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We have many different styles and types of ceremonies. The following are samples from just a few. We also offer various traditions from world religions and cultures. We have many wedding poems to choose from along with a variety of personal vows. Usually we like to meet with you in person to review every aspect concerning your ceremony. We have a book put together which makes it easy for you to choose what speaks to your heart and truly represents the both of you. The meeting takes about an hour. The book helps to make it very easy to make your selections. We are also very open to couples designing their own ceremony and writing their own vows. Whatever works best for you. If we can’t meet in person, we can accomplish designing your personalized ceremony over the phone or by email. What you want is very important to us!
Jewish Tradition Breaking of the Glass
African American Broom Jumping Tradition
Butterfly Release or Dove Release
UNITY CEREMONY (open, spiritual non-denominational)
We are gathered together today to join the both of you, Bride and Groom in marriage. We’d like to thank the friends and family members who are present with us. Let us pray: Dear God, We begin by knowing and giving thanks for the living spirit of love which resides within each one of us and which is present in our gathering today. We come together to bless these two dear ones in the joining together of their love and life knowing that this union will further fulfill their circle of life. We thank you God for your eternal presence. We know that Divine love blesses Groom and Bride as they celebrate their spiritual union and commitment to one another. We enter into this sacred time in the name and through the power of the loving Christ presence. Amen ... Top of Page
We have come together today to celebrate the marriage and intertwining of destinies of Bride and Groom and to reflect upon their incredible joy for having been given the good fortune to fall deeply in love and in choosing to accept each other as husband and wife. Marriage is not only a commitment between two lovers it is also an agreement between two friends. I remind you both to remember that love and loyalty alone will be the foundation of a happy and enduring home. No other human ties are more tender, no other vows more sacred than those you now assume. You are now taking into your care and keeping the happiness of the one other person whom you love best. You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities and love... Top of Page
EPISCOPAL (Traditional, Catholic)
Dearly Beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people. The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for help and comfort given to one another in prosperity and adversity; (procreation of children and their upbringing in the church) Therefore marriage is not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.. Top of Page
We are gathered here today not to witness the beginning of what will be but rather the continuation of what already is. We celebrate with Groom and Bride and their friends and families the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place within their hearts. Marriage is a supreme sharing of experiences and an adventure in the most intimate of human relationships. It is the joyous union of two people whose friendship and mutual understanding have flowered into romance. Today Bride and Groom proclaim their love and commitment to the world and we gather to rejoice with and for them, in the new life they are entering together… Top of Page
Before I pronounce you husband and wife I should like to have both of you light the Unity candle. The lighting of this candle represents the bond of spiritual love that shall always mark your marriage. Light is symbolic of truth, of that which is good. Light is of God and a candle represents whatever love, wisdom, warmth and truth we are able to express ... Top of Page
In the Rose Ceremony, the Bride and Groom give each other a rose. Two roses are all that’s necessary. If you have children coming into the ceremony you may have a rose for each of them also. The rose ceremony is placed near the end of the wedding ceremony just before being pronounced husband and wife. In the language of flowers a single rose always means “I love you”. Words of the Rose Ceremony:
“Your gift to each other on your wedding day has been your wedding rings which shall always be an outward sign of your vows and your commitment to each other. You now share a very sacred role as man and woman, that of husband and wife. In the past the rose was considered a symbol of love and a single rose always meant one thing, the words, “I love you.” So it is appropriate that your first gift as husband and wife to each other be a single rose. Please exchange your roses now. (Sometimes a song can be played here). In some ways it may seem that you have not done anything at all. Just a moment ago you were holding a single rose and now you are holding a single rose. In some ways marriage is like this. Tomorrow may seem no different from yesterday. But in fact just now you both have given and received one… Top of Page
This is done in place of the Unity Candle Lighting or the Rose ceremony. There are two separate containers or colors of sand, with a third empty container in which to pour. The Bride and Groom will pour their containers together into the empty one to symbolize their union.
The two separate containers of sand before you represent the life of an individual, with his or her unique goals, thoughts, and desires. Until today your souls have been traveling along separate paths which merge now into one. As you combine your two containers of sand let you also join your minds and hearts, surrendering the care of yourself in favor of the care of one another. In doing so you promise that the love that binds you together shall never be weakened by selfish desires, but kept strong and whole, so that you may…. Top of Page
Bride & Groom you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and the exchange of vows. This covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives. No other ties are more endearing or enduring than this divine partnership of marriage. You have committed here today to share the rest of your lives with each… Top of Page
This is done before the rings.
BRIDE please face GROOM and hold his hands palms up so you may see the gift they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life. These are the hands that work along side yours as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your innermost secrets and dreams. These are the hands that look so large and strong yet will be gentle as he holds your ….
GROOM please hold Bride's hands palms up where you may see the gift they are to you. These are the hands of your best friend, smooth young and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life. These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurt, supporting and encouraging them along the way and knowing when it is time to let go… Top of Page
Simple version: Bride and Groom, as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth, Like the stars your love should be constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow. (Bind Hands)...
LongerVersion: Divine Spirit, we ask you to bless this couple, their love and their marriage as long as they shall live together. May they enjoy a healthy life filled with joy, love and stability. We give thanks for the element air. May you be blessed with communication, intellectual growth and wisdom. We give thanks for the element fire. May you be blessed with vitality, passion, creativity and harmony. We give thanks for the element water. May you be blessed with friendship, intuition, caring, understanding and love. We give thanks for the element earth. May you be blessed with tenderness, happiness, compassion and sensuality... Top of Page
We have many different ways to include children, depending on their ages. We like to do a family blessing listing each child by name. We have an entire page of different ceremonies and words that can be said about family unity, including exchanging vows with your children. Here is just one small sample:
We realize that when two families come together to create a new one that the parents love creates a circle big enough to gather in the whole family. To recognize the very special place your children hold within your heart and your home you have chosen to… Top of Page
Jewish Tradition Breaking of the Glass
Usually comes near the end of the ceremony, after the candle lighting and the blessing. “In the Jewish wedding ceremony glass is traditionally broken by the groom. This can have many symbolic meanings and today, Groom and Bride are focusing on three of them:
The first being that the past is gone and they are now headed into their glorious future… Top of Page
African American Broom Jumping Tradition
.(Usually comes after the kiss. “To seal their union the bride and groom are going to do the African American tradition of jumping the broom. Will you in the audience take this time to send a blessing or good wish to this couple and then we’ll count to three and they’ll jump into their new and glorious future... Top of Page
Arras, Mantilla, Lasso, Mother Mary bouquet …. Top of Page
We have many vow choices including traditional and non traditional. We also have the Spanish version of vows available. …. Top of Page
Vow renewals are such a special honor to do. We love to personalize the ceremony mentioning all children, grandchildren (if appropriate) and the highlights of your life together. Here is just a sample of the vow..
NAME, you are my love for life,
I give to you a new promise,
and yet not so new,
a new wife/husband
and yet not so new,
and a new affirmation of love
from the heart that has loved you for NUMBER years
And I will continue to love you
for as many more as God allows... Top of Page
Butterfly Release or Dove Release Top of Page
Vow Renewals, House Blessings, Baby Blessings, Christenings, Anniversaries, Memorial Services and ceremonies. Top of Page