ENTRUSTING MYSELF INTO YOUR LOVING CARE
(OPENING WORDS AND WELCOME)
It is my privilege to be invited here today to perform this ceremony.
Marriage consists of entrusting our deepest selves into the loving care of another. It is a public and legal act, as well as, an emotional and spiritual act. The spiritual aspect of marriage should be embraced openly, seriously and completely, as marriage is a conscious act of will. A couple who are wed must continually renew their will to be joined and accept the challenges that living together in love offer. They must decide that they will face the fears that are a necessary part of establishing and nurturing an intimate relationship.
Groom and Bride commit themselves today, to each other, in sacred trust. They promise to embrace conflict, as well as peace, to work as well as play, to struggle as well as bask, to give as well as to receive, and to be with, stay with, and move toward one another. They view marriage as a coming together at all levels of being—mind, body and spirit. A commitment includes the willingness to be open and vulnerable, and the courage to take risks.
Groom and Bride, today is the public affirmation and acknowledgement of all that you are to each other. Seemingly your relationship will be as it has always been, yet there is a power in the spoken word. May that power bring you all the warmth and closeness, security and comfort, joy and happiness that this world has to offer.
(RING EXCHANGE AND VOWS)
May I have the rings please?
You are about to present a ring to each other. The wedding ring , a complete circle, is t he symbol of the completeness a husband and wife find in a marriage relationship. This ring has no beginning and no end, just as true love is never ending. The ring is made of precious metals, just as true love is a precious treasure. As you place the wedding ring on each other’s h and, may it not only remind you of the endless love you possess for one another, but may it also be a reminder of the precious gift that has been given you to make you complete.
Groom, in committing yourself to Bride, you must promise to continue to be sensitive to her needs and to listen when she explains their nature. You must promise to be there when she needs you and to do everything in your power to insure her security, happiness and peace of mind. You must promise to share with her your joy of living and be a loving companion. Do you so promise?
Groom: I do!
Will you then place this ring upon your beloved’s finger and repeat after me please…
(Groom places the ring half way on to Bride’s finger)
I, Groom, take you, Bride, to be my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, until death do us part.
(Groom places the ring the rest of the way on Bride’s finger)
Bride, in committing yourself to Groom, you must promise to continue to be sensitive to his needs and to listen when he explains their nature. You must promise to be there when he needs you and to do everything in your power to insure his security, happiness and peace of mind. You must promise to share with him your joy of living and be a loving companion. Do you so promise?
Bride: I do!
Will you then place this ring upon your beloved’s finger and repeat after me please…
(Bride places the ring half way on to Groom’s finger)
I, Bride, take you, Groom, to be my lawful wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, until death do us part.
(Bride places the ring the rest of the way on Groom’s finger)
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).
(CLOSING WORDS) May you have many joys and be the light of each other’s days. May all that you are, always be in love, and may all that you love, always be in you. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges that life brings your way make your marriage grow stronger. May you always be each other’s best friend and greatest love.
(PRONOUNCEMENT AND PRESENTATION)
You are now as your hearts have always known you to be, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Ladies and gentlemen, may I present Mr. and Mrs. ____.
Unification Ceremonies:
