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| Sample Marriage Ceremonies 
"Intense love does not measure, it just gives." -Mother Theresa
Sample 1 Introduction
Minister: (Bride and Groom), this is the time you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish both of you every happiness in your future life together.
There is great joy to be found in the surprising journey that marriage is, with twists and turns, shades and possibilities beyond your wildest imaginings.
Allow the changes to flower in you and know that they are leading you somewhere, that, separately and together, you are becoming more than you were.
Each new day be excited, open-minded, curious, available, and inquiring about whom you are becoming.
Know that your experiences together are turning you into the highest form of yourselves, that you are becoming the best and the most you can be and that you are doing the things that only you two together could possibly do.
So, along with celebrating the marvelous feelings of today, remember, especially when you are saying your vows, that you are also promising to love each other throughout the future.
If you can hold on to this intention, then you can soar through life together with confidence.
Above all, remember that love is what matters.
Love will prevail.
If in marrying you have chosen well and promised wisely, love will be stronger than the conflicts, bigger than the changes.
Love will be the miracle always inviting you to learn, and to expand.
And it is to love, to the love you are celebrating, embodying, and radiating on this special day that you must always return.
Remember these things, (Bride and Groom), as you go out into the world as a couple: that your love will have seasons; that your relationship is a progression; and that love will prevail.
We who are witnessing your marriage, hope that your love and respect for each other, your trust and understanding of each other will heighten your joy in each new moment of your life together.
Vows
Minister:
A marriage, truly, is nothing except the promises made and kept by two individuals. Today (Bride and Groom) you are here to publicly declare their love and promises to one another.
Minister:
Groom, what promises do you make?
Groom:
I promise to love (Bride) with all my heart and mind and strength. I promise to be faithful to her in thought, word and act for all the days of my life. I promise to consider her welfare and happiness and I promise to offer her comfort, encouragement and companionship.
Minister:
(Bride and Groom), what promises do you make?
Bride:
I promise to love (Groom) with all my heart and mind and strength. I promise to be faithful to him in thought, word and act for all the days of my life. I promise to consider his welfare and happiness and I promise to offer him comfort, encouragement and companionship.
Minister:
Do you both, before these witnesses, pledge to do all in your power to make this a happy and enduring union?
Together the (Bride and Groom) say: We do.
Exchange of Rings
Minister: What token of your devotion do you offer to each other? (Bride and Groom) hand rings to minister).
May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate union between (Bride and Groom).
These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle.
Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in loving unity.
May these rings on their fingers, symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.
Minister:
(Minister hands ring to groom)
(Groom), as you place this ring on (Bride and Groom)’s finger repeat after me:
"I give you this ring as pledge of my love, and as the symbol of our unity. And so it is."
(Groom places ring on Bride's finger)
(Minister hands other ring to Bride)
(Bride), as you place this ring on (Groom’s) finger, repeat after me:
"I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity. And so it is."
(Bride places ring on Groom's finger)
Minister’s Sending Forth and Blessing
Minister:
Love is the reason why this day was chosen by you both to begin your lives together and love is the reason why you both will give with all your hearts for the good of each other. Love is the reason that together you have become one; one in hope; one in believing in life; one in sharing the coming years.
I know you will continue to be blessed in and by your love for one another. And so it is, Amen.
Pronouncement
Minister:
(Bride and Groom) have consented together in marriage (before these witnesses), have pledged their faith and declared their unity making their promises to one another and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion, so now by the authority vested in me by the State of Ohio, I pronounce that they are husband and wife.
What our Creator has joined together let no one set apart.
You may now seal this union with your first kiss as husband and wife.
Congratulations, (Bride and Groom)!
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