CIVIL CEREMONY #7
BEST FRIENDS
MEANINGFUL PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE
At this very precious moment, Dad, your daughter would like to thank you and Mom for all that you have done to bring her to this point in her life, the stage of independence and maturity that enables her to make this decision to now live with and work with her chosen groom, to create the new entity of her marriage to _(Groom)_. As you now bow out of your previous role in her life, she wants you to know that she will always treasure what you have done for her, though now that stage in her life ends. Though she will now be moving independently from you, choosing her own course with her mate, she will always value your support for the life direction she and _(Groom)_ choose for their future.
As a dad I can attest to the glow of pride I experienced as I walked at my daughter’s side. I had held her in my arms right from birth. Now she was standing so maturely by my side, making decisions on her own—so beautiful, so graceful in her flowing gown, moving with me to fulfill her new role with the man of her dreams. However I and others viewed it, I liked it. It meant a lot to me and to my daughter as well. I liked the sense that my daughter wanted me there with her as she commenced a chapter of her life for which I would be needed less. “Good bye my dear! Good luck! God bless! Treat my treasure right!”
Who is it that brings this woman to this man? / “I do”
TO GUESTS
We, as a community of friends, are gathered here to witness the marriage of _(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ .
By our presence here, we all accept responsibility for helping _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ and for encouraging them in the new relationship into which they are about to enter. We are called to rejoice with them in their happiness and to help them when they have trouble.
TO COUPLE
_(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ , today you are performing an act of complete faith, each in the other. This is the heart of the marriage relationship you are initiating today. In a world where faith often falls short of expectation, it is a tribute to you that you desire this depth of commitment and relationship.
_(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ , remember to treat both yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulty or fear assail your relationship – as they threaten all relationships at one time or another – remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out times when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives – remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. If each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your lives together, your life together will be marked by abundance and delight.
DECLARATION
_(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ are about to commit themselves in marriage to each other. If anyone knows of just cause why they may not be lawfully joined in marriage, let them declare it or else forever hold their peace.
_(Bride)_ and _(Groom)_ , you receive each other from your fathers and mothers, who give you into each other’s keeping, by saying now, each to the other, words which will tell of your love.
VOWS
_(Bride)_ , please pass you bouquet to your maid of honor. Will you please face each other and join hands?
_(Groom)_ , will you please repeat after me your vows to your bride?
_(Bride)_ , I choose you to be my wife,
to have and to hold,
from this day forward.
It is my intention
to be your best friend,
to respect and support you,
to be patient with you,
to work together with you
to achieve those things
that are important to us as a couple,
to accept you unconditionally,
to share life with you
throughout the years,
to love and to cherish you
as long as we both shall live.
_(Bride)_ , will you please repeat after me your vows to your groom?
_(Groom)_ , I choose you to be my husband,
to have and to hold,
from this day forward.
It is my intention
to be your best friend,
to respect and support you,
to be patient with you,
to work together with you
to achieve those things
that are important to us as a couple,
to accept you unconditionally,
to share life with you
throughout the years,
to love and to cherish you
as long as we both shall live.
RINGS
The circle reminded the ancients of eternity, for the circle is so fashioned as to have neither beginning nor end. So your wedding rings of precious metal are a fitting emblem of the purity and permanence of marriage. The gold of the ring is so incorruptible that it cannot be tarnished by use or time. So may your union be incorruptible in its purity and more lasting than time itself.
EXCHANGE RINGS
May I have the rings please?
_(Groom)_ , as you place your ring on _(Bride)_ ‘s ring finger would you please repeat after me your commitment to _(Bride)_ ?
Wear this ring forever,
as a symbol of my love for you
and of the delight and fulfillment
I desire to bring to the life
we will build for each other
in our marriage.
_(Bride)_ , as you place your ring on _(Groom)_ ‘s ring finger would you please repeat after me your commitment to _(Groom)_ ?
Wear this ring forever,
as a symbol of my love for you
and of the delight and fulfillment
I desire to bring to the life
we will build for each other
in our marriage.
PRONOUNCEMENT
Inasmuch as _(Groom)_ and _(Bride)_ have declared their love and devotion to each other before family and friends. By the powers vested in me by the Province of Ontario, it gives me great delight to pronounce that you are now husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride.
BLESSING
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be sanctuary to the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no isolation for you.
Now there is no more loneliness.
Now you are two, but there is only one life in front of you.
SIGNING OF DOCUMENTS
SPECIAL MUSIC
ANNOUNCEMENT
It gives me great delight to introduce the newly married couple, Mr. and Mrs. ———- .
RECESSIONAL
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