Vows Ceremony
We are gathered here, surrounded by the stunning beauty of the beach, to witness the uniting of Groom and Bride in marriage. There is no greater gift than the love that makes two people one. To behold this love blossoming between two hearts is always a joy, and to hear the vows of love and commitment spoken to each other; promising to remain faithful and true throughout all the changes of life, is a glorious thing to witness. Doubly blessed is the couple that comes to this marriage altar with the approval and blessings of their families and friends.
Option 2: If ceremony is
not on the beach you can use this:
There is no greater gift than the love that makes
two people one. To behold this love blossoming between two hearts is always a
joy, and to hear the vows of love and commitment spoken to each other--promising
to remain faithful and true throughout all the changes of life, is a wonderful
thing to witness. We have been invited here to do just that. Doubly blessed is
the couple that comes to this marriage altar with the approval and blessings of
their families and friends.
Reverend- Who gives BRIDE to be married to GROOM?
Father/Chosen person/people – I do, we do, or, Her mother
and I do.
Reverend- Are you willing, now and always to support and
strengthen this marriage by upholding both BRIDE and GROOM with your love and
concern?
Father/Chosen person/people -We are, or I am.
Reverend– Thank you. (Or: Thank you, you may now be seated
if there is seating)
Let us now ask the Lord’s blessing on this couple.
The Charge:
GROOM and BRIDE, you have made a very important decision in
choosing to marry each other today. You are entering into a sacred covenant as
life partners. The quality of
your marriage will reflect what you put into nurturing this relationship. You
have the opportunity to go forward from this day to create a faithful, kind, and
tender relationship. It is up to you to keep the blessings flowing each and
every day of your lives together. Use wisdom and compassion to create a peaceful
sanctuary in which you can both grow in love. Love between a husband and wife
means caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as
you do for yourself.
Optional: You can add this to the
ceremony:
Love between a husband and wife means caring as much about the welfare and
happiness of your marriage partner as you do for yourself. A popular poem tells
the story:
Woman was created from the rib of man not from his head to rule over him, nor
from his feet to be trampled on, but from his side to be equal to him, under his
arm to be protected by him and near his heart to be loved.
Wedding Vows:
To GROOM: GROOM, Please repeat after me: I GROOM, take you
BRIDE, to be my wife. I promise to love, cherish, and respect you, to be
honest with you. To stand by you through whatever may come our way. I will make
whatever adjustments are necessary so that I can fully share my life with you.
-I promise to love you unconditionally. I will support you in your goals. I promise to always remain faithful to you for as long
as we both shall live.
To BRIDE: BRIDE Please repeat after me: I BRIDE, take you
GROOM to be my husband. I promise to love, cherish, and respect you to be honest
with you. To stand by you through whatever may come our way. I will make
whatever adjustments are necessary so that I can fully share my life with you. I
promise to love you unconditionally. I will support you in your goals. I promise to always remain faithful to you
for as long as we both shall live.
A marriage ceremony represents one of life's greatest
commitments and a declaration of love. I will read to you what I believe is a
model of true love: "Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious,
never boastful or proud. Love is never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not
demand its own way. Love is not irritable or touchy. Love does not hold grudges.
Love is never glad about injustice, but rejoices when truth wins out. If you
love someone, you will be loyal to them. You will always believe in them, always
expect the best in them, and will always stand your ground in defending them.
Love never fails."
Having this kind of love in your hearts for one another,
you have chosen to exchange rings as the sign and seal of the promises you are
making to one another today.
To GROOM –GROOM will you please take the ring and place
it on the third finger of BRIDE’s left hand and holding her hand in yours,
please repeat this promise to her, saying after me: With this ring, I seal my
promise -- to be your faithful and loving husband -- may it always remind you of
my never ending love -- and may it always remind me -- of the precious treasure
I have in you.
To BRIDE–BRIDE will you please take the ring and place it
on the third finger of GROOM’s left hand and holding his hand in yours, please
repeat this promise to him, saying after me: With this ring, I seal my promise
-- to be your faithful and loving wife -- may it always remind you of my never
ending love - and may it always remind me - of the precious treasure I have in
you.
Optional
Blessing:
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 is filled with love,
generosity and kindness. May your marriage be filled with happiness, good
health, many friends, much love and all of the wonderful things of life, and may
you want to play together, laugh together and walk together for a lifetime.
Pronouncement:
GROOM and BRIDE, we have heard you promise your lifelong
commitment, love, and devotion in marriage. We recognize and respect the
covenant you have made here before these witnesses and in the sight of God. I
offer my deepest wishes that your life together will be a refuge for yourselves,
as well as an inspiration to all your family and friends. If there is anything
you remember after today about this marriage ceremony, please remember that love
is what brought you here today, and it is through unconditional love that your
marriage will endure.
By the authority vested in me by the State of Oregon, I now
pronounce you husband and wife.
You may kiss your Bride!
Introduction: I am proud to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. GROOM LAST NAME