Nondenominational Ceremony
Convocation
Before God we have come together today. For marriage, is one of the most sacred of God’s desires for man. And now through me, God joins you two together in one of the holiest of bonds.
Invocation
Oh Holy God who art in heaven, we pray that thy presence be with us today to bear witness on this sacred ceremony of marriage and to bless it in thy holiest way. Let his day be a day of gladness, joy, thanksgiving, good fortune, and harmony for all of us, but especially for this couple who are coming together to demonstrate the power of love through the celebration of their marriage. We ask that their vision of love, growth, and harmony, for their marriage, come to fruition.
Reading
Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, “I love you”. It is at no time taking the other for granted. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives; it is standing together facing the world. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy. It is not expecting perfection in each other. It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humor.
It is having a capacity to forgive and forget. It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, the dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right partner; it is being the right partner. It is discovering that your love for one another at its best will never lose sight of or be blotted out by the common place experiences of life.
And it is remembering that remaining devoted, confident and hopeful in one another are the secret ingredients, which will help you to remain two very happy people, richer for your oneness.
Consecration
O Lord, hear our prayer for name and name who today are united in marriage before thee. Give them thy blessing and always strengthen their love for each other. Amen
Expression of Intent/Vows
Name, do you take Name for your lawfully wedded spouse, to love her and cherish her from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health?
I Do.
Name, do you take Name for your lawfully wedded spouse, to love him and cherish him from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health? I Do.
Ring Blessing
May the Lord bless these rings which you give as your sign of love and devotion. Amen.
Exchange of Ring/s
Groom/Partner: “Take this ring as a symbol of my devotion to you, my love for you, and my desire to live my life with you.”
Bride/Partner: “Take this ring as a symbol of my devotion to you, my love for you, and my desire to live my life with you.”
Pronouncement of Marriage
May you always share with each other the gift of love and be one in heart and always beautiful of mind. And may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts, love generosity and kindness.
What therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
And so, by the power vested in me by the almighty God and the State of __________, I now pronounce you (husband & wife, wife & wife, husband & husband, legally married).
Benediction
May God bless your union,
May you find peace in the home you create together,
May you feel the love of each other always,
And may you always be in peace.
The Kiss
You may now kiss.
Presentation of the Couple
Friends and family, I present to you _____ and _____.