Marriage Service One
Processional; Couple presented to each other
Pastor's greeting to guests - setting tone
Reading: Art of Marriage
"The Art of Marriage"
for the courtship should not end with the honeymoon but should continue through all the years.
gratitude in thoughtful ways.
the wife to have the wings of an angel.
A sense of humor
Dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is being the right partner.
The parties standing before the minister, he shall say:
Marriage is a joyous occasion. It is connected in our thoughts with the charm of home, and with all that is pleasant and attractive in the tenderest and most sacred relations of life. For this reason we join in celebration when two people choose to create such a union.
Now, if you _<BRIDE> & <GROOM>___ have at present appeared for the purpose of being joined in legal wedlock, you will please to signify this intention, by uniting your right hands.
(optional) minister confirms the support of the guests, who should answer with a resounding "Yes"!
The minister shall say to <GROOM> :
Do you take the woman whom you now hold by the hand, to be your lawful wedded wife?
Answer, I do; or assent.
Do you promise to love and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her, so long as you both shall live?
Answer, I do; or assent. Then to <BRIDE>
Do you take the man who now stands by your side and who holds you by the hand, to be your lawful and wedded husband?
Answer, I do; or assent.
Do you promise, to love and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse, and forsaking all others, keep thee only unto him, so long as you both shall live?
Answer, I do; or assent.
You mutually promise in the presence of God, and of these witnesses, that you will at all times and in all circumstances,
- Work together to build a wonderful marriage and family?
- Show your partner and your children both love and respect
- Behave so lovingly that others looking from afar will say "Gosh, I wish my marriage was that good!"
Both answer, I do; or assent. to each
That you will love and cherish each other as you walk hand-in-hand down life's long path… through the parts which are green and lush and growing… but also through the parts which may feel more like a hurricane or a desert?
Both answer, I do; or assent.
And here is one more commitment I ask you to make: will you each commit that you will invest each day a minimum of 30 minutes of quality time with your partner? That means really being together - not distracted by radio, tv, texting etc. but rather communicating with each other, even if that means simply sitting together in silence holding hands and enjoying each other's company? (answer: yes)
We have just completed the most important part of this marriage ceremony: you have made commitments which have bonded you together, heart, mind and soul.
Let us now take a moment to reflect a bit on what is this thing called marriage?
Reading
(Couple chooses A or B - reading by pastor or your choice of guest)
A. The Blessing of Hands
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.
as together you build your future.
B. Three short thoughts on Marriage by noted writers
Presentation of the Rings
Now we will have you exchange the rings which are the symbols of the promises you have made.
(optional) Blessing prayer over rings & couple
Rings
Man says: <BRIDE> _____, with this ring I seal my commitment to you.
Woman says: <GROOM> _____, with this ring I seal my commitment to you.
Ring commentary
Now that you are wearing these rings, every minute of every day they will remind each of you how lucky you are to have this special person in your life. Be sure you treasure that fact every day.
And for those of us here today, each time we see those rings we will be reminded how honored we are that you allowed us to share this special moment with you.
And weeks and months down the road, people who've never met you before will see those rings and say to themselves, "Oh, how lucky they are: they have someone really special in their lives!"
(optional)Introduction to Metaphorical action (sand, candles, mixed wines, God Knot)
Now we will engage in a metaphoric action which shows us the underlying facts of marriage.
(further description of specific action; guide couple through it.)
"Prayer of Love"
- Author UnknownOur prayer for you is this:
That you will always remember the qualities that attracted you to each other when you first met and how you felt as your feelings of attraction turned into respect, admiration and finally love.
That you will work hard to turn your feelings of love into acts of love so that nothing and no one can divide you. That you will always have kind and loving hearts that are quick to ask for forgiveness when you are wrong as well as to forgive when your partner is wrong. That your love might grow to hear all things, believe all things, and hope for all things, endure all things. We pray you place your marriage in God's hands, and that your love increases and overflows, beyond anything you can yet imagine.
Declaration
Having taken these pledges of affection and vows of fidelity, I do therefore, by the authority of the laws of this State, sanctioned by divine authority, pronounce you _<BRIDE> & <GROOM>_ lawfully married.
What you have chosen to create together with the help of these who care about you, let no one mess with!
Minister then invites the first marriage kiss.
Introduction
I now introduce to you _<BRIDE> & <GROOM>_, now they're married!