A sample wedding ceremony created
by Rev. Scott Allan Parsons, D.D.
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Photo by Francisco Estrada Welcoming & Opening:
Minister: Ladies & Gentlemen, please rise.
Minister: I would like to welcome the friends and family of (Bride) and (Groom), who have gathered here today to celebrate the coming together of two lives. The bond of Holy Matrimony is the deepest of all human relationships and no moment is more filled with meaning, no vow more sacred, no human tie more tender, no act more decisive, and no time more memorable than the decision to live together as husband and wife.
Minister: Who gives this Bride to be married to this man, and by doing so, blesses this marriage?
Father of the Bride: I do (or Her Mother and I do). Father of the Bride returns to his chair or seat.
Minister: Ladies and Gentlemen, please be seated.
Question of Intent:
Minister: (Bride) and (Groom), you have chosen this very unique and beautiful setting to celebrate the coming together of your lives. Today, you will proclaim the love and sharing that you feel for one another. The commitment of marriage is one of the most important decisions two people can make in their lives... the nuptial vows are a promise of infinite love that unites you in blessed matrimony... and a mutual promise to accept one another as lover, companion and friend.
The stability of marriage depends on many factors... in addition to the love and respect you feel for one another, you are united by a feeling of commitment, fidelity, true friendship and the sincere desire for open communication... the foundation of a health union is mutual trust... and a desire to accept and understand both the virtues and weaknesses of one another.
God created man and woman and gave us the bond of marriage so that the husband and wife may help and comfort each other. Living faithfully together in plenty and in want... in joy and sorrow... and in sickness and health.
Marriage is given to us for the fullest expression of the love between a man and a woman. In the state they belong to each other and with affection and tenderness give freely of themselves to each other.
Marriage was given to us for the well being of society. For the establishment of family... and for the birth and nurturing of children.
Marriage is a holy mystery given to us by God, a mystery wherein a man and a woman are joined together to be one.
(Bride) and (Groom) are here today to affirm their vows of love for each other and to pledge a common purpose. We are gathered here to witness their promises to each other, to surround them with our love, and to ask God's blessing upon them so that they may be strengthened in their life together.
For these reasons, let this marriage be held in honor by all.
Let us pray:
Dear God: Look mercifully upon (Bride) and (Groom) who have come here today seeking your blessing, so that with steadfast love they will honor the promises they make this day.
Amen.
The Vow Exchange:
Minister: (Bride) and (Groom), you have heard how God has blessed the covenant of marriage. Now in the Presence of God and your friends do you wish to affirm the vows of marriage?
Bride and Groom: We do.
Minister: (Groom) repeat after me:
I (Groom) take you (Bride)
To be my wife, friend and lover. I promise to show you every day that I love you. I will put you first before all others. I will do my best to be patient, flexible, understanding and kind. Together we will dream, play and experience. When you stumble, I will catch you. Throughout my life, I promise to cherish and respect you. To comfort and encourage you. And to stay with you as long as we both shall live.
Minister: (Bride) repeat after me:
I (Bride) take you (Groom)
To be my husband, friend and lover. I promise to show you every day that I love you. I will put you first before all others. I will do my best to be patient, flexible, understanding and kind. Together we will dream, play and experience. When you stumble, I will catch you. Throughout my life, I promise to cherish and respect you. To comfort and encourage you. And to stay with you as long as we both shall live.
Minister: (Groom), do you take this woman (Bride) to be your wife, promising always to cherish and protect her for as long as you both shall live?
Groom: I will
Minister: (Bride), do you take this man (Groom) to be your husband, promising always to cherish and protect him for as long as you both shall live?
Bride: I will
The Ring Exchange:
Minister: (Speaking to the Best Man): Do you have the rings?
Minister: These rings are symbol of your everlasting love for each other.
(Groom) placing the ring on (Bride's) finger, repeat after me. (Bride), with this ring I pledge to you my unconditional love for all time.
(Bride) placing the ring on (Groom's) finger, repeat after me. (Groom), with this ring I pledge to you my unconditional love for all time.
The Blessing:
Minister: Let us pray:
Dear God: Look with favor upon (Groom) and (Bride), give them wisdom and devotion in their life together so that each may be to the other a strength in need, a counselor in uncertainty, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy. Unite their wills so that they may grow together in love and peace. Give them the grace when they hurt each other to recognize and confess their faults and to seek each other's forgiveness.
Fill them with such love and joy that they may have a home of peace and welcome. Amen.
Minister: With friends and family, along with the sun, the moon and the sea, I have the great pleasure of announcing you as husband and wife. May infinite happiness accompany you during the new life you are beginning together.
You may kiss the bride.
Presentation of the Bride and Groom:
Minister: Ladies and Gentlemen, presenting for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. _________________!
Photo by Francisco Estrada