WEDDING OFFICATING & HOW TO GET MARRIED IN WISCONSINSAMPLE WEDDING VOWS
Andrew Schmidt is available for civil wedding officiating. Typically Andrew officiates marriages primarily in Marathon and Lincoln County but he can officiate anywhere in Wisconsin. Typically called a Justice of the Peace or a Court Commissioner , Andrew can perform the solemnization required for a legal marriage or officiate wedding vows in order to become married. SAMPLE WEDDING VOWSAttached are some sample wedding vows. You may copy them or modify them for the most part. But the portion of the vows where you promise to take your partner as your spouse in marriage must be preserved. Wedding vow number 9, Together We Can Do Anything and vow number 10, Rings of a Successful Marriage , are copyrighted by Andrew. You may use them only as long as he is given credit COSTS OR HONORARIUMFees, or Honorarium, are typical for wedding officials. Judges cannot ask for fees during their normal business hours. But other times we all have some fee. Gratuities are permissible. Attorney Schmidt often receives $125 if the ceremony is in the City of Wausau or its surrounding Townships. Outside this area he receives $150 for performing a ceremony mostly due to time and travel. If you are outside of Marathon County please ask for a quote. ANDREW’S SUGGESTIONS FOR A GREAT WEDDING:
WEDDING VOWSHere are some sample Wedding Vows you may print off and modify. You may copy them and modify them for the most part. But the portion of the vows where you promise to take your partner as your spouse in marriage must be preserved. Wedding vow number 9, Together We Can Do Anything and vow number 10, Rings of a Successful Marriage , are copyrighted by Andrew. You may use them only as long as he is given credit. Click on the hyperlink for faster access to the vows. vows1 - Traditional Parents Give Away Bride and Groom WEDDING VOW #1MARRIAGE CEREMONY #1Traditional Parents Give away Bride and Groom We are here to participate in a wedding. By this act we unite _______ and _______ as husband and wife. What we do today is done in conformity to the laws of the state of Wisconsin and in the tradition of men and women of all places and times. Marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but with certainty, mutual respect, and with a sense of reverence, beauty, humor, and joy. Who stands with this woman to symbolize the traditions and family out of which she comes? Bride’s Parents: We do Who stands with this man to symbolize the traditions and family out of which he comes? Groom’s Parents: We do _________ and ________, your marriage is intended to join you for life. In a relationship so intimate and personal that it will change your whole being. It offers you the hope, and indeed the promise, of a love that is true and mature. To attain such a love you will have to commit yourselves to each other freely and gladly for the sake of a richer and deeper life together. Let God be your guide and helper. _________ and ________, you have made it known that you want to be joined in marriage, and no one has shown any valid reason why you may not. If either you know any lawful impediment why you should not be married you are to declare it. Love can be one of the highest experiences that come to humankind. At its best it reduces our selfishness, deepens our personalities, and makes life far more meaningful. The day-to-day companionship, the pleasure in doing things together, or in doing separate things but in delighting to exchange experiences is a continuous and central part of what a man and a woman who love each other can share. All significant experiences are of concern to our fellow men and women. Two people in love do not live in isolation from the wider embraces of humanity; for love is a way of being with the world. So it is that the institution of marriage is ordained as a public recognition of the private experience of love and as a sanctifying of both parties of its greatest purposes. Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman; yet this closeness should not diminish but strengthen the individuality of each partner. It is said that a marriage that lasts is one that always has a little more to grow. It is out of the resonance between individuality and union that love, whose incredible strength is equal to its incredible fragility, is born and reborn. Today’s celebration of human affection is therefore the outward sign of a sacred and inward commitment, which societies may consecrate and states may legalize, but which neither can create nor annul. Such union can only be created by loving purpose, be maintained by will power and be renewed by human feelings and intentions. In this spirit these two persons stand before us. Sister of the Bride: (_____________) Sing and dance together and be joyous, Song “_______________” sung by ______________ Sister of the Bride: (___________________): These things I have spoken to you, that my joy be in you, and that your joy may be full. