Welcome:
Welcome family and friends, in the eyes of God and each other, we are here today to celebrate that (Groom) and (Bride) are being joined together in Holy Matrimony. Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and Instituted by God, signifying unto us the spiritual union which also exists between Christ and the Church so too, may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love.
Bringing of the Bride: (Optional)
-Who brings this woman to be married to this man?
-"I do, her (father, mother, brother, special person, etc) and she is accompanied by all of her family's blessings"
Opening:
(Groom) and (Bride), in the days ahead of you, there will be times of conflict and times of joy. Harmony will be your reward if you follow this advice:
Let your love be stronger than your anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.
Look for the best in your beloved rather than the worst.
Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.
Give your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Say "I Love You" every day.
And I ask you to remember what First Corinthians Chapter 13 teaches us of love:
Love is patient and kind love is not jealous or boastful it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way it is not irritable or resentful it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love is never-ending.
(You may wish to add a reading or song here.)
Vows:
(Groom) and (Bride), I remind you that marriage is a precious gift a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully and more freely.
With this understanding, do you (Groom), take (Bride) to be your beloved wife? Do you promise to be a tender, faithful husband? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse and to be faithful only to him for so long as you both shall live? ---"I Do"
With this understanding, do you (Bride), take (Groom) to be your beloved husband? Do you promise to be a tender, faithful wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse and to be faithful only to him for as long as you both shall live? ---"I Do"
(You may wish to add a reading or song here.)
Rings:
(Groom) and (Bride) have chosen rings as outward symbols of the commitment they make today.
From earliest times, the ring has been a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment to love that is also never ending. We ask that God bless these rings and this union of souls.
(Groom), take the ring which you have selected, place it on (Bride's) finger, and say to her these words:
With this ring / I thee wed / In the name of the Father / and of the Son / and of the Holy Spirit /Amen.
(Bride), take the ring which you have selected, place it on (Groom's) finger, and say to him these words:
With this ring / I thee wed / In the name of the Father / and of the Son / and of the Holy Spirit / Amen.
(Groom) and (Bride), may the peace of God that passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.
Unity Candle: (Optional)
(Groom) and (Bride), you have exchanged vows and rings expressing your desire to be united as one in a Christ-honoring marriage. As you enter marriage, may the light of his presence in your life and works through you be seen as a light in the darkness. May that truth be reflected as you now take the flames from two separate candles and blend them into the one center candle. May the Lord unite you with one faith, one hope, and one love.
Prayer:
Let us pray: God, bless this couple that you see before you this day. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help them to continue building a relationship founded in respect and rich in caring. May (Groom) and (Bride) see each other as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in your name, Amen.
Pronouncement:
(Groom) and (Bride), having witnessed your vows for marriage, and by the authority vested in me by God and the Great State of Ohio, I announce that you are husband and wife.
Kiss:
You may seal your vows with a kiss.
Presentation:
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the first time as husband and wife:
(Groom and Bride's name)
