Our officiant, who is a dear friend, wrote a ceremony just for us and it's absolutely beautiful. Other than needing to figure out where to stick the readings and the unity candle ceremony, there is only one thing missing - the actual words "I do". We are both fairly non-traditional people, but this is something that we've both always seen when we've dreamed of our weddings. Since he told us to write in any revisions and send it back, I'm trying to figure out how to incorporate that (along with the other things) in to what is already there. Problem is, it's been forever since I've been to a wedding and I'm not sure where that normally goes so I have no idea where to start!
We have come together here in celebration of the joining
together of ____bride______ and ____groom______. There are many
things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining
together of two souls,has come our way through all paths of
belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge
is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give
all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope
to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and
the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of
life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing,
without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life,
posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of
Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this.
Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable
thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its
cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With
full understanding of this, Groom and Bride have come here today
to be joined as one in marriage.
Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage,
but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and
taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has
her family's blessing.
Bride, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?
[BRIDE] Yes, it is true.
[PRIEST] With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you.
[FATHER] She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all
of her family's blessings.
[PRIEST] Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that
which I am about to say.
Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth
pass, remember...
Like a stone should your love be firm like a star should your
love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect
guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind
you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy,
and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be
close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be
understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will
come, but they will pass quickly.
Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not
the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for the heavens are with
you always.
(At this time you recite your written vows)
Groom, I have not the right to bind thee to Bride, only you have
this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place
your ring in her hand.
[GROOM] It is my wish.
[PRIEST] Bride, if it be your wish for Groom to be bound to
you, place the ring on his finger. (places ring on Groom's left
ring finger)
Bride I have not the right to bind thee to Groom only you have
this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place
your ring in his hand.
[BRIDE] It is my wish.
[PRIEST] Groom, if it be your wish for Bride to be bound to you,
place the ring on her finger.(places ring on Bride's left
ring finger)
(to Groom) Repeat after me:
I, (grooms full name), in the name of the spirit of the creative life force of the cosmos that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood
and the love that resides within my heart, take thee (bride's
full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen
one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee,
and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can
exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love
thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in
health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we
shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change
thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people,
and thy ways as I respect myself.
(To The Bride)
I (bride's full name), in the name of the spirit of of the creative life force of the cosmos that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood,
and the love that resides within my heart, take thee,(Groom's
full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit to be my chosen one.
To desire and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed
by thee, without sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of
my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without
restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life
and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall
not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs,
thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself.
[PRIEST]
(hands chalice to the groom, saying
May you drink your fill
from the cup of love.
(Groom holds chalice to bride while she sips then bride takes
chalice and holds it to groom while he sips. The chalice is then
handed back to the Priest who sets it on the table. Next the
Priest takes the plate of bread, giving it to the groom. Same
procedure repeated with bread, groom feeding bride and bride
feeding groom.)
By the power vested in me by the heavens and the State of [name] I now
pronounce you husband and wife. May your love so endure that its
flame remains a guiding light unto you. You May Now Kiss Your Bride
