We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and
beauty of love, and to cherish the words which shall unite [groom] and [bride]in marriage.
Marriage is dedication. You give yourself, your life and love, into the hands of the one
you love. You do so trustingly and generously. By the same token, each of you receives a
gift -- the life and love of the other. You receive this gift not only from the one you
love, but also from the personal world of friends and family who are joined in friendship
and faith in your marriage.
Mark Twain once said that "a marriage makes two fractional lives a whole. It gives to
two questioning natures a reason for living. It brings a new gladness to the sunshine,
and a new fragrance to the flowers, and new beauty to the earth, a new mystery to life."
Vows:
[Groom], do you take [bride] to be your Wife? ("I do")
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her? ("I do")
[Bride], do you take [groom] to be your Husband? ("I do")
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him? ("I do")
Rings
[Groom] place the ring on [bride's] finger and repeat after me:
This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my desire that you be my wife from this day forward.
[Bride] place this ring on [groom's] finger and repeat after me:
This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my desire that you be my husband from this day forward.
Pronouncement:
[Groom] and [Bride], having witnessed your vows for marriage with all who are assembled here,
and by the authority vested in me by the State of Ohio, I announce with great joy that from
this time on, you are husband and wife.
Kiss:
You may now seal your vows with a kiss.
Presentation:
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith.
OR
Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Tom and Mary, husband and wife.
