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Minister: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of and in holy matrimony. This is a day of great celebration and reverence, on which we come together before God before Allah before the Universe before the Elements to recognize and commemorate the sacred love and dedication shared between these two people. It is wonderful to have family and friends here to join us today. The couple would like to thank The and would like to thank their guests for being here, and would like you to know that each of you were invited here on this day because you have played an integral part in their intertwining lives.
As the Bible reminds us in Corinthians, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it
is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and
always perseveres. Love never fails."
Will you please join me in prayer for this couple?
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hath created joy and gladness, bridegroom and bride,
mirth and exultation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. May there soon be heard in
the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of joy and gladness, the voice of the bridegroom
and the voice of the bride, the jubilant voice of bridegrooms from the wedding canopy, and of youths from their
feasts of song. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who gives the Bridegroom joy in his bride.
At this time I'd like to share the marriage blessing handed down to us from Rumi,
May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk,
this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade, like the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,
our everyday a paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcome
as the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe
how spirit mingles in this marriage.
Marriage is, truly, a magical gift. As Mark Twain noted, "Marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole, and
it gives to two purposeless lives a work [...] it gives to two questioning natures a reason for living, and
something to live for; it will give a new gladness to the sunshine, a new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to
the earth, a new mystery to life."
Nothing happens without a cause. The union of this man and woman these men these women this couple has not come about accidentally but is the foreordained result of many past lives. This tie can therefore not be broken or dissolved.
In the future, happy occasions will come as surely as the morning. Difficult times will come as surely as night. When things go joyously, meditate according to the Buddhist tradition. When things go badly, meditate.
Meditation in the manner of the Compassionate Buddha will guide your life.
To say the words love and compassion is easy. But to accept that love and compassion are built upon patience and perseverance is not easy.
At this time I'd like to perform the Blessing of the Hands. (Addressing couple) Will you please join hands with your beloved?
These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands 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 hold you and comfort you in grief and uncertainty. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and joy. These are the hands that will hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength. And 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.
In the time that and have spent together, they've built the sturdy foundation for a lifelong relationship. After a great deal of thoughtful consideration, they have decided to bind themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.
May you all remember and cherish this sacred ceremony, for on this day, with love, we will forever bind and together.
Bridal Companion: I do. Minister: Who gives this person today?
Person's Companion: I do.
Minister: (Addressing guests) Marriage is a sacred ceremony. Today we observe the union of these two people with the respect the occasion warrants. What we honor with reverence, however, we also celebrate with great joy! For married life – a shared life – is a tremendous blessing. Now, as and embark on this journey together, they will be able to nurture a love that makes each of them better versions of themselves. Marriage is, indeed, the perfect garden from which to sow and harvest personal growth.
(Addressing couple) and , learn to work together, to laugh together, and to love together. Don't get caught up in worldly things that will draw you apart. Instead, focus on your shared devotion and turn inward. As your relationship strengthens you will find that you come to share a remarkable love; a love that is both abundantly given and freely accepted.
The joy you'll find as you pursue your shared lives will fuel you to face head-on the challenges you'll encounter on this Earth. On your journeys together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart. The love you share must be guarded and cherished, it is your most valuable treasure.
Minister: Under the eyes of God, Under the eyes of Allah, Under the eyes of the Universe, Under the fold of the Elements, I solemnly consecrate these matrimonial proceedings and the sacred covenant you shall both enter into on this day.
Marriage is an ancient rite. As you enter into this union, you are choosing to take part in a historical human establishment and are pledging your commitment before the witnesses present here today to enter into that tradition with honor.
As Jesus said: "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female," he also taught that, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
- Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who has created everything for your glory.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Creator of Human Beings.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who has fashioned human beings in your image, according to your likeness and has fashioned from it a lasting mold. Blessed are You Adonai, Creator of Human Beings.
- Bring intense joy and exultation to the barren one (Jerusalem) through the ingathering of her children amidst her in gladness. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who gladdens Zion through her children.
