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Vow 1:
Dearly Beloved,
We are gathered here today in the face of this company, to join together (Groom's name) and (Bride's name) in holy matrimony;
This is an honourable and solemn commitment and therefore is not to be entered
into lightly, but with great reverence.
Into this matrimony this couple come now to be joined.
(IF ESCORTED) Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
We ask for our heavenly Father to bless this union. Let us pray:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, Grant that we may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
(Face each other and join in holding hands)
Do you (bride name) take (groom name)
whom you now hold by the hand to be your wedded husband?
I DO.
Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish him,
in sickness and in health,
for richer for poorer,
for better for worse,
forsaking all others for so long as you both shall live?
I DO.
Do you (groom name) take (bride name)
whom you now hold by the hand to be your wedded wife?
Do you promise to love, honor and cherish her,
in sickness and in health,
for richer for poorer,
for better for worse,
forsaking all others for so long as you both shall live?
I DO.
Reading: I Corinthians 13: The Apostle Paul wrote:
Love is patient; love is kind.
Love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude.
It does not insist on its own way: it is not irritable or resentful;
it does not rejoice in wrong doing, but rejoices in truth.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
And now faith, hope, and love abide,
and the greatest of these is love.
Minister: (Holding the rings)
May these ring be blessed so they who give it and they who wear it may abide in peace, and continue in love until life's end. (Give Groom the ring)
Groom: placing ring on bride's finger(Repeats after me)
(Bride name), wear this ring as a symbol of our love and commitment.
With this ring I thee wed.
Minister: (gives ring to bride)
Bride: placing ring on groom's finger: (Repeats after me)
(groom name), wear this ring as a symbol of our love and commitment.
With this ring I thee wed.
Minister:
May this couple be prepared to continue to give, be able to forgive
and experience more and more joy with each passing day and with each passing year. We hope that they have the loving assistance from their family, the constant support of friends, and a long life with good health and everlasting love.
I now pronounce you as husband and wife
(groom name) You may now kiss the Bride!
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. __________________
Vow 2:
Minister:
To the friends and family who have gathered here on this day to be a part of (groom) and (bride's) celebration of Holy Matrimony, I say, Welcome!
We ask for our heavenly Father to bless this union.
Let us pray:
Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, Grant that we may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
Now, (person of importance such as mother or the Maid of Honor, Sister etc.)
would like to read a poem from the Bride to the Groom called,
"I Will Be Here" by Steven Curtis Chapman (or other reading)
If in the morning when you wake,
If the sun does not appear,
I will be here.
If in the dark we lose sight of love,
Hold my hand and have no fear,
I will be here.
I will be here,
When you feel like being quiet,
When you need to speak your mind I will listen.
Through the winning, losing, and trying we'll be together,
And I will be here.
If in the morning when you wake,
If the future is unclear,
I will be here.
As sure as seasons were made for change,
Our lifetimes were made for years,
I will be here.
I will be here,
And you can cry on my shoulder,
When the mirror tells us we're older.
I will hold you, to watch you grow in beauty,
And tell you all the things you are to me.
We'll be together and I will be here.
I will be true to the promises I've made,
To you and to the one who gave you to me.
I will be here.
Minister:
Just as the ocean has ebb and tide, so is life filled with challenge and delight.
All of which brings you closer and makes you stronger. All things happen for a reason. The hurdles you have passed have prepared you for your life together.
Minister asks for the rings to be presented and blesses the rings:
May these rings be blessed so they who wear them abide in peace,
and continue in love until life's end.
Minister, Please repeat after me:
From this moment on, I,_______, take you,______, To be none other than yourself... as my best friend, my husband/wife and my soulmate.
I promise to honor, encourage, and support you in good times and in bad.
I promise to stand by you through all of life's storms.
Together we are stronger than we could be apart.
I will be there always, in sickness and in health,
I will love you in a beach front condo or a broken down trailer.
I will never forsake you.
With every beat of my heart, I will love you.
This is my solemn vow.
__________, Take this ring as a symbol of my endless love and devotion
to be your loyal husband/wife forevermore.
Minister Pronouncement:
As witnessed in front of your friends and family and in the eyes of God,
I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.
May your life together be blessed with abundant love and joy.
You may kiss the bride.
Ladies and Gentleman,
It is my great pleasure to introduce to you,
Mr. and Mrs. ______________
Vow 3 (By the Sea)
"Bride Name and Groom Name Want to thank all of you for sharing is this celebration of their commitment to each other."
"As the tides ebb and flow so to, do the fortunes of life.
"Footprints in the sand are washed away, driftwood moves on its endless quest for a peaceful harbor. Only a deep and abiding love can with stand the tides of change in two lives."
"The love of this couple Bride Name and Groom Name is enduring and profound. We gather here to witness this love and the vows they make to each other."
