Wedding Ceremony - Template with Reading & Ceremonial Element
Celebration of Marriage
Bride and Groom
day, month date, year – time
venue
Prelude
Guests seated. Officiant, Groom and Groomsmen walk to front.
Processional
Bridesmaids walk to front.
Ring Bearer / Flower Girl walk to front.
Guests rise. Bride (escorted?) walks to front, takes Groom’s hand.
Opening Words
Words of welcome to the guests given by Officiant. Guests are seated.
Affirmation of the Guests
Will all of you witnessing these vows do everything in your power to uphold (bride) and (groom) in their marriage?
Answer: We will
Romantic Reading: Friendship, by Judy Bielicki
It is often said that it is love that makes the world go round. However, without doubt, it is friendship which keeps our spinning existence on an even keel. True friendship provides so many of the essentials for a happy life-it is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is the mortar which bonds us together in harmony, and it is the calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic. True friendship holds a mirror to our foibles and failings, without destroying our sense of worthiness. True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential. (Bride) & (Groom) came together as friends. Today, they pledge to each other not only their love, but also the strength, warmth and, most importantly, the fun of true friendship.
Garry’s Gift
Personal words given by Officiant
Vow Exchange
(Groom), (Bride) repeat after me
I love you. You are my best friend.
Today I give myself to you in marriage.
I promise to encourage and inspire you,
to laugh with you,
and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.
I promise to love you in good times and in bad,
when life seems easy and when it seems hard,
when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.
I promise to cherish you,
and to always hold you in highest regard.
These things I give to you today,
and all the days of our life.
Meaning of the Rings
These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end. May you find in one another the love for which all men and women yearn. May you grow in understanding and compassion. These rings mark the start of a long journey together. Wear them proudly. These symbols speak of the love that you have for each other.
Ring Exchange
Groom, then Bride – repeat after me
Take this ring as a sign of my faith
and my commitment to our love
and share this joy with me today.
Official Declaration and Kiss
Romantic Reading: The Blessing of the Hands
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Sign License
Bride, Groom, witnesses and Officiant all sign.
Announcements
Presentation
Presenting: Mr. and Mrs (Groom and Bride)
Recessional
Bride and Groom, then Wedding party.