Nondenominational Ceremony

Presentation

Who presents this _______ in marriage?    I do.

The Convocation

Good evening, and welcome to this special moment in the lives of this couple.  Before God and all of you, _____ and _______ have chosen this time to become _____________.

And when two hearts are bound together in the bonds of matrimony, it is a blessed and sacred moment.   And this celebration of love, we see before us today, is an outward sign of this couple’s inward union of their hearts, minds and spirits. Therefore, we ask that you leave behind the worries and concerns of everyday life and join us in this ceremony of love.

It is indeed wonderful that two loving people come together, before their family, to declare their love and friendship, and sanctify their relationship in marriage.

The Invocation

Let us pray

Oh God, we pray that thy presence be with us today to bear witness on this sacred ceremony of marriage and to bless it in thy holiest way.  Let this day be a day of gladness, joy, thanksgiving, good fortune, and harmony for all of us, but especially for _______ and _______who are coming together to demonstrate the power of love through the celebration of their marriage.

We ask that their vision of love, growth, and harmony, for their marriage, come to fruition.  Amen.

Memorial Candle

Right now family and friends we are going to recognized those who are no longer with us physically, but while they were here on earth, they made an impact on the couple’s lives.  As we take a moment to remember and honor them; we know that their blessing and protection surrounds us.

With special remembrance of ____________ a candle has been lit to represent their presence here today.

Address

_______ and _______, marriage and home are built upon a foundation of dedication that’s known only to the heart.  It is built of unselfish love and heavenly affection.  With many tears and deep searching of heart, you are preparing to live your life the way God has designed for man since the beginning of time.  In order to achieve success in marriage, the highest of all human commitments, you must look to God for direction and guidance.

 So as you step into marriage today, you must remember that because of the love you feel for each other, marriage will be a process of transformation.

 So be kind to one another in your transformation process. Strive to be gentle with criticism and generous with praise.

 Be empathetic and trusting. Allow yourselves to transcend your own limitations through the love you have for each other, for it is love that shatters all limitations and dissolves all fears.

Expression of intent

Now I’m going to speak directly to your hearts,

______, do you love ______ willingly and completely, withholding nothing?  Do you intend to protect him/her, and give consideration of his/her feelings, desires, and needs?  “I do”

Consecration

Ancient wisdom / the bible teaches that marriage is to be a permanent relationship of two people who are freely and totally committed to each other as companions for life.

Before you say their Wedding Vows to each other, I am to remind you that these vows are meaningful and have a serious message which you should not take lightly.

I ask you at this moment to pause and reflect upon the seriousness of the vows that you are about to speak.

Reading (I Corinthians 13)

I will now read from 1 Corinthians 13.

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, and 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 trust, always hopes, and always perseveres.

Love never fails.

That is the word of the Lord.

The Vows (couple faces each other, joins hands)

_____, please repeat after me

I, take you _______, to be my wife/husband, to stand with you in the great love that binds us, to honor you, to change with you, to behold the highest meaning of your being, to learn compassion with you, to suffer with you, to rejoice, and to be kind.  I promise you this from my heart, with my soul, until we are departed by death.

The Ring Symbolism

May I have the rings please.

These rings are in the form of a circle, made of precious metal, signifying the quality of your marriage as made for eternity, by the hand of God.  These rings have no ending; so should the love you must have for each other.

We ask God to bless these rings as a reminder of the vows, promises, and intentions you made to each other today.  Amen

Exchange of Rings

_____ as you place the ring on _____s finger, please repeat after me:

I offer this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. Let it always be a reminder of my vows to you.

Benediction

Let the power of God be with you, by guiding your right decisions, and speaking to your heart in times of trouble, and illuminating the darkness in times of pain.

May the blessings of God pour upon you always for the highest good of your relationship.  Amen

Pronouncement

Before all gathered here today, you made your desire to __________ known in many ways.

Therefore, this circle is now complete.  And it is by the power vested in me by the _________ and your love and devotion, I now pronounce you ______ and _______.

 Kiss

You may seal this marriage with a kiss.

 Presentation

Friends and family, I present to you __________