Sample Ceremonies

Congratulations on your engagement! This ministry is a source of great joy. I feel blessed and humbled to serve the needs of couples of all faith traditions, spiritual paths, life philosophies, cultures, backgrounds, and those with no religious traditions. I endeavor to respond to the particular needs of each couple, providing a personal, joyful and memorable ceremony. It is a wonderful honor to meet, listen to, and respond to the dream every couple has for a truly GREAT celebration.

Having done many weddings of various sizes, backgrounds and situations, it should come as no surprise that couples have used a variety of ceremonies to celebrate their new lives together.

In working with you and your fiance`, I would work with you and help you to create the wedding that you desire. I have additional wedding ceremonies and wedding material available to help in designing the wedding that you and your fiance' would treasure. In addition to my religious ceremonies, I also have additional non-religious and inter-faith ceremonies available.

Sample Wedding Ceremony #1

Welcoming

Good evening. It is truly a blessing from heaven for two people to find one another and to love so deeply that they embrace the holy bond of marriage. That is why we are all here today, to witness and celebrate Groom and Bride’s commitment to their union. On behalf of them, I welcome you all.

Although this is their day, it is also a tribute to all of you. For knowing you and interacting with you has helped to make our Bride and Groom who they needed to be to find each other. They would like to thank all of you for that. All of you are the threads of which are woven the tapestry of their lives. Each one of you is an important piece in the story it tells. It is the fabric that they wrap around themselves and take comfort in when the world seems cold. And on days like today when everything is right in their world, that tapestry is proudly spread out and displayed for everyone to see, with all the glorious colors and textures that your diversity adds. You hold a place in their hearts reserved for those that they have chosen to call 'Family' and “Friends” and they are deeply grateful for each and every one of you here today.

Let us Pray

Lord God, I thank you for this day and this opportunity to bring Groom and Bride together as husband and wife. I ask that you join us in this ceremony and to bless Groom, Bride their family and friends. I thank you for this. Amen.

Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?

(Father says) “I do/or the mother an I do”

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Groom and Bride in marriage.

Parental Honoring

Groom and Bride want to acknowledge their parents on this occasion. Groom and Bride offer their profound gratitude to you for all the love and care that you showed in raising them. The unconditional gifts of love and support that you have continually offered have inspired them to become who they are today, and they thank you, from the bottom of their hearts, for guiding them to this celebration of love here today. Without you, this day would not be possible. (Groom and Bride will then hug parents).

Foundation

Groom and Bride marriage is a gift from God, its a miracle. After speaking to you both, it is obvious that you already know some of the great blessings marriage has to offer. I would like to take this time to tell you some of the other great blessings marriage has to offer you. It is an opportunity to feel the joy of taking care of someone who takes care of you, to be challenged towards growth yet gently nurtured, to love deeply and receive it in return. It is about trust, friendship and having a partner to share all life has to offer. It is a commitment to participate in a process of mutual evolution, understanding and forgiveness. It is indeed a sacred union to be treated with reverence.

Marriage is not a place to hide from the world. It is a safe place to grow and become wiser. It is a place to evolve into better people; so that you can go out in the world and make a difference by spreading the joy and wisdom that you have found with each other. Together in this marriage, you shall contribute more fully, for you both shall be more full.

Bride, Groom is a gift to you from God, but he is not a gift for you alone. It is God’s will that in your love, this man might find within herself a greater sense of who he is meant to be. You are asked to see the good in this man, to accept him for who he is and who he shall be. In this way, God’s purpose shall be accomplished in this relationship. May this man find the kingdom of heaven through the love you share.

And so it is with you also Groom, that although Bride is God’s gift to you, she is not a gift intended for you alone. You are asked by God to so love this woman, that in your love she might find himself as God has created her, so beautiful and strong and brave and true, that the entire world might be blessed by the presence of a woman who shines so. May she relax in your arms feeling safe and secure, as she has never relaxed before. May she know, from now on, that there is one on whose love she can depend on forever.

The Hands Ceremony

Groom and Bride, please face each other and take each other’s hands, so that you may see the gift that they are to you.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes your way.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

These are the hands that will lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into eyes that are filled with overwhelming love for you.

And lastly, 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.

Questions/Ring Ceremony Combined

Do you have the rings? (Best Man responds, “Yes”)

Please give me the rings

The circle has long been a symbol of God. Without beginning or end and with no point of weakness, the circle is a reminder of the eternal quality of God and of his unending strength. Your wedding rings are most special because they say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bonded, to allow the presence of another human being to enhance who you are. Your rings carry a potent double message: We are individuals and yet we belong; we are not alone. As you wear them through time, they will reflect not only who you are but also the glorious union that you are now creating. Let the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of your endless love.

God, bless these rings and the two who exchange them. Fill them with your Holy

Presence. Keep them safe in the circle of Your protection and love.

