Susan and Bob's Wedding

Word of Welcome

Welcome. My name is Michael Scott and I have the privilege of performing this marriage ceremony today.

On behalf of Susan and Bob welcome and thank you for being here. They are delighted that you are here today to share in their joy during this wonderful moment in their lives.

By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and you support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

Address to the Assembly

Today their relationship changes. All of us know it will grow, and become stronger and better.

Indeed this day is a day of hope. A day in which Susan and Bob demonstrate their commitment, devotion, and mutual respect, as well as their faith and love in one another.

You who are gathered here as witnesses are called to continue your support and encouragement as they unite in marriage.

Reading

WHY MARRIAGE?

Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person, with all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body...

Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me.

Who won’t hold them against me.

Who loves me when I’m unlikable.

Who sees the small child in me, and who looks for the divine potential of me...

Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night, with someone who thanks God for me,

With someone I feel blessed to hold...

Because marriage means opportunity to grow in love in friendship...

Because marriage is a discipline to be added to a list of achievements...

Because marriages do not fail, people fail, when they enter into marriage expecting another to make them whole...

Because, knowing this, when I promise myself to take full responsibility for my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness,

I create me, I take half of the responsibility for my marriage and together we create our marriage...

Because with this understanding the possibilities are limitless.

Expression of Intent and Consent

Now just a few questions. First for you Susan.

Susan, you have chosen Bob to be your husband. Will you love and respect him? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come?

 I will.

Bob, you have chosen Susan to be your wife. Will you love and respect her? Will you be honest with her always? Will you stand by her through whatever may come?

I will.        

The Question of Impediment

These two people have come here today to become one in this union. If any one of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully married, declare it now or hereafter remain.

Exchange of Vows

Susan and Bob, we now come to your vows. May I remind you that saying your vows is one thing but nothing is more challenging than living them day by day. What you promise today must be renewed tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you.

Will you now please turn and face each other and hold hands, looking at each other.

(Pesonalized) by Susan & Bob

Handfasting Ceremony (The Binding of the Hands)

The couple’s hands are symbolically “bound” together by a silk scarf or a rope of flowers to signify the commitment being made by the couple.

Susan and Bob have chosen to incorporate the ancient Celtic ritual of Handfasting in their wedding ceremony today. Handfasting is a declaration of intent where the couple clearly states that they are marrying on their own free will.

Susan and Bob as your hands are bound together (to be performed by Susan’s sister Deb and Bob’s sister Judi). Now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. The bond of marriage is not formed by these cords, but rather by the vows you have made. For always you hold in your own hands the fate of this union. Above you are stars and below you is earth. Like stars your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.

May these hands be blessed this day. May they always hold each other.  May they have the strength to hang on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. May they remain tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love.  May they build a relationship founded in love, and rich in caring. May these hands be healer, protector, shelter, and guide for each other.

Giving and Receiving of Rings

May I have the rings please.

Susan, please repeat after me:

Bob, I give you this ring, that you may wear, as a symbol of the vows, we have made this day. I pledge you my love and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honour you.

Now, Bob, please repeat after me:

Susan, I give you this ring that you may wear as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am, I honour you.

Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days.

Declaration of the Marriage

Susan and Bob, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant of marriage you have made here this day before each one of us as witnesses.

Therefore, in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, it is my honour and delight to declare you henceforth to be husband and wife.

You may seal your vows with a kiss.

Signing of the Register

Introduction of the Couple

It is my personal privilege and a great joy to be the first one to introduce Susan and Bob

as husband and wife.

Please greet them warmly.