Marriage Ceremony

(Participatory Service)

"Family and friends, we are gathered together tonight to join with and in the celebration of their marriage."

"Marriage is a commitment to life — and to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other."

"It offers opportunities for growth and sharing that no other human relationship can equal — a physical and emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime."

(To groom):

" , do you declare in the presence of these witnesses that you take to be your lawfully wedded wife? If so, answer: I will."

"Will you love her, comfort her, honor and stand by her in sickness and in health, and be faithful only unto her so long as you both shall live? If so, answer: I will."

(To bride):

" , do you declare in the presence of these witnesses that you take to be your lawfully wedded husband? If so, answer: I will."

"Will you love him, comfort him, honor and stand by him in sickness and in health, and be faithful only unto him so long as you both shall live? If so, answer: I will."

(To groom):

" , repeat after me:

I take you, ___ , to be my wife

and these things I promise you from this day forward.

I will be faithful to you.

I will be honest with you.

I will respect and trust you.

I will care for you,

and I will share my life with you,

through the best and worst of what is to come,

until death do us part."

(To bride):

" , repeat after me:

I take you, , to be my husband

and these things I promise you from this day forward.

I will be faithful to you.

I will be honest with you.

I will respect and trust you.

I will care for you,

and I will share my life with you,

through the best and worst of what is to come,

until death do us part."

(To groom):

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

(Repeat above to bride.)

(If double ring, have bride repeat this - if single, have her say, "This ring I accept / in token and pledge / of our constant faith / and everlasting love.")

(To audience):

"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."

"And with these vows taken and these rings exchanged, I pronounce you husband and wife."