Short-Notice Wedding?
Please call or text:
(206) 930-0719
Email:
info@forevertogetherseattle.com
This is an example of a non-traditional ceremony.
WELCOME
Friends and family of the bride and groom, we are here today because love has gathered us together. On this day, Groom and Bride will pledge their lives as one, and commit themselves to each other forever in marriage.
Groom and Bride, there are no obligations on earth more sweet or tender than those you are about to assume. There are no vows more solemn that those you are about to make. There is no human institution more sacred than that of the home you are about to establish. Marriage is the holiest of all earthly relationships, and while it may be true that marriages are made in heaven, they must be maintained here on earth.
But before that begins, I am obliged to ask you…
CONSENT
Are both of you willing to give your hand to the one whose heart you hold?
(Yes, we are.)
Who gives Bride to be married to Groom?
(“I do,” or “Her mother and I do,” or “We do.”)
ADDRESS AND READING
Groom and Bride, a successful marriage is not something that just happens. It takes work, it takes understanding, and it takes time. Most importantly, it takes a commitment from both of you—a commitment to do whatever it takes, to make your relationship thrive, and not just simply survive. A good marriage must be nurtured. I’d like to share with you some “words of wisdom” on creating a successful marriage, from a little book entitled “The Art of Marriage:”
- The little things are the big things
- It is never being too old to hold hands
- It is to remember to say “I love you” every 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 forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family
- It is doing things for each other in the spirit of joy
- It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways
- It is not looking for perfection in each other
- It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of humor
- It is having the ability to forgive and forget
- It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow
- It is the common search for the good and the beautiful
- It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, the dependence is mutual and obligation is reciprocal
- And finally, it is not only marrying the right partner, it is also being the right partner.
WEDDING VOWS
Groom, please repeat after me:
I take you, Bride, to be my partner in life. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will love you faithfully / through the best and the worst / through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come, I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.
Bride, please repeat after me:
I take you, Groom, to be my partner in life. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will love you faithfully / through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come, I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep.
EXPLANATION OF THE RINGS
The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond that unites two loyal hearts in endless love. May these rings always remind you that it was love that brought you together, and it is love that will keep you together through all the seasons of your lives.
RING EXCHANGE
Groom, as you place the ring on Bride’s finger, please repeat after me:
Bride, this ring is a token of my love. I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all that I am.
Bride, as you place the ring on Groom’s finger, please repeat after me:
Groom, this ring is a token of my love. I marry you with this ring, with all that I have and all that I am.
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, I am delighted to pronounce you husband and wife.
Groom, you may kiss your bride.
PRESENTATION
Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you, for the very first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs._______________________________!
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