OPENING STATEMENT:
Minister:
We
are gathered here in the presence of God, family and friends to join in holy matrimony GROOM and BRIDE; to bear witness to the love they have for one another.
Marriage is an honorable estate, and therefore it is not to be entered
into lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, soberly, and with God’s blessing.
PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE
Minister:
Who
gives this woman to be married to this man?
(Giver
answers: "I do")
OPENING PRAYER:
Minister:
Let us pray:
O' Lord, hear our prayer for GROOM and BRIDE who today will be united in marriage before you. We ask that you
always strengthen their love for each other, that your spirit would abide in their marriage and that you would bestow upon
them the patience, the kindness and forgiveness necessary for making their marriage an enduring union blessed by you. Amen.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT (Option
1 of 2) (This part can be
deleted for an even shorter ceremony):
Minister:
GROOM
and BRIDE,
as a statement of your commitment to each other, I would like you please face each other and join hands.
Now repeat these words words of devotion after me:
With your hands in mine,
From
this day forward,
We will commit to each other
We will walk together through life,
With our love so strong,
Our hearts will beat as one,
For as my eyes meet yours,
There is no doubt,
Our lives have touched,
As sure as the wind,
As sure as we care,
As sure as we love each other.
STATEMENT OF COMMITMENT (Option
2 of 2) (This part can be
deleted for an even shorter ceremony):
Minister:
GROOM and BRIDE,
as a statement of your commitment to each other, I would like you please face each other and join hands.
Now repeat after
me, in unison, these words from the Book Of Ruth,
Chapter 1, verses 16 - 17:
Entreat me not to leave you,
or to return from following after you,
For where you go
I will go,
and where you stay I will stay.
Your people will be my people,
and your God will
be my God.
And where you die, I will die and there I will be buried.
EXCHANGE
OF VOWS:
Minister:
I will now ask each of you to agree to your marriage vows.
GROOM, do you take BRIDE for your lawfully wedded wife, to love her, comfort her and cherish
her from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in health and in sickness; and forsaking all
others keep yourself only for her as long as you both shall live?
(GROOM Answers
"I Do".)
BRIDE, do you take GROOM for your lawfully wedded husband, to love him, comfort him and honor
him from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in health and in sickness; and forsaking all
others keep yourself only for him as long as you both shall live?
(BRIDE Answers
"I Do")
EXCHANGE OF RINGS: (Option 1 of 2 options)
Minister:
GROOM
and BRIDE, in a moment you will be exchanging rings. The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an
inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in holy matrimony. May the Lord God bless these rings which you give as
your sign of endless love and devotion.
GROOM,
as you take the ring and place it on BRIDE's finger, Repeat after me:
"With this ring I thee wed."(Best
Man hands ring to Groom)
BRIDE, as you take the ring and place it on
GROOM's finger, Repeat after me:
"With this ring I thee wed." (Maid
of Honor hands ring to Bride)
EXCHANGE OF RINGS: (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 your 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
EXHORTATION:
Minister:
May you always share with each other the gifts of love--always striving to be patient
and forgiving of one another. And may you always create a home together that fosters in your hearts, love, generosity and
kindness.
PROUNCEMENT
Minister:
And so by the authority vested in me by Almighty God and our Lord And Savior Jesus
Christ, I now pronounce you to be Husband and Wife.
GROOM may
kiss your bride.
What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder!
PRESENTATION
Minister:
Ladies
and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure and great honor to present to you, for the very first time, Mr.
& Mrs. GROOM'S FIRST NAME + BRIDE'S FIRST NAME + GROOM'S SURNAME.
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