Christian Wedding Ceremony

Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love of ________ and ______, as they make their pledges of marriage before God and before this company. Jesus Christ was once asked, ``What is the greatest Law that mankind must follow?'' And he answered them by saying that we must love God with all our hearts, and love our neighbors as our self.

I think that when he said these words, he touched upon something we all feel very deeply in our hearts, and that is that love is the greatest gift we can offer one another, and that is what makes marriage so very special, and such a cause of joy and celebration for all of us who have come here today to share in this event.

It is my personal prayer and hope that those of you who have already taken the vows of marriage will witness the love of these two people, and as you hear them share their vows, perhaps it will strengthen for you the memory of your happy day, and remind you of the meaning of the vows you yourselves once took. Perhaps it will even strengthen just a little bit the bonds of love that have been growing between you. If any of this should happen, it would certainly be the greatest gift that ______ and ______ could offer all of us on their wedding day.

Marriage is an act of faith and ever-deepening commitment, as well as a loving union between a man and a woman. It has been described as the best and the most important relationship that two people can share, the creation of a single growing energy of spiritual life. Marriage can be a lifelong unfolding of loving kindness, backed by the will to make it last. There is no limit to the knowing of another's soul, and when you learn to love one person, then you grow in love for all of humanity. 

Note: If you wish, we can substitute the wedding ceremony which appears in the Traditional Book of Common Prayer. The entire ceremony can be found in the paperback book, You and Your Wedding by Winnifred Gray, and in the Book of Common Prayer itself.

Universal Life Church 

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Wedding Ceremonies - Rose Vow

Rose vow

Universal Life Church Wedding Ceremonies
NOTE: The Groom will need to have a rose and the Bride will need a vase with water in it. Before the ceremony, the vase and rose should be placed in an easily accessible spot generally behind a lectern, for example. The best man, the Maid of Honor, or the Minister should get the rose and the vase just prior to this part of the service.

Minister: This is a day steeped in tradition, a time when we are surrounded by symbols: something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. Today, (Bride's Name) and (Groom's Name) begin a new tradition, a custom which now becomes uniquely their own.

Groom: (Bride Name) I give you this rose. Because it grew from a tiny seed, becoming stronger and larger until it burst into flower, it symbolizes the way my love for you has grown. (Groom gives Bride the rose.) Each year on our wedding anniversary, I will give you another rose. In so doing, I'll remember this day and renew the vows we've made.

Bride: (Groom's name), I give to you this vase of water. (Groom takes and holds it.) Because water is the one element without which we would perish, it symbolizes the importance of your love in my life. Each year on our anniversary, I will refill this vase, offering it to you as a symbol of my ever renewing love. (Bride puts the rose in the vase and they hold the vase together.)

Groom: Without water, the rose would die.

Bride: Without the rose, the vase of water would not be beautiful.

Groom: My gift is enhanced by yours, just as my life is enhanced by ours.

Bride: My gift is lovely because of yours, just as my life is better because of you. ( They hand the rose and vase to the Minister.)

Minister: On each anniversary, as you give and receive the rose and the water, remember with joy this day when you pledged your love and your lives to each other. May this be only the first of many cherished traditions in a home filled with happiness.

