Share your ceremony script!

[ElleGee]

We did a interfaith symbolic ceremony! 

 

WELCOME

We have gathered together in this place to witness and experience one of life’s most precious moments. Benjamin Washington and Laura Goldstein have invited us to share in the celebration of their love as they commit themselves to each other in marriage. Being assured of your love as life companions, and that you have your families’ blessings, I now ask, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?â€

Dad: “Her mom and I do.â€

This beautiful setting should remind us that, like the ocean, human life is an ebb and flow- the life of the spirit and emotions- moves in cycles. To be in a relationship does not guarantee an eternal summer. To make a sincere and honest commitment does not promise an end to all struggles. What a good relationship does offer, much like this ocean, is the opportunity for renewal. It recognizes the abiding, shared hope that after every fall and winter, spring and summer will come again.

The fact that each of you has travelled such a great distance to be here today is a testament to the amazing amount of love and support they have. Many of you have given them much happiness, warmth, and guidance through the various stages of their lives. They would like to sincerely thank you all for being here to celebrate their big day. A very special and respectful acknowledgement must also be made to celebrate our loved ones who have passed on, and who are unable to be here today, yet their spirit remains very much so alive and strong in our hearts. PAUSE.

Every marriage ceremony is unique, and today, not only are two special people being joined together, but two faiths, as well. From  two different and distinct traditions, they have come together to learn the best of what each has to offer, appreciating their difference, and confirming that being together is far better than being apart from each other. May your life together be a witness to others that people can live together in peace in spite of differences? Your marriage then becomes a sign, a very precious sign, that nothing is stronger than love. The Bible says, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. So faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.â€

Chuppah Explanation

We are surrounded by a beautiful chuppah. The chuppah represents the home. Its four poles symbolize the four pillars upon which a strong marriage is built: family, friendship, love and respect. A shelter that is open on all sides we see an invitation and a sign of welcome to those we love. The chuppah's delicate structure reminds those beneath it, that the only thing real about a home is the people in it, who love and who choose to be together as a family.

Scripture

Ben and Laura have chosen a reading from the Book of Ruth    1: 16-18

Wherever you go, I will go.
Wherever you live, I will live.
Your people will be my people.
Your God will be my God too.
Wherever you die I will die.
And there I shall be buried beside you.
We shall be together forever.
And our love will be the gift of our life

Vows
Ben and Laura, would you please face each other and join your hands.

Ben, as I say these words, would you please repeat after me…

I love you, Laura. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully.

Laura, as I say these words, would you please repeat after me…

I love you, Ben; you too are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully.
The Rings

“May I have the ringsâ€

Laura & Ben, your rings are intimately associated with your intent to honor and treasure the vows you have made today. By exchanging rings, resolve to live your vows and not to let them drift in shallow promises. Believe and trust that the words you have spoken have the capacity to create the marriage, family and life of your dreams, and that the rings you exchange will have the power to return you to your vows.

These rings mark the beginning of a long journey together, wear them proudly, as they are symbols which speak of love that you have for each other….

Ben as you place this ring on Laura’s finger please repeat after me…

Laura, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever.

Laura, if you accept please say I do…

Laura as you place this ring on Ben’s finger please repeat after me…

Ben, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever.

Ben, if you accept please say I do…

ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE: Family and friends, are you willing to sustain the strength of this marriage by giving Laura & Ben the public commitment of your love and support, through all of the ups and downs they will encounter on their journey. If you are willing, please respond now by saying, “we areâ€.

SAND CEREMONY

Laura & Ben, before the two of you met, your lives were on separate roads, each going in different directions and seemingly leading to different destinations. But, somewhere along the way, through some twist of fate, you did meet, and you fell in love. Today, you find yourselves standing here together at the threshold of a new path, as you promise to forever join your once separate lives into one.

To symbolize this union and the importance of the individuals within the marriage, two separate colors of sand will be combined. Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole. However, when these two are blended together, they create an entirely new and extraordinary more intricate entity. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination. Please pour the sand into this common container to symbolize the union of your two lives.

The couple has chosen Harry Hotimsky, the uncle to the bride, to join us and recite the Traditional Seven Blessings.

The Seven Blessings ~
"Seven is the most frequently used number in the Bible. It took seven days to
form the earth, leaving the number seven to mark for us the path to creation.
Since every marriage is celebrated as a new creation, It is customary in Jewish
tradition that the bride and groom are bestowed with seven blessings. These
blessings represent Ben and Laura’s hopes for the future.