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you so what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant down not know what his master is doing, but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. This I command you, to love one another. John 15:11-17 Best Man (_______________________): I want to be your friend forever and ever without break or decay “Oaths of Friendship” Chinese, 1st century Maid of Honor (______________________): “Choices” Groomsman (_________________________): “I would like to have engraved inside ever wedding band, Randolf Ray Bridesmaid (______________________): “Two such as you with such a master speed Robert Frost Groomsman (______________________): “In marriage do thou be wise; William Penn Bridesmaid (_____________): “In the consciousness of belonging together, Fanny Lewald (To the Bride) _______, will you have this man to be your husband to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live? Bride: I will (To the Groom) _______, will you have this woman to be your wife to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live? Groom: I will (To the Groom) Take _______________ by the right hand and say to her: (To the Bride) Take _____ by the right hand and say to him: Groom to the Bride: _______, I give you this ring that you may wear it as a symbol of our marriage. Bride to the Groom: ________, I give you this ring that you may wear it as a symbol of our marriage. Song “___________” while the unity candle is lit. For one human to love another, that is perhaps the hardest of all out tasks, the ultimate test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation….love….is a high inducement to the individual to ripen, to become something in himself, to become….a world to himself for another’s sake….human love consists in this, that two solitudes protest and touch and greet each other. May these two people, now married, fulfill this covenant, which they have made. May they openly give and take from each other, encouraging each other in whatever trials that may befall them, sharing in each other’s joys, helping each other, as each occasion requires. Having grown to trust themselves and each other, may they be unafraid to trust and welcome life. For as much as ______ and ________ have contented together in wedlock and have witnessed the same before this company and the site of God, and thereto have given and pledged their truth to each other and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring and by joining hands, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife. Go into the world and fulfill your lives. Hold fast your ideals. Give to one another new experiences of joy. Challenge one another that you may grow. May the love you hold for each other, now sealed in marriage, continue to mature, that your life together may be a source of strength and inspiration to the community of your family and to the wider circle of the world. You may kiss the Bride. MARRIAGE CEREMONY #2 We are gathered together in the sight of God and in the face of this company to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is ordained of God and is to be honored by all men. Therefore, it is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisably, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate _________ and _________ come now to be joined. If there be anyone present who knows any just cause why they may not be fully joined in marriage, let them now make it known, or ever after hold their peace. _____________ and __________, you have made known to me that you desire to be married to each other, and I consider it my duty before I pronounce the words which will make you husband and wife, to remind you that after the marriage is once performed, the law holds you to various obligations and liabilities of married people. Marriage is more than a contract or a partnership. It is an institution, and in the maintenance of that institution the civilization of the world depends, because marriage is the foundation of the family and of society, without which there can be no civilization. Marriage is the noblest bond of human life and the true basis of human progress. VOWSWould you please join your right hands. Having admonished you now of the sacredness of the ties which you are about to assume, ask you, __________________ is it your free and voluntary will to take this woman, whom you have by your right hand, to be your lawful wedded wife, to love, cherish and protect her, to provide for her to the extent of your ability, to treat her at all times with that kindness and consideration which is due from a husband to his wife, and to cling to her in adversity as well as in prosperity, to especially forego all other women, and will you be a true a faithful husband to her until death shall you part? If so, answer I will. I ask you now, __________, is it your free and voluntary will to take this man, whom you have by your right hand, to be your lawful wedded husband, to love and cherish him, to assist him to the extent of your ability, to treat him with that kindness and consideration which is due from a wife to a husband, and to cling to him in adversity as well as in prosperity, to especially forego all other men, and will you be a true and faithful wife to him until death shall you part? If so, answer I will. RINGSDo you have the rings? These rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying unto all, the uniting of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. _________ please put the ring on __________ finger and repeat after me: “In token and pledge of the love between us made, with this ring I thee wed.” ________ please put the ring on ________ finger and repeat after me: “In token and pledge of the love between us made, with this ring I thee wed.” The exchange of rings is not an idle ceremony, but it has a deep significance. The rings are formed of a noble metal to indicate a noble and pure affection and esteem for each other; the form is round to indicate that your mutual love shall never come to an end, and it is a token of a sign which you can see every day and which shall remind you of the obligations which you have assumed toward each other in our presence. Having given me your free and voluntary consent to become husband and wife, it remains for me only to speak the words by which your association shall be formed to your own happiness, providing that you are faithful to the promises which you have made in our presence. Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the law of this state, and in the presence of God and these witnesses, I pronounce and declare you to be lawfully married, and you are now husband and wife. What God hath joined together let no man put asunder. You may now kiss the bride. MARRIAGE CEREMONY # 3 GREETING AND OPENING REMARKS Family and friends of __________________, We are gathered together in the sight of God to join this man and woman in marriage. This is not a Church, but God does not lively solely in Churches. With the love and affection and friendship that emanates from this group and from this couple surely God is present here. The essence of this commitment of marriage is the total taking of another person in love, friendship and respect. It is therefore a decision not to be entered into lightly, but rather undertaken with great consideration and respect for both the other person and oneself. Love, friendship and respect do not depend on space and time. Overcome space and all that is left here. Overcome time and all that is left now. Love, friendship and respect, the cornerstone of marriage must exist here and now in order to survive until tomorrow. The word “LOVE”, as it appears in the word of God, comes from the Greek word “AGAPE”, the love that is associated with God. It is not a feeling, or emotion, or attitude. It is not romantic love. It means the ultimate act of self-sacrifice for the good of someone else. Love is so self-less it never gets irritated or upset; it never keeps books on the wrongs done. Love is never glad for the failure of the other, but rather, with understanding, forgiveness and trust, builds the other up. Love is not for the half-hearted or the sentimental. To live by love is the most difficult thing to do. It takes the most strength, the most discipline, the most commitment, and the most faith of anything in this life. But, without it, we are nothing. I remind you that marriage holds each of you to obligation and responsibilities. Marriage is an institution. Marriage is the foundation of the family and society. Marriage is a noble bond of human life. Marriage is a contract, an agreement, a commitment to each other to share with the other life itself, the joys, the sadness, the successes and the tragedies, forever. _________ and _________, knowing these things, is it the wish and desire of you both that we proceed with this marriage? If so, please answer YES. DECLARATION (TO THE GROOM) I, _____________, take you, ___________, to be my wife, and these things I promise you: (TO THE BRIDE) I, _____________, take you, ___________, to be my husband, and these things I promise you: EXCHANGE OF RINGS (TO THE GROOM) As you place the ring on her finger, please repeat after me. This ring I give you as a symbol of my love, devotion and respect. (TO THE BRIDE) As you place the ring on his finger, please repeat after me. This ring I give you as a symbol of my love, devotion and respect. The exchange of rings is meant to show your mutual love for each other, and to remind yourselves of the obligations that you have assumed toward each other today in our presence. CLOSING REMARKS AND PRONOUNCEMENT May these two people, now married, fulfill this covenant which they have made. May they openly give and take from each other, encouraging each other in whatever trials may befall them, sharing in each other’s joys, helping each other as each occasion requires. Having grown to trust themselves and each other, may they be unafraid to trust and welcome life’s experiences. Insomuch as _____________and ____________have consented together to be married and have witnessed the same before this company, [and have declared the same by the giving and receiving of rings] I now pronounce them husband and wife. “What God Hath Joined Together, Let No Man Put Asunder.” You may kiss the Bride. Ladies and Gentlemen I introduce Mr. and Mrs. _________________ MARRIAGE CEREMONY #4 Friends, we are gathered at this hour to witness and to celebrate the drawing together of two separate lives. We have come so that this man _________ and this woman ________ may be joined in marriage. It is not to be entered into lightly, but with certainty, with mutual respect, and with a sense of reverence which does not preclude beauty, humor, or happiness. Love can be one of the highest experiences that comes to mankind. At its best it reduces our selfishness, deepens our personalities, and makes life more meaningful. The day-to-day companionship, the pleasure in doing things together, or in doing separate things is a central part of what a man and woman who love each other can share. All significant experiences are of concern to our fellow men and women. Two people in love do not live in isolation from the wider embraces of humanity for love is a way of being with the world. So it is, that the institution of marriage is a public recognition of the private experience of love and a sanctifying of its greatest purposes. Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman; this closeness does not diminish but rather strengthens the individuality of each partner. It is said that a marriage which lasts is one that always has a little more to grow. These sentiments are echoed in Kahlil Gilbran’s “The Prophet.” “Sing and dance together and be joyous, Thus it is out of the resonance between individuality and union that love, whose incredible strength is equal only to its incredible fragility, is born and reborn. Today’s celebration of human affection is the outward sign of a sacred and inward commitment which religious societies consecrate and states legalize, but which neither can create. Each union can only be created by loving purpose, maintained by willpower and renewed by human feelings and intentions. In this spirit these two persons stand before us. ______________ Will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her and honor her, forsaking all others, so long as you live? ____________ Will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him and honor him, forsaking all others, so long as you live? Have the couples join right hands and repeat I, ______________ take you ______________ to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. I, _____________ take you _____________ to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. Exchange of Rings “Take and wear this ring as a symbol of our marriage vows.” For one human being to love another: that is perhaps the hardest of all tasks, the ultimate test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation…love….is a high inducement to the individual to ripen, to become something in themselves, to become…a world to themselves for another’s sake…human love consists in this, that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other. May these two people fulfill this covenant which they have made. May they openly give and take from each other, encouraging each other in whatever trials befall them, sharing in each other’s joys, helping each other as each occasion requires. Those whom God has joined together let no person asunder. For as much as __________________ and __________________ have consented together in wedlock before this company and have given and pledged themselves to the other by giving and receiving rings and by joining hands, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride. MARRIAGE CEREMONY # 5 GREETING AND OPENING REMARKS Family and friends of __________ GROOM and __________ BRIDE, we are gathered here to join together this man and woman in matrimony, which is an honorable estate among all people, and therefore is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, discreetly and advisedly. Both __________ GROOM and __________ BRIDE wish to make a public statement regarding their relationship. Insomuch as they have given a great deal of thought as to whether they have sufficient maturity and commitment to share their lives in marriage, what they say and do here in our presence reflects the honesty and integrity of the decision and the genuine love that they bring to it. Love can be one of the highest experiences that comes to humankind. At its best, it reduces our selfishness, deepens our personalities, and makes life far more meaningful. The day to day companionship, the pleasure in doing things together, or in doing separate things but delighting to exchange experiences, is a continuous and central part of what a man and a woman who love each other can share. All significant experiences are of concern to our fellow men and women. Two people in love do not line in isolation from the wider embraces of humanity; for love is a way of being with the world. So it is that the institution of marriage is ordained as a public recognition of the private experience of love and as a sanctifying of its greatest purposes. Love is so selfless that it never gets irritated or upset; it never keeps books on the wrongs done. Love is never glad for the failure of the other, but rather, with understanding, forgiveness and trust, builds the other up. Love is not for the half-hearted or the sentimental. To live by love is one of the most difficult things to do. It takes the most strength, the most discipline, the most commitment, and the most faith of anything in this life. But, without love, we are nothing. I remind you that marriage holds each of you to obligations and responsibilities. Marriage is an institution. Marriage is the foundation of the family and society. Marriage is a noble bond of human life. Marriage is a contract, and agreement, a commitment to each other to share with the other life itself, the joys, the sadness, the successes and the tragedies, forever. _____________ and ____________, knowing these things, is it the wish and desire of you both that we proceed with this marriage? If so, please answer YES. VOWS (TO THE GROOM) __________, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor her and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, keeping yourself only unto her so long as you both shall live? “I WILL” (TO THE BRIDE) __________, will you