Ceremony # 7 * Civil *
Words of Welcome
Welcome. A wedding is such a wonderful occasion, filled with hopes, dreams, and excitement. We are here today to celebrate the love that Jane and Joe have for each other, and to recognize and witness their decision to journey forward in their lives as marriage partners.
Marriage Address
Marriage is a meditation on our histories as well as on our future, on our losses and failures, as well as our hopes and possibilities. Neither of you would be standing before us this day if each of you had not followed your own path throughout your lives. Every relationship you have had was a step on the path toward this one.
Every challenge and experience, every beautiful or painful moment assisted in preparing you for this moment. Acknowledging the past as preparation, allows you to step most graciously into the present.
As with all relationships, marriage is an endless presentation of the choices about how you want to be with one another. Each choice results in either more unity or more separation. I ask that you choose into unity every chance that you have.
There is no ceremony that can create a marriage. It will only be through love… patience…dedication and perseverance that you will create your life together.
I remind you to treasure each other. To laugh long and hard and often.
To deeply listen to one another. To use kind and gentle words.
To be flexible and forgiving . And especially to cherish your time together, for life...it truly is a gift.
Declaration of Intent
Joe and Jane, do you enter this marriage believing that the love you share will endure all things? If so, please answer…we do. Then with this belief, please join hands…and with your hands…your hearts.
Wedding Vows
Jane, do you take Joe to be your husband vowing to faithfully love him with all your heart? If so, please say…I do. Then please repeat after me.
Joe, you will always be
surrounded by my love.
From this day forward,
I promise;
to be by your side
to be your partner, your wife
and your very best friend.
And Joe, do you take Jane to be your wife vowing to faithfully love her with all your heart? If so, please say…I do. Then please repeat after me.
Jane, you will always be
surrounded by my love.
From this day forward,
I promise;
to be by your side
to be your partner, your husband
and your very best friend.
Exchanging of Rings
The rings…
May these rings always be your most cherished gift, and may the love they symbolize be your most treasured possession.
Ring Vows
Joe, please place this ring partially on Jane’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring is my gift to you.
May it always remind you
that from this day forward,
you will be surrounded by my love
Jane, please place this ring partially on Joe’s finger and repeat after me.
This ring is my gift to you.
May it always remind you
that from this day forward,
you will be surrounded by my love
Pronouncement
By the love that has brought you here today and by the promises that you have made in the presence of family and friends, we observe joyfully that you have declared yourselves to be husband and wife.
The Kiss
You may kiss the bride.
Presentation
And now it is my honor and pleasure to present to you…
Mr. & Mrs. _______________
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