Groom place the ring on Bride’s finger and repeat after me: “With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you, today, tomorrow and always

Bride, place the ring on Groom's finger and repeat after me: “With this ring, I pledge my love and faithfulness to you, today, tomorrow and always."

Wear these rings as the enclosing bond of reverence and trust. Fulfill the circle of love that now makes you one.

Vows

Please join hands, look into each other’s eyes, and repeat after me:

I, Groom , take thee, Bride, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live.

I, Bride, take thee, Groom, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live.

Ceremony For Honoring Children During The Wedding

Often marriage is viewed as the union of two individuals. In reality, however, marriage is much broader. As we give thanks to God for the love that brings Groom and Bride together, so too we recognize the merging of families taking place and the additional love and responsibility that family and friends bring to this relationship.

As part of the family nature of God's creation we recognize Grace and the significant role she plays in this marriage we celebrate today. (child or children are to be brought forward by Maid of Honor.)

(Bride): child, today, as I married your father, you became my family. I am very happy because I love you too. I promise that I will always shower you with love, take care of you, and do my very best for you. (Bride then gives child a gift)

A marriage ceremony represents one of life’s greatest commitments. It is also a declaration of love. I wish too read to you what the Apostle Paul wrote about love in a letter to the Corinthians

“Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud.

Love is never haughty or selfish or rude.

Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable or touchy. Love does not hold grudges and will hardly notice when others do it wrong.

Love is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

If you love someone, you will be loyal to them no matter what the cost. You will always believe in them, always expect the best in them, and will always stand your ground in defending them.”

I believe this is a true model of love and it is a model of love I hope you pursue in your marriage.

Groom and Bride, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Holy Matrimony, having promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your hands, and the giving of these rings. I now declare you to be Husband and Wife whom God hath joined together, let no one separate.

Please join hands

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face and shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance unto you and give you peace. Amen.

Congratulations, you may kiss your bride.

Conclusion: And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. ____________________________

Recessional

Sample Wedding Ceremony #2

Invocation

Lord God, I thank you for this day and this opportunity to bring _________ and ____________ together as husband and wife. I ask that you join us in this ceremony and to bless ________ and _________ and there family. I thank you for this. Amen

Presentation of the Bride

Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?

(Father) I do

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite ________ and _________ in marriage.

Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold there peace.

________and ________, life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is given to us by our family or by our friends. We learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of the greatest challenges of life-and is the shared goal of a married life.

Repeated Vows & Wedding Rings

“Wedding rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace and the unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of this man and this woman in marriage”.

(Groom take your bride’s hand and place the ring at the tip of her finger and repeat after me)

I ________, take thee_______to be my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore.

(Bride take your groom’s hand and place the ring at the tip of his finger and repeat after me)

I _______, take thee ________to be my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, and I promise my love to you forevermore.

Today ________, as I married your mother (or father), you became my family.

I am delighted because I love you.

I promise you that I'll always shower you with love, take care of you and do my very best for you (place the necklace with the ring on it around his or her neck)

Unity Candle

_______, __________ and ________, you have chosen to symbolize your vows further by lighting a unity candle. (Light the candle)

__________and ________ (and ________) as the three of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband, wife and daughter (son), 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.

Scripture reading

A marriage ceremony represents one of life’s greatest commitments. But it also is a declaration of love. I wish to read to you what Paul wrote of love in a letter to the Corinthians. I believe it is a true model of love and it is a model of love I hope you pursue in your marriage.

“Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud.

Love is never haughty or selfish or rude.

Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable or touchy. Love does not hold grudges and will hardly notice when others do it wrong.

Love is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out.

If you love someone, you will be loyal to them no matter what the cost. You will always believe in them, always expect the best in them, and will always stand your ground in defending them”

Pronouncement of Marriage

_______ and ________, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Holy Matrimony, having promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your hands and the giving of these rings. I now declare you to be Husband and wife. Whom God hath joined together, let no one separate.

Pastoral Prayer

May the Lord bless you and Keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance unto to you, and give you peace.

Congratulations, you may kiss your bride.

Presentation of the Couple

It is my privilege to present to you Mr. and Mrs. _______________

Are you looking to Elope? If so I have a special for you.

I can deliver everything you need for the two of you and up to six guests to enjoy your day, all packed in a keepsake basket.

a silk floral bouquet

an 8" wedding cake

two stemmed glasses

a chilled bottle of bubbly (sparkling wine or cider)

eight each plates, forks, and napkins

butter mints

a disposable camera

rice for tossing or bubbles to be blown

a package of tissues

a printed copy of your personalized ceremony

an a personalized wedding certificate

Sound good?

Email me to check availability ,dates and rates. I can prepare this package in as little as 48 hours, but only if I am not already booked. You may book it as far in advance as you like. (Travel fees will apply if I must drive more than thirty miles.)

Brian Purcell

(866)-990-4480

mywedding@twobecomeoneministry.com