| Sample Wedding Ceremony |
| Custom Ceremonies |
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Your wedding ceremony can be as unique as your imagination will
allow it to be! I can offer guidance and suggestions, and I will write
the ceremony based on the story you tell me about yourselves and
your love for each other - but the final result is up to you. The
following ideas are based on the traditional ceremony format, and
will allow you to see some of the possible variations that can take
place within that format.
Processional
Traditionally the bridesmaids and maid of honor process down the
aisle, followed by the bride on her father’s arm. Alternately the bride
and groom may process together, symbolizing their joint decision to
enter this marriage without one being “given” to the other. Or the
groom might process with both of his parents followed by the bride
with her mother and father. Or the bride might walk down the aisle
with her stepfather, her son or daughter, a brother or sister, an aunt
or uncle. Whom do you want to kiss your cheek to wish you well as
you take your place next to your groom?
Introduction
This is the fun part, when I tell the story of how you met and fell in
love, what you love about each other - maybe a humorous anecdote
about your relationship. It’s entirely up to you what you want to share
with your guests!
Presentation
Who presents this bride in marriage? Usually the bride’s father will
say: “Her mother and I do.” But perhaps the groom’s parents will
want to present him, too. Perhaps your children will present you this
time! You may skip this part altogether, or you may have your
celebrant ask your guests if they will bless and support your union.
Reading
If you have a friend or family member who would like to read some
prose or poetry, I can provide you with sample readings based on
your personal taste - it may be something light and modern,
something romantic, secular, religious, spiritual, or ethnic. An
example of a popular reading is from the I Ching:
When two people are at one
in their inmost hearts,
they shatter even the strength of iron or bronze.
And when two people understand each other
in their inmost hearts,
their words are sweet and strong,
like the fragrance of orchids.
The Asking
This is a simple question that confirms you are ready to take your
vows. For example:
Celebrant:
John and Sarah, please face each other and join hands.
Celebrant:
John and Sarah, do you come here freely,
and without reservation,
to enter a relationship as husband and wife,
as companions living together,
as partners enjoying equality?
Couple:
We do.
The Vows
You may write your own, or I can offer suggestions. I can feed you
the vows, line by line, you can memorize them, or I can hold my book
so that you can read the vows yourself. Here is just one example of
a non-traditional vow:
I, (name), offer myself to you, (name), to be your (wife/husband), your
friend, your lover and companion on the journey of life, to share and
build our dreams together, whatever may come.
This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and
eternally made new.
A Personalized Ritual
You may choose or create any ritual that symbolizes the blending of
your two personalities, or your two families. Some possibilities are:
a Unity Candle Lighting, a Sand Ceremony, Wine or Tea Sharing,
Handfasting, Arras Coin Sharing, and Marriage Certificate Signing. I
will help you choose one or more rituals that are particularly
meaningful to you and your families.
Ring Vows
There are many ways to do this. Here is one example:
John and Sarah, these rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of
love.
Love freely given has no beginning and no end.
Love freely given has no giver and no receiver –
for each is the giver and the receiver.
May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken today.
The great philosopher and poet Kahlil Gibran eloquently writes:
“Marriage is the golden ring in a chain whose beginning is a glance
and whose ending is Eternity.”
Declaration of Marriage
I will pronounce you however you wish!
The Kiss
You know how to do this!
To read a sample of an interfaith ceremony, click here:
Greek Orthodox - Jewish Wedding
allow it to be! I can offer guidance and suggestions, and I will write
the ceremony based on the story you tell me about yourselves and
your love for each other - but the final result is up to you. The
following ideas are based on the traditional ceremony format, and
will allow you to see some of the possible variations that can take
place within that format.
Processional
Traditionally the bridesmaids and maid of honor process down the
aisle, followed by the bride on her father’s arm. Alternately the bride
and groom may process together, symbolizing their joint decision to
enter this marriage without one being “given” to the other. Or the
groom might process with both of his parents followed by the bride
with her mother and father. Or the bride might walk down the aisle
with her stepfather, her son or daughter, a brother or sister, an aunt
or uncle. Whom do you want to kiss your cheek to wish you well as
you take your place next to your groom?
Introduction
This is the fun part, when I tell the story of how you met and fell in
love, what you love about each other - maybe a humorous anecdote
about your relationship. It’s entirely up to you what you want to share
with your guests!
Presentation
Who presents this bride in marriage? Usually the bride’s father will
say: “Her mother and I do.” But perhaps the groom’s parents will
want to present him, too. Perhaps your children will present you this
time! You may skip this part altogether, or you may have your
celebrant ask your guests if they will bless and support your union.
Reading
If you have a friend or family member who would like to read some
prose or poetry, I can provide you with sample readings based on
your personal taste - it may be something light and modern,
something romantic, secular, religious, spiritual, or ethnic. An
example of a popular reading is from the I Ching:
When two people are at one
in their inmost hearts,
they shatter even the strength of iron or bronze.
And when two people understand each other
in their inmost hearts,
their words are sweet and strong,
like the fragrance of orchids.
The Asking
This is a simple question that confirms you are ready to take your
vows. For example:
Celebrant:
John and Sarah, please face each other and join hands.
Celebrant:
John and Sarah, do you come here freely,
and without reservation,
to enter a relationship as husband and wife,
as companions living together,
as partners enjoying equality?
Couple:
We do.
The Vows
You may write your own, or I can offer suggestions. I can feed you
the vows, line by line, you can memorize them, or I can hold my book
so that you can read the vows yourself. Here is just one example of
a non-traditional vow:
I, (name), offer myself to you, (name), to be your (wife/husband), your
friend, your lover and companion on the journey of life, to share and
build our dreams together, whatever may come.
This commitment is made in love, kept in faith, lived in hope, and
eternally made new.
A Personalized Ritual
You may choose or create any ritual that symbolizes the blending of
your two personalities, or your two families. Some possibilities are:
a Unity Candle Lighting, a Sand Ceremony, Wine or Tea Sharing,
Handfasting, Arras Coin Sharing, and Marriage Certificate Signing. I
will help you choose one or more rituals that are particularly
meaningful to you and your families.
Ring Vows
There are many ways to do this. Here is one example:
John and Sarah, these rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of
love.
Love freely given has no beginning and no end.
Love freely given has no giver and no receiver –
for each is the giver and the receiver.
May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken today.
The great philosopher and poet Kahlil Gibran eloquently writes:
“Marriage is the golden ring in a chain whose beginning is a glance
and whose ending is Eternity.”
Declaration of Marriage
I will pronounce you however you wish!
The Kiss
You know how to do this!
To read a sample of an interfaith ceremony, click here:
Greek Orthodox - Jewish Wedding