Wedding Ceremony

By Rev. Don Riemer

Note: readings and vows to be provided by the couple being married. Opening Words The stream had flowed through the center of the forest for as long as anyone could remember. It began as a cold, clear fountain in a fractured hillside, then tumbled down over mossy stones and last year?s autumn leaves. At the foot of the hill the stream took a course running southeast through tall stands of beeches, maples, and oaks, and by the time it left the forest five miles later it carried a river's ambitions. But in the center of the forest it was a watery dream, about ten feet wide and ten inches deep. Fallen logs made bridges for chipmunks, foxes, and children looking for secrets. Occasional shafts of sunlight revealed freshwater muscles in the silt, crayfish picking over pebbles, water beetles dancing on the surface, and young trout darting among roots, branches, and softly bubbling falls. The stream was full of life, and full of lessons for those who knew how to see them. And regarding it silently on the bank stood the master and the student. The master and the student had arrived at the stream after walking the forest path for nearly two hours. Every step of the way, the student spoke anxiously of the impending choices that filled his mind with confusion. Should he travel?  If so, where? Should he continue his studies? If so, in what field of knowledge?   Should he learn a new trade, or perhaps join the family business?  Should he save his money, or spend freely and enjoy life to its fullest?  And on, and on, and on. And every step of the way the master only listened. When they reached the stream the student fell silent. They stood side by side, watching the water. Then, pointing to a fallen twig, the master asked, "If you throw that stick into the stream, where will it go?" The student answered, ?It will go downstream, of course.? But the master shook his head. ?No,? he said, ?I want you to tell me exactly where it will go.? The student crouched down on the bank and observed the water carefully. He noted the paths of leaves, the surge of bubbles, and the sway and drift of weeds growing on the bottom, until he was sure. "Well," he said, "If I throw the stick to land at that spot there, it will follow the current between those two rocks, rush over that fall, then swirl in that eddy for a moment, then pass under this branch, and then move off under that fallen log over there." The student smiled, supremely confident. "All right," the master said. "Throw the stick." And the student did. And it traveled on a course entirely different from the one he had predicted. They watched the stick drift out of sight. The student shuffled his feet and looked at the ground, but finally met the master?s eyes. ?The important thing,? said the master,? is to throw the stick!? We are here today because ________ and _______ have decided to throw the stick. In a world of endless choices, unpredictable outcomes, and no guarantees, they are doing the finest thing two people can do: making a commitment before friends and family to devote their lives to each other. We call this a wedding. It comes from an old Germanic word meaning "a pledge." And this is worth remembering as we consider what this day is all about. We make few pledges in our modern lives. But today we celebrate with ________ and ______ as they make theirs: a pledge to and for each other, not as individuals, but as two that are choosing to become one. First reading: a poem or other literary excerpt that addresses the nature of love. Segue 1 Most would agree that it is love that keeps people together when they?re confronted with that immense sky, with those infinite distances that separate even the closest of men and women. But what kind of love? Poets, priests and philosophers, and no small number of cabbies, barbers and bartenders have debated this question. We speak of spiritual love, passionate love, love eternal... but the phrase that may capture the reality of this emotion best is ?stirring the oatmeal? love. When you?re willing to stand in your bathrobe on a cold kitchen floor at 5:00 AM, and stir the oatmeal so your spouse can have a little more sleep?and not even think twice about why you?re doing it?then you have a love that can last a lifetime. As Carl Jung once wrote, feeling is a matter of the small. Such simple, pragmatic experiences are the best places for love to take root. In such ground, love blossoms over time, becoming deeper, more beautiful, and more profound. Second reading: a poem or other literary excerpt that addresses the depth and power of the love between the two being married. Segue 2 Love so deep, intimacy so profound, cannot help but suggest transcendence, a shifting of human experience into the realm of the spiritual. This is what makes marriage a unique milestone in any relationship. _________ and _________ have been together for eight years. They seem as close as any two people can be. Yet they felt the need for something more: a rite of passage. We define marriage as a sacrament, something that is itself defined as 'a rite ordained as an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.' An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. That is why we are here: to witness this visible sign. These words, these actions?they are the manifestation of that inward grace. In this way, a marriage is like a mirror. It lets us look into depths that cannot be seen directly, and reflects the spirit of the two being joined as one. Third reading: a poem or other literary excerpt that addresses the struggle and challenge of marriage, which can lead to a more spiritual and joyful life. Vows intro ________________ and ________________ are here to marry each other. No one else?s will can create such a union. It is their words, their intentions, their vision, that must define and shape this marriage. So I call upon them now to state their promise before this group: the pledges that will bind them together. Vows and exchange of rings (vows to be provided by the couple being married.) Segue 3 _______ and _____ have come a long way. From (insert reference to how the couple met), to declaring their devotion to each other today. Theirs is a continuing journey. It will not always be easy. They will face challenges, trials, and hardships, as we all do. But their union is strong and vital. Their task now is to find joy in seeing each other constantly blossoming, to find exhilaration in change and purpose in the new roads traveled, no matter what direction is taken. They are explorers, these two. And the strength of their marriage is a strength that celebrates every minute of life, as well as the living mystery of their love. Fourth reading: a poem or other literary excerpt that expresses the celebration of a new union, a merging of two into one. Closing This marriage is complete. Where there were two, there is now one. Closing words are often the hardest. One never knows where one will find them. To begin, here?s a wedding toast from Africa... ?Through others, we are someone. Through this marriage, we broaden our family circle, we remember our heritage and recall those who gave us life. We call upon our ancestors, the foundations of our families, immortalized in our thoughts. We call upon our elders, whose wisdom we seek in all endeavors. Our friends whom we are blessed to have in our lives. Our parents who guided us along the road to adulthood. We call upon those who have passed over and could not be here today. And we call upon the bride and groom, that they may always find prosperity in love and devotion. We ask that children bless this couple, because children give glory to a home. Therefore we cast a libation to the North, to the South, to the East and to the West. And we wish everyone to leave more blessed than when they came. Amen. To finish, a simple toast from Italy. Evviva gli sposi, hurray for the newlyweds! Universal Life Church  ********************    The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.   As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar.