VOWS
"Today you join yourselves together for life, as friends and lovers, Husband and Wife. As the surface of the sea is sometimes calm and sometimes storm tossed, so also, is a marriage."
"Groom Name, Repeat after me."
"I pledge too you, Bride Name, that my love and my loyalty, will weather the storms of life. I will always seek counsel when I make like decisions, and will respect your needs and concerns. No matter what course we set, we will do it together."
"Bride Name, Repeat after me."
"I pledge too you Groom Name, that my love and my loyalty, will weather the storms of life. I will always seek counsel when I make like decisions, and will respect your needs and concerns. No matter what course we set, we will do it together."
RING CEREMONY
"Repeat after me...I Groom Name give you Bride Name, this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, as powerful and endless as the sea?"
"Repeat after me...I Bride Name give you Groom Name, this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, as powerful and endless as the sea?"
PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE
"Because you, Groom Name & Bride Name, have showered our hearts with expressions of your love, and promised each other the joy of all your days, by the virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the State of Florida it gives me great honor and pleasure to now pronounce you husband and wife."
"You may kiss the Bride." "It is my pleasure to be the first to introduce to everyone, Mr. & Mrs. ______________"
Vow 4 (Christian)
“Dearly Beloved, We are gathered here today in the sight of God, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments."
“Who is it that brings this woman to this man?" "Her Mother and I.”
"Marriage is an honorable estate, created by God, and signifying unto us the mystical union between a man and a woman, which also exists between Christ and the Church.”
“Groom’s Name and Bride’s Name, only love will maintain a marriage. Mankind did not create love, love is created by God.Love is freely given and freely accepted, just as God's love of us is unconditional and free.”
“As you travel through life together, I caution you to remember that the true measure of success, the true avenue to joy and peace, is to be found within the love you hold in your hearts. I would ask that you hold the key to your heart very tightly.”
VOWS
“Groom’s Name do you take Bride’s Name to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only to her?” ("I do")
“Bride’s Name do you take Groom’s Name to be your Husband? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only to him?("I do")
“I, Groom’s Name take you Bride’s Name to be my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore. “
“I, Bride’s Name take you Groom’s Name to be my Husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore.”
CORINTHIANS 13
“A marriage ceremony represents one of life's greatest commitments, but also is a declaration of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the Corinthians.”
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails”
EXCHANGE OF RINGS
“Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in marriage.”
"Groom’s Name place the ring on Bride’s Name, and repeat after me."
"With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
"Bride’s Name place the ring on Groom’s Name, and repeat after me."
"With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
EPHESIANS
"Bride’s Name, show reverence for your own husband, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church.”
“Groom’s Name, love your wife, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it.“
“ For this cause shall man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and the two shall become one flesh."
CHARGE THE COUPLE
“Groom’s Name and Bride’s Name, as the two of you come into this marriage uniting as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another.”
PRAYER
"Dear heavenly Father, Our hearts are filled with great happiness on Groom’s Name and Bride’s Name, wedding day, as they come before You pledging their hearts and lives to one another. Bless this union we pray, and walk beside Groom’s Name and Bride’s Name, throughout their lives together. AMEN"
SAND UNITY CEREMONY
"Bride's name and Groom's name, as a symbol of the union of your separate selves, would you now pour the Unity Sand"
The Bride and Groom take each take a small bottle and fill it with sand from the beach and bring it back to the table.
“This sand represents the days of your life before today. As they are joined together so shall the days of your life be joined together.”
PRONOUNCEMENT AS HUSBAND AND WIFE
“Groom’s Name and Bride’s Name in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in matrimony, and promised your love for each other by these vows, the giving of these rings and joining of your hands, I now declare you husband and wife. May the Lord bless you and keep you, giving you peace, joy and happiness throughout your lives.
“Congratulations, you may kiss your bride. I present to you Mr. and Mrs._____."
Vow 5 (Traditional)
“Dearly Beloved, We are gathered here together to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony.”
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man” “Her mother and I”
“We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments. To give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, which shall unite Groom’s name and Bride’s name in matrimony”
VOWS
“Marriage is a partnership of two unique people who bring out the very best in each other and who know that even though they are wonderful as individuals, they are even better.”
“Groom’s name, “Do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together holy matrimony? To love, honor, and cherish her, To keep her in sickness and in health, For as long as you both shall live?" - "I do"
“Bride’s name , “Do you take this man to be your husband to live together holy matrimony? To love, honor, and cherish him, To keep him in sickness and in health, For as long as you both shall live?" "I do"
"Repeat after me. I Groom’s name, take you Bride’s name, to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part."
"Repeat after me, I, Bride’s name, take you Groom’s name, to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part."
