Long Love CIVIL CEREMONY 2 (UNITY CANDLE)
We are gathered here today, in the presence of God and this company to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love. It is an occasion which is both solemn and festive as we reflect on the seriousness of their decision, and share in their joy.
Marriage is not a legal document, no pastor or priest or justice of the peace can create a marriage, because a marriage truly is only the promises made and kept by two individuals. Marriage is not a ceremony, but an ongoing commitment.
The union of (GROOM) and (BRIDE) brings together two families, two systems of roots, in the hope that a new family tree can become strong and fruitful. Theirs is a personal choice, for which they are primarily responsible. Yet their lives will be enriched by the support of the families from which each comes.
Each day, for the rest of your lives, you will make choices. You will choose whether to be kind and patient with each other, and you will choose whether to find fault or to be forgiving. May every change bring you increased happiness. Remember this day and the feelings you have at this moment, because you will have to choose again and again, whether to keep your love as the most important part of your lives.
GIVING OF THE BRIDE (OPTIONAL)
I now ask who gives this woman to be married to this man?
(Father/mother other) I do (giver of the bride places her right hand in the grooms hand and takes a seat or steps away)
Officiant To the Groom:
(GROOM) Is it your desire to become the husband of (BRIDE) ?
Groom: It is.
Will you have this woman to be your wedded wife; will you love her, comfort her, and keep her in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to her so long as you both shall live?
Groom: I do
Officiant to the Bride:
(BRIDE) Is it your desire to become the wife of(GROOM)?
Bride: It is
Will you have this man to be your wedded husband; will you love him, comfort him, and keep him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, be faithful to him so long as you both shall live?
Bride: I do
In the days and years ahead, remember this day, and the feelings you have at this moment, the loving mixture of family and friends, the beauty of the vows you take and the excitement in the air, but most of all, remember how you feel when you look at each other, and if you carry that feeling with you each day of your life together, your marriage will be rich.
Love one another, but make not a bond of love; let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each others cup, but drink not from the same cup. Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone. Even as the strings of a lute are alone, though they quiver together with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each others keeping, for only the hand of God can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near, as the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each others shadow, for if one tree tries to overshadow the other; that tree will most certainly wither and die.
Please face each other and join hands (if the bride has flowers, she can hand them to the maid of honor or other person)
(VOWS:) (you may change these to any of the vows from the other ceremonies or write your own)
I (GROOM), take you (BRIDE) to be my wedded wife. In this moment, I promise before these witnesses to love you and care for you for all of our days. I accept you with your faults and strengths, even as I offer myself with my faults and strengths. I promise to support you when you need support and to turn to you when I need support. I choose you as the one with whom I will spend my life.
I (BRIDE) , take you (GROOM), to be my wedded husband. In this moment, I promise before these witnesses to love you and care for you for all of our days. I accept you with your faults and strengths, even as I offer myself with my faults and strengths. I promise to support you when you need support and to turn to you when I need support. I choose you as the one with whom I will spend my life.
(RINGS :)
Do you have rings that you wish to exchange?
(GROOM) and (BRIDE) you have shared promises in our presence, but words are fleeting, and the sound of them is soon gone. Therefore, the wedding ring becomes an enduring symbol of the promises which have been made. The circle has long been a symbol of strength, without beginning or end and with no point of weakness; it is a reminder of unending love and devotion.
And, before delivering the Ring to the Man, the Minister may say as follows,
BLESS, O Lord, these Rings, that they who give them and wear them may abide in thy peace, and continue in they favor, unto their life's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then, the Man, leaving the Ring upon the fourth finger of the Woman's left hand, the Minister shall say,
Let us pray.
Then shall the Minister and People, still standing, say the Lord's Prayer.
OUR Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, On Earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Then shall the Minister add,
O ETERNAL God, Creator and Preserver of all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this Man and this Woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that they, living faithfully together, may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant betwixt them made, (whereof this Ring given and received is a token and pledge,) and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together, and live according to thy laws; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Then the Minister may add,
O GOD, who hast so consecrated the state of Matrimony that in it is represented the spiritual marriage and unity between Christ and his Church; Look mercifully upon these thy servants, that they may love, honor, and cherish each other, and so live together in faithfulness and patience, in wisdom and true godliness, that their home may be a haven of blessing and of peace; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
(GROOM) will you give your token to (BRIDE) and repeat these words as you place the ring on her finger: I have for you a golden ring, the precious metal symbolizes that your love is the most precious element in my life. It has no beginning or end, which symbolizes that the love between us will never cease. As you receive this ring, receive my promise of faithfulness to you.
(BRIDE) will you give your token to (GROOM)and repeat these words as you place the ring on his finger. I have for you a golden ring, the precious metal symbolizes that your love is the most precious element in my life. It has no beginning or end, which symbolizes that the love between us will never cease. As you receive this ring, receive my promise of faithfulness to you.
What God has joined together let no man put asunder. For as much as (GROOM) and (BRIDE) have consented together in holy matrimony, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and have pledged their love and loyalty to each other by the joining and the giving of rings, I therefore, by the authority of the State of Florida, pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
UNITY CANDLE CEREMONY
(GROOM) and (BRIDE) , the two separate candles symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. I ask that each of you take one of the lit candles and that together you light the center candle.
The individual candles represent your lives before today. Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining together of your two families and sets of friends to one.
(GROOM) and (BRIDE) , in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in Matrimony, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your hands and the giving of these rings, I now declare you to be Husband and Wife.
Congratulations you may kiss your bride.
I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. (GROOM).
I will make any annoucements you wish at this time.
