Wedding Cerimonies Guidelines

8/9/2019 Wedding Cerimonies Guidelines

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Following are samples of the various ceremony components to help couples construct a

wedding scriptThe following are just examples, and couples should not feel limited by what they see

here.*

Your Day, Your Way

Moments and Milestones

Processional ± traditional:

The officiant, groom, and best man enter through a side door and wait at the altar. The

groomsmen and bridesmaids walk down the aisle in pairs, starting with the two whowill stand farthest from the bride and groom, and ending with the maid of honor. Then

the ring bearer and/or flower girl, and finally the bride and her father (or other closefamily member). The bride walks on the left side. If the bride's escort is her father, he

leads her to the front of the aisle, then takes his seat next to the bride's mother. A popular option is to have the bride¶s escort stand for a moment as the officiant asks

"Who gives this woman in marriage?" to which he responds "I do," or "Her mother andI do.". One variation of the ceremony has the officiant and groom enter from the side (or

even down the aisle), and the best man escort the maid of honor down the aisle. Another variation has the officiant enter from the side and the Groom walk down the aisle first in

the procession. A less common variation uses two aisles, with bridesmaids entering

from the left and groomsmen from the right.

While the pattern of traditional processionals is somewhat culturally standard, the brideand groom can alter sequence and/or design of the processional to fit their preferences.

*

Opening:

Dear friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union

of ________________ and _____________________ in marriage. In the years they

have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured,

and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.

To all present I say: We are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be,

but rather what already is! We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We canand do, however, celebrate with [Bride] and [Groom] the wondrous and joyful

occurrence that has already taken place in their lives.

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and

celebrate the joining of ____________________________ and

_______________________________ in marriage. With love and commitment, they

have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.

*



We are here today to join [Bride] and [Groom] in a life of mutual commitment. It is

fitting and appropriate that you, the family and friends of [Bride] and [Groom], be hereto witness and to participate in their union. For the ideals, the understanding, and the

mutual respect which they bring to their life together had their roots in the love andfriendship and guidance you have given them. The union of two people makes us aware

of the changes wrought by time. But the new relationship will continue to draw much of

its beauty and meaning from the intimate associations of their past.

Reading:

A reading usually highlights the importance of marriage. The reading can include a

definitional statement, quotes from literature, poetry, or something personal from the

couple being married. Below are some of the more popular readings used:

True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons; it is the unionof two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives

on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk thingsover, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to

share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you be blessed with alifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.

³Marriage is a vital social institution. The exclusive commitment of two individuals to

each other nurtures love and mutual support; it brings stability to our society. For those

who choose to marry, and for their children, marriage provides an abundance of social benefits, as well as obligations, a "social institution of the highest importance."

³Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have

desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings itsmelody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your

own understanding of love; And to bleed willingly and joyfully. To wake at dawn witha winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving; To rest at the noon hour and

meditate love's ecstasy; To return home at eventide with gratitude; And then to sleepwith a vision of the beloved in your heart and a song of love on your lips. ³

(To [Bride] and [Groom]:) Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind

yourselves often of what brought you together. Take responsibility for making the other

feel safe, and give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that

your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship,

as they threaten all relationships at some time or another, remember to focus on what is

right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. In this way, you can survive the

times when clouds drift across the face of the sun in your lives, remembering that, just

because you may lose sight of it for a moment, does not mean the sun has gone away.And, if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be

marked by abundance and delight.

May you always need one another, not to fill an emptiness, but to help each other know

your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one

another, but not encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with each

other, and not fail in the little graces. May you have happiness, and may you find it in



making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one

another.

No other human ties are more tender and no other vows more important than those youare about to take. Both of you come to this day with the deep realization that the

contract of marriage is sacred as are all of its obligations and responsibilities

´Ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Two people who

love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and

deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take«It is indeed a fearful

gamble«Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which

has to be created, so that, together we become a new creature. ³

³When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way,

from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yetthis is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the ebb and flow of

life, of love, of relationships. We leap at the flow of the tide and resist in terror its ebb.We are afraid it will never return. We insist on permanency, on duration, on continuity;

when the only continuity possible, in life as in love, is in growth, in fluidity - infreedom, in the sense that the dancers are free, barely touching as they pass, but partners

in the same pattern. ³

Apache Blessing:

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you willfeel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no

loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey

ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and your daystogether be good and long upon the earth. ´The only real security is not in owning or

possessing, not in demanding or expecting, not in hoping, even. Security in arelationship lies neither in looking back to what was in nostalgia, nor forward to what it

might be in dread or anticipation, but living in the present relationship and accepting it

as it is now. Relationships must be like islands, one must accept them for what they are

here and now, within their limits - islands, surrounded and interrupted by the sea, and

continually visited and abandoned by the tides.´

(To [Bride] and [Groom]:) Now, take a moment to forget all the stress of planning this

day and simply enjoy your friends and family who gathered to spend this day with you.

