In the eyes of God and each other, we are here today to celebrate that you,
[Groom], and you, [Bride] are joined together in Holy matrimony. Although you
will be sharing one life, never forget, you are two separate people. Cherish and
affirm your differences. Love each other. Keep your commitment primary. Together
you will laugh and cry, be sick and well, be happy and angry, share and grow.
From Corinthians Chapter 13 we learn the meaning of love:
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. Love never ends.
Vows:
[Groom], do you take [bride] to be your Wife? ("I do")
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, and to be her best friend? ("I do")
[Bride], do you take [groom] to be your Husband? ("I do")
Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, and to be his best friend? ("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.
Closing
To be loved is to know joy and happiness. To give love is to know the joy of sharing
oneself; for it is through the miracle of love that we discover the fullness of life.
May God always be with you, protect you, and guide you both, now and forever.
Pronouncement:
[Groom] and [Bride], having witnessed your vows for marriage, 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.
