Marriage Ceremony

(Adapted from County Judges' Manual)

(Welcome family and friends.) (Bride on the right-hand side of groom.)

"We are gathered here to unite and in marriage, which is held in honor among all people. Those who enter into this relationship must learn to cherish a mutual esteem and love; to bear with each other's strengths and weaknesses; to comfort each other in sickness, trouble and sorrow: With honesty to provide for each other, and to live together as heirs of the grace of life."

(Option: “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”)

"If there is anyone present, who knows of any just cause why this couple may not be lawfully joined in marriage, make it now known or forever after keep your peace."

(To Groom):

" , will you have this woman to be your wife, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with her and cherish her, in the bond of marriage? If so, answer: I will."

(Groom shall answer): "I will."

(To Bride):

" , will you have this man to be your husband, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with him and cherish him, in the bond of marriage? If so, answer: I will."

(Bride shall answer): "I will."

(Bride and groom join hands - repeat the following, groom first, then bride):

"I , take thee , to be my wedded spouse, / and I do promise before these witnesses / to be thy loving and faithful spouse, / in good times and bad, / in joy and in sorrow, / in sickness and in health, / as long as we both shall live."

(After groom and bride have said the above, have the best man give the ring to the groom, who shall put it on the bride's left hand and repeat):

"This ring I give you, / in token and in pledge, / of our constant faith and abiding love."

(Have bride place ring on left hand of groom, and have bride repeat above to groom)

(Omit if using two rings. If this is not a double ring ceremony, the bride shall repeat the following):

"By accepting this ring, / I give you a token and pledge, / of our constant faith and abiding love."

"May the love and joy you both feel today continue forever."

"By the authority committed unto me as Clerk Magistrate, according to the law of the State of Nebraska, I declare that and are now husband and wife."