- Gladden the beloved companions as You gladdened Your creatures in the garden of Eden. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who gladdens groom and bride.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, glad song, pleasure, delight, love, brotherhood, peace, and companionship. Adonai, our God, let there soon be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the grooms' jubilance from their canopies and of the youths from their song-filled feasts. Blessed are You Who causes the groom to rejoice with his bride.
In the name of Allah, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Sovereign of all the worlds.
The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning.
You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
the path of those who have received your grace;
not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray.
Amen. Love, it has been noted, is the reason we live. As Carl Sagan wisely deduced, "The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth. We should remain grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides. The sum of all our evolution, our thinking and our accomplishments is love." Heed in particular the advice of the Buddha in his sermon at Rajagaha, "Cherish good will right and left, early and late, and without hindrance, without stint, be free of hate and envy, while standing and walking and sitting down, whatever you have in mind, the rule of life that is always best is to be loving, kind."
"Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves by example. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for and the blessings of Nature's Elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We do this that they may fully come to understand the lessons each element has to offer. The attributes of which are examples of those aspects they mirror not only within divinity but within ourselves as well."
"We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this couple. May their future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As Air flows freely to and from and through us all, may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner. Seeing not only with their eyes, may they together grow wise with wisdom."
"Spirits of Fire, we ask that and 's passion for each other and for life itself remain ever strong and vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in boldness, and courage. As Fire clears the way for new growth, may they know that this power is theirs: to create change and bring about the richness and quality that comes with a true love of life."
"We ask the Spirits of Water, that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones, like the serenity of the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds our bride and groomcouple. May they be well loved, and love well, letting the surety with which Water makes its journey to the sea, flowing over rocks or around trees, even turning into vapor and riding a cloud, ever serve as a reminder that with love all is well and will endure."
"Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock solid place to stand and fulfill his destiny. May their journey mirror the vast planes and fertile fields, expansive and alive. May they find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest. And when they look up at the Northern Star, may they know that it is as bright and constant as their love for each other as well as the love of the divine is for them."
"Father, Mother, Divine Spirit whose presence is felt in all things and at all times we ask your continued blessings upon this couple, upon their union and upon their family and friends who have gathered here to celebrate this joyous event with them. May they become one in truth and forever revel in the magik that is love."
Minister: and , the sacred vows that you make to one another today present you with the opportunity to express your love in your own words. I would at this time invite you to publicly declare these vows:
, you may begin.
: ( states their vow...) I, , take you, , for my lawfully wedded , to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow.
Minister: , you may now make your promise.
: ( states their vow...) I, , take you, , for my lawfully wedded , to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life, until death do us part. This is my solemn vow.
Minister: and please face one another and join hands. Under the eyes of God, Under the eyes of Allah, Under the eyes of the Universe, Under the fold of the Elements, , do you take to be your lawfully wedded ? By making this commitment, you are joining in the sacred covenant of marriage.
Do you promise to honor in love, to be sensitive to needs, to comfort in difficulty, and to put your full and complete trust in , so long as you both shall live?
: I do.
Minister: Under the eyes of God, Under the eyes of Allah, Under the eyes of the Universe, Under the fold of the Elements, , do you take to be your lawfully wedded ? By making this commitment, you are joining in the covenant of marriage.
Do you promise to honor in love, to be sensitive to needs, to comfort in difficulty, and to put your full and complete trust in , so long as you both shall live?
: I do.
Minister: Very well.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the lighting of the unity candle that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should each receive a pre-lit taper candle.
You hold in your hands a single flame. Allow this flame to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows.
And now, tilt these candles forward to light the center candle.
and should tilt their candles forward, lighting a larger candle centered between them.
Watch as the two flames instantly form one. So too, today, have your two spirits come together to form one singular entity. Just as your combined flame illuminates the space around it, let your magnificent union radiate with love and light your path as you move forward through life.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your legal union, it is the fasting of your hands that seals your spiritual commitment to one another. Please join your hands together, interlacing them.
