OFFICIANT:
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here
in the sight of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this
man and this woman in Holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among
all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into lightly – but
reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this Holy estate these two
persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why
they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their
peace.
Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is
intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given one another
in prosperity and adversity. Through marriage, Michael and Catharine make a
commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams –
realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. Michael and Catharine will promise one another to aspire to these
ideals throughout their lives together.
We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred
wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of Michael and Catharine. This
occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and
this woman begin their life together. And now – He joins you together in one of
the holiest bonds.
Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?
BRIDE’S FATHER OR ESCORT:
Her family and friends gathered here today do.
OFFICIANT:
By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for Michael
and Catharine from all present here, we
assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so
meaningful to all of us, for “what greater thing is there for two human souls
than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all
labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in
all gladness.
This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all
for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this
seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the
course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you. Marriage
should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed
with the will to make it last.
OFFICIANT TO GROOM:
Do you Michael take Catharine to be your wife – to live together after
God’s ordinance – in the Holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort
her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for
better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow
upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself
only unto her as long as you both shall live?
GROOM:
I will.
OFFICIANT TO BRIDE:
Do you Catharine take Michael to be your
husband – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the Holy estate of
matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and
in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in
joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion,
forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall
live?
BRIDE: I will.
Exchange of Wedding Rings
OFFICIANT:
What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the ring(s) in my hand?
May this/these ring(s) be blessed as the symbol of this uniting in love. These
two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they
always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for
which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in
compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that
many will find there a friend. May this/these ring(s) on her/their finger(s)
symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.
(Handing ring to the Groom)
OFFICIANT TO GROOM:
Michael, place this ring on Catharine’s
finger, repeat after me:
Catharine, you are now consecrated to me as
my wife from this day forward. I give you this ring as the pledge of my love
and as the symbol of our unity, and with this ring, I thee wed.
Handing ring to the Bride
OFFICIANT TO BRIDE:
Catharine, in placing this ring on Michael’s finger, repeat after me: Michael,
you are now consecrated to me as my husband from this day forward. I give you
this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity, and with
this ring, I thee wed.
***********SAND
CEREMONY************
"Today, this
relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual
containers of sand one, (Officiant hands Bride her sand) representing you Catharine and all that you were,
all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing
you, (Officiant hands Groom his sand) Michael, and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will
ever be. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container,
the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined
together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured
again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be."
((((((((((((Then
you will alternate pouring the sand into the bottle until it's full- after it
is full, we return to the rest of the ceremony-)))))))
Pronouncement OFFICIANT:
May
you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in
mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love,
generosity and kindness.
In as much as Michael and Catharine have
consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and
have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a
ring – they are now joined.
You have pronounced yourselves husband and
wife, but remember to always be each other’s best friend.
What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.
And so, by the power vested in me by the State of Florida and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and
wife – You may now kiss the bride!
The Sand Ceremony vows were added into our sample vows.
If you did not order a sand ceremony, they will not be included.
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