Service # 6

 

We have gathered here together to witness and celebrate the uniting in marriage of ________ and ________.

Marriage is an esteemed estate & should not be entered into lightly but wisely and seriously.

 

Today you will pledge to love each other, protect one another and accept each other's strengths and frailties.  You will promise to face together, all of life's uncertainties.

 

Believing you understand the covenant of marriage, I now ask   ________, do you take ________ to be your wedded wife/husband, to love her/him, honor and keep her/him, in good times and in bad; in sickness and in health; for richer, for poorer; forsaking all others; until death do you part?

 

Within this marriage comes profound responsibility to protect this bond.  Be ever mindful of the gifts the other one offers you.  Inspire and encourage one another.  For by strengthening your partner, you strengthen your marriage.  Bring out the best in each other; sparing in criticism, generous in praise.  Be honest and open.  For the heart that communicates truth, earns trust.

 

A vast unknown future stretches out before you.  Life will present many opportunities to refine and deepen love. You will need to understand, forgive and be compassionate.  May the love that you share grow deeper and surer with every passing day.

 

So now, if it is your desire to join yourselves as husband and wife, I ask that you join right hands as you repeat your vows.

 

I ________, take you ________, to be my wife/husband. I promise to love you with all my heart; to comfort you, nourish you & uphold you with my strength. I will cherish you until the end of our days.

 

The wedding ring is an outward sign of an inward commitment.  May these rings be to you a constant and loving reminder of the ties that bind you together as husband and wife.

 

________, please place the ring on ________'s finger, and repeat after me: This ring is a seal, upon all that I have promised.  Wear it with joy, for your love has made me complete.

 

________and _______ because you have consented to be married; and because you have promised your love and faithfulness to each other; I take great pleasure in pronouncing you husband and wife.  You may kiss the bride.