Your wedding ceremony can be in any sequence you choose, but the usual sequence is the following: (My words in bold type.) Add, subtract, mix it up ... we can work together to make your vows perfect for you.
Presentation of the Bride by the person escorting her
Who presents this woman to be married to this man?
Welcome
On behalf of Barbie and Ken, I welcome all of you, and am elated that you could join us for this marriage celebration. We are here today to encourage, celebrate, and support the covenant these two special people are preparing to make. The marriage they are creating here has roots in themselves, and also the love, friendship, and guidance each of you has offered them. They have asked you to be with them here today, because you are a community of loved ones. We rejoice in the ways life has led them to each other and brought them to the place where they now stand.
Here is where I say something about you. How you met…what you love most about one another … anything you would like me to include.
Any readings of poems, verses, Bible quotes fit in well here. I can read them, or you can have family and friends participate.
Marriage Vows
Do you, Ken, take Barbie to be your lawful wedded wife?
I do.
Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?
I do.
Do you, Barbie, take Ken to be your lawful wedded husband?
I do.
Do you promise to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, for so long as you both shall live?
I do.
Rings
The wedding ring is a symbol of unity, a circle unbroken, without beginning or end. Today, Ken and Barbie give and receive these rings as confirmations of their vows to join their lives, to work at all times to create a life that is whole and unbroken, and to love each other without end.
Traditionally, the wedding ring was placed on the fourth finger of the left hand, because it was believed that this finger was a direct connection to the heart. The Romans and the Greeks called this vein the venus amoris, which is Latin for the vein of love. What a perfect place to wear a symbol of your love and commitment to each other!
The ring is a circle. It has no beginning, and no end. Just as your love for each other is unending.
Ken, will you please place the ring on Barbie’s finger and repeat after me:
With this ring I thee wed
With this ring I thee wed
I give you my hand and my heart
I give you my hand and my heart
Barbie, please place the ring on Ken’s finger and repeat after me:
With this ring I thee wed
With this ring I thee wed
I give you my hand and my heart
I give you my hand and my heart
Wrap-up
Barbie and Ken,
As a collection of words, this ceremony would count for little, were it not for the love and commitment you pledged to one another here, at this most beautiful place. Your vows may have been spoken in minutes, but your promises to each other will last a lifetime.
May God (the universe) bless and watch over this marriage.
Pronouncement After the Marriage Vows
By the authority vested in me by the State of California, witnessed by your friends and family, I have the pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife.
Kiss
Ken, ... you may now kiss your bride!
Presentation
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have the great pleasure of presenting to you -
Mr. and Mrs. Ken Smith –
OR – "I now have the pleasure of presenting to you Ken and Barbie, husband and wife.