lighthearted, touching, and non denominational
short and sweet
10 or 15 minutes tops, then off to cocktail hour
The Script
Welcome
Friends and family of the Bride and Groom, what a joy is is to welcome you here, for we have come to celebrate the miracle of love and to witness the union of ________________ and __________________. Every Experience you have ever had, everything you have ever done, everything you have ever learned has brought you to this moment as you now stand before these witnesses to take each other as husband and wife. New experiences lie before you with opportunities to grow deeper in love with each other. As you walk hand in hand into the future, cherish each moment as a gift — a gift given to strengthen the bond between you.
Consent
_______________ and ______________, as you give your hand to the other, are you both ready to be united as husband and wife? (Both answer): YES
Who presents ________________ to be married to ________________?
Address & Readings
Today, you are taking into your care and trust the happiness of the one person in this world whom you love with all your heart. You are agreeing to share life’s deepest and richest experiences. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but the companionship and blessing of mutual respect. You have invited these guests to share in the celebration of your love, a love that now grows in your union as husband and wife.
When you enter into marriage, you enter into life’s most important relationship. It is a gift, given to bring comfort when there is sorrow, peace when there is unrest, laughter when there is happiness, and love when it is shared. Real love goes far beyond the feelings of romance and bliss. It is caring more about the well-being and happiness of your marriage partner than your own needs and desires. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. It makes joy more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so you can become involved with life in ways you dare not risk alone. Real love says you are stronger together than when you are apart.
A Successful Marriage
A successful marriage is not something that just happens. It takes work and it takes effort. Most importantly it takes a commitment from both of you. A good marriage must be created. Listen to these words of wisdom on how to create a successful 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 a day.
- It is never going to sleep angry.
- It is at no time taking the other for granted.
- It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives and facing the world together.
- It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
- It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
- It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
- It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have the wings of an angel.
- It is not looking for perfection in each other.
- It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor.
- It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
- And finally, it is not only marrying the right partner, but being the right partner.
Wedding Vows
_______________, please repeat after me.
I, _______________, take you, _______________, / to be my partner in life. / I promise to walk by your side forever / and to love, help and encourage you / in all that you do. / I will take time to talk with you, / to listen to you, / and to care for you. / I will share your laughter and your tears / as your partner, lover, and best friend . / Everything I am and everything I have is yours / now and forevermore.
_______________, please repeat after me.
I, _______________, give myself to you _______________, / on this our wedding day. / I will cherish our friendship / and love you today, tomorrow and forever. / I will trust you and honor you. / I will love you faithfully / through the best and the worst, / through the difficult and the easy. / What may come I will be there always. / As I have given you my hand to hold, / so I give you my life to keep.
Explanation of the Rings
The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. The ring is a circle which has no end and symbolizes the never-ending love that exists between you. The gold substance of which the ring is composed is a symbol of the riches that reside in each of you. May these rings always reflect the light of your love throughout your life together. Wear them as a sign of the love that exists between you, the love which now your hearts enfold and your words express.
Exchange of the Rings
_______________, please repeat after me.
I give you this ring. / Wear it with love and joy. / As this ring has no end, / neither shall my love for you. / I choose you to be my partner / this day and forevermore.
_______________, please repeat after me.
This ring I give you / in token of my love and devotion / and with my heart / I pledge to you all that I am. / With this ring I marry you / and join my life to yours.
Sand Pouring/Candle Lighting/Knot Tieing/etc.
(If you decide to do some type of symbolism ceremony, we do that here)
Blessing
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be the shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be the warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. Go now and enter the days of your togetherness. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years.
Pronouncement
_______________ and _______________, because you have committed yourselves to each other in marriage and demonstrated this by exchanging your vows and giving each other rings, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Kiss
_______________, you may now kiss!
Presentation
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you _____________________!
Check availability
Want to see if we are free for your wedding date? Answer a few questions and we will get right back to you!
Check availability
Want to see if we are free for your wedding date? Answer a few questions and we will get right back to you!
