The following ceremonies make reference to God, in a nondenominational way. These services can be easily modified. Please note: All attempts were made to credit the authors of all of these materials, and to obtain permission before posting them. When a verse or ceremony script has been widely shared, we have indicated it's source to the best of our ability, or stated, "author unknown". Please contact the website owner if any of the following materials have been unknowingly shared without permission of the original author. Thank-you!Service #1
Adapted in part and inspired from the ceremonies of Susanna Stefanachi-Macomb, author of Joining Hands and Hearts (a highly recommended book)
Welcoming Words
Officiant: It is with great pleasure that we gather today to witness the joining of two hands, and two hearts in holy matrimony. These two people, ____________ and ____________, have fallen in love so deeply, so completely, that today, they make a bond, a sacred covenant before God, whereby their hearts, their bodies, and their souls shall be united as one in marriage for the rest of their days.
__________ and __________’s respective families, together with their friends, each represent a circle of love. A circle of love where members care for, and nurture each other, in times of joy and in times of sorrow. Today, __________ and __________ join their lives together to make a new circle of love, one that overlaps with, and is made stronger by those from which it has emerged. You have been invited here because of their special relationship with you, to witness the creation of this sacred bond.
(Optional) Passing of the Peace
We ask our honored guests assembled here to take a moment to exchange a greeting of peace. (Guests turn to each other and say, “Peace be with you” and “And also with you.”
(Optional) Honoring those not present
At this time, we would also like to honor those who could not be with us today. We offer a special remembrance of ______________________. Although they are not here with us physically, we feel blessed they are with us in spirit on this beautiful day. We bow in silence to honor their memory. (Pause for a few moments.)
Biblical Reading
1 Corinthians 13
Love.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Officiant’s Address
(Officiant gives a homily on marriage, and talks about special characteristics of the couple. May include the following reading.)
From The Art Of Marriage
by William A Petersen
A good marriage must be created.
In the marriage, the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once each day,
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values and objectives.
It is standing together and facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each person can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right person
It is being the right partner.
Declaration of Intent to Marry
Officiant: The covenant of marriage is one that can be entered into only by persons who are both legally and spiritually free to offer themselves to each other. Therefore, in the presence of God and in the presence of all of the witnesses here, I will ask _________ and ________ to state their intention. _________ and ________, have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in the holy state of matrimony?
They respond: “Yes” or “We have.”
Traditional Vows
Officiant: __________ and __________, please face each other and join your hands, and in so doing, join your hearts.
(To Groom) Please repeat after me:
I, _________, take you __________, to be my lawfully wedded wife,
to have and to hold, to love and to cherish,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
from this day forward, until death do us part.
(To Bride) Please repeat after me:
I, ___________, take you __________, to be my lawfully wedded husband,
to have and to hold, to love and to cherish,
for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
from this day forward, until death do us part.
Blessing of Rings
Officiant: Do we have the rings?
Officiant: Lord, please bless these rings that ________ and __________ are about to exchange. May these rings forever remind them of their covenant with one another, as well as the circle of love they have publicly created here today. May their compassion and kindness for one another always be like these rings, with no beginning and no end. May the precious metal remind them of their precious commitment, and if either begins to tarnish, may they joyfully undertake the sacred duty to make it shine brightly again. May their relationship always be like these rings, separate but close, simple but beautiful. May these rings always belong to their hands, and their love always belong in each other’s hearts. Amen
Exchange of Rings
(Officiant says to Groom) Please look into the eyes of your beloved, and place the ring, a symbol of your love for ____________ on her hand, and say, “With this ring, I thee wed”. The Groom does this.
(To Bride) Please look into_________’s eyes, and place the ring on his hand, and repeat after me, “With this ring, I thee wed”.
The Bride does this.
Community Vow of Support
(Officiant speaks to guests) Now that you have heard __________ and __________ recite their marriage vows, do you, their family and friends, promise from this day forward, to encourage them and love them, and to help guide and support them in being steadfast in the promises they have made?” If you agree, please say, “We do.”
(Wait for response.)
Pronouncement
___________ and __________,
with the support of your families and friends,
by the vows you have made to one another,
by the strength of your covenant,
and in the presence of God,
it is my pleasure to pronounce you “Husband and Wife.”
