OPENING:

Minister:

Friends, I call upon everyone present here to be a fellow witness with me in this marriage between GROOM and BRIDE. We are here, not only to witness their commitment to each other, but also to wish them well and every happiness for their life together.

GROOM and BRIDE believe marriage is founded on the sort of sincerity and understanding, which leads to tolerance, confidence and trust. They feel it involves respect for each other's individuality and that most difficult of tasks, the acceptance of each other's weaknesses, prejudices and faults. They believe too that those qualities, which have attracted each to the other and brought them here today, can be best developed during a life spent together. A happy marriage, they both know, will enable them to establish a home where there will be love and stability, where you, their family and also their friends, will find welcome, peace, harmony and support, and which will be a base from which we hope the influence of their shared and strengthened life today by this wedding ceremony, can extend.

MINISTER'S EXHORTATION:

Minister:

Now I, Reverend Larry Jones, am duly authorized by the statutes of this state, to solemnize this, your marriage, and before you are joined together in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these, your family and friends, I am bound, to remind you publicly of the solemn, the serious and the binding nature of the relationship into which you both are now about to enter.

Marriage, as most of us understand it is the voluntary and full commitment of a man to a woman and a woman to a man; it is made in the deepest sense to the exclusion of all others, and is entered into with the desire, the hope and the firm intention that it will last for life.

SATEMENTS OF APPRECIATION:

Minister:

Now, GROOM and BRIDE will express, in their own words their love to each other:

GROOM:

BRIDE:

EXCHANGE OF VOWS:

Minister:

Today's celebration is the outward sign of a sacred and inward commitment, which religious societies may consecrate, states my legalize, but which neither can create nor annul. Such a union can only be created by loving purpose, be maintained by abiding will, and be renewed by human feelings and intentions. In this spirit, these two persons stand before us and we are gathered here merely to acknowledge the true marriage which already dwells within them.

GROOM, do you promise to encourage BRIDE, to stand by her side, to share laughter during the good times and stand strong through the bad, to dry her tears when necessary, to offer a kind word when needed, and to share all you have to offer. Do you come with love and without reservation to join together with this woman in marriage?

GROOM:

"I do."

Minister:

BRIDE, do you promise to encourage GROOM, to stand by his side, to share laughter during the good times and stand strong through the bad, to offer a kind word when needed, to share all you have to offer. Do you come with love and without reservation to join together with this man in marriage?

BRIDE:

"I do."

RING EXCHANGE (Option 1 of 2 options)

Minister:

GROOM, Place a ring on BRIDE's finger and repeat after me:

(Best Man hands ring to GROOM)

BRIDE, you are my life, my love, my best friend. May this be a reminder of my love and commitment we have made here today. With this ring I thee wed.

Minister:

BRIDE, Place a ring on GROOM's finger and repeat after me:

(Maid of Honor hands ring to Bride)

GROOM, you are my life, my love, my best friend. May this be a reminder of my love and commitment we have made here today. With this ring I thee wed.

RING EXCHANGE (Option 2 of 2 options)

Minister:

The wedding ring is a simple but pure and treasured symbol. It will remind you that you have pledged you love, your devotion and undying commitment to another, very special human being. The wedding ring encircles the finger in an unbroken band, and in so doing caresses the body of the wearer. Thus it will remind you that that you are cradled in the love, care and thoughts of your life partner, your lover and your best friend. Your ring will tell all who see it that the vows it symbolizes are are a sacred part of your very soul. And finally, your ring's polished surface or brilliant glimmer shines as brightly as your love for each other on this your wedding day and every day hereafter.

GROOM, do you have a wedding ring for BRIDE?

(GROOM answers, "Yes I do") (Best Man hands ring to GROOM)

Then as you place the ring on BRIDE's finger, please repeat these words to her after me:

BRIDE, I love you more than words can express---

so I give you this ring to touch your finger---

just as thoughts of you always touch my mind.

I give you this ring to warm your heart---

because my love for you fills my heart.

I give you this ring to caress your hand---

because I cherish you more than you can ever know.

I give you this ring because you are my best friend.

You are the song in my soul and the joy in my spirit.

And, you are the priceless love of my life.

BRIDE, do you have a wedding ring for GROOM?

(Bride answers, "Yes I do") (Maid of Honor hands ring to Bride)

Then as you place the ring on GROOM's finger please repeat these words to him after me:

GROOM, I love you more than words can express---

so I give you this ring to touch your finger---

just as thoughts of you always touch my mind.

I give you this ring to warm your heart---

because my love for you fills my heart.

I give you this ring to caress your hand---

because I cherish you more than you can ever know.

I give you this ring because you are my best friend.

You are the song in my soul and the joy in my spirit.

And, you are the priceless love of my life.

CLOSING STATEMENT

Minister:

Today, GROOM and BRIDE, you have both declared to each other your allegiance in the form of a wedding ceremony. You have said vows to each other, and also have exchanged rings as a form of a pledge and also as a reminder, to yourself and to others that you are now married to each other. Therefore it now remains that you seal this with an embrace and a kiss.

PRONOUNCEMENT

Minister:

By the authority invested in me by the State Of (insert name of state) as an ordained minister, I pronounce you to now be Husband & Wife.

GROOM, you may kiss your bride.

PRESENTATION

Minister:

Family and friends, it is now my great honor and privilege to present to you for the very first time, Mr. & Mrs. Grooms First Name + Bride's First Name + Groom's Surname.