Short Wedding Ceremony

By Rev. Jon G. Kelvey

Hello and welcome! We have been invited here today to share in the joy of _______ and _______ as they unite in the sanctity of marriage. They are taking the first step into a new beginning, a new era: their life together. We are here to witness the subtle and enveloping currents of love and devotion that have brought them together here in this life. We are here for a ceremony, sacred, formal celebration and formulation of something beautiful and intangible. It is idea made manifest, it is experiential poetry in full bloom. We live in a very mundane and profane society, one where the culture of convenience has pushed the ceremony and reverence out of everyday life. Where once simple acts like gathering water held a certain solemnity and at every step of life there was a right of passage, now find the bastions of the sacred pushed back into the corners of our lives. This, in a way, makes the ceremony that much more powerful to us today, as we only experience it a few times throughout our lives. These remaining scared spaces are the head cornerstones of our lives architecture; they uphold and mark the bridges over which we must pass on our walk of life. Of these defining experiences, there is one that we find throughout all history and across all cultural boundaries. That is, the experience of marriage. Marriage must certainly stand as one of the biggest events in our lives, right up there with birth and death. Few of you were ?there? at your arrival, and even fewer of you will attend your own funeral. Of the three, marriage is the only event you will celebrate with a conscious awareness. Here it stands unique as the one island-like point of awareness and volition between two uncontrollable events in life. None of you, so far as we can tell, got to vote on when you came here to be with us, and so far as it seems, the way out is as uncontrollable as the way in. Marriage stands unique as an act of conscious synthesis between birth and death, it links two individual?s lives with each other and the web of life itself. Its links the generations of the past through this covenant of the present and onto those of the future. Marriage is the union of disparate elements, where yin and yang, proton and electron, male and female come together to make a ?one.? This isn?t just a human custom; this is the very dynamic process of which the universe is made. When you see two people united in marriage, you see the earthly continuation of the fire of the universe; it?s the continuing dance of creation that we share with all of life. Vows You are the air says the groom to his bride, and you are the earth. It is you that swells my breast with breath and sustains me in this life; that that carries my prayers in times of trouble. It is I that supports your feet and brings forth food to sustain you in this life; that supports your head in times of trouble. I will breathe, I will eat, I will live, and I will love because of you?(Casual Option: Are you guys cool with that? Then kiss.) If there is anyone here who objects to this union, let them, or forever hold their peace? I know pronounce you, husband and wife -- kiss. Ladies and gentlemen, introducing, Mr. And Mrs.______.  ********************    The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.   As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar.

Wedding Ceremony

By Rev. Michael Toombs

This wedding ceremonies has some original parts and some traditionally-worded parts. Enjoy. OPENING STATEMENT Dearly Beloved: We are gathered here together, in the presence of God and of this company, so that (Groom) and (Bride) may be united in holy matrimony. We are here to celebrate and share in the glorious act by which their love for one another is converted into the holy and sacred bonds of marriage. DECLARATION OF INTENTION In First Corinthians, chapter 13, verses 4-8 the Bible describes love stating that ?Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails....? This kind of love enriches each part of life, and marriage enriches love. Two lives, shared with this kind of love, can hold more fulfillment and happiness than either life alone. MARRIAGE VOWS Face each other and hold hands. (Groom), do you take (Bride) to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish her, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, to be faithful only to her as long as you both shall live? (Groom) I do. (Bride), do you take (Groom) to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love, honor and cherish him, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, to be faithful only to him as long as you both shall live? (Bride) I do. (Groom), please repeat after me: I, (Groom), take thee, (Bride), to be my wife and my one true love I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully. What may come, I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life. (Bride), please repeat after me: I, (Bride), take thee, (Groom), to be my husband and my one true love I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully. What may come, I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life. PRAYER & BLESSING Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, we present to You (Groom) and (Bride), who come this day to be married. May the promise of love they make be blessed with true love, devotion and commitment. When selfishness shows itself, grant generosity; when mistrust is a temptation, give them strength; when there is misunderstanding, give patience and gentleness; if suffering becomes a part of their lives, give them a strong faith and an abiding love. Give them Your grace and guidance that they may loyally fulfill the vows they have taken. May Your joy abide with them always, that they may be a blessing to each other, and to those around them. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. I would now like to read an Apache blessing for this marriage: Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth. EXCHANGE OF RINGS May I have the Rings? It is customary to exchange rings as a symbol of love. The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows these two have made to one another. As the rings have no end so your love should have no end. As the rings are made of gold symbolizing purity, so should your marriage have purity. As often as either of you see them, you will be reminded of this moment and the endless love you promised. (Groom), please place the ring on (Bride)?s hand and repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you. With this ring I thee wed. (Bride), please place the ring on (Groom)?s hand and repeat after me. I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, with all that I am and all that I have, I honor you. With this ring I thee wed. DECLARATION OF THE MARRIAGE As you have now both pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder. (Groom), you may now kiss your bride. PRESENTATION I now present to you (Groom) and (Bride) (Last Name).  ********************    The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.   As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar.

