© Mary Spies 2014
Greeting
We have gathered here to witness the union of __ and __, for today they take their vows and pledge their love, respect and honor. Together, they have already promised to continue growing as individuals surrounded by the love and support each of them gives to the other.
In the time they have known each other, __ and __ have become best friends, fallen in love, and today stand before us to join in marriage. Each complements the other and brings to their relationship unique strengths and weaknesses. Together, they will strive to form a loving balance that will benefit each other, their marriage and their family. More than just a wedding ceremony, this is also the joining of __ and __, __, __ and __ as a family.
Reading
In sharing your fears with each other, both of you will become braver; when sharing your losses, you will become richer; in sharing your mistakes, you will become wiser; and in sharing yourselves, you will become one.
Statement of Purpose
__ and __, you stand here before this small group, choosing to share this moment with only those who mean the most to you. Today you declare your friendship, your love and your commitment to stand together in strength and weakness; to share in the good times and bad; in achievement and failure. Most importantly you stand here to celebrate life together, knowing that your love will give you the strength to withstand any adversity.
Vows
__, I was afraid to love again, afraid that if I did then the person I loved would not love my children as their own. Then I met you. The fears disappeared. You have so much love for all of us I can’t begin to see our lives without you. You are my partner, friend and lover. You are a father/mother to __, __ and __. I love you and am proud to be your wife/husband.
__, I wasn’t looking for a ready-made family. It was never something I thought much about, but when I met you and __, __ and __, I fell in love and being together, and being a family is now the most natural thing in the world to me.
You are the one I’ve always dreamed of, and now I see your face and know your name.It seems like a miracle that we are here today becoming husband and wife. I promise never to take your love and trust for granted, to be your partner, friend and lover, and to be a father/mother to __, __ and __. I love you and am proud to be your wife/husband.
Rings
__, I give to you this ring as a symbol of my love and respect for you. I will nurture our love and the strength of our union. I will share my heart and soul without reservation for the rest of our lives.
__, I give to you this ring as a symbol of my love and respect for you. I will nurture our love and the strength of our union. I will share my heart and soul without reservation for the rest of our lives.
Blessing
May your rings always be a symbol of your unity; Your two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you may go; may you always return to each other in your togetherness.May you find in each other the love that you desire, and may you grow together in compassion and understanding. May these rings symbolize the love within your hearts.
Vow to Children
__, __ and __, I promise to accept and love you as my own children and to protect and be there for you all of my life. I promise to do my best to guide and support you and to respect you enough as an individual to let you to see the world through your own eyes. I will let you make your own mistakes, as hard as that may be, and be there to help you when you do. And I will be there to cheer you on and support your dreams because I know how incredible you are, and I hope that you will make a place in your heart for me.
Family Unity Candle (optional)
This marriage is more than just the uniting of __ and __. It is the uniting of families. It doesn’t matter if the children are young and still at home or grown with families of their own. A family is more than just immediate members. Its the grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandchildren. It’s the uniting of past and present and the beginning of a future together. It’s the beginning of good times and support through the tough times. Each member brings something very special and unique to the family by just being who they are.
There will always be another (month) (day), but there will never be another (month) (day) in the year 20__. This is the one and only. To celebrate this singular moment in time and the beginning of this wonderful family, __ and __ will light the center candle and ask that you each come forward and light the candle given to you before the ceremony.
Family Blessing
The many flames burning symbolize there will never be darkness in this family, for if one flame goes out there will always be another to bring it back. Blow out your candle and let these words captured in the smoke rise to the heavens. May you all share in passion and spirit, compassion and understanding, and patience and tolerance. May there, always be love and light in your future.
Benediction
__ and __, fight fairly, laugh and play often, and learn and exercise the fine art of compromise. And yes, it is an art, it doesn’t come naturally to anyone. But compromise you must if marriage is to survive. Sometimes it’s being silent when you want to speak and speaking when you’d rather be silent, or being still when you want to act and listening when you don’t want to hear. Marriage is the constant movement of give and take, of being loved and loving.
I can’t tell you it will be easy, but I can tell you it will certainly be worth it. I wish you joy and may happiness walk with you.
Pronouncement
By the authority granted me by the state of __ the county __ , I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Introduction
Congratulations __ and __, __, __ and __, and the __ family/ Congratulations to all of you here on the first day these families are united.
