Marriage Ceremony

(Traditional Service, Gender Neutral)

Words of Welcome

We are gathered here to unite ____________________ and ____________________ in marriage, which is held in honor among all people.

As they pledge their constant and abiding love to each other, let us remember that anyone who enters into this cherished relationship must learn to share a mutual love and concern for one another. Love is one of the greatest of life's experiences. It brings meaning and happiness to our lives. To freely accept from and give to each other as lovers and friends in life's joys. The daily companionship, the pleasure of doing things together or in doing separate things, is a continuous and central part of what two people who love each other can share.

The marriage into which the two of you are about to enter is one which you promise to fulfill for the rest of your lives. The success of your marriage depends on the love and consideration that you foster and nourish in the years ahead. This marriage can only be created by loving purpose, be maintained by abiding will and be bonded together by your love for one and another.

Expression of Intent

____________________   , will you have ____________________to be your wife/husband, in all love and honor, in all faith and tenderness, to live with her/him and cherish her/him in this bond of marriage? If so, please answer I will.

____________________   , will you have ____________________to be your husband/wife, in all love and honor, in all faith and tenderness, to live with him/her and cherish him/her in this bond of marriage? If so, please answer I will.

Exchange of Vows

Repeat after me:

I, ____________________  , take you, ____________________ to be my lawfully wedded wife/husband

I promise before these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful wife/husband

in plenty and want

in joy and in sorrow

in sickness and health

as long as we both shall live.

Repeat after me:

I, ____________________  , take you, ____________________ to be my lawfully wedded

I promise before these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful wife

in plenty and want

in joy and in sorrow

in sickness and health

as long as we both shall live.

Exchange of Rings

Repeat after me:

In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love,

with this ring I thee wed.

Repeat after me:

In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love,

with this ring I thee wed.

Declaration of Marriage

May you keep this covenant which you have made.  May you be a blessing and comfort to each other, sharers of each other's joys, consolers in each other's sorrows, and helpers to each other in life.  May you, trusting each other, trust life.  May you not only accept and give affection between yourselves, but also together have affection and consideration for others.

By the powers vested in me by the laws of the State of Nebraska, I declare that the two of you are now legally married, spouses for life: Best wishes to both of you.

You may now seal your promises with a kiss.