Wedding Ceremony

By Submitted by Rev. Sailor

Rev. Sailor -Northern California In the Chippewa tradition I invite the Bride and Groom to wash their hands of the past and start their lives anew. (Offer small bowl of water and towel to each) You have come before these witnesses assembled to acknowledge in public those promises you made to one another in private. Your marriage will not stand by the power of the state, or the oath in some book, or the words of the minister but will only survive by your love, faith and trust for each other. Will each of you now consent to be married? Will you each accept the other as your spouse: promising to love, honor and respect them, keeping yourself only to them all the days of your life? 2. Will you _________accept _____________as your spouse: promising to love, honor and respect her, keeping yourself only to her all the days of your life? Will you _________accept _____________ as your spouse: promising to love, honor and respect him, keeping yourself only to him all the days of your life? May we have the rings please? The Blessing of the Rings; The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond, which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows that you have made to one another. Bless O God these rings that those who give them, and those who wear them, may ever abide in peace. Living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives. Repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of our love, with it I wed you and give you my body, soul and heart. Apache Wedding Prayer Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years, May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth. Declaration of Marriage: In as much as you have each pledged to the other your lifelong commitment, love and devotion; by the authority of the state of California and most Merciful Almighty, I now pronounce you husband and wife. ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Ceremonies

By Rev. Jim and his Wife

Circle will be erected before guests arrive and will be outlined with flowers. On the altar there will be four quarter candles, Goddess and God candles, unity candles, incense, 3 chalices with wine and cakes, wand, pentagram. Person 1 (will light incense and all candles EXCEPT the unity candle) Person 1 (will sweep x 3 and place broom at the door.) Person 2 (will ring bell x 3 and summon) Come ye who are light of heart, The celebration is about to start. Come to the Northeast and wait, For the Priestess to guide you through the gate. Let your smiles be merry, let your worries be still And let none be here, but of their own free will.? (Cast and Admit) (Cleanse circle with elements while singing:) ?Earth our body? ?Earth our body Water our blood Air our breath and Fire our spirit? Repeat until back at your quarter (Four Quarters we will be invoked Each Quarter will offer milk cake and mead) East: Person 3 South: Person 4 West: Person 5 North: Person 6 East: ?Playful Dryads we call to thee, come frolic with us lighthearted Sidhe(she) come sing to the tune of your homeland as we join together this woman and man.? South: ?Bright Geancanoch (Gan-chan-ock) we call to thee, come play with us mischivious Sidhe (she), come dance to the tune of your homeland as we join together this woman and man.? West: ?Brave Tuatha de Danann (Too-ah-day-Thay-nan) we call to thee come rest with us trooping Sidhe(she), come tap your toes to the tune of your homeland as we join together this woman and man.? North: ?Cheerful Cluricauns (kloo-ree- kahn) we call to thee, come sing with us joyful Sidhe (she), Come hum the tune of your homeland as join together this woman and man.? Person 7 (Will call Deities) Person 1 and Person 7 will bless wine and cakes Person 7 ? (will cut a door to let wedding party in.) Bride and her father ? (will walk to the door) Officiant ? ?Who brings Bridenifer here today? Raise energy with ?we are a circle?: ALL - ?We are a circle within a circle With no beginning and never ending? x 3 Officiant - (will begin with a few heartfelt words) Person 7 ? ?The joining together of man and woman in the Sacred Rite of Marriage brings together great forces from which may flow the seeds of future generations to be nurtured within the womb of time. Within every masculine nature lies the Feminine; within every feminine nature lies the masculine. The interplay of masculine and feminine forces, when flowing freely in a union based upon Love, finds many expressions and that union is truly Holy.? Officiant ? ?Who walks the path of the moon to stand before the Gods and declare her Sacred vows? (Bride steps forward) Do you Bride, come to this place of your own free will?? Bride ? ?I do.? Officiant ? ?Who walks the path of the sun to stand before the Gods and declare his Sacred vows? (Groom steps forward) Do you Groom, come to this place of your own free will?? Groom ? ?I do.? Person 2 ? (Gives Officiant Binding Cloth) Officiant ? (wraps the couple?s hands.) Officiant ? ?Will you walk together the circle of time traveling through the Elements and Seasons?? Bride and Groom ? ?We will? (walk, hands, bound to each quarter) South ? ?Will your love survive the harsh fires of change? Bride and Groom ? ?It will.? South ? ?Then accept this blessing of the element of fire in this the place of summer. May your home be filled with warmth.? West ? ?Will your love survive the ebb and flow of feeling?? Bride and Groom ? ?It will? West ? ?Then accept this blessing of water in this the place of autumn. May your life together be filled with love.? North ? ?Will your love survive times of stillness and restriction?? Bride and Groom ? ?It will? North ? ?Then accept the blessing of the element of earth in this the place of winter. May your union be strong and fruitful.? East ? ?Will your love survive the clear light of day?? Bride and Groom ? ?It will? East ? ?Then accept the blessing of the element of air in this the place of spring. May your marriage be blessed by the light of every new dawn.? Person 7 ? ?All things are circlular- night becomes day, day becomes night and night becomes day again. The moon waxes and wanes and waxes again. There is spring, summer, autumn, winter and then spring returns. These things are part of the Great Mysteries. Bride and Groom do you bring your symbols of these Great Mysteries of life?? Bride and Groom ? ?We do.? Person 8 ? (gives ring to Bride) Officiant ? ?Then before all present repeat these words: (Bride faces Groom and places ring on his finger and repeats after Officiant) I pledge my love, strength, and my friendship. I bring thee joy now and until love lasts. I vow upon this holy Earth that through you I will honor all men. Will you accept in freedom this circle of gold as a token of my vows?? Groom ? ?I will? Person 8 ? (gives ring to Groom) Officiant ? ?Groom, place this ring on Bride?s finger and repeat after me? (Groom faces Bride and places ring on her finger and repeats after Officiant) ?I pledge my love, strength and my friendship. I bring thee joy now and until love lasts. I vow upon this holy Earth that through you I will honor all women. Will you accept in freedom this circle of gold as a token of my vows?? Bride ? ?I will.? Person 7 ? (gives Bride a lit tapered candle) Bride ? ?In the name of Diana I bring you the warmth of my heart.? Best Man ? (hands Groom lit tapered candle) Groom ? ?In the name of Pan I bring you the light of my love.? (Both light the unity candle.) All ? ?May the light of your union be blessed? Officiant ? ?By the law of three do you swear to keep sacred your vows?? Bride and Groom ? ?We swear.? Person 2 and Person 1 ? (wrap Bride and Groom with wrap.) Officiant ? ?Benificent Spirits and Souls of our Ancestors, accept the union of your children. Help them, protect and bless their home and children of their union. May their life together reflect the harmony of all life in its perfect union. May they work together in times of ease and times of hardship, knowing that they are truly blessed. From this time forth you walk together along life?s path. May your way be blessed.? Bride ? (Takes chalice in hand and speaks oath) ?By seed and root, by bud and stem, by leaf and flower and fruit, by life and love, I ,Bride, take you, Groom, to my hand and heart at the rising of the sun and the setting of the stars.? Groom ? (Takes chalice in hand and speaks oath) ?By seed and root, by bud and stem, by leaf and flower and fruit, by life and love, I, Groom, take you Bride, to my hand and heart at the rising of the sun and the setting of the stars.? (Both pour the mead from their chalices into the union chalice and Groom serves Bride first. Then say as serving:) ?may you never thirst?. (Pass around another chalice of mead for everyone to sip.) (Bride and Groom taste wine and cakes and pass around) Officiant ? ?Let Diana, Pan and the Spirits of the four directions be thanked for their blessings.? Person 7 ? (Release God and Goddess) (Release Quarters:) North ? ?We thank thee cheerful Cluricauns (kloo-ree-kahn) for lending us your protection we thank thee, our faery friends, for joining us today Go if thou must, stay if thou will We bid thee hail and farewell? West ? ?We thank thee brave Tuatha de Danann (Too-ah-day-Thay-nan) for lending us your sense of adventure. We thank thee, our faery friends, for joining us today Go if thou must, stay if thou will We bid thee hail and farewell ? South ? ?We thank thee bright Geancanoch (Gan-chan-ock) For lending us your passion We thank thee our faery friends, for joining us today Go if thou must, stay if thou will We bid thee hail and farewell? East ? ?We thank thee playful Dryads for lending us your lighthearted song, We thank thee our Faery friends, for joining us today Go if thou must, stay if thou will We bid thee hail and farewell ? Officiant ? ?This sacred rite of marriage ends in peace, as in peace it begins. Let us leave, holding peace and love in our hearts until we meet again. (Then pronounces Bride and Groom Husband and Wife) Person 7 (cuts door in the air at circles edge) (Broom is laid across doorway) (Bride and Groom jump the broom on the way out of the circle) (Bride and Groom lead everyone out and guests blow bubbles in celebration of the union. ) Person 7 (Unwinds the circle) ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Non-Denominational Wedding

