Simple Ceremonies

Ceremony Option #1

Opening Words

Vow Exchange

Groom,
Do you, _________ , take ______ to be your wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better – for worse, for richer - for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?
Answer: I do.

Bride,
Do you, ________, take ______, to be your husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better – for worse, for richer – for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?
Answer: I do.

Ring Exchange

Groom, repeat after me
Do you _______, give this ring as a token and pledge of the promise you have now made?
Answer: I do.

Bride, repeat after me
Do you _______, give this ring as a token and pledge of the promise you have now made?
Answer: I do.

Official Declaration

kiss 

Sign License

Presentation

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. _______ and _______ ________!


Ceremony Option #2

Opening Words

Affirmation of the Guests
Will all of you witnessing these vows do everything in your power to uphold _______ (bride) and ______ (groom) in their marriage?
Answer: We will

Romantic Reading

The Art of a Good Marriage, by Wilfred 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.

Vow Exchange

_______ (Groom),
Do you, ________, take ______, to be your wife, knowing in your heart that she will be your constant friend, faithful partner, and one true love?
Answer: I do.

________ (Bride),
Do you, ______, take ________, to be your husband, knowing in your heart that he will be your constant friend, faithful partner, and one true love?
Answer: I do

Ring Exchange

__________ (Groom), repeat after me
I give you this ring as the token and pledge of the promise now made between us.

__________ (Bride), repeat after me
I give you this ring as the token and pledge of the promise now made between us.

Official Declaration

kiss

Sign License

Announcements

Presentation 
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. ________ and _________ ________!


Ceremony Option #3

Opening Words

Affirmation of the Guests

Will all of you witnessing these vows do everything in your power to uphold _______ (bride) and ______ (groom) in their marriage?
Answer: We will

Romantic Reading

Friendship, by Judy Bielicki

It is often said that it is love that makes the world go round. However, without doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel. True friendship provides so many of the essentials for a happy life-it is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is the mortar which bonds us together in harmony, and it is the calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic. True friendship holds a mirror to our foibles and failings, without destroying our sense of worthiness. True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential. (Bride) and (Groom) came together as friends. Today, they pledge to each other not only their love, but also the strength, warmth and, most importantly, the fun of true friendship.

Vow Exchange

______ (Groom), repeat after me
I love you.
You are my best friend.
Today I give myself to you in marriage.   
I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. 
I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.  
I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard.
These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.

_________ (Bride), repeat after me
I love you.
You are my best friend.
Today I give myself to you in marriage.   
I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. 
I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.  
I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard.
These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.

Meaning of the Rings

These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end. May you find in one another the love for which all men and women yearn. May you grow in understanding and compassion. These rings mark the beginning of a long journey together. Wear them proudly, for they are symbols which speak of the love that you have for each other.

Ring Exchange

_______ (Groom), repeat after me
____________, take this ring as a sign of my faith and my commitment to our love, and share this joy with me today.

_______ (Bride), repeat after me
____________, take this ring as a sign of my faith and my commitment to our love, and share this joy with me today

Official Declaration 

kiss

Romantic Reading

Blessing of the Hands

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Sign License

Announcements

Presentation
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. _______ and _______ ______!