Matrimony - Ceremony A1

The Order For The Solemnization Of Matrimony

(Groom at the Ministers left and Bride at the right)

We are gathered here today, in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses, to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony, which is honorable and coveted, and therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly, but in reverence. Into this holy estate these two persons now come to be joined.

Ecclesiastes 4 from the Old Testament, tells us that from the practical side

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.
For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion, but woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up.

And from Mark 10 in the New Testament Gods determination of us tells us that

From the beginning of creation God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; and they shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.

And from First Corinthians 13 in the New Testament the Loving side is brought forward

To declare that Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, Love does not boast,
nor is it proud. Love is not rude, nor is it self-seeking, Love is not easily angered, and Love keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, Love always perseveres. Love never fails.

And now with this said, and with the intent of creating a binding contract between you,

I charge you both as you stand in the presence of God, to remember that, love and loyalty alone will avail as the foundation of a happy home. If the solemn vows which you are about to make be kept, your life will be full of joy and the home which you are establishing will abide in Peace. No other human ties are more binding, no other vows more sacred, than those you now assume.

(Turning to the Groom and using his first name)

_______________ , will you take this woman to be your wedded wife, to live together in Holy Matrimony? Will you love her, Comfort her, Honor her, and Keep her, in Sickness and in Health, and Forsaking all others, Keep yourself only for her, so long as you both shall live?

(Groom answers----I will)

(Turning to the Bride and using her first name)

_______________, will you take this man to be your wedded husband, to live together in Holy Matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor him, and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him, so long as you both shall live?

(Bride answers----I will)

Speaking to all: Does anyone give this woman to be married to this man?
Does anyone have reason why they should not be united?

Hearing no response I now ask that _(using Grooms first name)_ & _(using Brides first name)_ take each other’s right hand and _(using Grooms first name)_, repeat after me.

I _(Grooms first name)_, take _(Brides first name)_, to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, and here I do give my faith.

I now ask that _(using Brides first name)_ repeat after me.

I _(Brides first name)_, take _( Grooms first name)_, to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better and for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, and here I do give my faith.

(Loosing hands the groom gives the minister the Brides ring)

This wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love.

(The ring is then given to the Groom to place halfway on the Brides left ring finger)

Before placing the ring completely on _(Brides first name)_ ring finger, repeat after me,
In token and pledge, of the vow made between us, with this ring, I thee wed.

(The groom fully places the ring on the Brides ring finger)

(Loosing hands the Bride gives the minister the Grooms ring)

This wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love.

(The ring is then given to the Bride to place halfway on the Grooms left ring finger)

Before placing the ring completely on _(Grooms first name)_ ring finger, repeat after me,
In token and pledge, of the vow made between us, with this ring, I thee wed.

(The Bride fully places the ring on the Grooms ring finger)

(With the Bride and Groom holding both hands facing each other)

Let us Pray

God, look graciously upon this man and this woman, so that they may perform and keep this vow and covenant that they have made together. May they love, honor, and cherish one another, and so live together in faithfulness and patience, and wisdom, and true godliness, and that their home may be a haven of blessing and peace.

(With the Bride and Groom holding both hands facing the Congregation)

Forasmuch as _(Grooms first name)_, and _ (Brides first name) _, have consented together in Holy Wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and have pledged their faith to each other, and have declared the same by joining hands, and by receiving a ring, , by the Powers vested in me by the State of California I now pronounce that they are husband and wife together in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN

To All: What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder

You may Kiss the Bride

Matrimony - Ceremony A1

The Order For The Solemnization Of Matrimony

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