Traditional Wedding Ceremony

Download Traditional Wedding Ceremony

Welcome and Introduction: It is my great pleasure to welcome each of you here to witness the joining together of Name and Name. We have come here today to celebrate love. For that which is truly eternal is found in the binding of life and love. It is more than just flesh to flesh, it is mind to mind, feeling to feeling, soul to soul, the ordinary and the spiritual, bound together willingly as one. It is such a marriage we celebrate here today.

Optional 'Giving away' of the bride:
From the protection of love, to the protection of love, this woman is given today. Who brings her/him to this moment?
Father of the Bride: "I do" or “Her mother and I do.”
Your task is well done, Thank you – please be seated.

The marriage we celebrate today has already taken place in the hearts and minds of Name and Name. We are here today as witnesses to their vows so that we may be a constant reminder to them of their promises. In the years to come we are all bound to these vows, as supporters of their relationship and defenders of their love.

Name and Name, every experience you have ever had, everything you have ever done, everything you have ever learned, has brought you to this moment. From this moment new experiences as a married couple lie before you. New opportunities to grow deeper in love with each other. New days given to strengthen the bond between you. From this moment everything is made new by the vows you speak here.

Readings - it is usual to have one or two readings read here, please feel free to choose from the suggestions attached, or to use ones special to you. It is usual to have family or friends read these, but the officiate will be happy to read them for you if you wish.

To the congregation (optional)

First, I am required to ask anyone present who knows a reason why these persons may not lawfully marry, to declare it now.

To the couple (optional)

The vows you are about to take are to be made in the presence of God, who is judge of all and knows all the secrets of our hearts; therefore if either of you knows a reason why you may not lawfully marry, you must declare it now.

Name, will you take Name to be your wife/husband? Will you love her/him, comfort her/him, honor and protect her/him, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her/him as long as you both shall live?
I will

Name, will you take Name to be your husband/wife? Will you love him/her, comfort him/her, honor and protect him/her, and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him/her as long as you both shall live?
I will

Will you, the families and friends of Name and Name support and uphold them in their marriage, now and in the years to come?
We Will

Holy God, from the beginning you have blessed creation with abundant life. Pour out your blessings upon Name and Namethat they may be joined in mutual love and companionship, in holiness and commitment to each other. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen

Exchange of Rings.
I remind you that marriage is a precious gift; a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully and more freely. It is traditional to offer each other a token, a personal daily reminder of the vows that you have made here. Do you offer each other such tokens here today?

Name and Name: Yes.
(the rings are brought forward and handed to the officiate.).

Partner 1: Takes the ring and places it on their partner's finger whilst repeating the following:
With this ring I thee wed; to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part; in the presence of these witnesses I so vow.

Partner 2: Takes the ring and places it on their partner's finger whilst repeating the following:
With this ring I thee wed; to have and to hold from this day forward; for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part; in the presence of these witnesses I so vow.

Blessing - Choose a prayer or blessing from the suggested list, or feel free to choose one of your own.This can be read by the officiate or a family member.

Presentation of the couple.
Forasmuch as you, Name, and you, Name, have openly declared vows of marriage; and in the presence of these witnesses, family, and friends, have pledged love to each other; and have confirmed the same by the exchange of rings ; By the authority vested in me, and in the presence of these witnesses, I now pronounce you one in marriage (Or husband and wife). You may kiss.(The bride)

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you as husband and wife: Mr. and Mrs. Name and Name. (or, if preferred - Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you as married. Name and Name.)