This is our Pre-Written Classic Spiritual Wedding Ceremony #3. 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
We are gathered here in the presence of God and of this company to join in marriage Bride's Full Name and Groom's Full Name and to bear witness to the transforming power of love. Love is a quality of spirit and an attitude of the emotions, but a marriage is a life's work, a spiritual art form. Therefore, this is an occasion of both profound joy and great responsibility, and we who partake in it bind ourselves as witness to the labor of love that Groom and Bride are undertaking here. In acknowledgment of this holy purpose and of the power of this occasion, let us pray...
Opening Prayer
God, we ask for your blessing on the marriage of Bride and Groom. Make them rich with your peace whereby they may enjoy the comforts, and share the experiences, insights, and lessons of life. May they grow individually and as a supportive and loving couple. May they experience your presence, love, and guidance every day. Amen.
Expression of Intent
{At this time, Bride and Groom will make public their intention to marry...}
Because marriage is a divine institution, it is fitting that each of you should faithfully promise to accept the marriage covenant.
Do you then, Groom, faithfully promise, in the presence of God and these witnesses, to take Bride to be your lawful, wedded wife - to love her, cherish her, honor her, and respect her for as long as you both shall live?
Groom: I do!
And do you, Bride, faithfully promise, in the presence of God and these witnesses, to take Groom to be your lawful, wedded husband - to love him, cherish him, honor him, and respect him for as long as you both shall live?
Bride: I do!
Vows
{And now, Bride and Groom will say their vows and will exchange their wedding rings...}
Groom, please repeat after me:
Bride, I thank God for bringing you into my life. I choose you this day as my wife, my love, and my best friend. I commit myself to you openly, exclusively, and eternally. I promise you my unconditional love, I give you my unwavering trust, and I share with you all the days of my life.
Bride, please repeat after me:
Groom, I accept you as the one God has chosen to complete me. I join with you now to share all that life may bring. I will be yours through weakness and strength, through sorrow and joy, through failure and triumph. I give my love to you and you alone with all my heart, soul, and mind now, forever, and always.
Blessing
of the Rings
These rings by their shape, are a symbol of undying love that exists between you. The substance of which they are composed is a symbol of purity, which shall ever characterize your mind and hearts in all your relationships together. Bride and Groom, as these circles are designed without an ending, they speak of eternity. May the incorruptible substance of these rings represent a love glowing with increasing luster through the years. Bless these rings which you give to each other as the sign of your love, trust, and faithfulness.
Ring Vows
Groom, please repeat after me:
Bride, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness, and as I place it on your finger, I commit my very heart and soul to you. I ask you to wear this ring as a reminder of the vows we have spoken on this, our wedding day.
Bride, please repeat after me:
Groom, I also give you this ring as a sign of my commitment and the desire of my heart. May it always be a reminder that I have chosen you above all others and, from this day forward, we shall be united as husband and wife.
Blessing
May God bless and guard you. May you have many joys, and be the light of each other's days. May all that you are, always be in love; And may all that is love, always be in you. May you always see and encourage the best in each other. May the challenges that life brings your way make your marriage grow stronger. May you always be each other's best friend and greatest love. And may you forever recognize the light of God‘s love in every soulful moment that you share.
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...}
Bride and Groom, there is a wonderful life ahead of you. Live it fully, love its changes and choices. Let life amaze you and bring you great joy. Now, because you have chosen one another, honored each other with the precious gift of your rings, and pledged to love each other for all the days of your lives, and by the power vested in me by God and the State of New Hampshire, it gives me great joy to pronounce you husband and wife.
Permission to Kiss
Congratulations, you may kiss!
Presentation of the New Couple
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you...
Mr. & Mrs.___________________
Recessional
Please
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