Ring Exchange
“Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of this man and this woman in marriage.”
“Groom’s name, Place the ring on Bride’s name , finger and repeat after me. I give you this ring, as a token and pledge, of my constant faith, and abiding love.”
“Bride’s name , Place the ring on Groom’s name , finger and repeat after me. I give you this ring, as a token and pledge, of my constant faith, and abiding love.”
"By the authority vested in me under the laws of the State of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife." "You may kiss the bride."
“ May I introduce to you Mr. & Mrs.___________”
Vow 6 (Children)
"We are a family now, a whole, Of which you are a part, And you are just as much my child, As any in my heart. I do not love you differently, Nor would I give up less, Of all that life has given me, To bring you happiness. There is no limit to my love, No boundary you might cross, No price you might be asked to pay, No need to fear its loss. We are now one, the four of us, Windows of one home. As long as I have life and breath, You'll never be alone."
"If children are coming into the marriage, there are many different ways to involve the children in the wedding ceremony itself. I believe it is very important that if children are coming into the marriage that they be recognized or participate in some aspect of the wedding ceremony itself. Children often can not express fears or doubts they have."
"As I have children myself, I am very aware as to how much children will be an influence in the couple's life together. Involving children in the ceremony help them to transition to the new relationship they are now a part of."
MENTIONING THE CHILDREN:
"I think it is much more important that children hear their names mentioned in the ceremony, than it is that they play any major part of the ceremony. Mentioning their name during the wedding assures that they are an important part of the occasion and have special status which guests and other family members attending do not. Children need to feel important to their parents."
"If children are coming into the marriage, it is appropriate to mention in the ceremony that not only is a marriage being formed, but also a family - and then name each child. If a prayer is in the ceremony, each child's name will be stated in the prayer."
WHEN CHILDREN FEEL "LEFT OUT":
"Most couples are careful to take time to talk to the children about the marriage before the wedding day and involve children in some aspect of the ceremony. Where children tend to be left out is immediately after the ceremony. The bride and groom walk away and are crowded by "big people" - with the children left out of the immediate post ceremony celebration."
"When children tend to feel most left out is immediately after the ceremony. Children tend to see the world as revolving around themselves - and the wedding ceremony as also their day.
They feel very left out if all the adults celebrate and they are ignored at the end. They also do not know what to do after the ceremony ends."
"The couple should take a moment to hug their children, thank them for helping in the ceremony, then telling them they are free to play. This recognition is very important."
NON CEREMONY ROLES FOR CHILDREN
"With many weddings, a good way to involve children (except very young) is to give each their own one-time use camera and have them take pictures they think are important. It will be interesting to see what pictures they take and the photos could be theirs later when developed."
CHILDREN IN THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY
"Generally, children will not share your sense of excitement about the wedding. Rather, to them it seems more a party occasion. Usually, giving children major roles in the ceremony quickly becomes chores. It is generally best to give a child only one active role and also to be mentioned in the ceremony, rather than to actively involve a child at many different points throughout the ceremony.
"With teenagers, some care should be taken not to give them roles they may feel silly doing. Care should be given in asking a teenager to give the bride away or state agreement with the marriage - as the child may not really feel fully comfortable with the marriage, yet does not want to say so."
PARTICIPATION IN THE CEREMONY
"For younger children, usually the simple task of holding the rings or bouquet is enough to accomplish a sense of participation. For teenagers, the role may be as simple as standing up with the couple, playing the CD or tape of wedding music, or even just taking pictures of the ceremony."
WALKING THE BRIDE FORWARD
"If the bride's children, sometimes the children will walk forward with the bride. When asked "who brings this woman to this man?" they answer "We do" or "We do for the family."
GIFT FOR THE CHILDREN
"Typically, couples give children a gift right after they exchange their own rings and vows - usually a necklace or ring - along with a hug and an "I love you."
VOWS FOR CHILDREN:
"Occasionally, a couple will have the children asked, "Do you accept this family and the marriage?" Care should be taken in this decision, as sometimes the child is not completely comfortable with the marriage."
Vow 7 (Civil)
"Dearly beloved," "We are gathered here to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."
"Groom's name, Do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together holy matrimony? To love, honor, and cherish her, To keep her in sickness and in health, For as long as you both shall live?"
"I do."
"Bride's name, Do you take this man to be your husband, to live together holy matrimony? To love, honor, and cherish him, To keep him in sickness and in health, For as long as you both shall live?" "I do."
VOWS
"Repeat after me. I Groom's name, take you Bride's name, to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part."
"Repeat after me. I Bride's name, take you Groom's name, to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part."
EXCHANGE OF RINGS
"The wedding ring is an unbroken circle symbolizing unending and everlasting love. Groom’s Name and Bride’s Name these rings represent an outward symbol of this, your commitment to each other and the promise you have made today."
