This is our Pre-Written Classic Secular Wedding Ceremony #1. Words in italics are spoken by the Bride and Groom. Words in
{ } are spoken by the Justice of the Peace to the guests, and generally explain what is happening or about to happen in the ceremony. All other words are spoken by the JP directly addressing the Bride and Groom, and/or the guests.
Processional
Opening Words
Welcome everyone to the marriage of Groom's Full Name and Bride's Full Name. We are gathered here to unite Groom and Bride in marriage, which is held in honor among all people. Those who enter into this relationship must learn to cherish a mutual esteem and love; to bear with each other's strengths and weaknesses; to comfort each other in sickness, trouble, and sorrow: With honesty to provide for each other, and to live together as heirs of the grace of life.
Expression of Intent
{At this time, Bride and Groom will make public their intention to marry...}
Groom & Bride, please join hands.
Groom, do you take Bride, to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her?
Groom: I do!
Bride, do you take Groom, to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him?
Bride: I do!
Vows and Exchange of the Rings
{And now, Bride and Groom will say their vows and will exchange their wedding rings...}
Groom, please repeat after me:
I Groom, take thee, Bride to be my wife - To have and to hold, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, and I promise my love to you. With this ring, I thee wed.
Bride, please repeat after me:
I Bride, take thee, Groom to be my husband - To have and to hold, in sickness and health, for richer or poorer, and I promise my love to you. With this ring, I thee wed.
Consecration
May you keep this covenant which you have made. May you be a blessing and comfort to each other, sharers of each other's joys, consolers in each other's sorrows, helpers to each other in life. May you, trusting each other, trust life. May you not only accept and give affection between yourselves, but also together have affection and consideration for others.
Pronouncement of Marriage
{At this time we come to the Pronouncement of Marriage. The Pronouncement is my public, and legal, proclamation that Bride and Groom are married. It is the exact moment of Marriage...}
Groom and Bride, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in matrimony, and have promised your love for each other by these vows and the exchange of your wedding rings, and by the authority vested in me by the State of New Hampshire, I now declare you to be husband and wife.
Permission to Kiss
Congratulations, you may seal your marriage with a kiss!
Presentation of the New Couple
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you...
Mr. & Mrs.___________________
Recessional
Please
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