Blessings are given over wine

1. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, SheHakol Borah Lichvodo.

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who has created everything for His glory.

 

2. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Yotzer Ha'Adam

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who fashioned the Man.

 

3. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Yatzar Et Ha'Adam Betzalmo, b'Tzelem Dmut Tavnito, VeHitkon Lo Mimenu Binyan Adei Ad. Baruch Ata Adonai Yotzer Ha'Adam

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who fashioned the Man in His image, in the image of his likeness and prepared for him from himself a building for eternity. Blessed are You G-d, Who fashioned the man.

 

4. Sos Tasis VeTagel HaAkarah, BeKibbutz Bane'ha Letocha BeSimchaa. Baruch Ata Adonai, Mesame'ach Tzion BeVaneha

Bring intense joy and exultation to the barren one through the ingathering of her children amidst her in gladness. Blessed are You, G-d, Who gladdens Zion with her children.

 

5. Sameach TeSamach Re'im Ahuvim, KeSamechacha Yetzircha BeGan Eden MiKedem. Baruch Ata Adonai, MeSame'ach Chatan VeKalah

Gladden the beloved companions as You gladdened Your creatons in the garden of Eden from the earliest time. Blessed are You, G-d, Who gladdens groom and bride.

 

6. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Barah Sasson VeSimcha, Chatan VeKalah, Gila Rina, Ditza VeChedva, Ahava VeAchava, VeShalom VeRe'ut. MeHera Adonai Eloheinu Yishama BeArei Yehudah U'Vchutzot Yerushalayim, Kol Sasson V'eKol Simcha, Kol Chatan V'eKol Kalah, Kol Mitzhalot Chatanim MeChupatam, U'Nearim Mimishte Neginatam. Baruch Ata Adonai, MeSame'ach Chatan Im Hakalah.

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, glad song, pleasure, delight, love, brotherhood, peace, and companionship. G-d, our L-rd, let there soon be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the grooms' joy from their canopies and of the youths from their song-filled feasts. Blessed are You G-d Who gladdens the groom with the bride.

7. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Boreh Pri HaGafen.

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, the King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the vine.

 

As you have shared this cup of wine, so may you, under God's guidance share
contentment, peace and fulfillment from the cup of life. May you find life's
joys heightened, its bitterness sweetened, and each of its moments hallowed by
true companionship and love.â€

In this Let us bow our heads in prayer for a moment.

ADDRESS THE AUDIENCE: “Please join us in reciting The Lord’s Prayer

~ Breaking of the Glass and Pronouncement ~

"The traditional breaking of the glass which marks the end of the ceremony, is a
reminder of both the strength and the fragility of the spiritual bond that is
marriage. It is a reminder to appreciate all that we have now, to embrace
change, and to always hold the important things in life above all else. Samantha
and Martin may your marriage last longer than it would take for all the broken
pieces to reassemble themselves, and may all of your troubles be as easily
shattered. As the glass is broken, I invite everyone to shout "Mazal Tov," which
means "congratulations and good luck."

Glass wrapped in cloth, is placed on the floor

The Bible says, "Love bears all things,
believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails. So faith, hope, and love abide, these three;
but remember that the greatest of these is love."
May God bless you and keep you in this wisdom
for all the days of your togetherness.
You are now as your hearts have always known you to be, Husband and Wife.
You may kiss your beautiful Bride!"

Groom steps on glass breaking it., couple kiss everyone claps,

EVERYONE: "Mazel Tov!"

[Laura2013]

I LOVE your ceremony script and am definitely going to incorporate a lot of it. Beautiful! 

[sswed13]

Originally Posted by LolaTX 

 

We did a interfaith symbolic ceremony! 

 

WELCOME

We have gathered together in this place to witness and experience one of life’s most precious moments. Benjamin Washington and Laura Goldstein have invited us to share in the celebration of their love as they commit themselves to each other in marriage. Being assured of your love as life companions, and that you have your families’ blessings, I now ask, “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?â€

Dad: “Her mom and I do.â€

This beautiful setting should remind us that, like the ocean, human life is an ebb and flow- the life of the spirit and emotions- moves in cycles. To be in a relationship does not guarantee an eternal summer. To make a sincere and honest commitment does not promise an end to all struggles. What a good relationship does offer, much like this ocean, is the opportunity for renewal. It recognizes the abiding, shared hope that after every fall and winter, spring and summer will come again.

