Sample Religious Standard Marriage Ceremony

Welcome:

Welcome! What a joy it is to together today to celebrate the love of _________and__________ to share in this ceremony of their commitment to each other in marriage. They are grateful you could be here with them on this very special day.

Who gives this bride in marriage? (optional)

Prayer: (optional)

Let us begin by acknowledging the presence of God and the love that draws us all together with a time of prayer.

Dear God
In stillness and in trust we recognize your presence. We know your love drew these two together, ________and__________ that they may live the adventure of life as one. We also know that your love drew each of us together so that we might add our love and blessings to this marriage. We affirm that you are with us now as always guiding us, upholding us and blessing us with abundance of health, success and faith. Amen

Thoughts on Marriage:

It is Divine love that has brought these two souls together in this adventure called life. _____________and are entering into this commitment fully aware of the purpose of marriage.

May we each take this occasion to remember there are no categories of love?  The love that is real is the love that lies at the heart of every relationship. This love does not change with form nor circumstance. This relationship between _______________and___________ creates the stage where love can be expressed.

And to you __________and _________ you are reminded that the purpose of marriage reminds you to respond in love. To offer gentleness, to forgive, to nurture, and to support and encourage each other. The commitment of sharing love with each other is an invitation to knowing you are a friend to each other. Friends share thier secret hopes, their dreams and aspirations. Friends encourage each other to explore and enjoy life.

Vows:

__________and__________ would like to publicly share a vow of commitment with each other in your presence.

_________ do you choose __________ as your wife? Do you pledge to share your life with her openly; to tell the truth to her in love? Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for her, to cherish and encourage her own fulfillment as an individual, and to love and respect her through all the changes of your lives? If so, please answer, “I do.”

_________ do you choose _________ as your husband? Do you pledge to share your life with him openly, to tell the truth to him in love? Do you promise to honor and tenderly care for him, to cherish and encourage his own fulfillment as an individual, and to love and respect him through all the changes of your lives? If so, please answer, “I do.”

Blessing of the Rings:

You have chosen to exchange rings as a symbol of your love. These rings come in the shape of a circle reminding you love is a continuous journey: there is no beginning and no end to love. The substance from which these rings are made of symbolized purity - this is a new beginning in your with one another. Exchanging rings reminds you that you no longer live for your self-alone, but for each other as well.

Please repeat after me:

I ________, join with you ________, in marriage, as my partner in life. I commit to be with you... as your support, and friend... to love, respect and to cherish you throughout life’s journey. Wear this ring as a symbol of my love.

I ________, join with you _________, in marriage, as my partner in life. I commit to be with you... as your support, and friend... to love, respect and to cherish you throughout life’s journey. Wear this ring as a symbol of my love.

CLOSING PRAYER - OPTIONAL

Pronouncement

Kiss