Ceremony Number 4
Welcome, my name is Sue Hardy and as an authorised celebrant I have hte honour of leading you in this marriage ceremony.
We are gathered here today, among friends and family,
to witness the exchange of sacred vows to unite _________ and
_______ as one. This unity is not entered into lightly, but is
a simple reflection of their sincerity and commitment to each
other as witnessed by those they care most about. It is a sacred
commitment between these two people responsible only unto each
other, held true by their values and beliefs.
This is not the first cycle of their lives together. Rather than
start new, this ceremony represents to _______ and _______ a new
season. Just as spring is a time of planting, and summer is a
time of growth, this cycle represents the harvest of growth, maturity
and abiding respect. Past success, failures, disappointments and
joy simply nourish this harvest, providing a rich and stable place
from which to grow together as the cycle of life continues.
GIVING AWAY
When thinking people conclude what are the real values in life,
and come to decide what really matters – it is human relationships.
One of the most understated but deepest relationships in human
life is that between a caring father and a loving daughter. One
of the rare occasions this relationship is acknowledged is at
a wedding ceremony. _________ represents all of us, he particularly
represents his family, but today in a special gesture he symbolises
his own personal love for ______. So mindful of these values
I now ask him – who brings this woman to be married to this man? (Dad: I do)
ASKING
________, is it your wish to take _______ to be your wife and
soul mate, to join together your heart unto hers, uniting your
spirit and hers into a common being. Will you give her your trust,
respect and love for so long as you both shall walk upon this
earth? I will
________, is it your wish to take ______ to be your husband and
soul mate, to join together your heart unto his, uniting your
spirit and his into a common being. Will you give him your trust,
respect and love for so long as you both shall walk upon this
earth? I will.
Chief Luther Standing Bear said: “For after all the great religions
have been preached and expounded, or have been revealed by brilliant
scholars, or have been written in fine books and embellished with
finer covers, man – all man – is still confronted with the Great
Mystery.” That Great Mystery is love. And it is very true that
no amount of learning nor fancy books can begin to explain the
emotion of love.
A few simple words from an ESKIMO LOVE SONG are appropriate.
You are to be my lover.
My feet shall run because of you.
My feet, dance because of you.
My heart shall beat because of you.
My eyes, see because of you.
My mind, thinks because of you.
And I shall love because of you.
THE ELEMENTS
Water Water is the giver and purifier of life, sustaining us,
as it will this marriage.
Air Air breaths new life into love. Giving both _______ and ______
the freedom to be themselves.
Earth The earth upon which we walk provides us with our home and
our future. May Mother Earth be good and kind to you both.
Fire Bride & Groom come forward and light the candle.
From fire comes love and warmth. This candle flame will: Burn
with love; Burn with desire; Burn, true to me, true to you; Burn
that the light of love may never go out.
THE EXCHANGE OF VOWS AND WEDDING RINGS
Groom: Our love extends beyond earth, sea, wind, and
flame.
Bride: It is greater than who we are and meaningless
without us.
Groom: It is more powerful than our past, yet the foundation
for our future.
Bride: Our love is the essence of our lives for all
days to come.
Groom: Our choice is made.
Bride: Our minds are clear and our hearts strong.
Groom: This love means more to us than anything else
in life.
Bride: There is no person, precondition, or approval
I value more than your love.
Groom: I give myself to our union. I welcome you as my
partner in life.
May our love forever keep us strong.
Bride: I give myself to our union. I welcome you as
my partner in life.
May our love forever keep us strong.
The roundness of these rings betokens the endlessness of love.
Their pure metal speaks of the purity of love.
And their value reminds us that we should defend and protect
That which we hold most valuable in life.
Wear them with love and honour.
Rings are exchanged. No words are spoken.
HANDFASTING
Join right hands for the handfasting.
May the sun bring you new strength by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night.
May the rain wash away your fears,
And the breeze invigorate your being.
May you all the days of your life,
Walk gently through the world, and know its beauty.
Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other,
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other,
Now there is no more loneliness,
For each of you will be companion to the other,
Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place as husband and wife
To begin the days of your life together,
And may your days be good
And long upon the earth.
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