A Traditional Wedding Ceremony
Minister:
We are gathered here today in the presence of these family and friends, to
join together (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name) in matrimony;
which is an honourable and solemn estate and therefore is
not to be entered into lightly, but reverently and soberly.
Into this estate these two persons present come
now to be joined. If any one can show just cause why they
may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or
forever hold their peace. Who gives this woman to be married
to this man?
Parents:
We do.
The bride is brought forward to the groom's side.
Minister to Groom:
(Groom's Name), do you take (Bride's Name) to be your lawful
wedded wife, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will
you love, honour, comfort, and cherish her from this day forward,
forsaking all others, keeping only unto her for as long as
you both shall live?
Groom:
I do.
Minister to Bride:
(Bride's Name), do you take (Groom's Name) for your lawful
wedded husband, to live in the holy estate of matrimony? Will
you love, honour, comfort, and cherish him from this day forward,
forsaking all others, keeping only unto him for as long as
you both shall live?
Bride:
I do.
Traditionally, a reading from the Bible, or a psalm or other song would be read or performed now.
Minister (addressing the groom who repeats
the marriage vows):
I (Groom's Name) take thee (Bride's Name) to be my wedded
wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better
or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,
to love, honour, and cherish, 'til death do us part.
Minister (to the bride who repeats
the marriage vows):
I (Bride's Name) take thee (Groom's Name) to be my wedded
husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better
or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health,
to love, honour, and cherish, 'til death do us part.
The Minister then asks for the rings from the best man.
Minister (about bride's ring):
May this ring be blessed so he who gives it and she who wears
it may abide in peace, and continue in love until life's end.
Groom (placing ring on bride's finger):
With this ring I thee wed. Wear it as a symbol of our love
and commitment.
Minister (about groom's ring):
May this ring be blessed so that she who gives it and he who
wears it may abide in peace, and continue in love until life's
end.
Bride (placing ring on groom's finger):
With this ring I thee wed. Wear it as a symbol of our love
and commitment.
You may want to play a song or some music here.
Minister:
May this couple be prepared to continue to give, be able to
forgive and experience more and more joy with each passing
day, with each passing year. (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name)
are now beginning their married life together. We hope that
they may have loving assistance from their family, the constant
support of friends, and a long life with good health and everlasting
love. In so much as (Groom's Name) and (Bride's Name) have
consented to live forever together in wedlock, and have witnessed
the same before this company, and having declared same by the
giving and receiving of a ring, I pronounce that they are
husband and wife.
Minister (to the couple):
You may now seal the promises you have made to each other
with a kiss.
Minister:
Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to be the first to present to you Mr. and Mrs. (Surname)
Music and Signing of the Register.
Return to the index of example ceremonies.
Last updated: May 19th, 2010