have this man to be your wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor him and keep him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, keeping yourself only unto him so long as you both shall live? “I WILL” DECLARATION Please join hands and face each other, and repeat after me. (TO THE GROOM) I, __________ GROOM, take you, ___________ BRIDE, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do us part. (TO THE BRIDE) I, __________ BRIDE, take you, __________ GROOM, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish, until death do us part. EXCHANGE OF RINGS (TO THE GROOM) As you place the ring on her finger, please repeat after me. This ring I give you as a symbol of my love, devotion and respect. (TO THE BRIDE) As you place the ring on his finger, please repeat after me. This ring I give you as a symbol of my love, devotion and respect. The exchange of rings is meant to show your mutual love for each other, and to remind yourselves of the obligations that you have assumed toward each other today in our presence. CLOSING REMARKS AND PRONOUNCEMENT May these two people, now married, fulfill this covenant which they have made. May they openly give and take from each other, encouraging each other in whatever trials may befall them, sharing in each other’s joys, helping each other as each occasion requires. Having grown to trust themselves and each other, may they be unafraid to trust and welcome life’s experiences. Insomuch as _____________and ____________have consented together to be married and have witnessed the same before this company, [and have declared the same by the giving and receiving of rings] I now pronounce them husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride. Ladies and Gentlemen I introduce Mr. and Mrs. _________________ MARRIAGE CEREMONY # 6 Friends, we are gathered here at this hour to witness and celebrate the drawing together of two separate lives. We have come to that this man, ________ and this woman, _________ may be joined in marriage. It is not to be entered into lightly, but with certainty, mutual respect and a sense of reverence, which does not preclude beauty, humor or happiness. Both ___________and ____________ wish to make a public statement regarding their relationship. Inasmuch as they have given a great deal of thought as to whether they have sufficient maturity and commitment to share their lives in marriage, what they say and do here in our presence reflects the honesty and integrity of that decision and the genuine love they bring to it. Love can be one of the highest experiences that comes to humankind. At its best, it reduces our selfishness, deepens our personalities and makes life far more meaningful. The day-to-day companionship, the pleasure in doing things together, or in doing separate things but in delighting to exchange experiences, is a continuous and central part of what a man and a woman who love each other can share. Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman; this closeness does not diminish but rather strengthens the individuality of each partner. Today’s celebration is therefore an outward sign of sacred and inward commitment. Such union can only be created by loving purpose, maintained by will power and renewed by human feelings and intentions. Marriage is the noblest bond of human life and the true basis of human progress. VOWS ______________, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her and honor her and forsaking all others, keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live? If so, please answer “I WILL” ______________, will you have this man to be your wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him and honor him and forsaking all others, keep you only unto him as long as you both shall live? If so, please answer “I WILL” DECLARATION Please join hands and face each other and repeat after me: (TO THE GROOM) I __________, take you, _____________, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ‘till death do us part. (TO THE BRIDE) I __________, take you, _____________, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ‘till death do us part. EXCHANGE OF RINGS (TO THE GROOM): Placing the ring on her finger repeat after me: This ring I give you As a symbol of my love, devotion and respect. (After rings are exchanged the couple should hold hands, either facing each other or officiant) The exchange of rings is not an idle ceremony but has a deep significance. The rings are formed of a noble metal to indicate a noble and pure affection and esteem for each other. The form is round to indicate your mutual love shall never come to an end. They are a sign you can see every day to remind yourselves of the obligations you have assumed toward each other, today, here in our presence. CONCLUDING REMARKS May these two people, now married, fulfill this covenant they have made. May they openly give and take from each other, encouraging each other in whatever trials befall them, sharing in each other’s joys, helping each other as each occasion requires. Having grown to trust themselves and each other may they be unafraid to trust and welcome life’s experiences. Inasmuch as __________ and ______________ have consented together to be marries, have witnessed the same before this company, [and declared the same by the giving and receiving of rings] I now pronounce them husband and wife. You may