Welcome:
Ladies and Gentlemen, today we have gathered together to celebrate the marriage of _____________ and _____________. Marriage is the promise between two people who love each other, who trust that love, who honor one another as individuals, and who wish to spend rest of their lives together. It enables the two separate souls to share their desires, longings, dreams and memories, joys and sorrows, and to help each other through all uncertainties of life.
Commitment:
_____________ and _____________ marriage has certain qualities of a contract, in which two people take on the housekeeping tasks of living together, to enhance life’s joy. However, marriage is more than just a contract. Marriage is commitment to take that joy deep, deeper than happiness, deep into the discovery of who you most truly are. And thus marriage is even deeper than commitment. It is a covenant that says: I love you. I trust you. I will be here for you when you are hurting, and when I am hurting, I will not leave.
(SHORT SONG)
Reading:
Today, _____________ and _____________ stand before us, so truly excited about the years of marriage ahead. Your marriage will be a fusion of two life stories. You have each experienced a distinct and life-changing past, and you are now willing to leave aside your own lives to discover who you are in the company of one another. We rejoice with you at reaching this milestone in your life. We are delighted that your life story now includes each other. And that your love has taken you to this joyous occasion of your wedding.
Vows:
Do you _________ take _________ to be your wife/husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish for as long as you both shall live? If so answer, “I do.”
Exchange of Rings:
This ring, which has no beginning and no end, represents your unending love and trust for one another. May its presence on your hand serve as a reminder of your love and vows? You will place it on each other’s finger as a visible reminder of the pledges that will bind you together as husband and wife.
Repeat after me, “I give you, this ring, to show my love, for you.”
Challenge:
_____________ and _____________ as the two of you enter into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not keep grudges, and live each day that you may share it with one another. As from this day forward you shall be each other’s home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other.
Pronouncement:
Before these witnesses, you have joined yourselves in solemn matrimony. May you strive all your lives to meet this commitment with the same love and devotion you now possess. For love is truly the greatest gift we are given to share. Delight in each other’s company and never take each other for granted. By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Territory of Guam, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.
Congratulations, you may kiss the bride.