OUR WEDDING CELEBRATION

OUR WEDDING CELEBRATION
"A Ceremony for Home, Garden or Chapel"
by Dr. Roger Coleman.

PRELUDE
SEATING OF GUESTS/FAMILY
LIGHTING OF CANDLES
PROCESSIONAL/MUSIC
PRESENTATION Optional

Both the bride and groom may be escorted by family members.

Support by parents may be highlighted by asking, first of the groom's family and then of the bride's family, "Who presents __________/__________ to be married to ___________/__________?" Each family responds, "We do."

INTRODUCTION

What greater thing for two persons than to feel they are joined together,
to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow,
to help each other in all need, to share all joy, to be one with each other ...

Let all of us be involved in this marriage. Let all humanity renew their vows joining together in love's celebration ... Sensing the grandeur of God and offering through this service our praise and our worship.

- George Eliot adapted

WELCOME OF GUESTS

Throughout history, men and women have sought to recognize the great moments in their lives. On these occasions, they call first upon family and friends to share in joy and happiness. Because of the seriousness and beauty of such moments, they also have chosen to hold up these experiences before God, the creative power that brings together all people.

Therefore, in the beauty of this setting, ___________ and ____________ invite you to help celebrate their love and their marriage.

Optional: The bride and groom may choose to extend their own words of welcome.

READINGS ON LOVE AND MARRIAGE

Many beautiful passages have been written about love and the marriage relationship. Consider these words from First Corinthians:

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful, it is not arrogant or rude.

Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Optional: Other passages may be read by the officiant or by family and friends. See page ___ for suggestions.

MUSIC Optional

PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING

On this special occasion, let us give thanks and ask God's blessing upon this marriage.

Eternal God, we pause in wonder as we witness the miracle that, out of all your people, ____________ and ____________ have

been brought together and joined by their love for each other. Such events move us to step back and examine our own vows and commitments so often taken for granted.

Thank you for the privilege of sharing in this sacred moment. Thank you for this marriage in which two people become stronger and more beautiful through sharing their love with each other. Thank you for family and friends whose love and support have made this day possible. Thank you for love's willingness to forgive, allowing us to leave the past behind and make a new heaven and a new earth our dwelling place.

We ask your blessing upon this couple. In health and in sickness, in abundance and in want, in life and in death, abide with them and they with you. Amen.

WEDDING MEDITATION Optional

The officiant may add additional comments on marriage.

INTRODUCTION TO VOWS

To the Groom/Bride: Are you, ____________/ ____________, ready to enter this marriage and to be to ____________/ ____________ loving, faithful and supportive through all your days together?

Groom/Bride: "I am."

By these answers your love for one another is affirmed. As a further indication of your decision to become husband and wife, please join hands and repeat after me your marriage vows.

EXCHANGE OF VOWS

____________/____________,

I take you as my wife/husband to care for you and trust you

to cherish you and respect you to forgive you and be forgiven by you.

I will love you in good times and in bad when we are together and when we are apart. I promise to be ever faithful today and for all our tomorrows.

Optional: Also, the couple may choose to prepare their own vows or, following the repeating of vows, add personal statements of commitment.

AFFIRMATION BY GUESTS

And will you, their family and friends, give ____________ and ____________ your blessing, and pledge to them your continued love and support. If so, please say, "We will."

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

The circle has long been a symbol for marriage. These circles are made of precious metal to represent the precious nature of your relationship. Being unbroken circles, each represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised.

To the Groom/Bride: ____________/ ____________, will you place this ring on ___________'s/___________'s finger and repeat after me, "With this ring/ I pledge to you/ my faithful love."

In a single ring ceremony, the person receiving the ring may repeat after the officiant, "In accepting this ring/ I pledge to you/ my faithful love."

BLESSING OF RING(S) Optional

Bless, O God, these rings, that the giver and the wearer may dwell in the richness of your love, living together in growing appreciation and respect, one for the other. Amen.

PRONOUNCEMENT OF UNION

Now that you have promised your love to each other in the presence of this company (and symbolized your love with the giving and receiving of rings), you have become husband and wife. Let all others honor your decision and the threshold of your home.

MUSIC Optional

PRAYER OF HOPE Optional

Ever present God, may _______ and _______ find comfort and hope in the relationship recognized here. May they openly give and receive from one another, participating in each other's joys, encouraging one another in moments of doubt and sorrow.

May their home be a place where people are more important than possessions, and where all who enter can find new hope in their example. Learning to trust themselves, may they not be afraid to trust and welcome life -- sharing the strength of their own love through concern for others. Together, as we share life's journey, lead us to live each day in faith and in compassion. Amen.

Optional: The Lord's Prayer may be included as an alternative prayer or following the above prayer.

SPECIAL ACTS OF CELEBRATION OPTIONAL

A variety of special ceremonies may be added here including "The Marriage Vessel and the Rose," "Celebrating the New Family" and presentation of The Family Medallion to recognize children of the bride and/or groom, and "The Blessing of Light," ceremonies for lighting a unity candle.

STATEMENT OF LOVE

For one person to love another -- that is perhaps the hardest of all our tasks, the ultimate test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation ... (Love) consists of this -- that people protect and touch and greet each other.

- Ranier Marie Rilke adapted

Couple may kiss.

BLESSING

Go forth joined together by the love of God. Go forth with hope and joy and heart fulls of dreams, knowing that God is always with you. Amen.

PRESENTATION OF NEW COUPLE

It is my pleasure to present to you __________ and __________ in their new relationship as husband and wife.

RECESSIONAL/MUSIC
POSTLUDE