kiss the bride! MARRIAGE CEREMONY # 7(Simple with Poem by Kahlil Gilbran) Dear friends, we are gathered here at this hour to witness and to celebrate the drawing together of two separate lives. We have come to that this man, _________ and this woman, ________ may be joined in marriage. It is not to be entered into lightly, but with certainty, mutual respect and a sense of reverence, which does not preclude beauty,humor or happiness. Love can be one of the highest experiences that comes to humankind. At its best, it reduces our selfishness, deepens our personalities and makes life far more meaningful. The day-to-day companionship, the pleasure in doing things together, or in doing separate things but in delighting to exchange experiences, is a continuous and central part of what a man and a woman who love each other can share. Matrimony symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman; yet this closeness should not diminish but strengthen the individuality of each partner. It is said that a marriage that lasts is one that always has a little more to grow. From the Lebanese Poet Kahlil Gibran: Thus it is out of the resonance between individuality and union that love, whose incredible strength is equal only to its incredible fragility, is born and reborn. Today’s celebration of human affection is therefore the outward sign of a sacred and inward commitment, which societies may consecrate and states may legalize, but which neither can create or annul. Such union can only be created by loving purpose, be maintained by willpower and be renewed by human feelings and intentions. In this spirit these two persons stand before us. VOWS __________, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the honorable estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her and honor her in sickness and health and forsaking all others, keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live? __________, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, top live together in the honorable estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him and honor him in sickness and in health and forsaking all others, keep you only unto him as long as you both shall live? DECLARATION Please join hands and face each other and repeat after me: (TO THE GROOM) I _______, take you, __________, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ‘till death do us part. (TO THE BRIDE) I _______, take you, __________, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ‘till death do us part. EXCHANGE OF RINGS (TO THE GROOM): Placing the ring on her finger repeat after me: Take and wear this ring as a symbol of our marriage vows. (TO THE BRIDE): Placing the ring on his finger repeat after me: Take and wear this ring as a symbol of our marriage vows. CONCLUDING REMARKS For one human being to love another, that is perhaps the hardest of all our tasks, the ultimate test and proof, the work for which all other work is but preparation…love…is a high inducement to the individual to ripen, to become something in himself, to become….a world to himself for another’s sake…human love consists in this, that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other. May these two people, now married, fulfill this covenant which they have made. May they openly give and take from each other, encouraging each other in whatever trials that may befall them, sharing in each other’s joys, helping each other as each occasion requires. Having grown to trust themselves and each other, may they be unafraid to trust and welcome life. For as much as ___________________ and _________________ have consented together in wedlock and have witnessed the same before this company and thereto have given and pledged their troth to each other and have declared the same by giving and receiving of rings and by joining of hands, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife. You may kiss the Bride! MARRIAGE CEREMONY # 8(Non-Religious - Short and Simple) GREETING AND OPENING REMARKS
We are gathered together in the face of this company to join together this man and woman in matrimony, which is an honorable estate among all people, and therefore, is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, discreetly and advisedly. Into this marriage these two persons present come now to be joined. If anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully married, let them now speak, or else hereafter forever hold their peace. DECLARATION Please join hands and face each other, and repeat after me. (TO THE GROOM) _____________, will you have this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in the honorable estate of matrimony as the laws of the State require? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep you only unto her as long as you both shall live? (Answer: I will) (TO THE BRIDE) _____________, will you have this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in the honorable estate of matrimony as the laws of the State require? