JOINED HEARTS
(OPENING WORDS AND WELCOME)
I am honored to perform this ceremony here today.
Who is it that gives this woman in marriage?
We are gathered here today to join _____ and _____ in Marriage. We gather here today to celebrate their union, and to honor their commitment to not just gaze at one another, but look outward together in the same direction.
Today _____ and _____ proclaim their love to the world, and we recjoice with them, and for them.
In marriage, we give ourselves freely and generously into the hands of the one we love, and in doing so, each of us receives the love and trust of the other as our most precious gift.
But even as two people share that gift, it also touches the friends and family members who in various ways support and contribute in the relationship.
_____ and _____, we are here to rememer and rejoice with you and to recount with one another that it is love that guides us on your path, and to celebrate as you take this journey together. It is in this spirit that you have come here today to exchange these vows.
(STATEMENT OF INTENT)
_____ and _____, you stand before me having reqested that I marry you. Do you both do this of your own free will, with no pressure upon you from other persons?
Couple: (We do.)
Or
GROOM, do you take BRIDE for your lawful wife? (I do)
BRIDE, do you take GROOM for your lawful wife? (I do).
(EXCHANGE OF RINGS)
For thousands of years lovers have exchanged rings as a token of their vows. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together. Let these rins also be a sign that love 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.
GROOM, please take BRIDE'S ring and place it on her finger, and repeat after me:
Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring I take you to be my trusted confidante and partner for life.
BRIDE, please take GROOM'S ring and place it on his finger, and repeat after me:
Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal. Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail. With this ring I take you to be my trusted confidante and partner for life.
Optional: (One of these unification ceremonies listed below may be included in your regular ceremony at no extra charge. Two or more unification ceremonies are an additional charge).
(DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE AND THE KISS)
_____ and _____, although I'm officiating here today, it is not truly in my power to sanctify, legitimize or bless your relationship in any way, because the two of you have already done that with your hearts.
So, by joining hands right now and looking into each others eyes let it be known that you are joined, body and soul in this lifetime, and that this bond is sacred and eternal.
Now that you have stood before me and exchanged these rings and these vows, and have agreed to be married according to the law of the state of Michigan, it gives me great pleasure to pronounce that you are Husband and Wife. You may kiss your bride.
Or
_____ and _____, having witnessed your vows and your exchange of rings with all who are assembled here, it gives me great pleasure to pronounce that you are husband and wife.
You may seal your vows, and confirm your commitment and love for each other with a kiss.
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Immediately after the ceremony, the couple, their witnesses and I will all sign the register and the marriage license.
Unification Ceremonies:
