WORDS OF ADDRESS

(A few words of welcome in French, if desired)

early beloved, we are gathered in the presence of this company to witness the joining together of Name and Name in matrimony, which is a unique relationship founded in the order of creation, and made honorable by the faithful keeping of men and women in all ages. Those who enter into this relationship shall cherish for each other mutual love and esteem; share in each other's joy; bear each other's infirmities and weaknesses; comfort each other in trouble and sorrow; and encourage each other through the trials and challenges of life.

Marriage is therefore not to be entered unadvisedly or lightly, but discreetly, thoughtfully, and with reverence. Solemn words and acts are but the outward symbols of a deeper meaning; for a true marriage is a mystical union of two separate lives, established and maintained in respect, love, and devotion. In marriage a man and a woman dedicate themselves one to the other, and to the wider community of which they are a part.

While marriage symbolizes the intimate sharing of two lives, the union of two into one, that union should serve to enhance the individuality of each partner. It is out of this tension between unity and separateness that love, whose strength is equal only to its fragility, is born and reborn, nurtured and renewed.

Into this unique relationship, Name and Name come now to be joined. We rejoice with them as they become husband and wife.

DECLARATIONS OF INTENT

ame and Name, having heard how the covenant of marriage is to be entered with joy and reverence, I ask that you declare your intent to enter this covenant by answering the following:

Name, will you have this woman to be your wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, and be faithful to her, from this day forward?

Name, will you have this man to be your husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, and be faithful to him, from this day forward?

Will all of you witnessing these promises, do all in your power to support Name and Name in their marriage, to lend comfort in times of sorrow, and to celebrate in times of joy?

The guests respond, "We Will"

READING OR POEM, ETC

(optional)

VOWS

ame and Name, you have chosen to stand before these witnesses to pledge yourselves one to the other. Join your hands, and make your promises.

I, Name, take you, Name, to be my life's companion. I promise to express my love for you through word and deed, to share in your pleasure, as well as your pain. I promise to help you and to comfort you; to trust you, and to deserve your trust. With my heart, my mind, and my spirit I will honor and cherish you every day.

Loving what I know of you, and trusting in what lies ahead, with respect for your integrity and faith in our abiding love, I take you as my wife (husband).

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

ings are an ancient symbol, blessed and simple. Round like the sun, like the eye, like arms that embrace. Circles, for love that is given come back round again and again. Therefore, may these symbols remind you that your love, like the sun, illuminates; that your love, like the eye, must see clearly; and that your love, like arms that embrace, is a grace upon this world.

This ring I give you as a symbol of my commitment and of the love we share.

WINE CEREMONY

(You may use a bottle of wine special to you)

he years of our lives are as a cup of wine, poured out for us to drink. As grapes when they are pressed give forth their juices for the wine, so under the winepress of time, our lives give forth their labor, their honor, their love.

Name and Name, often in the days to come you will sit at the same table and break bread together. Drink now, and may the cup of your lives be sweet and full to running over.

As you have shared from this one cup of wine, so may you draw contentment, comfort, and delight from the cup of life. May you find life's joys heightened, its bitterness sweetened, and all things hallowed, by your companionship and love.

APACHE WEDDING PRAYER

ow 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
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE

nasmuch as Name and Name have consented together in marriage, and have witnessed the same before this company, and thereto have pledged their faith to each other, I now pronounce they are husband and wife.

Those who by this sacred covenant are joined together, let no one put asunder.

CHARGE AND BENEDICTION

ay you live and work together in the days to come, that your lives and the lives of others shall be enriched and ennobled by your marriage. Now, with abiding affection and renewed confidence, we send you forth upon your journey of life, together: to laugh, to live, to seek, to support, to serve, to find.

And now the peace which passes all understanding, be with, and abide with you, now and always.

Amen.