart unto his, uniting your spirit with his, Gifting him with your trust, respect, and abiding love from now and for all time?
(________answers: It is)
(Turning to Groom)
________, is it your wish to take ______ to be your wife and soul mate, to join together your heart unto hers, uniting your spirit with hers, Gifting her with your trust, respect, and abiding love from now and for all time?
(__________answers: It is)
____________and _______please join hands and face each other while you exchange your vows.
EXCHANGE OF VOWS - we will write our own.
EXCHANGE OF RINGS:
A circle is the symbol of the sun, the earth, the universe and eternity. The rings you are about to give and receive this day represent the endless love you share, and the commitment you enter into as husband and wife.
Please repeat after me while placing the ring on the proper finger.
(Turning to groom)
I, _________, take you, ______, as my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, both in sickness, and in health, to love you wholly and completely, forsaking all others, throughout this life and beyond.
(Turning to bride)
I, _______, take you, _________, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, both in sickness, and in health, to love you wholly and completely, forsaking all others, throughout this life and beyond.
Officiant:
This union will bind you together, in a relationship so close and intimate that it will profoundly influence your whole future. Marriage is a beautiful tribute to your faith in each other. May this faith and love in which you have joined your hands and hearts today never fail, and grow deeper and stronger as the years go on.
FINAL CHARGE:
Officiant:
Here life is touched by love and love by life – radiating joy like the warmth from a fire. Here now, between ________ & _______ lies hidden all the future of their lives together. May that future be blessed with deepening love; May they trust each other wholly, as they trust themselves. May they be at home wherever they dwell, gather wisdom from all the seasons of their lives, and support each other through all of life’s adventures.
With these vows of love and trust, and the giving and receiving of rings - by the power vested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride.
Ladies & Gentlemen, I have the pleasure of introducing you to Mr. & Mrs. ___________________.
