Sample Ceremony and Vows

Opening of the Ceremony

Today we are here to join you in marriage and to share in the joy of this occasion which should be one of the most memorable and happy days of your life.

On this day of your marriage, you stand somewhat apart from all other human beings. You stand within the charmed circle of your love; and this is as it should be. But love is not meant to be the possession of two people alone. Rather it would serve as a source of common energy, as a form in which you find the strength to live your lives with courage.

From this day onward you must come closer together than ever before, you must love one another in sickness and in health, for better and for worse, but at the same time your love should give you the strength to stand apart, to seek out your unique destinies, to make your special contribution to the world which is always part of us and more than us. Being assured that you are aware of the meaning of this ceremony, I will now ask you to repeat the marriage vows.

Vows for Double Ring Ceremony

Officiant: Do you, , take this woman, , to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish her through sickness and in health, through times of happiness and travail, until death do you part?

(Place the ring upon her finger and repeat after me.)

Groom: With this ring, I thee wed, and forever pledge my devotion.

Officiant: Do you, , take this man, , to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish him through sickness and in health, through periods of tranquility and travail, until death do you part?

(Place the ring upon his finger and repeat after me.)

Bride: With this ring, I thee wed, and forever pledge my devotion.

Vows for Single Ring Ceremony

Officiant: Do you, , take this woman, , to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish her through sickness and in health, through times of happiness and travail, until death do you part?

(Place the ring upon her finger and repeat after me.)

Groom: With this ring, I thee wed, and forever pledge my devotion.

Officiant: Do you, , take this man, , to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish him through sickness and in health, through periods of tranquility and travail, until death do you part?

Bride: I do.

Vows Without a Ring

Officiant: Do you, , take this woman, , to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, honor and cherish her through sickness and in health, through times of happiness and travail, until death do you part?

Groom: I do.

Officiant: Do you, , take this man, , to be your lawful wedded husband, to love, honor and cherish him through sickness and in health, through periods of tranquility and travail, until death do you part?

Bride: I do.

Closing of the Ceremony

You came to me as two single people and you will now leave as a married couple, united to each other by the binding contract you have just entered. Your cares, your worries, your pleasures and your joys you must share with each other. The best of good fortune to both of you.