Ceremony Wording...See If It Fits A Couple That Has Lived Together For 9 Years. It's Lengthy.

DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE

From "Union"

by Robert Fulghum

"You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks - all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will and you will and we will”- those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe”- and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “ You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed- well, I meant it all, every word.” Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another- acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this- is my husband, this- is my wife."

WEDDING VOWS

Ray, in the name of God and Love do you choose Donna to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to honor and respect, to love and to cherish? Do you love her and choose to spend the rest of your life with her? (I do)

Donna, in the name of God and Love do you choose Ray to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to honor and respect, to love and to cherish? Do you love him and choose to spend the rest of your life with him? (I do)

READING

“Marriage Joins Two People in the Circle of Its Love", by Edmund O’Neill

“Marriage is a commitment to life, to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal; a joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life’s most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other’s best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic. There may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent for a child. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller; memories are fresher; commitment is stronger; even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing love through the seasons of life. When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique to themselves, which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential, made in the hearts of two people who love, which takes a lifetime to fulfill.”

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

“Do you have the rings?” (you ask this to Ray)

Your rings are circles and a circle is the symbol of the sun, the earth, the universe, of wholeness, perfection, peace and unity. Like circles your rings have no beginning and no end and in the sacred tradition of marriage rings have come to symbolize eternal love and the endless union of body, of mind, and spirit.

These rings will be worn by Ray and Donna to show to the world their love and commitment to one another. May the presence of these rings always remind you of the eternal love you have pledged and devotion you willingly share with one another from this moment on.

Let each of us in his own way, may it be prayer, may it be by a thought, whatever you and I would wish for this couple, let's pray or have our own thoughts as a blessing upon these rings. Let us pause at this time for these silent blessings. (Pause briefly.) These rings, now blessed are a symbol of love and faithfulness. They seal the vows of marriage and represent a promise of forever love.

Ray, repeat after me as you place the ring on Donna’s ring finger.

I give you this ring (I give you this ring) as a symbol of my vow, (as a symbol of my vow,) and with all that I am, (and with all that I am,) I thee wed, (I thee wed,) in the Name of the Father, (in the Name of the Father,) the Son, (the Son,) and of the Holy Spirit. (and of the Holy Spirit.)

Donna, repeat after me as you place the ring on Ray’s ring finger.

I give you this ring (I give you this ring) as a symbol of my vow, (as a symbol of my vow,) and with all that I am, (and with all that I am,) I thee wed, (I thee wed,) in the Name of the Father, (in the Name of the Father,) the Son, (the Son,) and of the Holy Spirit. (and of the Holy Spirit.)

ENDING PRAYER

"Wedding Prayer" by Robert Lewis Stevenson

Let us pray.

Lord, behold our family here assembled.

We thank you for this place in which we dwell,

for the love that unites us,

for the peace accorded us this day,

for the hope with which we expect the morrow,

for the health, the work, the food,

and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;

for our friends in all parts of the earth.

Amen

PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE

Now that Ray and Donna have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving of rings, and by the virtue of the State of Ohio I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Those whom God and Love has joined together, let no one put asunder.

You may now kiss the Bride.

PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE AND GROOM

It is my pleasure to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs.

I created the whole ceremony myself by cutting and pasting other ceremonies I have read on the internet. I hope that it sounds perfect. If not let me know how I can improve on it.

Donna ~ it is very nice. I like the "Union" For the opening words... have you ever read Kurt Cobain & Courtney Love's ceremony?

True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons. In its right relation, it's the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between man and woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. This acknowledgment is the prime object of this gathering and this ceremony. We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.

http://www.weddingvowsden.com/kurt-cobain-courtney-love.shtml

Thanks Haley I like that. I will add it to my opening words.

Bump