Greeting:
We are gathered together here to celebrate the love which Groom and Bride have for each other, to give social recognition to their decision to commit their lives and accept each other completely, to learn how to help and understand each other, to build a family, and together, to travel through life.
Further, they would both like to thank each of you for joining them today to celebrate their marriage and they hope you will always support and encourage them as they discover the commitment and dedication needed to make marriage work; so, this invitation is not just for one afternoon, it is an open invitation to be a part of their life.
What is a Marriage:
Excerpt from “The Art of a Good Marriage” by Wilferd Arlan Peterson
A good marriage must be created. In marriage the “little” things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is having a mutual sense of values, and common objectives. It is standing together and facing the world. It is forming a circle that gathers in the whole family. It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right person — it is being the right partner
Vows:
Repeat after me-
I, Groom/Bride, take you, Groom/Bride/ to be my wife/husband/to have and to hold form this day forward/for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer/in sickness and in health/to love and cherish always.
Ring Exchange:
The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond, which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows Groom and Bride have made to one another. Bless these rings that those who give them and those who wear them, may abide in peace and love, May they live together in unity, love, and happiness for the rest of their lives.
(Groom / Bride) “This ring I give you in token of my devotion and love, and with my heart I pledge to you all that I am. With this ring I marry you and join my life to yours.”
Today is the beginning of a new life together for you. It marks the commencement of new relationships to your families, your friends, and certainly to each other. You have invited these special guests to share in one of life’s greatest moments as they give recognition to the worth and beauty of your love and add their best wishes to the words that shall unite you today as husband and wife. I now pronounce you husband and wife!
Pronouncement:
Groom and Bride, now that you have shared with each other these words of love and commitment, and we have witnessed the expression of your love as you have given each other these rings, and you have joined your hands and hearts before your family and friends, it is with great joy that I pronounce you husband and wife.
Kiss
Groom, you may now kiss your bride.
Presentation
Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Groom and Bride Last Name!