You may seal your marriage with a kiss.
Marriage Blessing
We will close with a final blessing for your marriage:
Apachee Wedding Blessing
Officiant: We close with a final blessing for your marriage:
Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness,
For each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
Amen.
Presentation of the Married Couple
Ladies and gentleman, it is my great honor and privilege to present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs.___________________!
Recessional
Bride and Groom first, then Officiant, then wedding party in reverse order of processional.
Service #2
Presentation of the Bride
Who offers their blessing for the union of ______________ and __________________? (Wait for response from Father of the Bride or other important chosen family member.)
Opening Words
We are gathered here today to celebrate a day of gratitude, gladness, and joy. It is one of life’s greatest miracles when two people love each other so much, they are willing to commit their lives together as one in spirit. The ability to love is a miraculous gift which God has given us, and a wedding is a celebration of that gift. Today, we have been invited to share and to rejoice with _________ and _________, and to vow our unconditional love and support to them as they begin their journey as husband and wife.I would like to take a moment to recognize the family members of ________ and _________ and to thank them for their love, support and devotion, as they grew from adolescence and into the two beautiful individuals who stand here before us on this special day. We thank you for teaching them values and being there and showing them the beauty and joy of loving another person. At this time, we also honor those people who are not able to be with us in person today, but are here in spirit. We are a part of everyone who has ever loved us; let us remember them with a moment of silent reflection. (Pause.)____________ and ____________, devotion, joy and love can grow, only if they are nurtured together. Stand fast in that hope and confidence, believing in your shared future just as strongly as you believe in yourselves and in each other today. Only in this spirit, can you create a partnership that will strengthen and sustain you all the days of your lives.May God fill your spirit with love and truth. Let us pray. Prayer
Heavenly Creator, we gather to celebrate your gift of love, and its presence among us. We rejoice that these two people have chosen to commit themselves to a life of loving faithfulness to one another. We praise you, Lord, for the ways you have touched our lives with a variety of loving relationships, and we give thanks for ________ and __________ and for the special love and friendship you have put in their hearts. Renew within us an affectionate and loving spirit. Enrich our lives with the gracious gift of your love so that we may embrace others with that same love. May our participation in this celebration of love and commitment, give to us a new joy and responsiveness to the relationships that we cherish. In your loving arms we pray, Amen. 1st Reading: “Love’s Philosophy,” Percy Shelly
- The fountains mingle with the river and the rivers with the oceans,
The winds of Heaven mix forever with a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single; all things by law divine;
In one spirit meet and mingle, why not I with thine?
- See the mountains kiss high Heaven, and the waves clasp one another;
No sister-flower would be forgiven if it disdained its brother,
And the sunlight clasps the earth, and the moonbeams kiss the sea:
What is all this sweet work worth if thou kiss not me?
Words on Friendship and Love
Officiant: ___________ and _______________, your marriage will develop a true friendship between you, and that friendship must be strong to withstand the tests of time. Remember, love, like friendship, is a choice. When you are a true friend to someone, you choose to spend time with them; to share with them; to care for them when they are sick spiritually or physically; and to learn new things with them. You choose to change with them; to grow in truth with them; and to experience all that life has to offer, with them. Through this process you will grow in the same direction, and that is the secret to having peace and happiness in your lives. Take responsibility for helping the other person feel safe, and give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness, and kindness that your relationship deserves. Never allow anything to be more important than the one you have pledged to spend your life with. Remember that the secret to a long and healthy marriage is not in choosing the righ partner; it is in BEING the right partner.Seek love and never take it for granted. Love is believing, sharing, caring and dreaming together. It is honesty, friendship, companionship, and selflessness. Love is the desire and commitment to be intimate physically, psychologically, and emotionally. It is devotion, celebration, understanding, forgiveness and sacrifice. Love is strong, yet it can be fragile. Love is gentleness, kindness, and patience. It is trusting, protecting, inspiring, and supporting. Love is the only true way to know God. 2nd Reading: “The Prophet,” Kahlil Gibran
Love one another, but make not a bond of love:
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
Fill each other’s 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, but not to near together:
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.
Vows
(To Groom) Please repeat after me:
I love you.
You are my best friend.
Today I give myself to you in marriage.