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep you only unto him as long as you both shall live? (Answer: I will) (TO THE GROOM) I __________ GROOM, take you, __________ BRIDE, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ‘till death do us part. (TO THE BRIDE) I __________ BRIDE, take you, __________ GROOM, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, ‘till death do us part. EXCHANGE OF RINGS (TO THE GROOM) As you place the ring on her finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed. Take and wear this ring as a symbol of our marriage vows. (TO THE BRIDE) As you place the ring on her finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed. Take and wear this ring as a symbol of our marriage vows. CLOSING REMARKS AND PRONOUNCEMENT Insomuch as __________ GROOM and __________ BRIDE have consented together to be married and have witnessed the same before this company, [and have declared the same by the giving and receiving of rings] By the power vested in me by the State of Wisconsin, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may know kiss the Bride. TOGETHER, WE CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING Ceremony: Family and friends, we welcome you today to witness the marriage of [GROOM] and [BRIDE]. You have shared and contributed to their lives in the past, and by witnessing their marriage ceremony today, [GROOM] and [BRIDE] ask you to share in their future. Marriage is a promise, made in the hearts of two people who love each other. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life’s most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other’s lover, teacher, listener, critic, and best friend. It is into this state of marriage that [GROOM] and [BRIDE] wish to enter. [GROOM], do you take [BRIDE] to be your wife? Will you love, honor, and cherish her, in good times and in bad, and do you promise to stay true to her as long as you both shall live? (By the Groom): I do [BRIDE], do you take [GROOM] to be your husband? Will you love, honor, and cherish him, in good times and in bad, and do you promise to stay true to him as long as you both shall live? (By the Bride): I do [GROOM] and [BRIDE], may you pledge to each other to be loving friends and partners in marriage. To talk and to listen, to trust and appreciate one another, to respect and cherish each other’s uniqueness, and to support, comfort, and strengthen each other through life’s joys and sorrows. May you promise to share hopes, thoughts, and dreams as you build your lives together. May your lives be ever intertwined, your love keeping you together. May you build a home that is compassionate to all, full of respect and honor for others and for each other. May your home be forever filled with peace, happiness, and love. [GROOM] and [BRIDE], please face each other and hold hands. [GROOM], as you look at [BRIDE], please repeat these words after me: (By the Groom) I, [GROOM], take you, [BRIDE], to be my wife. Together, we can accomplish anything. I pledge to honor, encourage, and support you. When our way becomes difficult, I promise to stand by you and uplift you, so that through our union we can accomplish more than we could alone. I promise to work at our love and always make you a priority in my life. With every beat of my heart, I will love you. This is my solemn vow. [BRIDE], as you look at [GROOM], please repeat these words after me: (By the Bride) I [BRIDE], take you, [GROOM], to be my husband. Together, we can accomplish anything. I pledge to honor, encourage, and support you. When our way becomes difficult, I promise to stand by you and uplift you, so that through our union we can accomplish more than we could alone. I promise to work at our love and always make you a priority in my life. With every beat of my heart, I will love you. This is my solemn vow. The ring is a symbol of unity into which your two lives are now joined in an unbroken circle; in which, wherever you go, you will return to one another. (By the Groom) [BRIDE], I offer you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. Let it always be a reminder of my love, and my vows to you. (By the Bride) [GROOM], I offer you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. Let it always be reminder of my love, and my vows to you. [GROOM] and [BRIDE], may your home be a haven of peace and your relationship be one of truth and understanding. May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes, and peace and content of mind as you, day-by-day, live and fulfill the terms of this covenant you have made with one another. And now, for as much as you have made your vows, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving your rings, I pronounce that you are husband and wife. [GROOM], you may kiss your bride! Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. __________________________. WEDDING VOWS #10 Good afternoon Ladies and Gentleman. We are here today to celebrate the joining in matrimony the union of_______________ [GROOM] and _______________ [BRIDE]. They have asked all of you to be present this day and in this beautiful place to witness their vows of union, marriage and love to one another. These promises to one another do not present themselves easily or lightly. _______________ [GROOM] and _______________ [BRIDE] have searched their own souls and have discovered that being in love with one another and committing their lives to each other brings them each to a higher level of happiness, humanity, and spirituality than they would have ever attained on their own. The love that these two people are experiencing here and now is based on the existence of three interconnected rings. These three things are not tangible items but intangibles that emanate from your soul. A loving marriage has these three