By Rev. Kimberli Taylor (fka Kimberli McFerran)

We are here today to participate in a most joyous Occasion; to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, by acknowledging the wedding of (Groom) and (Bride). Into this state of Marriage, (Groom) and (Bride) come now to be united. Opening Blessing May this man and this woman be a blessing and comfort to each other, sharers of each other?s joys, consolers in each others sorrows, helpers to each other in all of life?s adventures. May they encourage each other in whatever they set out to achieve. May they, trusting each other, trust life and be unafraid. May they, loving each other, offer love and support to those around them. Promises (Groom) & (Bride), Will you please, as an expression that your hearts are joined together in love, now join your hands. (Groom), do you take (Bride) to be your lawful wedded wife? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect her? Share the good times and achievements as well as the hard times and disappointments? Keep her in sickness and in sorrow and to be faithful to her forevermore? (Groom): I do (Bride), do you take (Groom) to be your lawful wedded husband? Do you promise to love, honor, and protect him? Share the good times and achievements as well as the hard times and disappointments? Keep him in sickness and in sorrow and to be faithful to him forevermore? (Bride): I do As you place the ring on her finger, please repeat after me: Please repeat after me, (Bride), with free and unconstrained soul, I give you all I am and all I am to become. Take this ring, and with it my promise of faith, patience, and love, for the rest of my life. Pronouncement Now that you have joined yourselves in matrimony, may you strive always to meet this commitment with the same spirit you now are now exhibiting. We all bear witness to this ceremony you have just performed and you may now call yourselves by those old and respected names, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride. Presentation of Mr.and Mrs. ____________. ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Wedding Ceremony