At this time and should join their hands, traditionally joining right-hand to right-hand and left-hand to left-hand in an interlocking fashion. Feel free to help the couple adjust their hand positioning here if they struggle.
As your hands meet your partner's, look into their eyes. Recall the joys and sorrows you have celebrated and endured together. Take note of the support you are feeling, and know that this support will exist for you always.
In the tradition of our forefathers, we will now fasten your hands together.
At this time the Officiant should wrap the hand-fasting ribbon around the couple's interlocked hands a number of times.
As we bind your bodies, so too do we bind your spirits. Your lives, as your hands, are now bound. While the ribbon binding your hands will eventually be removed, know that the union binding your hearts is permanent knot, a gift that will bless you for the rest of your days.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the combining of sands that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should receive a vessel, each containing a sand of a different color.
Each of you holds now a vessel of sand. Allow this sand to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every grain of sand is another moment, either a moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be.
And now, tilt your vessels forward and pour your sand into the vessel of marriage.
and should tilt their vessels forward, pouring their sand into the larger vessel centered between them.
Watch as the grains of sand mix together, forming one structure. So too, today, have your two spirits come together to form one singular entity. Just as your combined sands have combined to form a collection much grander than you ever could have accumulated on your own. Note also, that now combined, the sands may never again be separated. Your lives, like the sand, have become all the more grand for the involvement of your partner. Your spirits so intertwined that they may never again be truly torn asunder. As you move forth in life, keep your partner close to the heart, recognizing that they are an integral part of your being.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is in jumping over this broom that you truly transition into your new combined lives together.
As they speak the words above, the minister should display the ceremonial broom to those gathered, setting it down before the and after they have finished.
Take a moment to recall every magical moment in your life that led you to this point. All the smiles and tears endured, all the meticulous plans that went awry and the happy accidents that got you back on course. Everything that has ever happened has led you to this miraculous moment, right here. When you're ready, take the hand of your betrothed and leap over the broom together, entering your destiny.
and should join hands, jumping over the broom together.
and , take a moment to recall every magical moment in your life that led you to this point. All the smiles and tears endured, all the meticulous plans that went awry and the happy accidents that got you back on course. Everything that has ever happened has led you to this miraculous moment, right here. While the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it the smashing of the glass that truly seals your spiritual union. It is tradition that as the glass is smashed, the message of "Mazel Tov" is shouted.
As the officiant speaks the words above, the best man should place the glass (typically wrapped in a white cloth) before the couple. The couple may then stomp the glass.
The glass, once broken, may never be truly re-assembled. The change is permanent. Likewise, the bonds you have formed today are permanent and spirit-altering. Having entered into the beautiful institution of marriage, your lives have been changed irrevocably for the better.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the planting of your marital tree that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should receive a vessel, each containing soil. The sapling should already be positioned in the ground or pot, ready to receive their soil.
Each of you holds now a vessel of soil. Allow this soil to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every bit of soil is another moment, either a moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be.
And now, pour your soil in and give a life and home to this tree.
and should tilt their vessels forward, pouring their soil into the hole or pot housing the tree.
As this tree grows, so shall you both. The tree will endure harsh weather, invasive animals, all matter of hardships but, just like your marriage, it shall endure.
Minister: To commemorate this union, you may now exchange rings. The circle formed by each ring symbolizes your eternal love and commitment to one another. Let these rings remind you always of that love, and of the promises you have made here on this day.
Will each of you please repeat after me as you place the ring on your loved ones hand?
: I, , give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed.
: I, , give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment. With this ring, I thee wed.
Minister: By the power vested in me, by the Universal Life Church and by , I pronounce you, and as and , lawfully wedded before God. before Allah. before the Universe. before the Elements.
Minister: , you may now kiss the bride, forever sealing your union.
Minister: , you may now kiss the bride, forever sealing your union.