"Groom's name, Place the ring on Bride's name finger and to repeat after me, I give you this ring, as a token and pledge, of my constant faith and abiding love."
"Bride's name, Place the ring on Groom's name finger and to repeat after me, "I give you this ring as a token and pledge of my constant faith and abiding love."
"By virtue of the authority vested in me under the laws of the State of Florida, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
"You may kiss the bride. Ladies and Gentleman may I introduce to you Mr.& Mrs.________________"
Vow 8 (Commitment)
“Hello, and welcome to the celebration of the unique and magical union between ______and ______,”
“Today, in front of friends and family, they honor their commitment to not just gazing at one another, but to looking outward together in the same direction. Today ______and ______, proclaim their love to the world, and we rejoice with and for them.”
“______and ______, in presenting yourselves here today you perform a remarkable act of faith. This faith can grow and mature and endure, but only if you both determine to make it so. A lasting and growing love is never automatic, nor guaranteed by any ceremony.”
“Let the foundation of your union be the pure love you have for each other, not just at this moment, but for all the days ahead, honor faithfully the statements and commitments that you bring here today.”
“Faults will appear where now you find contentment, and wonder can be crushed by the routine of daily living. But today you resolve that your love will never be blotted out by the commonplace, obscured by the ordinary, or compromised by life's difficulties.”
“Stand fast in that hope and confidence, and believe in your shared future just as strongly as you believe in yourselves and in each other today. Only in this spirit can you create a partnership that will sustain all the days of your lives.”
“______and ______, we are here to celebrate as you begin this journey together It is in this spirit that you have come here to today to exchange these vows.”
VOWS
“______, repeat after me: I ______ take you ______to be my partner for life, I promise above all else to live in truth with you/ and to communicate fully and fearlessly, I give you my hand and my heart / as a sanctuary of warmth and peace, and pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor as I join my life to yours.”
“I ______take you ______to be my partner for life. I promise above all else,to live in truth with you/ and to communicate fully and fearlessly, I give you my hand and my heart / as a sanctuary of warmth and peace, and pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor as I join my life to yours”.
RINGS
“Wedding rings are made precious by our wearing of them.Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together.Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight.”
“______, take ______ring and put it on her finger, and repeat after me: Just as this circle is without end/my love for you is limitless/Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail/ With this ring I take you to be my best friend, lover, and partner for life”.
“______, take ______ring and put it on her finger, and repeat after me: Just as this circle is without end/my love for you is limitless/Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail/ With this ring I take you to be my best friend, lover, and partner for life.”
PRONOUNCEMENT
“______ and ______, Your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you the earth. Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow. As you have consented in this ceremony in the presence of friends and family to be partners for life, I now pronounce you married and bound together body and soul.”
Vow Renewal
Renewing Your Wedding Vows for an Anniversary
(spouse's name), 25 years ago, I pledged my love and commitment to you, but it seems like only yesterday. I promised to love you, honor you, comfort and keep you. I pledges to be by your side in sickness and in health, in times of want, and times of plenty, for better or worse, for the rest of our lives. We have had all of those things, and you have been by my side as we created a family, a home, and a life together. Today, at the beginning of our 26th year as husband and wife, in the presence of God, and our family and friends, I renew my vows to you, pledging my eternal love for you, and eagerly awaiting what life may bring us.
Renewing Your Wedding Vows After an Infidelity, Illness or other Stressful Time
On our wedding day, I pledged many things to you, including my faithfulness. With great sorrow and regret, I acknowledge that I broke that vow but I realize now the enormity of my mistake. Others come and go, but you are the constant in my life whom I will always love. I believe in this marriage more than ever, and I reaffirm my love and commitment to you.
On our wedding day, I pledged to love you in sickness and in health, and for better or worse. The past year has tested those vows, but our enduring love for one another has prevailed. I come here today to make a fresh start, to renew our vows of love, honor, and fidelity, and to reaffirm my love for you.
6 years ago, I promised to love you for as long as we both should live. I never imagined that I would face losing you so soon, or the depths of despair I would feel at that prospect. Today, we are on the other side of the mountain, and I am so ecstatic that I get to continue life's journey by your side. Once again, I promise to love you, honor you and keep you, for better or worse, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live.
Vow Renewal After a Private Wedding or Small Wedding
With great joy I pledged my love and commitment to you on our wedding day. But a loving relationship does not exist in a vacuum. Our family and friends first showed us how to love, helped us grow, and supported us when we found each other. I hope they will continue to love and support us as we love and support them. Therefore, I am delighted today, in the presence of these witnesses, to reaffirm my commitment to you, and once again, to promise to love you, honor you, and comfort you, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better and for worse, as long as we both shall live.
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