Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness as Margaret and Charles join their lives together in Holy Matrimony, the most sacred of relationships. Because you have known and loved them as individuals, you have been invited to share in the joyous moment as they join their lives together as one.
Who brings this woman to marry this man?
Father of the bride: “Her mother and I do.”
Charge to Couple:
This is the time which you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here not only to witness your commitment to each other, but to wish you both every happiness in your future life together. If anyone has reason why these two should not be so joined, let him speak now, or forever hold your peace.
Within its framework of loyalty and commitment, marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through tolerance, patience and respect, the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship.
Margaret and Charles would like to take a moment to thank all of you who have joined them today. Each one of you has touched their lives in a very special way and they are deeply grateful. They also wish to take a moment of silence in order to honor all of those who have passed.
(Quiet.)
Reading:
The Bible has given us what may be the world’s best definition of what it means to love. I’d like to share with you a well-known passage from 1 Corinthians 13, and offer it as a model to you for the new life you are creating here today:
Love is patient and kind, it is never jealous.
Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish.
It does not take offence and is not resentful.
Love takes no pleasure in other people’s faults, but delights in the truth.
It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope.
It is always ready to endure whatever comes.
True love does not come to an end.
Marriage Vows:
Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these, your family, friends and witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and enduring nature of the relationship into which you are about to enter.
Do you, Charles, take Margaret to be your lawfully wedded wife? From this day forward, to have and to hold, forsaking all others, for better or for worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish for so long as you both shall live?
Charles: “I do.”
And do you, Margaret take Charles to be your lawfully wedded husband? From this day forward, to have and to hold, forsaking all others, for better and for worse, for richer and poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish for so long as you both shall live?
Bride: “I do.”
Ring Vows:
What token of your devotion do you offer your beloved?
(bride and groom retrieve rings from best man and maid of honor, handing them to minister).
May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate union. 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 yearn.
May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place of sanctuary that many will find there a friend. May these rings, on their fingers, symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.
(I hand the hand the ring to Charles)
Charles, please place this ring on Margaret's finger and repeat after me:
I give you this ring as pledge of my love, and as the symbol of our unity.
(Charles places ring on Margarets's finger)
(I hand the other ring to Margaret)
Margaret, please place this ring on Charles' finger and repeat after me:
I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity.
(Margaret places ring on Charles' finger)
Pronouncement:
In as much as Margaret and Charles have consented together in marriage before this company; have pledged their faith and declared their unity by each giving and receiving a ring -- and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion, by the authority vested in me by the State of California, I pronounce that they are husband and wife. What God hath here joined together, let no one set asunder.
Charles ... You may kiss your bride!
Presentation of the Couple:
It is now my great honor to be the first to present Mr. and Mrs. Charles ------------.