Minister:You may now kiss your groom, forever sealing your union.
Minister:You may now kiss your bride, forever sealing your union.
Minister:You may now kiss your spouse, forever sealing your union.
Minister: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you !
Minister: Welcome to this day of celebration, it's great to have all of you here to witness the union of and as and before God. before Allah. before the Universe. before the Elements. Together, we will share in the joys of their wedding, both with the outward celebration of this occasion and with an internal appreciation for the love that surrounds us.
and , you two have the opportunity to build an amazing life together. You are blessed to share this experience with the loved ones gathered here to support you as you embark on this journey together.
As the Bible reminds us in Corinthians, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it
is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and
always perseveres. Love never fails."
Will you please join me in prayer for this couple?
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hath created joy and gladness, bridegroom and bride,
mirth and exultation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. May there soon be heard in
the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of joy and gladness, the voice of the bridegroom
and the voice of the bride, the jubilant voice of bridegrooms from the wedding canopy, and of youths from their
feasts of song. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who gives the Bridegroom joy in his bride.
At this time I'd like to share the marriage blessing handed down to us from Rumi,
May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk,
this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade, like the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,
our everyday a paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcome
as the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe
how spirit mingles in this marriage.
Marriage is, truly, a magical gift. As Mark Twain noted, "Marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole, and
it gives to two purposeless lives a work [...] it gives to two questioning natures a reason for living, and
something to live for; it will give a new gladness to the sunshine, a new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to
the earth, a new mystery to life."
Nothing happens without a cause. The union of this man and woman these men these women this couple has not come about accidentally but is the foreordained result of many past lives. This tie can therefore not be broken or dissolved.
In the future, happy occasions will come as surely as the morning. Difficult times will come as surely as night. When things go joyously, meditate according to the Buddhist tradition. When things go badly, meditate.
Meditation in the manner of the Compassionate Buddha will guide your life.
To say the words love and compassion is easy. But to accept that love and compassion are built upon patience and perseverance is not easy.
At this time I'd like to perform the Blessing of the Hands. (Addressing couple) Will you please join hands with your beloved?
These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands 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 hold you and comfort you in grief and uncertainty. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and joy. These are the hands that will hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength. And 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.
May you all remember and cherish this ceremony, for on this day, with love, we will forever bind and together.
Bridal Companion: I do. Minister: Who gives this person today?
Person's Companion: I do.
Minister: If there is anyone in attendance who has cause to believe that this couple should not be joined in marriage, you may speak now or forever hold your peace.
Minister: Marriage is more than a simple exchanging of rings or combining of material assets. Rather, it is an indescribably powerful shared commitment. While today I will legally bind you together, the truly important bonds we form today are largely invisible to the world, existing primarily in the unfilled corners of your heart.
Marriage is one of life's greatest gifts, and it is a blessing to make these promises with your soulmate. As you hold onto one another, you will find deeper levels of joy, happiness and peace together. Your marriage is the foundation upon which you will build the rest of your lives and, despite any adversity, will always be there to sustain you.
and , take a moment to sense the tremendous amount of love radiating throughout this space. As you stand here today, before God, before Allah, before the Universe, before the Elements, before those gathered here in your honor, and before one another, take note that after you speak your vows this day your lives will never be the same. Marriage, regardless of any preconceived notions you might have, has the capacity to deepen and challenge and strengthen you and your relationship in ways that you never thought possible.
The joy you'll find as you pursue your shared lives will fuel you to face head-on the challenges you'll encounter on this Earth. On your journeys together, keep your spouse in the space of highest priority in your heart.
Learn to work together, to laugh together, and to love together. Don't get caught up in worldly things that will draw you apart. Instead, focus on your shared devotion and turn inward. As your relationship strengthens you will find that you come to share a remarkable love; a love that is both abundantly given and freely accepted.
Minister: As we celebrate this bond of unity today under the eyes of God, under the eyes of Allah, under the eyes of the Universe, under the fold of the Elements, it is important that we keep in mind that, while this is certainly an occasion of tremendous joy, the promises we witness here today are serious and life-altering commitments.