By ULC Wedding Ceremony

ULC Wedding Ceremony The following ceremony has been described as the most beautiful ever witnessed. Feel free to use it in your wedding, and to edit it as you wish. It is non-denominational, but does not neglect the spiritual aspect of marriage, and is perfect for use in an interfaith marriage, or for any wedding solemnized by a Universal Life Church minister. If it were possible to begin this ceremony by gathering together all the wishes of happiness for and from all present here . . . if we could gather together those precious wishes of affection and our very fondest hopes and turn them into music, we would be listening now to a most inspiring anthem, composed of the most harmonious notes possible to produce. Even though this is not possible, just speaking of it should assure_________ and_________that our hearts are attuned to theirs in these moments so meaningful to all of us. For what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness. Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between the parties. It has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between two human beings; the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention since no earthly happiness exceeds that of a reciprocal satisfaction in the conjugal state. Marriage should be a life-long consecration to the ideal of loving kindness, backed with the will to make it last. True love gives nothing but itself and takes nothing but from itself. Love does not possess, nor would it be possessed. For love is sufficient unto love. Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. To awake at dawn with a winged heart and Give thanks for another day of loving. To rest at noon and meditate love's ecstasy; To return home at eventide with gratitude, And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart And a song of praise upon your lips. _____________ will you take ____________ to be your wedded wife, to love, to cherish, to continually bestow upon her your heart's deepest devotion? (Groom replies "I will") And _____________will you take_______________ to be your wedded husband, to love, to cherish, to continually bestow upon him your heart's deepest devotion? (Bride replies "I will") Please hold hands and repeat after me: "__________, you are consecrated to me now as my wife from this day forward, to love, to cherish and to have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, in sadness and in joy, to share together as long as we both shall love. Amen." And,_____________, you are consecrated to me now as my husband, from this day forward, to love and cherish, to have and to hold, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sickness and in health, in sadness and in joy, to care and share together as long as we both shall love. Amen" What token of your devotion do you offer your beloved? (bride and groom retrieve rings from best man and maid of honor, handing them to minister). May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place of sanctuary that many will find there a friend. May these rings, on their fingers, symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in the heart. (Minister hands ring to groom) ________, in placing this ring on _______'s finger, repeat after me: "I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity. Amen" (groom places ring on bride's finger) (Minister hands other ring to bride) ________, in placing this ring on _______'s finger, repeat after me: "I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity. Amen" (bride places ring on groom's finger) Inasmuch as _______ and ________ have consented together in marriage before this company; have pledged their faith and declared their unity by each giving and receiving a ring -- and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion, I, as an ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church, pronounce that they are husband and wife together -- and offer them the Benediction of the Apaches: Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness for you. Now there is no more loneliness. Now you are two bodies, But there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, To enter into the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long upon the earth. ******************** The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Marriage Ceremony

Marriage of Alexandra "Alex" Lee Torrey and Charles "Charlie" Vickroy Balch

The following marriage ceremony occurred on Sunday, May 4th 1997 on our boat while anchored off Buck Island. Buck Island is a small island near St. Croix which is one of the US Virgin Islands. For the ceremony, about 20 large boats rafted up with us and about 500 friends joined us.

This is a unique ceremony. We wrote it and performed it without a third party (ie no minister or judge). Our love stands on its own and is based on very deep understandings of each other.

It is a legal marriage.

We are legally registered ministers in the territory of the Virgin Islands. Charlie was ordained and registered with the court many years ago. While he has officiated at many ceremonies, this is his first time on the receiving end. Alex registered for the purpose of performing the ceremony.

Charlie We joyfully welcome all present to witness and celebrate the joining of our lives in marriage. Here, with friends and family, we share the essence of our commitment. Today our union is formalized under the law of man. Each of us will speak words that belong to both. If we break down a little, give us a little time, our joy overflows. You'll know we're done when we kiss.

Alex Today the promise and hopes of our union are expressed. This is the most important commitment of our lives. The essence of this commitment is the taking of each other, in entirety, as lover, partner, companion and friend. This is a decision we have made with great consideration and respect, uncompromisingly with reverence and honor for each other's individuality and needs. Knowing these things, we make this commitment. Our commitment will continue to grow and be renewed.

Charlie Our union goes beyond itself to enhance the lives of others. Let our marriage create a realm where no person is ever a stranger. We hope our love, our strength, and our responsibility will radiate outwards from us, enhancing growth and strengthening our community. Just as we are committed to each other we are committed to our community.

Alex We know that we will not always perceive the world or our relationship as a joyful place. We also know that love is patient and kind. We seek to both understand and be understood. Together, through our understanding and commitment, we will overcome times of fear, discomfort, shadows, or silences. We will persevere through all difficulties with a love that rises from seeing through the other's eyes.