This group of loved ones will, likely, never be together in the same place again. Take a

moment now to think about how each person has touched your life and why they are

here with you today.

The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran:

You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together

when the white wings of death scatter your days. But let there be spaces in your

togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another, but make not a bond of your love; let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of

your soul. Fill each others' cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let

each one of you be alone. Even as the strings of a lute are alone, though they quiver



with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the

hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together yet not too near together: for the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each

other's shadow.

³________ and ________, today you choose each other before your family and friends,

to begin your life together. For all the tomorrows that follow, you will choose eachother over and again, in the privacy of your hearts. Let your love and friendship guideyou, as you learn and grow together. Experience the wonders of the world, even as

patience and wisdom calm the restless nature. Through your partnership, triumph over

the challenges in your path. Through the comfort of loving arms, may you always find asafe place to call home.´

*

Vows:

Vows may run from traditional to customized. Below are examples of some common

vows. Feel free to add your own embellishments, loving words, funny promises (I promise to take the trash out!) and inside jokes.

There are 3 formats or "styles" for vows (and also ring exchanges):

1. Echo - Officiant says "Please repeat after me", then reads the vow one line at a time,

with participant repeating each line, one line at a time, until the vow is complete.

2. I Do - Officiant begins with "Do you", then reads the entire vow, followed by the participant's response of "I do"

3. Recital - a more personal vow, spoken from memory while looking directly into the partner's eyes, and without prompt by officiant. This format can be tricky, especially if

the vows are long and complex. A written text (cheat sheet) tucked in a sleeve for backup is a good idea for this option.

I take you to be my spouse, in equal love, as a mirror for my true self, as a partner on

my path, to honor and to cherish, in sorrow and in joy, till death do us part.

I take you as my wedded [wife/husband], to share my life with you, and pledge that Iwill love, honor, and care for you in tenderness and affection in all the varying

circumstances of our lives.

I acknowledge my love and respect for you and invite you to share my life as I hope to

share yours. I promise always to recognize you as an equal individual and always to beconscious of your development as well as my own. I shall seek through kindness and

understanding to achieve with you the life we have envisioned.

I will always be there for you, shelter and hold your love as the most precious gift in mylife. I will be truthful and honor you. I will care for you always and stand by you in

times of sorrow and joy.

I, [Name], promise you, [Name], that I will be your [wife/husband] from this dayforward, to be faithful and honest in every way, to honor the faith and trust you place in

me, to love and respect you in your successes and in your failures, to make you laugh

and to be there when you cry, to care for you in sickness and in health, to softly kiss you



when you are hurting, and to be your companion and your friend, on this journey that

we make together.

³I, (Bride/Groom), take you (Groom/Bride), to be my (wife/husband), to have and tohold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and

in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part. ³

³I, (name), take you, (name), to be my [opt: lawfully wedded] (husband/wife), my

constant friend, my faithful partner and my love from this day forward.´

I pledge to you endless strength that you can count on when you are weak. I'll be your

music when you can't hear, your sunshine when you can't see, or your perfume when

you can't smell. You'll never need to look further than me. I'll be your days and nightswhen you need them filled, your spark of life in the darkness, your hope when you're

down and out.

³In the presence of our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your

faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as

in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as

we both shall live.´

³I (name), take you (name) to be my (husband/wife), my partner in life and my one true

love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before. I

will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully

through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. I giveyou my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall

live.´

³I, [name], choose you [name] to be my [husband/wife], to respect you in your successes and in your failures, to care for you in sickness and in health, to nurture you,

and to grow with you throughout the seasons of life.´

³I, (name), take you, (name), to be my partner, loving what I know of you, and trusting

what I do not yet know. I eagerly anticipate the chance to grow together, getting to

know the (man/woman) you will become, and falling in love a little more every day. I

promise to love and cherish you through whatever life may bring us.´

*

Exchange of rings:

First quesion is how many rings? The next question is who will be speaking during the

ring exchange? First option is for the one placing the ring to speak their line as they

place the ring on the other's finger. In a one ring ceremony, the groom speaks the line

while placing the ring on the bride's finger. In the two ring ceremony, this is followed

by the bride speaking the line while placing the ring on the groom's finger. Some

couples like to give a response to receiving the ring, so examples of those are also

provided. Second option is for the officiant to read a meaningful quote, such as the

importance and/or history of the golden band, as the rings are exchanged



"I (name) give you (name) this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to

you."