As Jesus said: "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female," he also taught that, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
- Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who has created everything for your glory.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Creator of Human Beings.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who has fashioned human beings in your image, according to your likeness and has fashioned from it a lasting mold. Blessed are You Adonai, Creator of Human Beings.
- Bring intense joy and exultation to the barren one (Jerusalem) through the ingathering of her children amidst her in gladness. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who gladdens Zion through her children.
- Gladden the beloved companions as You gladdened Your creatures in the garden of Eden. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who gladdens groom and bride.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, glad song, pleasure, delight, love, brotherhood, peace, and companionship. Adonai, our God, let there soon be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the grooms' jubilance from their canopies and of the youths from their song-filled feasts. Blessed are You Who causes the groom to rejoice with his bride.
In the name of Allah, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Sovereign of all the worlds.
The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning.
You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
the path of those who have received your grace;
not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray.
Amen. Love, it has been noted, is the reason we live. As Carl Sagan wisely deduced, "The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth. We should remain grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides. The sum of all our evolution, our thinking and our accomplishments is love." Heed in particular the advice of the Buddha in his sermon at Rajagaha, "Cherish good will right and left, early and late, and without hindrance, without stint, be free of hate and envy, while standing and walking and sitting down, whatever you have in mind, the rule of life that is always best is to be loving, kind."
"Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves by example. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for and the blessings of Nature's Elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We do this that they may fully come to understand the lessons each element has to offer. The attributes of which are examples of those aspects they mirror not only within divinity but within ourselves as well."
"We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this couple. May their future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As Air flows freely to and from and through us all, may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner. Seeing not only with their eyes, may they together grow wise with wisdom."
"Spirits of Fire, we ask that and 's passion for each other and for life itself remain ever strong and vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in boldness, and courage. As Fire clears the way for new growth, may they know that this power is theirs: to create change and bring about the richness and quality that comes with a true love of life."
"We ask the Spirits of Water, that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones, like the serenity of the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds our bride and groomcouple. May they be well loved, and love well, letting the surety with which Water makes its journey to the sea, flowing over rocks or around trees, even turning into vapor and riding a cloud, ever serve as a reminder that with love all is well and will endure."
"Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock solid place to stand and fulfill his destiny. May their journey mirror the vast planes and fertile fields, expansive and alive. May they find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest. And when they look up at the Northern Star, may they know that it is as bright and constant as their love for each other as well as the love of the divine is for them."
"Father, Mother, Divine Spirit whose presence is felt in all things and at all times we ask your continued blessings upon this couple, upon their union and upon their family and friends who have gathered here to celebrate this joyous event with them. May they become one in truth and forever revel in the magik that is love."
It is with simultaneous feelings of elation and expressions of respect that we proceed.
Minister: and , I would now invite you to publicly speak your commitment to your partner.
, would you like to begin?
: ( states their vow...) , today I take you to be my ; I join my life with yours. I promise to love and to honor you; to treasure you and to respect you; to walk with you side-by-side in joy and sorrow. I vow to be honest, caring, and truthful; to love you as you are, and not as I want you to be; and to grow old by your side as your love and best friend. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward.
Minister: , your turn.
: ( states their vow...) , today I take you to be my ; I join my life with yours. I promise to love and to honor you; to treasure you and to respect you; to walk with you side-by-side in joy and sorrow. I vow to be honest, caring, and truthful; to love you as you are, and not as I want you to be; and to grow old by your side as your love and best friend. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward.
Minister: and please join hands.
, do you take to live together in the union of marriage? To take as your best friend and partner in life? To honor, cherish, and love , from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, for all of your days?
: I do.
Minister: , do you take to live together in the union of marriage? To take as your best friend and partner in life? To honor, cherish, and love , from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, for all of your days?
: I do.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the lighting of the unity candle that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should each receive a pre-lit taper candle.
