Traditional Faith – Faith
Opening Words:
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
Through marriage, ________ and ________ make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. ________ and ________ will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.
Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?
BRIDE’S FATHER OR ESCORT:
Her family and friends gathered here today do.
By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for ________ and ________ from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.
Vows:
Do you ________ take ________ to be your wife – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?
GROOM: I will.
Do you ________ take ________ to be your husband – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?
BRIDE: I will.
Ring Ceremony:
What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the ring(s) in my hand?
May this/these ring(s) be blessed as the symbol of this uniting in love. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May this/these ring(s) on her/their finger(s) symbolize the spirit of love in their hearts.
Handing ring to the Groom
________, place this ring on ________ finger, repeat after me:
________, you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward. I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity, and with this ring, I thee wed.
Handing ring to the Bride
________, in placing this ring on ________ finger, repeat after me:
________, you are now consecrated to me as my husband from this day forward. I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity, and with this ring, I thee wed.
Pronouncement of Marriage:
In as much as ________ and ________ have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – they are now joined.
You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife, but remember to always be each other’s best friend.
What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.
And so, by the power vested in me by the State of Florida and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife –
You may now kiss the bride!