³With this ring, I thee wed.´

³With this ring, I thee wed, and with it, I bestow upon thee all the treasures of my mind,

heart, and hands."

³I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness. As I place it on your

finger, I commit my heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of

the vows we have spoken today, our wedding day.´

³This ring is a token of my love. I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all

that I am´

³I give you this ring as a visible and constant symbol of my promise to be with you as

long as I live.´

³I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I amalways by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you.´

³I have for you a golden ring. The most precious metal symbolizes that your love is the

most precious element in my life. The ring has no beginning and no ending, whichsymbolizes that the love between us will never cease. I place it on your finger as a

visible sign of the vows which have made us husband and wife.´

³(Name), I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it

remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love. ³

Response (optional):

´I will forever wear this ring as a sign of my commitment and the desire of my heart´

³I will wear it gladly. Whenever I look at it, I will remember this joyous day and the

vows and commitments that we have made. ³

(Officiant, as rings are exchanged)Wedding rings are made precious by our wearing them. Your rings say that even in your

uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rings also be a sign thatlove has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its

occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight. May these rings

remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.

You have for each other a golden ring. This most precious of metals symbolizes that

love is the most precious element in your life together. The ring has no beginning and

no ending, which symbolizes that the love between you will never cease. You place

these rings upon each others fingers as a visible sign of the vows which, this day, have

made you husband and wife.

*



Salt Ceremony: Indian weddings often include a salt ceremony, where the bride passes a

handful of salt to her groom without spilling any. He then passes it back to her and theexchange is repeated three times. She then performs the salt exchange with all the

members of the groom's family, symbolizing her blending in with her new family.

Breaking Bread Ceremony: The bride and groom tear off pieces of bread, and then each

eat a piece. Sometimes the bread is also shared with family and friends. It symbolizestheir future as a family together.

Garland Ceremony or Lei Ceremony: The bride and groom exchange garlands of

flowers. This is a common part of Indian weddings, where the ceremony is called

varmala or jaimala, and represents a proposal by the bride and acceptance by the groom.

It also represents their new unity, blessed by nature. In Hawaiian weddings, the brideand groom typically exchange leis. The families may also exchange leis with the couple.

Leis represent the love and respect you have for the person you are giving it to, and theunity of the new family.

Circling: In Eastern European ceremonies, the bride and groom circle the altar three

times, which are their first steps together as husband and wife. In Hindu ceremonies,couples circle the fire seven times, sealing their bond. The unbroken circle represents

the unbroken commitment to each other.

Poetry, special music, photos, videos, audience participation rites, etc., can also be

tastefully added to a ceremony for that personal touch.



he Wedding Ceremony

To gain a deeper understanding of your Christian wedding ceremony and to make your

special day even more meaningful, you may want to spend some time learning the

biblical significance of today's Christian wedding traditions.

Processional

y Seating of the Parents Having the support and involvement of parents and grandparents in the

ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple and also expresses honor to the previous generations of marriage unions.

The processional music begins with the seating of the honored guests:

o Seating of the Groom's grandmother

o Seating of the Bride's grandmother

o Seating of the Groom's parents

o Seating of the Bride's mother

y Bridal Processional Begins

o Minister and Groom enter usually from stage right. If the Groomsmenare not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the altar, they also

enter together with the Minister and Groom.o Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If the

Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together.o Maid or Matron of Honor enters. If she is being escorted by the Best

Man, they enter together.o Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.

y Wedding March Begins The Bride and her father enter. Typically the Bride's mother will stand as a

signal for all of the guests to stand. Sometimes the Minister will announce, "All

rise for the Bride."

Samples of Different Types of Wedding Processionals

Opening Remarks - "The Call to Worship"

y Samples of the Call to Worship

The Opening Prayer

y Samples of the Opening Prayer

y More Wedding Prayers

Congregation is Seated



At this time the congregation is typically asked to be seated.

Giving Away of the Bride

y Samples of the Giving Away of the Bride

Worship Song, Hymn or Solo

At this time the wedding party typically moves to the stage or platform and the

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer are seated with their parents.