I promise to encourage and inspire you,
to laugh with you, and to comfort you in
times of sorrow and struggle.
I promise to love you in good times and in
bad, when life seems easy and when it
seems hard, when our love is simple,
and when it is an effort.
I promise to cherish you, and to always
hold you in highest regard.
These things I give to you today,
and all the days of our life.
(To Bride) Please repeat after me:
I love you.
You are my best friend.
Today I give myself to you in marriage.
I promise to encourage and inspire you,
to laugh with you, and to comfort you in
times of sorrow and struggle.
I promise to love you in good times and in
bad, when life seems easy and when it
seems hard, when our love is simple,
and when it is an effort.
I promise to cherish you, and to always
hold you in highest regard.
These things I give to you today,
and all the days of our life.
Exchange of Rings
This ring represents my affection for you, and my commitment to you. It shows the world I will always love you, cherish you and honor you, for all the days of my life. With this ring, I thee wed. (Groom places ring on bride's finger.) This ring represents my affection for you, and my commitment to you. It shows the world I will always love you, cherish you and honor you, for all the days of my life. With this ring, I thee wed. (Bride places ring on groom's finger.) Insert Here: Rose Ceremony, Sand Ceremony, Unity Candle or Family Medallion Ceremony
Pronouncement of Marriage
Because, _____ and _____ you have expressed your love and commitment, and promised each other the joy of all your days, before God and this company, it gives me great honor and pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.Kiss
You may now kiss the bride.Closing Blessing
We close with a final blessing for your marraige: May you be blessed every step of your journey by the great God of Peace and Light,
May angels always be with you, keep you and guide you,
May the sun shine upon you, give warmth to your spirits and light your way,
And may your every day be filled with peace, love, and joy!
Introduction
Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. _____ _____!Service #3
PROCESSION
Who offers their blessing for this woman to be married to this man? (Groom shakes hands with the Bride's father, and offers his arm to .)ADDRESS
Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing more courageous, nothing higher, nothing wider, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller nor better in heaven or earth, because love is born of God, and cannot rest but in God; it is above all created things. Love is the reason we are here. _____________and____________ have chosen each other, and we are gathered here to witness their vows of love and to offer our blessings and support for thier marriage. On behalf of ____________and____________, we thank all of our guests for being here today.____________and____________ come together from different backgrounds and experiences. In the covenant of marriage they do not leave these behind, but form a new family which will extend their circle of love. Their confidence in the future brings them before us today to enter into marriage. They commit themselves to working at this relationship so that it will always grow, enriching their lives from this day forward. (To Bride and Groom). Marriage is a sacred relationship. It requires much of two people - sometimes more than you feel you can give each other. But God promises to be with you in the marriage and help you with its responsibilities. The Bible speaks of a single strand of cord as fragile and breakable, but a cord of two strands becomes much stronger. A cord of three is stronger yet. May your marriage always be a cord of three strands - you, your beloved, and the presence of God. PRAYER
Gracious Creator, guide ____________and___________ and walk beside them together as husband and wife. Give them grace and love enough to forgive each other during those turbulent times in their relationship. Grant them also the gift of celebration so they can enjoy the many happy times they will share together. Dear Lord, grant their love for each other be as beautiful as it is in this hour, may it grow deeper and stronger in the years ahead. Amen LASTING VOWS
___________and___________, I charge you both as you stand in the presence of God, to remember that love and loyalty alone are the foundation of a happy and an enduring home. No other human ties are more sacred than those you now assume. If these vows be kept unbroken, your life will be full of joy and the home which you are now establishing will abide in peace. ____________, do you take this woman/man to be your wedded wife/husband, to live together in the Holy estate of marriage? Do you promise to love her/him, comfort her/him, honor and keep her/him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep yourself only for her/him as long as you both will live? Repeat.
RING CEREMONY
Do you have a token of exchange, with which these vows will be sealed? The perfect circle of the ring symbolizes eternity. Gold is the symbol of all that is pure and holy. Our prayer is that your love for each other will be as eternal and everlasting as these rings. In the years to come, may these rings remind you of the overwhelming joy of this special occasion when you were united in marriage. May your love be like the circle of this ring, with no beginning, and no end. __________, take this ring a place it on _________ finger and repeat after me: I, ___________, take you, ___________, to be my wedded wife/husband. 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 to us part, and with this ring I thee wed.