The fact that each of you has travelled such a great distance to be here today is a testament to the amazing amount of love and support they have. Many of you have given them much happiness, warmth, and guidance through the various stages of their lives. They would like to sincerely thank you all for being here to celebrate their big day. A very special and respectful acknowledgement must also be made to celebrate our loved ones who have passed on, and who are unable to be here today, yet their spirit remains very much so alive and strong in our hearts. PAUSE.

Every marriage ceremony is unique, and today, not only are two special people being joined together, but two faiths, as well. From  two different and distinct traditions, they have come together to learn the best of what each has to offer, appreciating their difference, and confirming that being together is far better than being apart from each other. May your life together be a witness to others that people can live together in peace in spite of differences? Your marriage then becomes a sign, a very precious sign, that nothing is stronger than love. The Bible says, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. So faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.â€

Chuppah Explanation

We are surrounded by a beautiful chuppah. The chuppah represents the home. Its four poles symbolize the four pillars upon which a strong marriage is built: family, friendship, love and respect. A shelter that is open on all sides we see an invitation and a sign of welcome to those we love. The chuppah's delicate structure reminds those beneath it, that the only thing real about a home is the people in it, who love and who choose to be together as a family.

Scripture

Ben and Laura have chosen a reading from the Book of Ruth    1: 16-18

Wherever you go, I will go.

Wherever you live, I will live.

Your people will be my people.

Your God will be my God too.

Wherever you die I will die.

And there I shall be buried beside you.

We shall be together forever.

And our love will be the gift of our life

Vows

Ben and Laura, would you please face each other and join your hands.

 

Ben, as I say these words, would you please repeat after me…

 

I love you, Laura. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

 

I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully.

 

Laura, as I say these words, would you please repeat after me…

 

I love you, Ben; you too are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully.

The Rings

 

“May I have the ringsâ€

 

Laura & Ben, your rings are intimately associated with your intent to honor and treasure the vows you have made today. By exchanging rings, resolve to live your vows and not to let them drift in shallow promises. Believe and trust that the words you have spoken have the capacity to create the marriage, family and life of your dreams, and that the rings you exchange will have the power to return you to your vows.

 

These rings mark the beginning of a long journey together, wear them proudly, as they are symbols which speak of love that you have for each other….

 

Ben as you place this ring on Laura’s finger please repeat after me…

 

Laura, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever.

 

Laura, if you accept please say I do…

Laura as you place this ring on Ben’s finger please repeat after me…

 

Ben, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever.

 

Ben, if you accept please say I do…

ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE: Family and friends, are you willing to sustain the strength of this marriage by giving Laura & Ben the public commitment of your love and support, through all of the ups and downs they will encounter on their journey. If you are willing, please respond now by saying, “we areâ€.

SAND CEREMONY

Laura & Ben, before the two of you met, your lives were on separate roads, each going in different directions and seemingly leading to different destinations. But, somewhere along the way, through some twist of fate, you did meet, and you fell in love. Today, you find yourselves standing here together at the threshold of a new path, as you promise to forever join your once separate lives into one.

To symbolize this union and the importance of the individuals within the marriage, two separate colors of sand will be combined. Each one holds its own unique beauty, strength, and character. They can stand on their own and be whole. However, when these two are blended together, they create an entirely new and extraordinary more intricate entity. Each grain of sand brings to the mixture a lasting beauty that forever enriches the combination. Please pour the sand into this common container to symbolize the union of your two lives.

The couple has chosen Harry Hotimsky, the uncle to the bride, to join us and recite the Traditional Seven Blessings.

The Seven Blessings ~

"Seven is the most frequently used number in the Bible. It took seven days to

form the earth, leaving the number seven to mark for us the path to creation.

Since every marriage is celebrated as a new creation, It is customary in Jewish

tradition that the bride and groom are bestowed with seven blessings. These

blessings represent Ben and Laura’s hopes for the future.

 

Blessings are given over wine

1. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, SheHakol Borah Lichvodo.

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who has created everything for His glory.

 

2. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Yotzer Ha'Adam

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who fashioned the Man.

 

3. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Yatzar Et Ha'Adam Betzalmo, b'Tzelem Dmut Tavnito, VeHitkon Lo Mimenu Binyan Adei Ad. Baruch Ata Adonai Yotzer Ha'Adam

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who fashioned the Man in His image, in the image of his likeness and prepared for him from himself a building for eternity. Blessed are You G-d, Who fashioned the man.

