Non-Denominational Wedding Ceremony
Introduction of the Bride and Groom
We are gathered here today to witness the coming together of two people, (Groom’s name) and (Bride’s name), whose hearts and spirits are entwined as one. They now desire to profess before all the world their intention from this day forward to walk the road of life together.
Reading from Corinthians
This marriage is an event in the lifetime of a love. Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense, and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s lies, but delights in the truth. Love is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes. Above all, love conquers all.
Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, and commitment is stronger. Just as two different threads woven in opposite directions can form a beautiful tapestry, so can your two lives merge together to form a beautiful marriage.
Statement of Purpose
We are gathered here in the presence of God and of this company, so that (Groom) and (Bride) may be united in Holy Matrimony. We are here to celebrate and share in the glorious act that God is about to perform – the act by which He converts their love for one another into the holy and sacred estate of marriage.
This relationship is an honorable and sacred one, established by our Creator and for the welfare and happiness of mankind, and approved by the Apostle Paul as honorable among all men. It is designed to unite two sympathies and hopes into one, and it rests upon the mutual confidence and devotion of husband and wife.
Wedding Vows
May it be in extreme thoughtfulness and reverence, and in dependence upon divine guidance, that you enter now into this holy relationship.
Minister to Groom: Please repeat after me.
I (Groom), take you (Bride), to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forth, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in good times and in bad, forsaking all others. I promise my love to you.
Minister to Bride: Please repeat after me. I (Bride), take you (Groom), to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forth, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in good times and in bad, forsaking all others. I promise my love to you.
Wedding Ring Exchange
The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. It is a seal of the vows (Groom) and (Bride) have made to one another.
Bless, O God, these rings so that (Groom) and (Bride) who give them and who wear them may ever abide in thy peace, living together in unity, love, and happiness for the rest of their lives.
Minister to Groom: Please take your bride’s left hand, and as you place the ring on her third finger, repeat after me.
Groom: I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. With this ring, I thee wed.
Minister to Bride: Please take your groom’s left hand, and as you place the ring on his third finger, repeat after me.
Bride: I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. With this ring, I thee wed.
Closing Prayer
Ladies and Gentleman, let us bow our heads in prayer. Our Father, we come here today asking for your blessing upon these two lives and this home being established. We are thankful for the love we see here and even more for the love we feel from You. May we never take this love for granted. We pray that Your love will be a shield for (Groom) and (Bride). When joy comes, may they share it together, when sorrow threatens, may they bear it together. In gladness or in tears, in sunshine or in shadows, may they draw ever closer to each other and to You.
Grant them patience, gentleness, forbearance, and understanding, and protect their home from those forces that would break it apart. We ask for health, long life, for the fulfillment of every good dream. May their love continue through life and finally be blended into eternal life. Give them such fulfillment and mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for others, and grant that all married persons who have witnessed these vows, find their lives strengthened and their loyalties confirmed.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Pronouncement
Because you have so affirmed, in love and knowledge of the other, and with the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.