The Charge to Bride and Groom

y Samples of The Charge

The Pledge

y Samples of The Pledge

Wedding Vows

At this moment in the wedding ceremony the Bride and Groom face one

another.

y Samples of Wedding Vows

Exchanging of the Rings

y Sample Exchanging of the Rings

Lighting of the Unity Candle

y Sample Lighting of the Unity Candle

The Pronouncement

y Samples of the Pronouncement

Communion

Many times couples will incorporate Communion into the wedding ceremony,making Communion their very first act as a married couple.

y More information about Communion

The Closing Prayer

y Samples of the Closing Prayer

y More Wedding Prayers



The Kiss

Minister: ____, you may now kiss your Bride.

Presentation of the Couple

Minister: It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. andMrs. ____.

Recessional

The wedding party exits the platform, typically in the following order:

o Bride and Groom

o Maid or Matron of Honor and Best Man

o Bridesmaids and Groomsmen

o Flower Girl and Ring Bearer

o The Ushers return for the honored guests who are escorted out in reverseorder of their entrance.

o Ushers may then dismiss the remaining guests, either all at once, or one

row at a time.

ample Call to Worship #1



We are gathered here in the sight of God and these witnesses to unite ___ and ___ in

holy matrimony. As followers of Jesus Christ, they believe that God created marriage.In Genesis it says, "It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for

him."

___ and ___, as you prepare to take these vows, give careful thought and prayer, for as

you make them you are making an exclusive commitment one to the other for as long asyou both shall live. Your love for each other should never be diminished by difficultcircumstances, and it is to endure until death parts you.

As God's children, your marriage is strengthened by your obedience to your Heavenly

Father and His Word. As you let God be in control of your marriage, He will cause your

home to be a place of joy and a testimony to the world.

Sample Call to Worship #2

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of these

witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an

honorable estate, instituted of God. It is therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly,

but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons

come now to be joined.


Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the presence of God, to join this man and this

woman in holy marriage, which is instituted by God, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ,and to be held in honor among all men. Let us therefore reverently remember that God

has established and sanctified marriage, for the welfare and happiness of mankind.

Our Savior has instructed that a man shall forsake his father and mother and cleave tohis wife. By his apostles, he has instructed those who enter into this relation to cherish a

mutual esteem and love, to bear with each other's infirmities and weaknesses; tocomfort each other in sickness, trouble, and sorrow; in honesty and industry to provide

for each other and for their household in temporal things; to pray for and encourage

each other in the things which pertain to God; and to live together as heirs of the grace

of life.


Dear friends and family, with great affection for ___ and ___ we have gathered together

to witness and bless their union in marriage. To this sacred moment they bring the

fullness of their hearts as a treasure and a gift from God to share with one another. They

bring the dreams which bind them together in an eternal commitment. They bring their

gifts and talents, their unique personalities and spirits, which God will unite together

into one being as they build their life together. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to

the Lord for creating this union of hearts, built on friendship, respect and love.



ample Opening Prayer #1

Our Father, love has been Your richest and greatest gift to the world. Love between a

man and woman which matures into marriage is one of Your most beautiful types of

loves. Today we celebrate that love. May your blessing be on this wedding service.

Protect, guide, and bless ___ and ___ in their marriage. Surround them and us with

Your love now and always. Amen.

Sample Opening Prayer #2

Heavenly Father, ___ and ___ are now about to vow their unending loyalty to each

other. We ask you to accept the shared treasure of their life together, which they now

create and offer to You. Grant them everything they need, that they may increase in

their knowledge of You throughout their life together. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Sample Opening Prayer #3

God, for the joy of this occasion we thank you. For the significance of this wedding daywe thank you. For this important moment in an ever growing relationship we thank you.

For your presence here and now and for your presence at all times, we thank you. In

Christ's holy name. Amen.

Here are some of the most common examples of the Giving Away of the Bride. Youmay use them just as they are, or you may wish to modify them and create your own

together with the minister performing your ceremony.

Sample Giving Away of the Bride #1

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

(Choose one of these replies.) "I do" "Her mother and I do"

Or, in unison, "We do"


Who presents this woman and this man to be married to each other?

Both sets of parents answer in unison, "I do" or "We do."




Doubly blessed is the couple which comes to the marriage altar with the approval and

blessings of their families and friends. Who has the honor of presenting this woman to

be married to this man?

(Choose the appropriate reply of your preference.)

ere are four samples of The Charge. You may use them just as they are, or you maywish to modify them and create your own together with the minister performing your

ceremony.