 

4. Sos Tasis VeTagel HaAkarah, BeKibbutz Bane'ha Letocha BeSimchaa. Baruch Ata Adonai, Mesame'ach Tzion BeVaneha

Bring intense joy and exultation to the barren one through the ingathering of her children amidst her in gladness. Blessed are You, G-d, Who gladdens Zion with her children.

 

5. Sameach TeSamach Re'im Ahuvim, KeSamechacha Yetzircha BeGan Eden MiKedem. Baruch Ata Adonai, MeSame'ach Chatan VeKalah

Gladden the beloved companions as You gladdened Your creatons in the garden of Eden from the earliest time. Blessed are You, G-d, Who gladdens groom and bride.

 

6. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Asher Barah Sasson VeSimcha, Chatan VeKalah, Gila Rina, Ditza VeChedva, Ahava VeAchava, VeShalom VeRe'ut. MeHera Adonai Eloheinu Yishama BeArei Yehudah U'Vchutzot Yerushalayim, Kol Sasson V'eKol Simcha, Kol Chatan V'eKol Kalah, Kol Mitzhalot Chatanim MeChupatam, U'Nearim Mimishte Neginatam. Baruch Ata Adonai, MeSame'ach Chatan Im Hakalah.

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, King of the universe, Who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, glad song, pleasure, delight, love, brotherhood, peace, and companionship. G-d, our L-rd, let there soon be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the grooms' joy from their canopies and of the youths from their song-filled feasts. Blessed are You G-d Who gladdens the groom with the bride.

7. Baruch Ata Adonai, Elohainu Melech HaOlam, Boreh Pri HaGafen.

Blessed are You, G-d, our L-rd, the King of the universe, creator of the fruit of the vine.

 

As you have shared this cup of wine, so may you, under God's guidance share

contentment, peace and fulfillment from the cup of life. May you find life's

joys heightened, its bitterness sweetened, and each of its moments hallowed by

true companionship and love.â€

In this Let us bow our heads in prayer for a moment.

ADDRESS THE AUDIENCE: “Please join us in reciting The Lord’s Prayer

 

~ Breaking of the Glass and Pronouncement ~

 

"The traditional breaking of the glass which marks the end of the ceremony, is a

reminder of both the strength and the fragility of the spiritual bond that is

marriage. It is a reminder to appreciate all that we have now, to embrace

change, and to always hold the important things in life above all else. Samantha

and Martin may your marriage last longer than it would take for all the broken

pieces to reassemble themselves, and may all of your troubles be as easily

shattered. As the glass is broken, I invite everyone to shout "Mazal Tov," which

means "congratulations and good luck."

 

Glass wrapped in cloth, is placed on the floor

 

The Bible says, "Love bears all things,

believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails. So faith, hope, and love abide, these three;

but remember that the greatest of these is love."

May God bless you and keep you in this wisdom

for all the days of your togetherness.

You are now as your hearts have always known you to be, Husband and Wife.

You may kiss your beautiful Bride!"

 

Groom steps on glass breaking it., couple kiss everyone claps,

 

EVERYONE: "Mazel Tov!"

just beautiful! 

[sswed13]

Originally Posted by Jenna1511 

 

This thread is awesome! So many inspirational ceremonys, thanks for sharing! This is going to be extremely helpful and I feel like I can take on the task of writing my own too!

took the words right out of my mouth

[sswed13]

Originally Posted by pacificgirl 

 

This is ours! I have all of you wonderful ladies to thank though! I couldn't have done it without all of your beautiful scripts

 

 

WELCOME

 

Joshua and Halsey, you have known each other for 3 wonderful years, from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way.

 

All those conversations that were held riding in the truck, lying in the hammock in the backyard, or during those days that you overlooked the valley from high atop the mountains - all those sentences that began with “When we’re married†and continued with “I will and you will and we willâ€- those late night talks that included “someday†and “somehow†and “maybeâ€- and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart.

 

All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed- well, I meant it all, every word.†Look at one another and remember this moment in time.

 

Before this moment you have been many things to one another- best friend, companion, lover, motivator, motorcycle riding partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you.  For after these vows, you shall say to the world, “this is my husband,†and “this is my wifeâ€

 

The Blessing Of The Sea

 

Halsey and Josh, as we stand by the ocean, may your love always be as constant and unchanging as these never-ending waves that break before us, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Your love came softly upon each other's hearts, just as the sea foam lies softly before us, and just as there will never be a morning without the ocean's flow, may there never be a day without your love for each other.

