I. Introduction

Groom and Bride have come here today to celebrate the love that they have for each other. We share in this with them by giving recognition of their decision to accept each other as husband and wife. Into this state of marriage they now come to be united.

True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons. In its right relation, it's the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between man and woman, it is fitting that and outer acknowledgment be made. This acknowledgment is the prime object of this gathering and this ceremony. We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.

Groom and Bride, it is this day you make a giant step of courage, of commitment, to communicate we love, to understand and grow. When a commitment this strong is made by two people, the force of that commitment, of that love, of that courage, reaches out and touches all of us around you, so that our lives are changed and we share a part of your love. Like a stone dropped in a still pond, the ripples of the love from this celebration extend and change the world we live in.

II. Giving of the Bride

Rev : Who presents this woman to be married?

Brother: Her Mother and I do.

(Groom takes bride’s arm)

IV. Reading

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the Art of 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 at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world. It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an angel. It is not looking for perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal. It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

V. Declaration

(The Rev. motions the two people to be handfasted to join him before the altar.)

(Couple faces the altar.)

Rev: Have you, Bride come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Groom in marriage?

Bride: Yes.

Rev: Have you, Groom come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to Bride in marriage?

Groom: Yes.

(Couple turns to face each other and join hands.)

V. Vows

Our ancestors, when they would join, did before witnesses clasp hands and repeat their vows to one another. Such handfastings were true and binding for as long as love should last.

(Wraps cord loosely around couple's arms)

Rev: Do you both…

Rev. : Groom and Bride have vows they wish to speak to each other….

Rev. :Groom, please speak your vows:

Vows Here

Bride, please speak your vows:

Vows Here

Here before these witnesses Groom and Bride have sworn vows to each other. This cord binds them to the vows they each have made.

However, this binding is not tied, so that neither is restricted by the other, and the binding is only enforced by both their wills.

VII. Rings

May I have the rings?

The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond, which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. The wedding ring is the most significant ring a person can wear in this day and time. By its shape, it is a symbol of the never ending commitment you are about to enter. As the ring is a circle designed without end, it speaks of eternity.

Above all the wedding ring denotes purity, loyalty, and spiritual grace. It is made of the purest metal to speak of the purity of the marriage and is made in a circle to note the never-ending commitment you are about to enter.

Groom, repeat after me :

This ring I give in token and pledge as a symbol of my love and devotion. With this ring I thee wed.

(Place ring on Bride's finger)

Bride, repeat after me :

This ring I give in token and pledge as a symbol of my love and devotion. With this ring I thee wed.

(Place ring on Groom's finger)

X. Closing

These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other, the love for which all men and women long. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May their home be such a place of sanctuary that all will find there a friend.

Before these witnessed, and by the authority vested in me by the State of Texas, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride!

I know present to you Mr. and Mrs. ______________.