Dear friends and family, we are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! Spouse1 and Spouse2 have chosen to be married today on this beautiful day, and they have chosen us to witness their marriage. One of the great universals in human life across all boundaries and throughout the world is love. We see it in families, we see it among friends. From the time we are small children in our mothers arms we are taught to value love in others, at first for the benefit it brings us but later just for its' own sake. It sadden us when we see people who have not learned to value, honor, and respect love when they see it in others. Today the world is invited to celebrate a love between two people: The love that binds them together and makes them one. May all who see them, see love and be warmed by its' light.
The contract of marriage is one not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities it entails. The commitment of marriage is different from all others. It is a life long bond that joins two people for better or for worse. Remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundation of a happy home. There are no human ties are more important or more tender than marriage.
We are gathered today in the presences of witnesses (and family and friends) for the joining in bond of matrimony (Name) and (Name).
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 Spouse1 and Spouse2 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:
SPOUSE1 Do you take SPOUSE2 LAST NAME to be your spouse for life? (I DO)
Will you love her/him, honor and keep her/him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and keep yourself only unto her/him for as long as you both shall live? (I WILL)
SPOUSE2 Do you take SPOUSE1 LAST NAME to be your spouse for life? (I DO)
Will you love her/him, honor and keep her/him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, and keep yourself only unto her/him for as long as you both shall live? (I WILL)
SPOUSE1, IF YOU WILL REPEAT AFTER ME:
I, SPOUSE1 LAST NAME, take you SPOUSE2 LAST NAME, to be my spouse for life. 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.
SPOUSE2, IF YOU WILL REPEAT AFTER ME:
I, SPOUSE2 LAST NAME, take you SPOUSE1 LAST NAME, to be my spouse for life. 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.
SPOUSE1: Repeat after me -- In token of the vows made between us, with this ring, I pledge to you my love and my life.
SPOUSE2: 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.
Let all others honor them and the threshold of their house and may this moment begin years of love and joy. Now that you have joined yourselves formally in matrimony, may you strive all of your lives to meet this contract with the same sense of love and commitment. Together may you dream, and may you stumble, may you restore each other, and share all things, serving each other and humanity. Cherish, respect, comfort and encourage each other as long as you both shall live.
Having chosen each other in love and in freedom and have declared your purpose before this gathering and have made their vows to one another, by the authority vested in me by the State of California I now declare them spouses for life!
YOU MAY NOW KISS:
It is now with great pleasure that I pronounce you spouses for life.
OR Family and Friends I have the great pleasure to present you,
Mr. & Mrs. SPOUSE1 & SPOUSE2 LASTNAME
Congratulations!