interconnecting rings present every single moment. As each day unfolds you will find yourself feeling and perhaps saying each of these. To have a loving marriage these rings must be felt in their purest and most genuine form. The first interconnected ring is “I Love You”. Coming from the heart, “I Love You” is both simple and surprisingly complex. It is so simple to say. Yet, it is so difficult to maintain. But in its purist form “I Love You” is as magical to the person communicating it as it is to the person receiving it. These three simple words “I-Love-You” cannot be coerced out of a person. No, these feelings have to be earned, nourished, and at times guided out! The second interconnected ring is “I am Sorry”. These three words are not easy to say. At times they are hard to find and they are so often hidden and clouded by one’s own pride, ego, or principles. Like the other rings, “I am Sorry” must be genuine. It must come from the soul. It must come from a place deeper in your heart than any of the other feelings. Roses and chocolates alone are not enough to repay a mistake, an error, or a wrong. They are not genuine. “I am Sorry” is a sincere payment on a moral debt you owe to another. The third interconnected ring is “I Forgive You”. Quite often forgotten, “I Forgive You” is the response necessary to “I am Sorry”. It is the acknowledgment of the debt paid when your partner is seeking forgiveness for a mistake, an error or a wrong. Like “I am Sorry”, “I Forgive You” can come with no conditions or exceptions. Only genuine forgiveness will work in this loving marriage. “I am Sorry” and “I Forgive You” are the ‘ying and yang’ of your Love. You cannot have one without the other. Having been given the secret to a long and healthy relationship, do you both agree to join one another in matrimony? (By Both): YES. VOWS _______________ [GROOM], do you take _______________ [BRIDE] to be your wife? Will you love, honor, and cherish her, in good times and in bad, and do you promise to stay true to her as long as you both shall live? (By the Groom): I do _______________ [BRIDE], do you take _______________ [GROOM] to be your husband? Will you love, honor, and cherish him, in good times and in bad, and do you promise to stay true to him as long as you both shall live? (By the Bride): I do _______________ [GROOM] and _______________ [BRIDE], may you pledge to each other to be loving friends and partners in marriage. To talk and to listen, to trust and appreciate one another, to respect and cherish each other’s uniqueness, and to support, comfort, and strengthen each other through life’s joys and sorrows. May you promise to share hopes, thoughts, and dreams as you build your lives together. May your lives be ever intertwined, your love keeping you together. May you build a home that is compassionate to all, full of respect and honor for others and for each other. May your home be forever filled with peace, happiness, and love. _______________ [GROOM] and _______________ [BRIDE], please face each other and hold hands. _______________ [GROOM], as you look at _______________ [BRIDE], please repeat these words after me: (By the Groom) I, _______________ [GROOM], take you, _______________ [BRIDE], to be my wife. Together, we can accomplish anything. I pledge to honor, encourage, and support you. When our way becomes difficult, I promise to stand by you and uplift you, so that through our union we can accomplish more than we could alone. I promise to work at our love and always make you a priority in my life. With every beat of my heart, I will love you. This is my solemn vow. _______________ [BRIDE], as you look at _______________ [GROOM], please repeat these words after me: (By the Bride) I _______________ [BRIDE], take you, _______________ [GROOM], to be my husband. Together, we can accomplish anything. I pledge to honor, encourage, and support you. When our way becomes difficult, I promise to stand by you and uplift you, so that through our union we can accomplish more than we could alone. I promise to work at our love and always make you a priority in my life. With every beat of my heart, I will love you. This is my solemn vow. The ring is a symbol of unity into which your two lives are now joined in an unbroken circle; in which, wherever you go, you will return to one another. (By the Groom) _______________ [BRIDE], I offer you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. Let it always be a reminder of my love, and my vows to you. (By the Bride) _______________ [GROOM], I offer you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. Let it always be reminder of my love, and my vows to you. _______________ [GROOM] and _______________ [BRIDE], may your home be a haven of peace and your relationship be one of truth and understanding. May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes, and peace and content of mind as you, day-by-day, live and fulfill the terms of this covenant you have made with one another. And now, for as much as you have made your vows, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving your rings, and by authority vested in me by the State of Wisconsin, I now pronounce you husband and wife. _______________ [GROOM], you may kiss your bride! WEDDING VOW #11
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Sample Wedding Vows
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