Charlie We promise to employ the spirit of inquiry when the need arises to adjust differing perceptions, always keeping in mind a deep respect for each other. May God grant us success in our efforts to maintain our faith in heaven's ways, our patience to listen, our capacity to understand, our compassion to accept, our joy of tolerance and our good humor. We live in joy, hope, faith, honor and love, the greatest of these being love.

Alex We happily share our selves and have thus discovered a greater self. The spirit of heaven dances between us, allowing love without striving to manage or possess. We know that personal spaces in our togetherness create a stronger whole. These personal spaces give us room to grow as individuals. Individual growth is important to our growth together -- as we each grow, the entirety of our union grows.

Charlie We know that we are each unique individuals. We rejoice in our differences as we do in the similarities that brought us together. We will live together, sharing our potentials, joys, needs and goals. This goes beyond mutual support or dependency. We promise to always hold each others dreams as our own. The challenge of our mutual goals of faith, growth, responsibility, understanding and joy excite and direct our lives to their fullest.

Alex We are partners in all things. Gladly we share our selves. This is a union of love. Through this love we find strength and courage when weak or tired, and warmth when cold or uncertain. When necessary, we will lean on each other for support. The combination of our individual strengths overcomes all weakness to create a greater whole.

Charlie Alexandra Lee Torrey, I love you. I promise to share all of my life openly with you, to love, cherish, and stand beside you, in times of celebration and in times of difficulty, in times of good health and in times of changing health, in times of joy and in times of conflict, for all our lives. Your smile is my most treasured possession; I will do all that is within my power to insure that I will always be fully worthy of it. With all of my heart, mind, body and soul I ask, will you be my wedded wife?

Alex Yes.

Alex Charles Vickroy Balch, I love you. I promise as your wife to share all of my life openly with you, to love, cherish, and stand beside you, in times of celebration and in times of difficulty, in times of good health and in times of changing health, in times of joy and in times of conflict, for all our lives. With all of my heart, mind, body and soul I ask, will you be my wedded husband?

Charlie Yes.

Alex Rings are a circle, the symbol of the earth, the universe, and eternity. Like circles, our rings have no beginning or ending. They are tokens of the relationship we have come here to celebrate and confirm.

Charlie: With the presentation of this ring which is also the symbol for your family I wed you. I give you all the treasures of my heart, mind, soul and life.

Alex: With the presentation of this ring and the sharing of my family name I wed you. I give you all the treasures of my heart, mind, soul and life.

Alex & Charlie: By our commitment and love for each other and the power vested in us by the territory of the Virgin Islands we are now husband and wife.

Charlie: We are now as two, yet one. Our unity will last through all trials and triumphs that lie ahead.

Alex: We will live more and more in the presence of our love, which in it's beauty extends beyond the past and future. We have joined together, and together we shall go forth.

Alex and Charlie: Grow old along with me

The best is yet to be

The last of life for which the first was made.

 ******************** 

 

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.   As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar.

Marriage Ceremony with child

MARRIAGE CEREMONY of GROOM and BRIDE NAMES

Officiated by Rev. Robert Yslas, Jr.

WELCOME

Welcome to the marriage of ______ and ______. You have been asked to gather here to witness and share in the joy of this union.

_____ and _____, you have come to be joined in holy marriage to one another. You are about to make promises which are not to be taken lightly, but to be taken with the seriousness of life itself.

We have gathered in the presence of God to give thanks for the gift of marriage, to witness the joining of _____ and _____ to surround them with our prayers, and to ask God’s blessing upon them, so that they may be strengthened for their life together.

We have been created male and female, and given marriage, so that husband and wife may help and comfort each other, faithfully together in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, throughout all their days.

God gave us marriage for the full expression of the love between a man and a woman. In marriage a woman and man belong to each other, and with affection and tenderness freely give themselves to each other.

We have been given marriage for the well-being of human society, for the ordering of family life, and for the birth and nurture of children.

Marriage is a holy mystery in which a man and a woman are joined together, and become one, just as Christ is one with the church.

In marriage, husband and wife are called to a new way of life, created, ordered, and blessed by God. This way of life must not be entered into carelessly, or from selfish motives, but responsibly, and prayerfully.

We rejoice that marriage is given by God, bless by our Lord, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, let marriage be held in honor among all.

PRAYER

Let us pray:

Gracious God, you are always faithful in your love for us. Look mercifully upon _____ and _____, who have come seeking your blessing. Let your Holy Spirit rest upon them so that with steadfast love they may honor the promises they make this day, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

_____ and ____ as you come to one another, remember: Love one another, but make not a bond of love. Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your soul.

Fill each other’s cup, but drink not from one cup.

Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous but let each one of you be alone, even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.

Give our hearts, but not into each other’s keeping; for only the hand of God can contain your hearts.

And stand together yet not too near together. For the pillars of the temple stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.