Sample Charge #1

Let me charge you both to remember, that your future happiness is to be found in

mutual consideration, patience, kindness, confidence, and affection. ____(Groom), it is

your duty to love ____(Bride) as yourself, provide tender leadership, and protect her

from danger. ____(Bride), it is your duty to treat ____(Groom) with respect, support

him, and create a healthy, happy home. It is the duty of each of you to find the greatest

joy in the company of the other; to remember that in both interest and affection, you are

to be one and undivided.

Sample Charge #2

I charge you both, as you stand in God's presence, to remember that love and loyalty

alone will serve as the foundations of a happy and enduring home. If the solemn vowswhich you are about to make are kept permanently, and if you steadfastly seek to do the

will of your Heavenly Father, your life will be full of peace and joy, and the homewhich you are establishing will abide through every change.

Sample Charge #3

____ and ____, the covenant which you are about to make with each other is meant to

be a beautiful and sacred expression of your love for each other. As you pledge your vows to each other, and as you commit your lives to each other, we ask that you do so in

all seriousness, and yet with a deep sense of joy; with the deep conviction that you arecommitting yourselves to a dynamic growing relationship of trust, mutual support, and

caring love.



Sample Charge #4

Hand in Hand you enter marriage, hand in hand you step out in faith. The hand you

freely give to each other, is both the strongest and the most tender part of your body. In

the years ahead you will need both strength and tenderness. Be firm in your

commitment. Don't let your grip become weak. And yet, be flexible as you go through

change. Don't let your hold become intolerable. Strength and tenderness, firmcommitment and flexibility, of such is a marriage made, hand in hand:

Also remember that you don't walk this path alone. Don't be afraid to reach out to others

when together you face difficulty. Other hands are there: friends, family, and the

church. To accept an outreached hand is not an admission of failure, but an act of faith.For behind us, underneath us, around us all, are the outstretched arms of the Lord. It is

into his hand, the hands of God in Jesus Christ, that, above all else, we commit thisunion of husband and wife. Amen.

Here are samples of The Pledge. You may use them just as they are, or you may wish tomodify them and create your own together with the minister performing your ceremony.

Sample Pledge #1

____ and ____, you have made a very serious and important decision in choosing to

marry each other today. You are entering into a sacred covenant as life partners in God.

The quality of your marriage will reflect what you put into nurturing this relationship.You have the opportunity to go forward from this day to create a faithful, kind, andtender relationship. We bless you this day. It is up to you to keep the blessings flowing

each and every day of your lives together. We wish for you the wisdom, compassion,and constancy to create a peaceful sanctuary in which you can both grow in love.

____, do you understand and accept this responsibility, and do you promise to do your

very best each day to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage? Groom: Yes, I do.

____, do you understand and accept this responsibility, and do you promise to do your very best each day to create a loving, healthy, and happy marriage? Bride: Yes, I do.

Sample Pledge #2

____, will you have ____ to be your (wife/husband), to live together as friend and mate?

Will you love (her/him) as a person, respect (her/him) as an equal, sharing joy as well as

sorrow, triumph as well as defeat. And keep (her/him) beside you as long as you both

shall live?

Sample Pledge #3



____, do you take ____ to be your wedded (wife/husband), and in the presence of these

witnesses do you vow that you will do everything in your power to make your love for (her/him) a growing part of your life? Will you continue to strengthen it from day to day

and week to week with your best resources? Will you stand by (her/him) in sickness or in health, in poverty or in wealth, and will you shun all others and keep yourself to

(her/him) alone as long as you both shall live?

Sample Pledge #4

____, will you have ____ to be your wedded (wife/husband), to live together in the

covenant of faith, hope, and love according to the intention of God for your lives

together in Jesus Christ? Will you listen to (her/him) inmost thoughts, be considerate

and tender in your care of (her/him), and stand by (her/him) faithfully in sickness and in

health, and, preferring (her/him) above all others, accept full responsibility for (her/him)

every necessity for as long as you both shall live?

Here are sample wedding vows. You may use them just as they are, or you may wish to

modify them and create your own together with the minister performing your ceremony.

Sample Wedding Vows #1

In the name of Jesus, I ___ take you, ___, to be my (husband/wife), to have and to hold,from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in

health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.


I, ___, take you ___, to be my wedded (husband/wife), to have and to hold from this day

forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and

to cherish, 'til death do us part: according to God's holy ordinance, and thereto I pledgeyou my love and faithfulness.


I love you ___ as I love no other. All that I am I share with you. I take you to be my(husband/wife) through health and sickness, through plenty and want, through joy and

sorrow, now and forever.




