When planning your wedding ceremony, it should be a reflection of both of you. This is a time for you to profess your undying love to one another in front of family and close friends. Most religious ceremonies include the following elements – personalized to individual taste:
- Call to worship
- Charge to the couple
- The vows
- Exchange of rings
- The pronouncement
You may also decide to add special readings, a sacred scripture, unity symbols, or even write your own vows. Sample Ceremony – Courtesy of A Personal Wedding
On behalf of N., and N., I would like to thank each of you for attending this wedding celebration. You are indeed participating in one of the happiest moments of their lives. For N., and N., your very presence here as family and honored guest not only heightens the beauty of this moment for them–but it also completes it! (Bride to be Given Away)
Through out time and tradition, it has always been the distinct honor and privilege for someone to present the bride in marriage. Who presents N., in marriage today? I do (or her mother and I)
(Congregation is asked to be seated)
We are gathered here today to witness the coming together of two people. Two people whose hearts and spirits are already entwined as one. In fact, those of you who know N., an N., best, can also attest to their love for one another and to the blended hopes, dreams and goals that they share. When such a bond exists of this magnitude, then it is only appropriate that we have an open public demonstration of their love such as this wedding ceremony. And so it is that N., and N., now will profess (before God,) their family and their friends, of their desire to henceforth walk the road of life together.
(Questions of intent-to groom and bride)
Do you, N. (groom), knowing of this woman’s love for you and returning it,
Realizing her strengths and learning from them, recognizing her weaknesses and accepting them, Take N. (bride), to be your lawfully wedded wife?
I DO
Do you, N. (bride), knowing of this man’s love for you and returning it,
Realizing his strengths and learning from them, recognizing his weaknesses and accepting them, Take N. (groom), to be your lawfully wedded husband?
I DO
N., and N., You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person you love the most. You are agreeing to share strengths, responsibilities, and love. As husband and wife you will be each other’s best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener and protector. As your relationship grows it will deepen and enrich every facet of your life. Your happiness is fuller, your memories fresher, and your commitments will be stronger. You will indeed experience marriage to be one of life’s greatest commitments, one of life’s greatest blessings, but also one of life’s greatest challenges. So, be mindful of this; every effort to preserve love with one another by demonstrating patience, by holding each other gently, and by lifting each other up, will go a long, long way in guaranteeing a wonderful and happy life together.
Marriage Vows
N., and N., as you prepare to pledge your vows to each other, let me remind you that no other vows are more sacred, no other words are more tender than those you are about to assume. May these vows only be broken by death, and may you both live a very long and happy life together.As a symbol of your union, will you now join hands and look into the eyes of the one you love and repeat after me:
VOWS
I, N, take you, N
As my friend and my love
Beside me and apart from me
In laughter and in tears
In conflict and in tranquility,
Asking that you be no other than yourself
Loving what I know of you
Trusting what I do not know
And in all the ways that life may lead us
Ring Vows
(Minister holds up rings before congregation and states)
These two rings are made of precious metals and gems to represent the precious love between N., and N., They are also circular to represent the ‘Unbroken circle of love’. For love that is freely given has no beginning or no end. May these rings always remind you that your love is never ending.
Prayer
‘May God bless these rings and the two of you who wear them. May you always abide in His peace and continue in His favor. Amen’
Groom, please take (Bride’s) ring and place it on her left ring finger to seal your commitment of love. (Repeat after me)
N., with this ring I commit to you/ As this ring encircles your finger/ always be reminded / My love encircles your heart/
(Bride repeats the same ring vows)
Pronouncement
Forasmuch as N., and N., have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before (God and) this company, and thereto have pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by giving and receiving rings, I hereby pronounce that they are husband and wife together. What God has joined together let not man put asunder. Amen
Minister says to Groom:
(Groom)You may kiss your beautiful bride
Formal Introduction
(Congregation is asked to stand)
It’s my privilege to present to you for the very first time: Mr. and Mrs. N.