Repeat.
UNITY CANDLE (Optional)
The two side candles represent your lives before your wedding day, and the love and the care that nurtured you as you grew. They represent all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will be. The single candle in the middle is the Unity candle. Although you join your lives in marriage by lighting the unity candle, allow the two side candles to continue to burn, as well. For although your future is in your togetherness, you will continue to have your own strengths as indiduals, as well. May the lighting of this candle of unity represent the oneness of this union and the eternal flame of love that burns within your two hearts. APACHE BENEDICTION
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth for 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 are three lives before you; His life, Her life and Your life together. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and may your days together be good and long. PROCLAMATION
Because ____________ and ____________ have expressed their love and commitment before God and this company, and have pledged their vows to each other; in accordance with the laws of the State of ___________ , I pronounce that they are husband and wife. Those whom God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. You may kiss the bride! Mr. & Mrs. ___________ and ______________ ____________ !Service #4
PROCESSIONAL AND PRESENTATION
Who offers their blessing of the union of this woman and this man? CONVOCATION
We have gathered here for the marriage of _____and_____. May they continue to grow together and to strengthen their love throughout their lives. ADDRESS
Marriage begins in the giving of words. You cannot join yourselves to one another without giving your word. This must be an unconditional giving, for in joining yourselves to one another, you join yourselves to the unknown. Marriage is one of the most important obligations that two people can commit to, in their lifetime. A successful marriage is dependent upon many factors, the first being a strong bond of friendship and respect. Your love for each other will grow with each passing day, yet it is your willingness to accept each other's strengths and weaknesses, with patience and understanding, that is the true foundation of a healthy marriage. When a man and a woman decide to join together in marriage, they should do so with a full realization of its’ responsibilities. It is a serious commitment. When they come together to make a public confession of their love and devotion, pronouncing vows and pledging their lives to each other, it is a threefold union. They are joined together legally, spiritually and physically. While marriage is a big commitment, it is also cause for a joyous celebration. You are about to take a new step forward into life. It is my hope that your joy in your relationship as husband and wife increases with each passing day. Are you fully prepared to meet these obligations?
PRAYER (Optional)
Collective Spirit, we call upon you in the midst of this celebration to be with this man and woman and walk with them during their days together as husband and wife. Grant that they both be filled with faith and trust. Give them grace to live with each other in peace and harmony. May they always bear one another's weakness and grow from each other's strength. Help them to forgive one another's failings and grant them patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of one's self. Amen CONSECRATION
You have always had dreams for the future, believing that anything was possible. As you live in this world and make a difference in it, your beloved will be by your side. Having found each other, you have made a decision that there is no moment in your lives more profoundly significant than this one, the moment you offer yourselves to become husband and wife. May you share with each other, from this day on, the unending joy of growth and discovery. May your relationship continue to inspire you to be your best selves.For many years to come you will remember this day; yet, beyond the fragrant flowers, beyond the melodious music, beyond the expressions of joy and encouragement from family and friends, beyond albums filled with pictures and memories, may you celebrate through the years that which is most fundamental about your union. You are joining because your love each other, you respect one another, and you will honor each other, because you are committed to sharing equally in both the triumphs and trials of the days to come. As you begin this new chapter in your lives, remember, all of your yesterdays have led you to today, and your love will lead you into tomorrow. VOWS
_____(Groom/Bride), do you promise to love, respect and care for _____(Bride/Groom) for life, remaining faithful to your love as it enters into new meanings and definitions?
RING CEREMONY
May I have the rings please? Rings are an ancient symbol, blessed and simple. Round like the sun, round like the eye, and round like arms that embrace. May these rings symbolize that your love, like the sun, illuminates and warms the others heart, like the eye, you must see clearly even amid the adversity of life, and like arms that embrace as grace upon the world. May they also remind you that love given comes back around again and again. _____, (Groom/Bride) take this ring and place it on _____(Bride/Groom) finger and repeat after me.
I,_____, (Groom/Bride) take you, to be my wife/husband, in equal love, as a partner and companion, to have and to hold, to honor and to cherish, in joy and in sorrow, from this day forward.