As the tides ebb and flow so to, do the fortunes of life. Footprints in the sand are washed away, driftwood moves on its endless quest for a peaceful harbor. Only a deep and abiding love can withstand the tides of change in two lives.

Pledge yourselves to each other this day, and promise to be as faithful and dependable as the tide. Just as these waters nourish the earth and sustain life, may your constant love nourish and sustain each other until the end of time.

 

 

HAND CEREMONY

 

As an expression that you are joined together in love - will you please hold each others hands, so you may feel the gift that you are to each other.

 

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

 

 

 

 

Vows

*Still holding hands from Hand Ceremony*

Josh, do you take Halsey, to be your wife? Do you promise love to her, respect her and care for her, under all conditions and circumstances of life to be a faithful husband to her for the rest of your lives together? [i do]

Please repeat after me:

 

Halsey, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems difficult. I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in highest regard. I promise to support you and to be there for you, through the good times and the bad. These things I give to you today, and for all the days of our life.

 

 

Halsey, do you take Josh, to be your husband? Do you promise love to him, respect him and care for him, under all conditions and circumstances of life to be a faithful wife to him for the rest of your lives together? [i do]

 

Please repeat after me:

 

Josh, I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems difficult. I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in highest regard. I promise to support you and to be there for you through the good times and the bad. These things I give to you today, and for all the days of our life.

 

 

 

RING CEREMONY

Josh and Halsey, your rings are intimately associated with your intent to honor and treasure the vows you have made today. By exchanging rings, resolve to live your vows and not to let them drift in shallow promises. Believe and trust that the words you have spoken have the capacity to create the marriage, family and life of your dreams, and that the rings you exchange will have the power to return you to your vows.

 

Josh, please place this ring on Halsey’s finger and repeat after me. “Halsey, with this ring, I give you my heart and I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home.â€

 

Halsey, please place this ring on Josh's finger and repeat after me. “Josh, with this ring, I give you my heart and I promise from this day forward, you shall not walk alone. May my heart be your shelter and my arms be your home.â€

 

 

 

Closing

Josh and Halsey if there is anything you remember of this marriage ceremony, may it be the love that brought you here today, it is only love which can make it a glorious union, and by love which your marriage shall endure. Today your separate lives with your individual memories, desires, and hopes merge into one. You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one person in the entire world whom you love above all others. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities and to share love. May you be a blessing and comfort to each other, sharers of each other’s dreams, consolers of each other’s sorrows, helpers to each other in all of life's challenges. May you encourage each other in whatever you set out to achieve. May you trust each other, trust life and be unafraid. May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you patience, tolerance, and understanding.

 

With friends and family, along with the sun, the sand, and the sea, I have the pleasure of announcing you as husband and wife.

 

You may now kiss your bride!

That is a lovely hand ceremony. I never heard of that part in a wedding before. I absolutely love it!

[sswed13]

this is probably my favorite thread on this site. I am brought to tears and very inspired. I can't wait to make my own contribution.

[LollyG]

This has been incredibly helpful - didn't even know a hand ceremony existed before I stumbled upon this site!!  I will definitely be incorporating it into our ceremony at home instead of a ring exchange, which will be left for our symbolic ceremony.
 

[Loreal30]

Originally Posted by aeroo 

 

I wanted to start a thread with everyone's ceremony scripts. I don't think such a thread exists yet does it? This would have helped me when I was putting together ours. I got ours from a few different sources and just copied and pasted the parts that I loved and edited it together so that it flowed.

 

So here is ours. I really loved it and it definately reflected who we are as a couple. It's non religious and lasted about 20 minutes. We had a friend officiate the ceremony and it was amazing.

 

Opening

 

This beautiful setting should remind us that, like the ocean, human life is an ebb and flow- The life of the spirit and emotions- moves in cycles. To be in a relationship does not guarantee an eternal summer. To make a sincere and honest commitment does not promise, an end to all struggle. What a good relationship does offer, much like this ocean, is the opportunity for renewal. It recognizes the abiding, shared hope that after every fall and winter, spring and summer will come again.

 

On behalf of XXX and XXX, I welcome you and thank you all for gathering here on this beautiful day to witness their marriage ceremony. The fact that you all have travelled such a great distance to be here today is a testament to the amazing amount of love and support they have. Many of you have given them much happiness, love, warmth, and guidance through the various stages of their lives. They would like to sincerely thank you all for being here to celebrate their big day. A special and respectful acknowledgement must also be made to those friends and family members who were unable to attend, or have passed on, but whose spirit remains alive and strong in all our hearts.

