Sample Vows & Ceremony

Giving Away of the Bride

Your giving away words... For example, to the father of the bride: “Who gives this woman away?” ... “Her mother and I do.”

Welcoming

Good evening. We gather here today to witness and celebrate an act of deep love. [Bride] and [Groom], in their devotion, respect, and love for each other wish to unite in the holy bond of marriage, and to dedicate themselves to each other's happiness and well-being as life mates and partners. On behalf of them, I welcome you all.

Although this is their day, it is also a tribute to their family and friends. For knowing you and interacting with you has helped to make our Bride and Groom who they needed to be to find each other. They would like to thank you all for that. All of you are the threads of which are woven the tapestry of their lives. You all hold a place in their hearts reserved for those that they have chosen to call “Family” and “Friends” and they are deeply grateful for each and every one of you here today.

Parental Honoring

[Bride] and [Groom] want to acknowledge their parents on this occasion. They offer their profound gratitude to their parents for all the love and care they showed in raising them. The unconditional gifts of love and support that you have continually offered have inspired them to become who they are today, and they thank you, from the bottom of their hearts, for guiding them to this celebration of love here today. Without you, this day would not be possible.

As we recognize God's Presence - Please join me as we now request His Blessing. Let's Pray.

Foundation

After speaking to you both, it is obvious that you already know some of the great blessings marriage has to offer. It is an opportunity to feel the joy of taking care of someone who takes care of you, to be challenged towards growth yet gently nurtured, to love deeply and receive it in return. It is about trust, friendship and having a partner to share all life has to offer.

It is a commitment to participate in a process of mutual evolution, understanding and forgiveness. It is indeed a sacred union to be treated with reverence. Marriage is a safe place to grow and become wiser. It is a place to evolve into better people; so that you can go out in the world and make a difference by spreading the joy and wisdom that you have found with each other. Together in this marriage, you shall contribute more fully, for you both shall be more full.

Love holds it all together. Without love we have nothing.

Love covers a multitude of imperfections/mistakes.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

LOVE NEVER FAILS. - 1 Corinthians 13

The Hands Ceremony

“[Bride] and [Groom], please face each other and take each other's hands, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.”

• •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.
• •These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes your way.
• •These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears of sorrow and of joy from your eyes.
• •These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
• •These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.
• •These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
• •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.

Unity Ceremony

Please invite us to come around to the table and include your words on unity and coming together as one by pouring the red and white wines together.

• •[Groom] will pour the red wine into the empty glass
• •[Bride] will pour the white wine into the empty glass
• •We would like you to please bless the glass of wine for us, and direct us to each take a sip to complete the unity ceremony

The Questions

“[Bride] and [Groom], if you are ready to step into the holy circle of matrimony please so indicate by joining hands.”

Do you, [Groom], take [Bride] as your wife, to love her, to cherish her, nurture her, and support her, in times of joy and in times of difficulty? Do you promise to remain by her side regardless of what trouble befalls you, and in the presence of temptation to forsake this love, do you promise to remain steadfast and true? Do you promise with all your heart and soul to honor this vow till death do you part? If so answer now, “I do.”

Do you, [Bride], take [Groom] as your husband, to love him, to cherish him, nurture him, and support him, in times of joy and in times of difficulty? Do you promise to remain by his side regardless of what trouble befalls you, and in the presence of temptation to forsake this love, do you promise to remain steadfast and true? Do you promise with all your heart and soul to honor this vow till death do you part? If so answer now, “I do.”

Ring Ceremony

And so we come to the presentation of rings by which you symbolize and bind your love.

Let the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of your endless love and unending faithfulness. Your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded, to allow the presence of another human being to enhance who you are. As you wear them through time, they will reflect not only who you are but also the glorious union that you are now creating.

“[Groom], place the ring on [Bride's] finger and repeat after me: With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health as long as we both shall live.”

“[Bride], place the ring on [Groom's] finger and repeat after me: With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health as long as we both shall live.”

Pronouncement

By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!