Marriage is an Intimate Sharing of Two Lives

“Marriage is an Intimate Sharing of Two Lives”

(includes unity candle)

Wedding Vows

CLERGY:

We have come together – family and friends – to join GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME as they make their vows of marriage. We celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and we support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives. The essence of this commitment is the taking of another person in his or her entirety, as a lover, companion and friend. It is therefore a decision which is not to be entered into lightly, but rather undertaken with great consideration and respect for both the other person and oneself.

Marriage symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives, yet this sharing must not diminish but enhance the individuality of each partner. A marriage that lasts is one which is continually developing and in which each person is individually developing, while growing in understanding of each other. Deep knowledge of another human being is not something that can be achieved in a short time and real understanding of the other’s feelings can develop fully only with years of intimacy. This wonderful knowledge of another person grows out of caring for the other so much that one wants to understand as completely as possible what the other is feeling. Thus it is possible to share not only joys and successes, but also the sorrows and failures. To be known in this way is a priceless thing because such understanding and acceptance increases life’s joy and makes it easier to live with all of life’s problems.

The Commitment

CLERGY:

GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME, your marriage is intended to join you for life in a relationship so intimate and personal that it will change your whole being. It offers you the hope and indeed the promise of a love that is true and mature. To attain such love, you will have to commit yourselves to each other freely and gladly for the sake of a richer and deeper life together.

GROOM’S NAME, do you, in the presence of these witnesses, declare your commitment to BRIDE’S NAME and choose her as the one with whom you wish to spend the rest of your life? Do you give yourself to her and accept the gift of self which she gives to you? Will you promise to care for BRIDE’S NAME in the joys and sorrows of life and to share in the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together?

GROOM:

I will.

CLERGY:

BRIDE’S NAME, do you, in the presence of these witnesses, declare your commitment to GROOM’S NAME and choose him as the one with whom you wish to spend the rest of your life? Do you give yourself to him and accept the gift of self which he gives to you? Will you promise to care for GROOM’S NAME in the joys and sorrows of life and to share in the responsibility for growth and enrichment for your life together?

BRIDE:

I will.

Exchange of Vows

CLERGY:

GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME, come now to be united in marriage.

(Groom’s Name), repeat after me: I GROOM’S NAME take you BRIDE’S NAME to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forth, to be faithful to you alone, to love, honor and cherish, to comfort, support and respect, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, as long as we both shall live.

BRIDE’S NAME, repeat after me: I BRIDE’S NAME take you GROOM’S NAME to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forth, to be faithful to you alone, to love, honor and cherish, to comfort support and respect, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, as long as we both shall live.

Exchange of Wedding Rings

CLERGY:

May I please have the symbols of the vows which have just been spoken? Presentation of ring(s)

The wedding ring is a symbol of the promises you have made to each other today. It is a physical reminder of the special relationship you share. May these rings, from this day forward, be your most reassured adornment. And may the love they symbolize be, for the rest of your lives, your most precious possession.

GROOM’S NAME, as you place the ring on BRIDE’S NAME finger, repeat after me: As the sign from my heart that I desire to join my life with yours from this day forward as my wife, and that you may remember forever that I have chosen you above all others, I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.

BRIDE’S NAME, as you place the ring on GROOM’S NAME finger, repeat after me: As the sign from my heart that I desire to join my life with yours from this day forward as my husband, and that you may remember forever that I have chosen you above all others, I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.

The Unity Candle

CLERGY:

GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME, before you are two lighted candles. Each of you is represented by a lighted candle, indicating the separate live you have led, independent of each other, unique in your own right. You have before us stated your intentions to blend your lives, so as a symbol of these intentions, will you light together the third candle symbolizing your union?

The Unity Candle is lit and then the wedding service continues …

Pronouncement

CLERGY:

Because GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME have pledged their love and commitment to each other before their family and friends, I declare them husband and wife.

You may share a wedding kiss! (Kiss)

Blessing

Go into the world and fulfill your lives. Hold fast to your ideals. Give to one another new experiences of joy. Challenge on another that you may grow. May the love you hold for each other, now sealed in marriage, continue to mature. May your life together be a source of strength, inspiration and joy.

Introduction of the Bridal Couple

Ladies and Gentlemen, I am please to present to you Mr. and Mrs. _________.