 

I have also been asked by XXX and XXX to thank their parents for the wonderful lives they have given them, for the hard work and guidance they have provided, for their everlasting love, support, and encouragement. It is from them that they have learned the true meaning of love, friendship and family.

 

Ceremony

 

For XXX and XXX marriage is an affirmation of life, an undying commitment, a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual bond between two people. It is created from the purest of friendship, respect and love. The institution of marriage is not entered into lightly, because it symbolizes commitment on every level. Together you will continue to meet the challenges and obstacles of life head on.

 

Marriage is an adventure in the most intimate of human relationships. It is the mutual commitment of two people sincerely in love who share the same dreams about life. But more than that, it is the intimate sharing of two lives. It is a sharing that does not diminish but enhances the individuality of each partner.

 

The marriage between XXX and XXX does not mark the beginning of a new relationship; rather, it is an acknowledgement and celebration, of a relationship that has been flourishing since they met.

 

For XXX and XXX, love is the longing two people feel for one another. It is the need to share, in body and spirit, the warmth, serenity and peace two people can give to one another. A simple touch, a hand held at a time of uncertainty. This is what it means to be intimately human. It is the intention behind the kiss that says, “ Despite the vastness of this earth, despite the chaotic details that make up our lives, despite the hundreds of people we will meet in our travels, you are mine and I am yours forever.â€

 

Love is life’s highest emotion. It makes us less selfish, it makes our personalities grow, and it makes our lives more meaningful. It is caring about the welfare and happiness of your partner as your own. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. And it makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone.

 

A successful relationship takes more than just love. It takes trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. It takes dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And it takes faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both.

 

You have chosen to walk through life together. There is no truer statement of love. The choice was not made by any one moment, but by being together you grew to realize that you belonged together and that you fulfilled each other’s needs. You have come to thrive upon each other’s presence, loyalty and wisdom. The foundation of your love is profound friendship. A friendship you have nurtured until at last you realized that you wanted to be together always. The commitment you make today will be the foundation on which you will build your life together.

 

HAND CEREMONY

 

As an expression that you are joined together in love - will you please hold up your hands and hold one another, so you may feel the gift that you are to each other.

 

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

 

VOWS

 

Your wedding rings represent the unconditional love that you have for one another and are a symbol of the vows that you will make today. ____, take this ring, put it on ___'s finger and repeat after me:

 

I, __________, take you, ____________, to be my wife/husband,

my partner in life and my one true love.

 

I will cherish our friendship

and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

 

I will trust you and respect you,

I will laugh with you and cry with you.

 

I will love you faithfully and unconditionally

through the best and the worst, the difficult and the easy.

 

Whatever may come, I promise I will always be there for you.

 

Closing:

 

XXX & XXX, remember to treat both yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty or fear assail your relationship – as they threatened all relationships at one time or another – remember to focus on what is right between you. In this way, you can ride out the times when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your lives together, your life together will be marked by abundance and delight.

 

Give to one another new experiences of joy. Challenge one another so that you may grow. May the love you hold for each other, now sealed in marriage, continue to mature with the passing years. May you never take each other for granted, but always experience the wonder of your union. Be slow to anger, quick to forgive, leaving no tracks of resentment behind each day.

 

We who are present today, hope that the inspiration of this moment will never be forgotten. May all your days and years to come be filled with vision, joy and passion. May the love you now share continue to grow, and may the happiness you bring to each other be a continuing part of your life together. May you continue to laugh often and enjoy each other every day, steadfast in hope and confidence, believing in yourself and believing in each other. May your love be a sanctuary and a source from which you draw strength to live your lives with enthusiasm and imagination. May the people you touch in your lifetime know how much you love and care for one another and may you love one another forever.

 

With friends and family, along with the sun, the moon, and the sea, I have the pleasure of announcing you as husband and wife.

 

You may now kiss the groom!

 

Love this! I used pieces of it, I hope you don't mind!

[weliaslo]

Does anyone have an arras (coin ceremony) script? I did a search on here already and couldn't fine one. 

[jennc]

Please excuse me if I sound silly but are these scripts for a symbolic or civil ceremony ??? I'm getting married in Mexico this spring and I can't find the vows/script that is used, can anyone please help ?