Welcoming:

   We are gathered here today to witness and to celebrate the joining together of (Bride) and (Groom) in the holy estate of marriage. More than a ceremony, this is the most significant moment of human celebration and personal commitment and should not be entered into lightly, but in the freedom of joy and sober responsibility. Today you will receive God’s greatest gift; another person to share life’s blessings with, care for, learn with, trust in, change with and to discover the greatness of God’s glory.

   Who brings this woman forward to be with this man?? (Father kisses bride and takes his seat)  Please be seated.

   You now stand here as two individuals at the dawn of your life as one. Through your relationship, you have come to know, respect and love each other. Although your backgrounds and experiences are different, you share the same goals and ideals in the building of this relationship.

   For those of us blessed by a true partnership of love, we feel safe in the presence of our loved one. There is no need to hide any part of ourselves for fear of being judged or rejected.

   There is a gentleness to the presence of love that softens life’s rough edges. It makes us somehow braver to go forth into the world knowing that the shelter of someone’s love awaits us at day’s end.

   At this time, Bride and Groom would like to take a moment to thank all of the special people who have traveled from near and far to celebrate with them and to shower them with your love and your blessings.  They would also like to honor and remember (any parents/grandparents), who is/are dearly missed. 

Opening Prayer:

   Dear Heavenly Father, we give you thanks for Bride and Groom for their open hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here in our presence.  Be with them on this joyous occasion as they share their love and say their vows; and be with us their witnesses that we may support them always and be blessed by what is said and seen here today. We ask that you guide and bless each of them in loving and honoring one another and in building and strengthening a family that will be a safe and nurturing haven for them all. Help them to find the balance and harmony of their individuality and their shared life.

   We ask that your light and grace be extended to each of them, that they may know you and welcome you in their lives each and every day.

   We ask these things in Jesus name; Amen

Reading:

A letter from Paul to the Corinthians.

   Love is patient, love is kind.  It is not jealous, it is not pompous, it is not inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Address:

   We are gathered here to celebrate a marriage, which is a spiritual union between two people. As you enter into this union together it is important to reflect upon what has brought you to this point in your lives. A desire to elevate your relationship above just the ordinary and to transcend your own limitations as you build a life and a home that is filled with love, peace, happiness and joy with your spiritual mate.

   Base your relationship on friendship, because when we are truly friends with someone, we want to spend quality time with them. We care when they are sick, sad or in despair. We listen to their hopes, fears, and dreams as we seek a deeper understanding of their spirit. We show them sympathy when things go wrong. We share laughter and lighthearted moments together. To achieve true friendship takes commitment, communication, and hard work, and through this process you will achieve peace in mind, body, and spirit.

   If you, Bride and you, Groom have freely and deliberately chosen each other as partners in this holy estate, and you know of no just cause why you may not be so united, will you join your right hands, and now, will you join your left hands.

The Wedding Vows:

   Do you, Groom, solemnly declare in the presence of God and these witnesses that you take this woman, Bride, to be your lawfully wedded wife?   
Will you love her, comfort her, honor her, keep her in sickness and in health, and cherish her forever?   
    Do you, Bride, solemnly declare in the presence of God and these witnesses that you take this man, Groom, to be your lawfully wedded husband?    

Will you love him, comfort him, honor him, keep him in sickness and in health, and cherish him forever?   

Blessing of Rings:

   Do you have the rings?

   These wedding rings have neither a beginning nor an end. They are a symbol of everlasting faith and love. May they ever remind you of the solemn vows and obligations that you have this day taken, and keep steadfast therein until the end.

Groom, place this ring on Bride ’s finger.

(Groom)

As a sign of my love and my knowledge - that in marrying you, - I am becoming much more than I am. I give you this ring with the promise - that I will love you - and keep my heart open to you all the days of my life.

Bride , place this ring on Groom’s finger.

(Bride)

As a sign of my love and my knowledge - that in marrying you, - I am becoming much more than I am. I give you this ring with the promise - that I will love you - and keep my heart open to you all the days of my life.

   Let us Pray,

   Our Heavenly Father, please bless these rings and the couple that is wearing them. Keep them safe, whole and happy this day and all the days that follow.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

   Groom and Bride, having consented together in marriage and having witnessed the same before this company and thereto having pledged your faith and love, by the virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of North Carolina, I pronounce that you are husband and wife.

                    You may now seal your union with a kiss.

“May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst you and remain with you always.”  Amen

   Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pleased and proud to present to you

                               Bride and Groom's LastName