Below are two ceremonies that have recently been received favorably by couples and guests. Each ceremony can be modified by adding passages, deleting passages or substituting other passages. The first ceremony is a little more formal than the second example, but each might provide some ideas that are useful in creating your ceremony. Of course, you may want to "personalize" the ceremonies by substituinge the bride's name where the ceremony says "bride" and the groom's name where you see "groom."

 

 Ceremony Example 1

 

 

Ceremony:

Prayer:

 Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing us with this wonderful day.  You graciously give to us the longing for love and the capability of loving, and we give you thanks for Bride and Groom, for their beautiful hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here today.  Be with them on this joyous occasion of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we might all be inspired by the blessings shared today. Amen

Welcome:

Good evening.   It is truly a blessing from heaven for two people to find one another and to love so deeply that they embrace the holy bond of marriage. That is why we are here today, to witness and celebrate Bride and Groom’s commitment to their union. On behalf of Groom and Bride, I welcome you .

 Who gives this bride’s hand in marriage?  Escort replies, sits down ).

Bride and Groom, Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life.  

Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger…and  even anger is felt more strongly, but passes away more quickly.

  Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life itself.

  When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto 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….. and the potential of marriage requires a lifetime to fulfill.

Groom and Bride, please look into each other’s eyes as you make your vows of marriage.

Groom, please repeat after me…./

Bride, With all my heart /

I take you to be my wife/

I will love you through the good and the bad/

through the joy and the sorrow/

I will try to be understanding/

and to trust in you completely/

I will make you a part of me/

and in turn, become a part of you/

Together we will face life's experiences/

and share our dreams and goals/

  We will be equal partners/

In a loving, honest relationship/

throughout all the years to come.                     

Bride, Please repeat your vows after me:

(Bride repeats vows above)

Ring  Exchange: Marriage Officiant:

Bride and Groom, nothing is easier than saying words.  And nothing is more difficult than living those words, day after day.  What you promise today must be renewed and practiced again tomorrow, the tomorrow after that, and all the tomorrows after that.

Wedding rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love.  May they be a daily reminder of your vows to each other and your resolve to live together in unity, love, and happiness.

Officiant:
Bride and Groom, as a symbol of your love and respect for each other, do you now wish to exchange rings?  (Respond “We do” or “I do” together

May I Please have the rings?

 

 

God, Bless these rings and the two who exchange them. Fill them with your Holy Presence. Keep them safe in the circle of your protection and love..Amen……

Groom, please give your ring to Bride by placing the ring on Bride’s hand with the words……..

"With this ring I thee wed" 

 

Bride, please give your ring to Groom by placing the ring on Groom’s hand with the words….. 

"With this ring I thee wed."

Wear these rings as the enclosing bond of reverence and trust. Fulfill the circle of love that now makes you one.

 

 

 

 For centuries, the wedding ceremony has been described as  “Taking one’s hand in marriage.” What is the meaning of that phrase?  How did it originate?  Bride and Groom, please look at the hands holding yours 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 alongside yours as you chase down your dreams and build your future. 

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 help you hold your family as one. 

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

  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.

 

 Yes, These are the hands, that today, you take in marriage

 

Unity Candle:  

 At this time, Groom and Bride will commemorate their wedding day by lighting a Unity Candle.

Light is the essence of our existence. Each one of us possesses an inner glow that represents our hopes, our dreams and aspirations in life. That inner glow in each of us is represented by the divine source candle burning before you. 

Groom and Bride, the two tall candles represent your lives before this day, individual, unique and special. Please take the candle symbolizing your life before today and light it with the fire of the divine source candle., and then, together,  light the large center unity candle to symbolize the union of your individual lives. (Place the tapers back into their holders—join hands and remain near the candles) 

   As this new flame burns undivided, so shall your lives now be one. From now on your thoughts will always be for each other rather than just your individual selves. Your plans will be mutual, your joys and sorrows both will be shared alike.

Although you are now entering into a marriage relationship, you do not, however,  lose your personal identity.

Rather, you will use your special individuality to create and strengthen the relationship of marriage. Therefore all  candles remain glowing. The individual candles represent all that makes each of you the wonderful and unique person the other admires and respects. The large Unity candle in the center symbolizes the union of your lives, families, and friends, as well as your shining commitment to each other, and to a lasting and loving marriage. (Walk back to wedding officiant)

  Prayer of Blessing :

Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for this joyous day and for the many miracles and blessing you have bestowed upon us. Thank you for Your Light that has entered Bride and Groom’s lives.  Please bless this ceremony and help Bride and Groom find the perfect place in this world for their love to flourish. Let the radiant light of their love shine on all those around them. We ask that you Bless all their future creations, and provide them with the inner gifts of trust, compassion, forgiveness and truth.. that they may live and grow together in love and peace.  Amen 

Pronouncement by officiant:

Bride and Groom, you have consented together to be bound to one another in lawful marriage. You have made special promises to each other which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, the taking of vows,  the giving and receiving of rings, and by lighting a Unity candle.