UNITY CANDLE (Optional)
In the calm of this moment, as you join together as husband and wife, having left the darkness to stand before the bright light that is the love of God, may the lighting of this candle symbolize the collaboration of two hearts that are united in one life. A READING: "THESE ARE THE HANDS"
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you. These are the hands that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind. These are hands that will countless times wipe tears from your eyes, tears of joy and tears of sorrow. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help hold your family together as one. These are hands that will give you strength when you need it. These are the hands that even when wrinkled with age will still be reaching for yours, still giving the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. PRONOUNCEMENT
_____and_____ have chosen each other, declared their love and purpose before family and friends, and have made their pledge to each other, symbolized by the giving and receiving of rings. By virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of Texas, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss! ANNOUNCEMENT
Ladies and gentlmen, it is my sincere honest and priviledge to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. & Mrs. _____ and _____ _________!Service #5
"May This Day Shine Eternally"
(a shorter ceremony)
Offered by Reverend Pamela at
_______and ___________, in presenting yourselves here today to be joined in marriage, you perform an act of faith. This faith can grow and develop and last, but only if you both decide to make it so. A lasting and growing love is not guaranteed by any ritual. If you would have the foundation of your marriage be the devotion you have for one another, not just at this moment, but for all the days to come, then treasure the hopes and dreams that you bring here today. Establish that your love will never be blotted out by the
common nor obscured by the ordinary in life. Faults will surface where now you find comfort, and admiration can be shattered by the routine of daily life.
Dedication, love, and joy can grow only when you nourish them together. Stand fast in that hope and confidence, having faith in your shared destiny just as strongly as you have faith in yourselves and in one another today. Only with this spirit can you forge a union that will strengthen and endure all the days of your lives.
Groom:
I, _______, take you _________, as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, in conflict and tranquility, asking that you be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you, trusting what I do not know yet, in all the ways that life may find us.
________, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of God.
Bride:
I, _______, take you, _________, as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and in tears, in conflict and tranquility, asking that you be no other than yourself, loving what I know of you, trusting what I do not know yet, in all the ways that life may find us.
_________, I give you this ring as a symbol of my vow, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the name of God.
With this statement made of love and trust, which I have just heard, I now present you as husband and wife.
May this day shine eternally in your lives.
May it add brilliance to every achievement and cast a divine light over any misfortune.
May you care for each other in all sadness.
May you give cheer to each other.
May you give vitality to each other in all undertakings.
May all that is virtuous, beautiful and honest, remain with you always.
__________, you may now kiss your Bride.
May I be the first to introduce Mr. & Mrs._________
Service #6
Short and Sweet
Offered by Rev. Pamela
We have gathered here together to witness and celebrate the uniting in marriage of ________ and ________.
Marriage is an esteemed estate & should not be entered into lightly but wisely and seriously.
Today you will pledge to love each other, protect one another and accept each other's strengths and frailties. You will promise to face together, all of life's uncertainties.
Believing you understand the covenant of marriage, I now ask ________, do you take ________ to be your wedded wife/husband, to love her/him, honor and keep her/him, in good times and in bad; in sickness and in health; for richer, for poorer; forsaking all others; til death do you part?
Within this marriage comes profound responsibility to protect this bond. Be ever mindful of the gifts the other one offers you. Inspire and encourage one another. For by strengthening your partner, you strengthen your marriage. Bring out the best in each other; sparing in criticism, generous in praise. Be honest and open. For the heart that communicates truth, earns trust.
A vast unknown future stretches out before you. Life will present many opportunities to refine and deepen love. You will need to understand, forgive and be compassionate. May the love that you share grow deeper and surer with every passing day.
So now, if it is your desire to join yourselves as husband and wife, I ask that you join right hands as you repeat your vows.
I ________, take you ________, to be my wife/husband. I promise to love you with all my heart; to comfort you, nourish you & uphold you with my strength. I will cherish you til the end of our days.
The wedding ring is an outward sign of an inward commitment. May these rings be to you a constant and loving reminder of the ties that bindyou together as husband and wife.
________, please place the ring on ________'s finger, and repeat after me: This ring is a seal, upon all that I have promised. Wear it with joy, for your love has made me complete.
________and _______ because you have consented to be married; and because you have promised your love and faithfulness to each other; I take great pleasure in pronouncing you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
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