I take you ___, to be my (husband/wife), loving you now and as you grow and develop

into all that God intends. I will love you when we are together and when we are apart;

when our lives are at peace and when they are in turmoil; when I am proud of you and

when I am disappointed in you; in times of rest and in times of work. I will honor your goals and dreams and help you to fulfill them. From the depth of my being, I will seek

to be open and honest with you. I say these things believing that God is in the midst of

them all.

ere are samples of the exchanging of the rings. You may use them just as they are, or

you may wish to modify them and create your own together with the minister

performing your ceremony.

Sample Exchanging of the Rings #1

Minister: "May I have the rings. Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, the giving and receiving of

these rings. May ___ and ___ abide in Thy peace and grow in their knowledge of Your

presence through their loving union. May the seamless circle of these rings become the

symbol of their endless love and serve to remind them of the holy covenant they have

entered into today to be faithful, loving, and kind to each other. Dear God, may they

live in Your grace and be forever true to this union. Amen."

Groom: "____, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, andall that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy

Spirit. With this ring, I thee wed."Bride: "____, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and

all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the HolySpirit. With this ring, I thee wed."


Minister: "The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward

and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you ___, may place a

ring on the finger of your bride."Groom: "____, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."

Minister: "By the same token ____, you may place a ring on the finger of your groom."Bride: "____, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."


Minister: "The ring is the symbol of the commitment which binds these two together.

There are two rings because there are two people, each to make a contribution to the life

of the other, and to their new life together. Let us pray: Bless, O Lord, the giving of

these rings, that they who wear them may abide together in your peace and grow in one



another's eyes."

(Each saying to the other) "I give you this ring, as I give you myself, with love andaffection. Wear it in peace always."


Minister: "Father, bless these rings which ____ and ____ have set apart to be visiblesigns of the inward and spiritual bond which unites their hearts. As they give and

receive these rings, may they testify to the world of the covenant made between them

here."

Groom: "Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love

for you."

Bride: "Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love for

you."

Together: "This circle will now seal the vows of our marriage and will symbolize the

purity and endlessness of our love."

Here is a sample of the narration for the lighting of the unity candle. You may use it just

as it is, or you may wish to modify it and create your own together with the minister

performing your ceremony.

Sample Lighting of the Unity Candle

The two outside candles have been lighted to represent both your lives in this moment.

They are two distinct lights, each capable of going their separate ways. As you join nowin marriage, there is a merging of these two lights into one light. This is what the Lord

meant when He said, "On this account a man shall leave his father and mother and be

joined to his wife and the two shall be one flesh." From now on your thoughts shall be

for each other rather than your individual selves. Your plans shall be mutual, your joys

and sorrows shall be shared alike. As you each take a candle and together light the

center one, you will extinguish your own candles, thus letting the center candle

represent the union of your lives into one flesh. As this one light cannot be divided,

neither shall your lives be divided but a united testimony in a Christian home. May the

radiance of this one light be a testimony of your unity in the Lord Jesus Christ.



THe pronouncement officially declares that the Bride and Groom are now husband and wife.

The minister may state the authority which allows him to make the pronouncement. The

wedding guests are reminded that everyone should respect the union God has created and

that no one should try to come between or separate the couple.

ere are samples of the pronouncement. You may use them just as they are, or you may

wish to modify them and create your own together with the minister performing your

ceremony.

Sample Pronouncement #1

Because ____ and ____ have desired each other in marriage, and have witnessed this

before God and our gathering, affirming their acceptance of the responsibilities of such

a union, and have pledged their love and faith to each other, sealing their vows in the

giving and receiving of rings, I do proclaim that they are husband and wife in the sight

of God and man. Let all people here and everywhere recognize and respect this holy

union, now and forever.


Now that ____ and ____ have given themselves to each other by the promises they have

exchanged, I pronounce them to be husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of

the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen


For as much as ____ and ____ have consented together in holy wedlock, and have

witnessed the same before God and these witnesses, and thereto have pledged their

faithfulness each to the other, and have pledged the same by the giving and receiving

each of a ring, by the authority invested in me as a minister of the gospel according to

the laws of the State of ____, I pronounce that they are husband and wife together, in

the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those that God has

joined together, let no man put assunder.

ere are samples of the closing prayer . You may use them just as they are, or you may

wish to modify them and create your own together with the minister performing your

ceremony.

Sample Closing Prayer #1

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and begracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his continence upon you, and give you

peace.

Wedding Cerimonies Guidelines

Documents

Transcript of Wedding Cerimonies Guidelines