English Religious Ceremony Sample

SAMPLE SERVICE - you can make changes as needed.

Who gives this woman to this man in marriage?

Dad says “I DO” or he can say “Her mother and I do”

Dear friends and family, we are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! GROOM and BRIDE have chosen to be married today in this beautiful place, and they have chosen us to witness their marriage. GROOM and BRIDE, today, as you join yourselves in marriage, there is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. The possibilities and the potentials of your married life are great; and now falls upon your shoulders the task of choosing your values and making your dreams and goals. Through your commitment to each other, may you grow and nurture a love that makes both of you better people, a love that continues to give you great joy, and also a passion for living that provides you with energy and patience to face the responsibilities of life.

Heavenly Father, GROOM LAST NAME and BRIDE LAST NAME are now about to vow their unending loyalty to each other. We ask you to accept the shared treasure of their life together, which they now create and offer to You. Grant them everything they need, that they may increase in their knowledge of You throughout their life together. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

PLEASE FACE EACH OTHER AND HOLD HANDS AS IF TOUCHING A MIRROR -

These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will hold you and comfort you in grief and uncertainty. These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and joy. These are the hands that will hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength. And these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

NOW WE CELEBRATE the love that GROOM and BRIDE have for each other and as family and friends you give social recognition to their intention to permanently accepting each other by reciting the marriage vows:

GROOM Do you take BRIDE LAST NAME to be your wedded wife? (I DO)

Will you love her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and keep yourself only unto her according to ordinance of God for as long as you both shall live? (I WILL)

BRIDE Do you take GROOM LAST NAME to be your wedded Husband? (I DO)

Will you love him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and keep yourself only unto him according to ordinance of God for as long as you both shall live? (I WILL)

GROOM, IF YOU WILL REPEAT AFTER ME:

I, GROOM LAST NAME, take you BRIDE LAST NAME, to be my wife. I promise to be your best friend and to love you through good and the bad, through joy and the sorrow. I will try to be understanding, and to trust in you completely. Together we will face all of life's experiences and share one another's dreams and goals. I promise to take care of you. I promise to be a good husband and a good father to our children. Most importantly I love you very much.

BRIDE, IF YOU WILL REPEAT AFTER ME:

I, BRIDE LAST NAME, take you GROOM LAST NAME, to be my husband. I promise to be your best friend and to love you through good and the bad, through joy and the sorrow. I will try to be understanding, and to trust in you completely. Together we will face all of life's experiences and share one another's dreams and goals. I promise to take care of you. I promise to be a good wife and a good mother to our children. Most importantly I love you very much.

RINGS: (Rings are handed to Minister)

As a token of your vows, let you exchange a symbol of love. These rings shall from this time forward be a symbol of your love. Let these unending circles signify to all that your commitment is deep and your love is true.

GROOM: Repeat after me -- In token of the vows made between us, with this ring, I pledge to you my love and my life.

BRIDE: Repeat After me - In token of the vows made between us, with this ring, I pledge to you my love and my life.

True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.

(This can be Changed or eliminated- different prayer, or other tradition that you may want to do)

Everyone lets take this moment and pray for the lovely couple:

Lord Heavenly Father, bless this marriage as GROOM and BRIDE begin their journey down the road of life together as husband and wife, I thank You, Lord, for helping them find each other as friends and lovers, supporters and confidants. Lord bless their home and fill it with an abundance of love and happiness. Give them guidance and wisdom to make the right decisions in life. Protect them and keep them together. Most of all, dear Lord, help them to keep the torch of love burning with the fire that they now share in their hearts. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Friends and Family, GROOM and BRIDE have formalized their vows and the bond between them in the presence of the lord, yours and in mine, I

THEREFORE, by the powers vested in me as a Wedding Officiant, in the State of California, County of __________, I pronounce you Husband and Wife.

YOU MAY KISS THE BRIDE:

Family and Friends I have the great pleasure to present you,

Mr. & Mrs. GROOM & BRIDE LAST NAME