By the authority vested in me, according to the laws of the State of New Jersey, it is my great pleasure and  privilege to now pronounce you husband and wife. 

 "Groom, You may kiss your beautiful  bride.” 

 

 

 Informal Ceremony Example

   The ceremony below is less formal, but has "room" for the addition of readings or a Unity candle, Rose Exchange or other ceremony. It can be modified to your ddesires with some simple additions or changes.

 

Welcome

Good evening. It is truly a blessing for two people to find one another and to love so deeply that they embrace the bond of marriage.  That is why we are here today, to witness and celebrate Bride and Groom’s commitment to their union.  On behalf of Bride and Groom, I welcome  you .    Please be seated.


Groom and Bride, We are privileged to share today's happy occasion with you. We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you both every happiness in your future life together as husband and wife. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty, marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience and respect, the love and affection that you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship.
 

We who are witnessing your marriage, hope that, despite the stresses inevitable in any life, your Love, Respect, trust, and understanding of each other will increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living.

Who gives this bride’s hand in marriage? (Father answers “I do. Groom then walks out to shake hands with Bride’s dad…dad gives Bride kiss on cheek, joins Bride’s right hand and Groom’s lef thand—couple walk up to officiant, father sits down))

 (Bride and Groom face each other and hold hands throughout ceremony)

Bride and Groom, Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life.   Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly, but passes away more quickly.   

  Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life itself.

  When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto 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…..

and the potential of marriage requires a lifetime to fulfill.

 

 

Before you, and Bride and Groom,  are joined in marriage in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the serious and binding nature of the relationship you are now about to enter. Bride and Groom, if you now wish to make your marriage vows, please answer, I do.  


 Exchange of Vows

Please look into each other’s eyes as you repeat your vows.
Groom, please repeat your vows after me: 

I, Groom, take you Bride,/

to be my lawfully wedded wife./

\I promise to love, cherish and honor you

/in sickness and in health/

for richer for poorer/

for better for worse/

and forsaking all others/

keep myself only unto you/

for so long as we both shall live.

 

Bride, please repeat your vows after me:

I, Bride, take you Groom/

to be my lawfully wedded husband./

I promise to love, cherish and honor you/

in sickness and in health/

for richer for poorer/

for better for worse/

and forsaking all others/

keep myself only unto you/

for so long as we both shall live.

 

 THE HAND CEREMONY

(Bride and groom continue holding each other’s hands )

  For centuries, the wedding ceremony has been described as  “Taking one’s hand in marriage.” What is the meaning of that phrase?  How did it originate?  Bride and Groom, please look at the hands holding yours 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 alongside yours as you chase down your dreams and build your future. 

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; sometimes tears of sorrow and tears, but much more often tears of joy. 

These are the hands that will help you hold your family as one. 

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

  These are the hands that, even many years from now when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

   Yes, These are the hands, that today, you take in marriage

 

Ring Exchange

Bride and Groom, nothing is easier than saying words.  And nothing is more difficult than living those words, day after day.  What you promise today must be renewed and practiced again tomorrow, the tomorrow after that, and all the tomorrows after that. Wedding rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love.  May they be a daily reminder of your vows to each other and your resolve to live together in unity, love, and happiness.
 Bride  and Groom, as a symbol of your love and respect for each other, do you now wish to exchange rings?  "We do"

May we please have the ring for Groom?


Groom, please give your ring to Bride by placing the ring on Bride’s hand with the words……..
"With this ring I pledge my love and commitment."
 
Bride, please give your ring to Groom by placing the ring on Groom’s hand with the words…..
"With this ring I pledge my love and commitment."

 

At this time, we ask a blessing upon the marriage of Bride and Groom.

May they be blessed with the guidance, strength and direction to make their relationship grow and blossom in the years ahead. May their home be blessed with joy and happiness, and may they strive together to make their hopes and dreams come true.

Most of all, we ask that they be blessed by the love and support of family and friends as they begin life together as husband and wife.

And, from this day forth, may their worries be few, may their joys be many, and may their love grow more abundantly with each passing day. Amen.


Pronouncement by officiant

Bride and Groom, you have consented together to be bound to one another in lawful marriage. You have made special promises to each other which have been symbolized by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by the giving and receiving of rings. By the authority vested in me, according to the laws of New Jersey, it is my pleasure and privilege to now pronounce you husband and wife.  

Kiss
"
Groom, you may now kiss your  beautiful bride.

 

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