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Here is a sample of a Non-Denominational Wedding Ceremony:
"On behalf of _______ and _______ I would like to welcome all of to this very happy occasion. I am going to ask that we take a moment to let go of some of the excitement, the anxiety of this day. Go inside of ourselves and find that place that is loving, happy and joyful. Let us bring forth some of the love and happiness to share with _______ and _______ at this moment of joy in their lives. Whatever way you find that works best for you--let us all observe a moment of silent prayer.
(A prayer can be inserted at this point in the ceremony.)
We are gathered here at this time to witness and to celebrate the coming together of two separate lives. We have come to join _______ and _______ in marriage, to be with them and rejoice with them in the making of this important commitment. The essence of this commitment is the taking of another in his or her entirety, as companion, friend and lover. It is therefore a decision not to be made lightly, but rather undertaken with great consideration and respect for both one's self and the other person.
Love is one of the highest experiences that we human beings can have; it can add depth of meaning to our lives. The sensual part of love is one of life's greatest joys, and when this is combined with real friendship both are infinitely enhanced. The day-to-day companionship--the pleasure in doing things together, or in doing separate things and then rejoicing to exchange experiences when we come back together--is a continuous and central part of what a man and woman who love each other can share.
Marriage symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives, yet this sharing must not diminish but enhance the individuality of each partner. A marriage that lasts is one that continues to develop and in which each person continues to grow in deeper understanding of the other. Deep knowledge of another is not something that can be attained in a short time, real understanding can only come with years of intimacy. This wonderful knowledge of another person grows out of really caring so much that one wants to understand as completely as possible just what the other is feeling. Thus is is possible to share not only joys and successes but also the burden of sorrows and failures. To be known in this way is a priceless thing, because such understanding and acceptance makes it easier to live together in peace and happiness.
So, while marriage is the intimate sharing of two lives, it can yet enhance the uniqueness of each partner. We must give of ourselves in love, but we must not give ourselves away. A good and balanced relationship is one in which neither person is overshadowed or absorbed by the other. Thus it is out of the tension between separateness and union that love, whose incredible strength is equal only to its incredibly fragility, is born and reborn.
We are here today to celebrate the love that you two have for each other, and to give recognition to your mutual decision to accept each other in marriage.
(Unity Candle, Rose, or Sand Ceremonies are available.)
Here are some marriage vow suggestions:
You may repeat the vows or affirm with an "I Do"
I, _______, take you as my wife/husband * I pledge to share my life * openly with you, * to speak the truth * to you in love; * I promise to honor * and tenderly care for you, * to cherish and encourage * your own fulfillment * as an individual * through all the changes of our lives.
Here is a sample ring ceremony:
What symbol do we have of this union? The wedding ring is the traditional symbol of marriage. it is a perfect circle, without beginning or end. It symbolizes true love, in that true love has no beginning or end. Even though you may have felt that you fell in love or discovered love at a certain time, it existed long before that moment and it will exist long after this moment where we, here gathered, bear witness to it through this ceremony.
As you wear the ring be reminded of that love that links you both spirit to spirit, heart to heart, and life to life. Also I would ask that you be reminded of the special gift, that gift of yourself, that each of you gives to the other, just as you now give these rings.
Blessing:
In as much as _______ & _______ have grown in knowledge, respect and love of one another, because they have agreed in their desire to travel forward in life together, seeking an ever richer, deepening relationship and because they pledged themselves to meet all of life's experiences together, we.... their families and friends rejoice. May all that is noble, true enriching, creative and beautiful be with you both always.
In the company of your family and friends you have spoken the words & performed the ties that unite your lives, therefore I declare you are husband and wife.
This is a sample ceremony only. You may make changes, write your own vows or create your own ceremony. We can do this together at a consultation.