Municipal Court Wedding Vow # 7

MARRIAGE CEREMONY #7

Who gives this woman to this man?

To the friends and families of _________________________ and ______________________.

We are gathered here to witness and to celebrate the marriage of _______________ and _____________.

The purpose of a wedding is to publicly declare the decisions and to exchange vows that have already been made by the two people standing before you. You have been invited to witness these declarations.

You are their family and their friends. It is natural that __________________ and ________________ should want you to share in their great joy and heart felt decisions.

You have been invited as more than mere spectators. A wedding is at once an intensely private and yet a fundamentally public affair. And just as is the product of a wedding a family; the most private of institutions, the family is also a fundamental unit of community. It is the family’s obligation not only to itself, but also to the society to which it belongs. And society in turn has its obligation to the families that comprise it.

A wedding is not the time that the commitment between two individuals is made.

_____________ and ______________ made their decision to wed long before today under circumstances far more intimate. Perhaps even they can not say exactly when it became inevitable that they would join their lives in matrimony. Surely their decision was made in their hearts before any promise crossed their lips.

Therefore your presence here acknowledges the beginning of a relationship of everlasting unity for
___________________ and ____________________ known by all as marriage.

___________________ and ____________________ In traditional religions it is customary to call down a blessing upon the bride and groom. But I know that you share with one another and contribute to the community of men and women; which is more important than formal religious beliefs. You stand before me today as two mature and thoughtful people who wish to express your emotions within the framework of a meaningful life. For your self-reliance, courage and love you deserve respect. It is these attributes which make this a serious and solemn occasion.

Marriage is the deepest and most complete commitment that two individuals can make. It is a promise to share forever, in one another’s dreams for the future and in the joys or sorrows of the present. It is a firm and unshakeable vow to live life together as long as life persists.

Marriage is the symbol of a loving union of two, who strive to become one, yet never lose their separate identities. Within this bond, you will enhance each other’s individuality but will become one heart and mind.

Always remember that a good and balanced relationship is one in which neither person is overpowered by the other. We must give ourselves in love but we must not give ourselves away.

While marriage brings happiness, joy, satisfaction and privileges it also entails many fears, anxieties and responsibilities. The more these can be mutually shared with each other. The more patient and sympathetic and considerate each is with the other, the happier and more satisfactory the mutual relationship becomes.

Marriage is a relationship not to be entered into lightly or thoughtlessly, but reverently, soberly, with deep purpose and in the spirit of enduring love.

Much is required of you both. Knowing this, does each of you wish to proceed with this marriage?

Readings…….

On this day of your marriage you stand somewhat apart from all other human beings. You stand within the charmed circle of your love and this is how it should be. Love is not meant to be the possession of two people alone. Rather it should serve as a source of common energy. As a form in which you find the strength to live your lives with courage. From this day onward you must come closer together than ever before, you must love one another but at the same time your love should give you the strength to stand apart and to seek out your unique destinies. To make your special contribution to the world which is always a part of us and more than us.

Will you please join your right hands.

_________________ do you now take this woman whose hand you hold, to be your lawful wedded wife, hereby promising to love, cherish and protect her, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse and forsaking all other women as long as you both shall live.

_________________ do you now take this man whose hand you hold, to be your lawful wedded husband, hereby promising to love, cherish and protect him, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse and forsaking all other men as long as you both shall live.

_________________ please repeat after me. I _________________, take you______________, to be my wife. To live with you, from this day forward, to love and to cherish you, so long as,  we both shall live.

_________________ please repeat after me. I _________________, take you______________, to be my husband. To live with you, from this day forward, to love and to cherish you, so long as,  we both shall live.

You have stated that you wish to exchange rings as a further symbol of your union together.

_______________please take the ring that you have brought which marks your desire to enter into the

days of your life together. Place it on _________________'s left hand and repeat after me.

With this ring - I marry you - and join my life with yours.


___________________please take the ring that you have brought which marks your desire to enter into

the days of your life together. Place it on __________________'s left hand and repeat after me.

With this ring - I marry you - and join my life with yours.

_________________and___________________ you have declared in the presence of these witnesses that you take one another as husband and wife and have symbolized your declarations but he joining of hands and the giving and acceptance of rings;

So now, in the presence of these witnesses, and by virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of Wisconsin, as Municipal Judge for the Town of Salem, I hereby do declare that you are now husband and wife.

You may kiss the bride.

Ladies and gentlemen may I introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. ___________________________________.