It is one of life's richest surprises when the accidental meeting of two strangers on separate life paths leads them to proceed together along the common path of Husband and Wife, and it is one of life's finest experiences when a casual relationship grows into a permanent bond of love. Such a meeting and such growth bring us here today.
As Groom and Bride build together a new life and a new home, may that home be bright with the laughter of their children and of many friends. May it be a haven from the tensions of our time and a wellspring of strength, and in all the world may it be the one place they most want to be, the place where they discover the ultimate human mystery... the secret of how two become one.
In marriage, two persons turn to each other in search of greater fulfillment than either can achieve alone. Marriage is a going forth, a bold step into the future; it is risking what we are for the sake of what we yet may be. Only in giving oneself and sharing with another can the mysterious process of growth take place. Only in loyalty and devotion bestowed upon another can that which is eternal in life emerge and be known. Two among us, Bride and Groom, who have stood apart, come now into our presence, to declare their love and to be united in marriage.
Loving is a living thing, waiting within each one of us for an awakening touch. In this ceremony, we will celebrate love come to life. May this love grow sure and straight and strong. We rejoice in its presence among us.
Blessing:
Minister:
Who stands with Bride, to offer love to Groom, to welcome him into her extended family and to express joy and willingness at sharing with her in another?
Bride's family responds: We do. (or, Her mother and I do...)
Minister:
Who stands with Groom, to offer love to Bride, to welcome her into his extended family and to express joy and willingness at sharing with him in another?
Groom's family responds: We do. (or, His mother and I do...)
Declaration of Intention:
Bride: Do you, Bride, take Groom to be your husband
In all that you are or shall ever be
Loving him as he is
From today unto all tomorrows?
Respond: I do
Groom: Do you, Groom, take you, Bride, to be your wife
In all that you are or shall ever be
Loving her as she is
From today unto all tomorrows?
Respond: I do
Reading by Kahlil Gibran —— read by a friend of the couple
You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore.
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
But let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
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, yet not too near together;
For the pillars of the temple stand apart.
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.
Let there be spaces in your togetherness,
And let the winds of the heavens dance between you.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love.
Vows:
Minister: Turn now to face one another and join hands.
Repeat after me...
Groom: I, Groom, take you, Bride, to be my wife
In all that I am or shall ever be
Loving you as you are
From today unto all tomorrows.
Bride: I, Bride, take you, Groom, to be my husband
In all that I am or shall ever be
Loving you as you are
From today unto all tomorrows.
Ring Ceremony:
Minister: May I have the rings, please?
May your ring be always the symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no giver and no receiver. You are each the giver and the receiver. May your ring always call to mind the freedom and the power of this love.
Bride, please face Groom and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief fill you. These are the hands that will give you support and celebrate with you in your accomplishments.
Groom, please hold Bride' s hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a life time of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to fulfill your dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized when these four hands work together.
Minister:
As you, Groom/Bride, place this ring on Bride's/Groom' s finger, repeat after me:
Groom and Bride (separately):
With this ring I marry you,
And I shall love you
In all times,
In all places
And in all ways,
Forever
Declaration Involving the Guests:
In the presence of God and this company, Bride and Groom have consented together in wedlock and have pledged themselves each to the other. They have invited you, as their friends and loved ones, to be witnesses to their mutual commitment and to bless it by our presence. I invite you now to join me in affirming their marriage. Would everyone please stand and repeat after me the pronouncement of marriage:
Bride and Groom, you have pledged yourselves to live
together as one. We rejoice in that commitment and we honor the home that you create. We proclaim together that you are indeed husband and wife.
(And they may seal their vows with a kiss.)
Benediction:
May your joys be bright as the morning, your years of happiness as numerous as the stars in the heavens, and your sorrows but shadows that fade in the sunlight of love.
