In the eyes of God and each other, we are 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.
Groom and Bride, in the days ahead of you, there will be times of difficulty and conflict. When you find yourselves in these situations, I ask you to reflect on 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 of 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.
Let us pray…
Divine Creator of all of this wonder, we pray that your love and your joy may flow through us and around us at this time. Shine your light upon Groom and Bride so that they may give wholly to one another in total joy. Nourish their minds with your wisdom. Enrich their hearts with your love. Feed their souls with your peace. Bless their marriage with your presence. Give them courage and inspiration to honor the vows they make here today. May all who gather here as witnesses support and encourage their union and be blessed and uplifted as we celebrate with them. Amen…
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.
With this understanding, do you Groom, choose 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."
With this understanding, do you Bride, choose 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."
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. We ask that God bless these rings and this union of souls.
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.
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. Would you both now light the candle?
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.
In the moment of silence that follows, I ask each of you in your own way, to confer a silent prayer, blessing, wish, or hope upon this marriage.
To be loved is to know joy and happiness. To give love is to know the joy of sharing oneself; for it is through the miracle of love that we discover the fullness of life. May God always be with you, protect you, and guide you both, now and forever.
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!
