Alternative Ceremony
OPENING
"Hello, and welcome to the celebration of _______ and _______. "
“Today, in front of friends and family, they honor their commitment to not just gazing at one another, but to looking outward together in the same direction. _______ and _______, proclaim their love to the world, and we rejoice with and for them.”
“_______ and _______, in presenting yourselves here today you perform a remarkable act of faith. This faith can grow and mature and endure, but only if you both determine to make it so. A lasting and growing love is never automatic, nor guaranteed by any ceremony.”
“Let the foundation of your union be the pure love you have for each other, not just at this moment, but for all the days ahead, honor faithfully the statements and commitments that you bring here today. Faults will appear where now you find contentment and wonder can be crushed by the routine of daily living."
"But today you resolve that your love will never be blotted out by the commonplace, obscured by the ordinary, or compromised by life's difficulties. Stand fast in that hope and confidence, and believe in your shared future just as strongly as you believe in yourselves and in each other today. Only in this spirit can you create a partnership that will sustain all the days of your lives.”
Vows
“_______, repeat after me: ”I _______ take you _______ to be my partner for life, I promise above all else to live in truth with you / And to communicate fully and fearlessly, I give you my hand and my heart / as a sanctuary of warmth and peace, and pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor as I join my life to yours.”
“I _______ take you _______ to be my partner for life. I promise above all else, to live in truth with you / And to communicate fully and fearlessly, I give you my hand and my heart / As a sanctuary of warmth and peace, and pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor as I join my life to yours.”
Ring Exchange
“Wedding rings are made precious by our wearing of them. Your rings say that even in your uniqueness you have chosen to be bound together.' "Let these rings also be a sign that love has substance as well as soul, a present as well as a past, and that, despite its occasional sorrows, love is a circle of happiness, wonder, and delight.”
“_______, take _______ ring and put it on his finger, and repeat after me: Just as this circle is without end/my love for you is limitless / Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail / With this ring I take you to be my best friend, lover, and partner for life.”
“_______ , take _______ ring and put it on her finger, and repeat after me: Just as this circle is without end / My love for you is limitless / Just as it is made of indestructible substance, my commitment to you will never fail / With this ring I take you to be my best friend, lover, and partner for life.”
Pronouncement
“ _______ and _______, Your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you the earth. Like the stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow. I now pronounce you married and bound together body and soul.”
“You may seal your Union with a kiss, may I introduce to you _______ "
