Wedding Ceremony

 

I.  Processional

Parents and Grandparents

Reverend, Groom, and Grooms Party

Bridesmaids

Bride

 

II. Invocation

Let us pray

Vouchsafe thine aid, almighty Father of the Universe, to this, our present convention, and grant that these candidates for Marriage may dedicate and devote their lives to each other. Endue them with a compentency of thy Divine wisdom, that, by their Union, they may better be enabled to display the beauties of Godliness to the Honor of Thy holy Name.  AMEN

 

III. Introduction

Friends, family, loved ones, we are gathered here today to witness the Union of Groom and Bride in the bond of Holy Matrimony. 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 a man and a woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgment be made. This acknowledgment is the prime objective 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.

 

IV. Giving of the Bride

Rev : Who gives this woman to be married?

 

Father: Her Mother and I do.

 

(Groom takes brides arm)

 

V. Reading

I would like to read a passage From The Treasured Writings of Kahlil Gibran

 

Of Marriage:

 

HERE LOVE BEGINS to render the prose of Life into hymns and canticles of praise, with music that is set by night, to be sung in the day.  Here Love’s longing draws back the veil, and illumines the recesses of the heart, creating a happiness that no other happiness can surpass but that of the Soul when she embraces God.

 

Marriage is the union of two divinities that a third might be born on earth.  It is the union of two souls in a strong love for the abolishment of separateness.  It is that higher unity which fuses the separate unities within the two spirits.  It is the golden ring in a chain whose beginning is a glance, and whose ending is Eternity.  It is the pure rain that falls from an unblemished sky to fructify and bless the fields of divine Nature.

 

As the first glance from the eyes of the beloved is like a seed sown in the human heart, and the first kiss is like a flower upon the branch of the Tree of Life, so is the union of two lovers in marriage is like the first fruit of the first flower of that seed.

 

VI. Declaration

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

(Couple faces the altar.)

Rev: Do you, Bride join us here of your own free will and accord, to acknowledge before all present the bond that is shared between yourself and Groom?

Bride: Yes.

 

Rev: Do you, Groom join us here of your own free will and accord, to acknowledge before all present the bond that is shared between yourself and Bride?

Groom: Yes.

 

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

 

 

VII. Vows

Groom, repeat after me:

I Groom, take you, Bride, to be my wife, secure in the knowledge that you will be my friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.  I promise to love you, to laugh and cry with you, to grow with you in mind and spirit, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

 

Bride, repeat after me:

I Bride, take you, Groom, to be my husband, secure in the knowledge that you will be my friend, my faithful partner in life, and my one true love.  I promise to love you, to laugh and cry with you, to grow with you in mind and spirit, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live.

 

Here before these witnesses Groom and Bride have sworn vows to each other. With this cord I bind them to the vows they each have made.

 

(Wraps cord loosely around couple's arms)

 

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

 

 

VIII. 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)

 

IX. 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 man will there find a friend.  And may these two rings symbolize the spirit of undying love in the hearts of both of them.   In the name of God and the State of Texas, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.

 

I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. _________________.