Presentation of the Bride
Who accompanies this woman as she prepares to marry this man?
Father answers: Her mother and I do.
Welcome to family and friends:
We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to cherish the words that will unite Groom and Bride in marriage.
Opening
Groom and Bride, in the days ahead of you, there will be times of conflict and times of joy. Harmony will be your reward if you remember this marriage advice:
Let your love be stronger than your anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.
Look for the best in your beloved rather than the worst.
Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.
Give your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends. Say "I love you" every day.
Vows:
Groom and Bride, if it is your intention to share with each other your joys and sorrows and all that the years will bring, with your promises, bind yourselves to each other as husband and wife.
Do you Groom, take Bride to be your beloved wife? Do you promise to be a tender, faithful husband? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, from this day forward? If so, say, "I do."
Do you Bride, take Groom to be your beloved husband? Do you promise to be a tender, faithful wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, from this day forward? If so, say, "I do."
Exchange of Rings
Groom and Bride have chosen rings as outward symbols of the commitment they make today. From earliest times, the ring has been a symbol of wedded love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment to love that is also never ending.
Groom, place the ring on Bride's finger and say to her these words: This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my desire that you be my wife from this day forward.
Bride, place the ring on Groom's finger and say to him these words: This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my desire that you be my husband from this day forward.
Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.
Unity Candle (Optional)
This candle you are about to light is a candle of Marriage. Its fire is magical because it represents the light of two people in love. This candle before you is a candle of Commitment because it takes two people working together to keep it aflame. This candle is also a candle of Unity because both must come together, giving a spark of themselves, to create the new light. As you light this candle today, may the brightness of the flame shine throughout your lives. May it give you courage and reassurance in darkness, warmth and safety in the cold, and strength and joy in your bodies, minds, and spirits. May your union be forever blessed.
Blessing/Closing:
May the sun bring you new energy by day.
May the moon softly restore you by night.
May the rain wash away your worries.
And may you live the days of your lives in peace, love, and happiness.
Groom and Bride, having witnessed your vows for marriage with all who are assembled here, and by the authority vested in me , I announce with great joy that you are husband and wife.
You may seal your vows with a kiss.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the first time as husband and wife: Groom and Bride!
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