Mark then that this is the hour and these are the minutes when you have turned your faces toward each other in promise. Suns shall rise and moons shall set upon your faces now as before. But your promises, soon to be made, proclaim that these same suns and moons shall not find you separated. Each of you shall know that the other has become flesh of your flesh and bone of your bone.

Let humanity now trace its trail in the vastness of space. Let the depths yield up their secrets to the probing of our minds, but let it be known also to you with equal importance that something unique and new in the universe has here today begun.

WHO GIVES THIS WOMAN TO BE MARRIED TO THIS MAN?

(Bride’s parents stand and respond…”WE DO.”)

I Corinthians 13 says:

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.

Love never ends; as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For our knowledge is imperfect and our prophecy is imperfect, but when the perfect comes, the imperfect will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall understand fully, even as I have been fully understood. So faith, hope, love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

VOWS

_____, do you promise to respect and honor the absolute integrity of life _____ leads as an individual? (I DO)

_____, do you promise to recognize the existence of the individual identity within _____? (I DO)

_____, will you offer _____ all the love that flows through you to create a love that flows together? (I DO)

_____, will you release _____ an open love embracing all that you can be so your love will flow together? (I DO)

_____, do you present to _____ your name so she will be called as you are called? Do you give her the sun that rises in your life and all the beauty that your hands and spirits can make together? (I DO)

_____, do you accept _____’s love and his name and your calling together; do you join your hands with his hands and your spirit with his spirit so that your lives may be beautiful together? (I DO)

If this is so then come together now, joins hands, and repeat these vows to one another:

I _______take thee ______to be my wedded wife; and I do promise and covenant before God and these witnesses to be your loving and faithful husband, in plenty and in want; in joy and in sorrow; in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live.

(I DO)

I _____, take thee _____to be my wedded husband; and I do promise and covenant before God and these witnesses to be your loving and faithful wife, in plenty and in want; in joy and in sorrow; in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live

(I DO)

RINGS

A CIRCLE is the symbol of the sun and the earth and the universe, of wholeness and perfection and peace. The ring you give this day is the symbol and the circle of shared love into which you enter together as husband and wife.

(Taking the bride’s ring to give to groom)

Let us pray:

Praised art thou O Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has brought us to life and blessed us with love. O Lord of all things animate and inanimate, bless this ring so that he who give us and she who wears it may abide in the security of your love. Amen.

_____ placing this ring on ______ left hand, repeat after me:

THIS ring I give you in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.

(Next ring, taking the grooms ring to be given to the bride)

Let us pray:

Praised art thou O Lord our God, ruler of the universe, who has brought us to life and blessed us with love. Lord God of all things animate and inanimate, bless this ring so that she who gives it and he who wears it may abide in the security of your love all of the days of their lives. Amen.

_____, placing this ring on ______ left hand, repeat after me:

THIS ring I give you in token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.

PRAYER

Let us pray:

Eternal God,

Creator and preserver of all life,

Author of salvation

And giver of grace:

Look with favor upon the world you have made and redeemed,

And especially upon _____ and _____.

Given them wisdom and devotion in their common life,

That each may be to the other

A strength in need,

A comfort in sorrow,

A counselor in perplexity,

And a companion in joy.

Grant that their wills may be so knit together in your will,

And their spirits in your Spirit,

That they may grow in love and peace

With you and each other

All the days of their life.

Give them the courage,

When they hurt each other,

To recognize and confess their fault,

And the grace to seek your forgiveness,

And to forgive each other,

Today we not only celebrate this marriage

But we also celebrate the formation

And affirmation of a family with (child’s name)

We pray that you guide _____ and _____ as parents

To raise and teach (child’s name) with love and respect;

And that you protect this new family and keep them

Always in your care.

Grant that all who have witnessed these vows today

May find their lives strengthened,

And that all who are married

May depart with their own promises renewed.

Enrich with your grace

All the husbands and wives, parents and children,

That, loving and supporting one another,

They may serve those in need

And be a sign of your kingdom. Amen.

UNITY CANDLE

The unity candle symbolizes the very essence of the wedding ceremony. The two side candles, which represent you as individuals, are used to light a single center candle as a visible symbol of your commitment to each other. There is an additional smaller candle for (child). _____ and _____ will light the candles and then all three of them will light the center Unity Candle.

_____ and _____ the two side candles are a symbol of your separate lives, families, and friends. I now ask that you take your candles, along with (child), and that together you light the center candle. Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and symbolizes the joining together of your two families and sets of friends to one. The greater height of the center candle depicts your belief that together you can become more than either could alone (Please light the center candle, music to be placed here, and then return before minister).

CHALLENGE

_____ and _____, as the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together - as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other.

Now by the authority committed unto me as a Minister of the Universal Life Church, I declare that _____ and _____ are now husband and wife, according to the Ordinance of God and the Law of the State of ____; in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

_____, you may now kiss your bride.

It is now my pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. ________.

 ******************** 

 

The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.   As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar.