Traditional Ceremony (religious)
(Songs, poem reading, candle lighting may be added during ceremony)
Being assured of your love for each other, and that you have your family's blessing, I ask who presents __________ for marriage to _________________?
________________, 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 Savior 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. In marriage, you 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 made 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.
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 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 __________? If so, please say, "I do."
_______, do you wish for _______, to be your __________? 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. 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 _____. 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 _______. 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 feel so honored, to have you as my ______.
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 feel so honored, to have you as my _______.
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 married, and we and all of your families and friends shall honor you as the same from this day forward.
(Blessings or any wedding prayers you choose)
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/married! You may kiss!
Whom God has joined together let no man put asunder!
I present to you _________________________!
CONTEMPORARY 1 (NON RELIGIOUS CEREMONY)
(This is a contemporary, non religious ceremony. You may change it anyway you wish)
(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 be in 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 will take 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.
Today, 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
_________________do you take _________________to be your wife/husband/partner/spouse?
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only to her forevermore? ("I do")
________________do you take_________________ to be your Husband/wife/partner/spouse?
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 marriage 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 or Unity Sand and/or The Rose Ceremony or Shared Cup of Wine may be added at this point if you wish. You also may add the Cherokee Wedding Prayer or a Traditional Prayers of Blessing. )
PRONOUNCEMENT
In asmuch 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 a minister and by the laws of this State, it gives me great pleasure to pronounce that you are Husband and Wife / Married.
Congratulations, you may kiss!
(Recessional)
CONTEMPORARY II (INVOLVING PARENTS)
We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of __________________. 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, 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 two people. It should be entered into with certainty, with mutual respect, and with a sense of reverence, but also with humor, happiness and joy.
______________, 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 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 the Couple (optional)
Will the parents of __________ and _________ 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 _______'s Parents
Do you Father, and you Mother, welcome _____________, as a member of your family?
Do you affirm your continuing support and love to both of them 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 _________'s parents
Do you Father, and you Mother, welcome __________, as a member of your family?
Do you affirm your continuing support and love to them 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
___________, will you take ________ to be your wife/partner/spouse? Will you be her/his friend and partner for life, honoring, supporting and loving her/him, through all of the joys and challenges you may face, individually and together, for now and for always?
Answer: I will.
_____, will you take _____ to be your husband/wife/partner? Will you be his/her friend and partner for life, honoring, supporting and loving him, through all of the joys and challenges you may face, individually and together, for now and for always?
Answer: I will.
Vows (each repeats after minister)
I have chosen you, __________,
to be my husband/wife/partner.
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 Unity sand) To involve mothers, have them come forward and pour the wine from 2 seperate bottles or carafes when they are escorted in at the beginning. If doing Unity candle, mothers can light outer candles then be seated.
"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 labor, and honor 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 couple and each sip from the cup
Reading:
"The Art of Marriage" (Wilferd A. Peterson ) To be read by celebrant or other
(short version. See Readings and poems for long version)
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 marriage 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.
_______, place the ring on her/his finger and repeat after me:
This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my love for you and the promises we have made here today.
_____, place the ring on his/her 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 these two people 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 MARRIED.
I now invite them to share their first kiss!
FAMILY FRIENDLY
(This ceremony involves family and guests; making them all feel a part of your special day )
Being assured of your love, and that you have your families support, I now ask, who gives their blessing for __________ to be married to _____________?
Thank you ________.
Family and Friends, I would like to welcome you to this special occasion.
Today ___________ and _________proclaim their love to the world, and our joy and thoughts are with them.
By entering into this marriage, they 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
_____ and ______, please face each other and join your hands together.
________, would you please repeat after me.
Today, _______, I join my life to yours, not merely as your husband/wife/spouse, 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.
_____, please repeat after me.
Today, _______, I join my life to yours, not merely as your wife/husband/spouse, 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 also let us not forget, both families here today, that are behind them every step of the way.
Ring Ceremony
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.
______ as you place this ring on _____'s finger, please repeat after me.
_____, 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. _____, if you except _____ as your husband/wife/partner, please say “I DO”.
_____ as you place this ring on ______'s finger, would you please repeat after me.
_____, 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. _____, if you except ______ as your wife/husband/partner, please say “I DO”.
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.
Family & Friends
Ladies and Gentlemen, this couple 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 them 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.
Unity Sand
_______ and _______, 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.
(Pour Sand)
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…(or any other blessing or wedding 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…..
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 ___ day of _____, 20__, It is my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife / married.
You may kiss!
Ladies and Gentlemen, Family and Friends, Mr. and Mrs. ________________!
NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY
OUTDOORS-NATURE-SPIRITUAL
(ceremony modified for whichever season taking place during)
We are here today to celebrate the coming together of _____ and _____, 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.
May the winds of communication blow ever between you.
May the fires of love sustain you.
May the waters of life heal and soothe you,
and may the strength of the Earth bind and steady you throughout your life together.
So now let us begin with Ceremony and Symbols. Do you have the rings?
Do you, _____, knowing this man/woman's love for you and returning it, realizing his/her strengths and learning from them, recognizing his/her weaknesses and helping him/her to overcome them, take ______ to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife/spouse?
I do.
Please place the ring on his/her finger.
Do you ______, knowing this woman/man's love for you and returning it, realizing her/his strengths and learning from them, recognizing her/his weaknesses and helping her/him to overcome them, take _____, to be your lawfully wedded wife/husband/spouse?
I do.
Please place the ring on her/his 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 take you, _____, to be my wife/husband, knowing in my heart that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.
I take you, ______, 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.
We will now Bless this marriage with Prayer. (choose any wedding prayer)
"God in heaven above please protect the ones we love.
We honor all you created as these two pledge their hearts and lives together.
We honor mother-earth - and ask for this marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons;
We honor fire - and ask that this union be warm and glowing with love in their hearts;
We honor wind - and ask they sail though life safe and calm as in our father's arms;
We honor 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."
_____ and _____, 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. With communication, understanding and forgiveness your relationship will grow and your marriage will be strong.
Now, by the authority given unto me as an Ordained Clergy, and by the laws of the State of Oregon, I pronouce you Husband and Wife / Married.
You may kiss!
Congratulations
BLENDED CEREMONY
We have gathered today in the love of friendship and family to celebrate the coming together of two lives. _____ and _____ stand before you here today as two, but they will leave as one -- united in marriage. As family and friends, each of you has played a part in bringing them to this moment; and in various ways, you will continue to support and contribute to their relationship. We solemnize this unique time in their lives and make it meaningful by entering into it with an attitude of respect for their deep commitment to each other.
_____ and _____ , you realize that in a greater sense no other person can truly marry you. Only you can marry yourselves. By your commitment to love each other, to work with all your hearts toward creating an atmosphere of care and respect, and by your willingness to face together the fears and uncertainty that underlie human life, you marry yourselves more surely than any document we will put our signatures on today. Your love for one another and your willingness to accept each other’s strengths and frailties with understanding and consideration will cement the foundation for a life together that will last.
Today you commit yourselves to honoring and protecting one another above your separate selves, and to valuing your union above your own interests. In so doing, you will find a wealth of love and peace not otherwise attainable. But with this joy comes a profound responsibility to protect the bond you share. For it is only with continual care that your love is truly secure in the face of life's inevitable tests.
You must regard each other with the deepest respect. You must appreciate each other's talents, foster each other's dreams, and be ever mindful of the many gifts the other offers you. You must inspire and encourage one another. For by strengthening your partner, you strengthen your marriage. Bring out the very best in each other. Be sparing in criticism and generous in praise for things well done.
In communication, be honest and open. For the heart that communicates truth without hesitation earns trust and builds a secure home. Without truth there is no respect, and without respect there is no love. A lifelong love requires a lifetime of hard work, but it is a joyous labor whose fruits are the very richest.
A vast, unknown future stretches out before you. That future, with its hopes and disappointments, its joys and its sorrows, is hidden from your eyes. But it is a great tribute to your belief in each other that you are willing to face those uncertainties together. May the pure, simple love with which you join hearts and hands today never fail, but grow deeper with every year you spend together.
Will the parents of _____ and ______please stand?
Who presents ______ to be married to _______?
[Parents of _____] We do.
Who presents ______ to be married to ______?
[Parents of _______] We do.
Thank you, you may be seated.
If it is your desire to be united in marriage, ____ and _____will you signify that fact by joining hands?
_____, do you take _____ to be your wife/husband/partner? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her/him, forsaking all others and holding only unto her/him?"
I do.
_____, do you take ______ to be your husband/wife/partner? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him/her, forsaking all others and holding only unto him/her?"
I do.
_____, please repeat this vow to _____, saying after me:
I, take you _____ to be my wife/husband/spouse. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health , I promise to love and cherish you.
_____, please repeat this vow to _____, saying after me:
I, take you _____ to be my wife/husband/spouse. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health , I promise to love and cherish you.
Traditionally, the marking of the passage to marriage 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.
______, as you place this ring on _____’s finger please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love...., and with all that I am, and all that I have,.... I honor you."
______, as you place this ring on ______’s finger please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love.... and with all that I am, and all that I have,..... I honor you."
______ and ______, as the two of you come into this marriage united as one, and as you affirm this day, your love for one another, always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together - as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other.
To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take Trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other. It will take Dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together. It will take Faith, to go forward together without knowing exactly what the future will bring. And it will take Commitment, to hold true to the journey you both pledge to share together.
The apostle Paul wrote of love, in a letter to the Corinthians:
“Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love 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 with the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always perseveres. Love never fails. Of all things love is the greatest.”
Family Unity Sand
To _____ and ______and Children, this wedding is a celebration of family. They have chosen to signify their union as a family with a sand ceremony. I will pour the first colored sand representing the foundation of their marriage based on their faith in God and the support of family and friends.
______will pour a 2nd colored sand. Representing his commitment to support and protect this family for years to come.
_________ has sand in 3rd color. Representing her promise to nurture and love this family.
And Child has sand the color of 4th color, because she/he is the brightness in their lives and will grow up in a loving home.
(proceed to pour sand. Music optional)
And now that you have shared with each other words of love and commitment, and we have witnessed the expression of your love as you have given each other these rings, and you have joined your hearts and hands before your family and friends, unto my authority as an ordained clergy and the laws of Oregon, it is with great joy that I pronounce you husband and wife / married.
You may share your first kiss!
Elopement 1 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.
___________________, do you take ________________ to be your Wife/Husband/Partner? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her/him, forsaking all others and holding only unto her/him? ("I do")
_____________________ , do you take __________________ to be your Husband/wife/partner? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him/her, forsaking all others and holding only unto him/her? ("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 take you, (Name), to be my wife/husband/spouse, knowing in my heart that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.
I take you, (Name), to be my husband/wife/spouse, 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 anordained clergy and by the laws of this state; I now pronounce that you are husband and wife / Married! You may kiss!
Congratulations
ELOPEMENT 2 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.
___________________, do you take ________________ to be your Wife / Husband? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her/him, forsaking all others and holding only unto her/him? ("I do")
_____________________ , do you take __________________ to be your Husband/wife? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him/her, forsaking all others and holding only unto him/her? ("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)
I _____________, take thee, ________________ to be my Wife / 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.)
I _________________ , take thee _______________, to be my husband 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.)
____________________________ 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 an ordained clergy and by the laws of this state; I now pronounce that you are husband and wife / Married! You may kiss!
Congratulations
SPIRITUAL CEREMONY
Processional
All Rise
Presenting
Today brings two families together in marriage. Who presents _____’s hand in marriage with their full blessing today? (Father / Escort answers)
Please be seated.
Welcome
We are gathered here together, as family, friends and also witnesses to _____ and ______’s marriage vows. We are their support in keeping those vows. In a way, we are married together with them.
Please, each of you here, breathe deeply and put your hearts full attention to this ceremony and the taking of the marriage vows, and look and listen with your whole being. In this way you can continue to fulfill your friendship and express your gratitude to _____ and _____ by making this ceremony sacred with the gift of your knowledge, attention and intention.
It is truly a great and joyous occasion when two people choose each other wholeheartedly; accepting both the fullness and the limitation of each other. This benefit extends to everyone, not only themselves and those who are here today, but also to everyone they touch as they move forward together.
Nothing happens without cause. An old saying goes, “even the chance brushing of one’s sleeve against a stranger’s sleeve on a ferry, may be the cause of their future encounters.” The union of _____ and _____ is not accidental. Indeed, due to the law of karma, the unfolding of the truth of interdependence, it is the inevitable consequences of all of the actions of their lives. They, from their very beginning, have been coming together to this sacred moment.
Therefore, this union must never be broken or dissolved, especially now that it is going to be formally declared with the purity of all of our minds, the action from all of our hearts, and witnessed before all beings known and unknown.
Sake-Sharing Ceremony (optional)
Today we will include a cultural sake-sharing tradition at this wedding. This ritual dates back to a time when sharing sake created a formal bond as strongly as a handshake did in Victorian times. Using three flat sake cups stacked atop one another, the couple will take three sips each from the cups, cementing the bond between them.
Declaration of Intent
Marriage is a symbol of the commitment, to create a lifelong partnership, based on love.
Before taking of yourselves these vows, remember that it is the duty of each of you to support and cherish the other, to be faithful, to comfort in sickness or sorrow. It is your duty to love and help each other, to be patient and gentle in manner.
________, Will you take this man/woman to be your lawful wedded spouse and remain faithful to him/her always? (reply: I will.)
_____, Will you take this woman/man to be your lawful wedded spouse and remain faithful to her/him always? (reply: I will.)
Will you both undertake to sustain one another in sickness or in health, in happiness or in sorrow, and cherish one another at all times? (They reply: We will.)
Exchange of Vows
Having stated your intentions to each other and before your family and friends, I would now ask that you speak your personal vows and promises to each other.
__________:
__________:
Ring Exchange
The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in partnership. Please present the rings to be exchanged.
Each of you takes a ring that you may place it on the finger of the other in token of your marriage, and may its circle remind you both of those things that are eternal.
_____, please repeat after me.
I give this ring as a token that I shall love you; in all times, in all places, and in all ways forever.
______, please repeat after me.
I give this ring as a token that I shall love you; in all times, in all places, and in all ways forever.
Prayer of Blessing (personal spoken prayer or choose from this site.)
By Officiant or Guest
Unity Candle
A sacred marriage comes about when two souls are guided through their love for each other, to join their hearts, minds, bodies and daily lives together into a new entity that is greater than either individual alone. A sacred marriage bond creates a synergy and a blessing that radiates outward to the world, and that can be seen and felt tangibly as the presence of light and love.
Today, that is represented through the lighting of the Unity Candle. "From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls are destined for each other and find each other, their streams of light flow together and a single brighter light goes forth from their united being."
(Light Unity candle)
Pronouncement
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.
Today you promise to dedicate yourselves completely to each other, with body, speech and mind.
In this life, in every situation, in wealth or poverty, in health or sickness, in happiness or difficulty, you will work to help each other perfectly.
Now by the authority given unto me as an ordained clergy and by the laws of Oregon, I pronounce you Husband and Wife / Married!
You may seal your promises with a kiss.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, _________________________!
Recessional
Radiant Touch Weddings ...ceremony styles
The words spoken at your wedding ceremony express your beliefs, feelings and personality. Many couples are most comfortable choosing from Traditional, Contemporary or Spiritual ceremony selections. Some couples mix and match portions of each that they like best. Some prefer their ceremony be totally unique and non-traditional in every way. Which ever way you choose to go, it should be YOUR choice, not what someone else thinks you should do. Below are a variety of generic ceremony styles. Click on any link to view A ceremony. Your ceremony will be uniquely written for you.
Oregon & SW Washington
971-570-5121 email me