You hold in your hands a single flame. Allow this flame to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows.
And now, tilt these candles forward to light the center candle.
and should tilt their candles forward, lighting a larger candle centered between them.
Watch as the two flames instantly form one. So too, today, have your two spirits come together to form one singular entity. Just as your combined flame illuminates the space around it, let your magnificent union radiate with love and light your path as you move forward through life.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your legal union, it is the fasting of your hands that seals your spiritual commitment to one another. Please join your hands together, interlacing them.
At this time and should join their hands, traditionally joining right-hand to right-hand and left-hand to left-hand in an interlocking fashion. Feel free to help the couple adjust their hand positioning here if they struggle.
As your hands meet your partner's, look into their eyes. Recall the joys and sorrows you have celebrated and endured together. Take note of the support you are feeling, and know that this support will exist for you always.
In the tradition of our forefathers, we will now fasten your hands together.
At this time the Officiant should wrap the hand-fasting ribbon around the couple's interlocked hands a number of times.
As we bind your bodies, so too do we bind your spirits. Your lives, as your hands, are now bound. While the ribbon binding your hands will eventually be removed, know that the union binding your hearts is permanent knot, a gift that will bless you for the rest of your days.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the combining of sands that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should receive a vessel, each containing a sand of a different color.
Each of you holds now a vessel of sand. Allow this sand to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every grain of sand is another moment, either a moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be.
And now, tilt your vessels forward and pour your sand into the vessel of marriage.
and should tilt their vessels forward, pouring their sand into the larger vessel centered between them.
Watch as the grains of sand mix together, forming one structure. So too, today, have your two spirits come together to form one singular entity. Just as your combined sands have combined to form a collection much grander than you ever could have accumulated on your own. Note also, that now combined, the sands may never again be separated. Your lives, like the sand, have become all the more grand for the involvement of your partner. Your spirits so intertwined that they may never again be truly torn asunder. As you move forth in life, keep your partner close to the heart, recognizing that they are an integral part of your being.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is in jumping over this broom that you truly transition into your new combined lives together.
As they speak the words above, the minister should display the ceremonial broom to those gathered, setting it down before the and after they have finished.
Take a moment to recall every magical moment in your life that led you to this point. All the smiles and tears endured, all the meticulous plans that went awry and the happy accidents that got you back on course. Everything that has ever happened has led you to this miraculous moment, right here. When you're ready, take the hand of your betrothed and leap over the broom together, entering your destiny.
and should join hands, jumping over the broom together.
and , take a moment to recall every magical moment in your life that led you to this point. All the smiles and tears endured, all the meticulous plans that went awry and the happy accidents that got you back on course. Everything that has ever happened has led you to this miraculous moment, right here. While the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it the smashing of the glass that truly seals your spiritual union. It is tradition that as the glass is smashed, the message of "Mazel Tov" is shouted.
As the officiant speaks the words above, the best man should place the glass (typically wrapped in a white cloth) before the couple. The couple may then stomp the glass.
The glass, once broken, may never be truly re-assembled. The change is permanent. Likewise, the bonds you have formed today are permanent and spirit-altering. Having entered into the beautiful institution of marriage, your lives have been changed irrevocably for the better.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the planting of your marital tree that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should receive a vessel, each containing soil. The sapling should already be positioned in the ground or pot, ready to receive their soil.
Each of you holds now a vessel of soil. Allow this soil to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every bit of soil is another moment, either a moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be.
And now, pour your soil in and give a life and home to this tree.
and should tilt their vessels forward, pouring their soil into the hole or pot housing the tree.
As this tree grows, so shall you both. The tree will endure harsh weather, invasive animals, all matter of hardships but, just like your marriage, it shall endure.
Minister: The wedding ring's circular shape reflects the unending power of love – a force with no beginning and no end. You should wear these rings proudly, and let them remind you each day of your commitment to one another.
Please repeat after me:
I, , give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As I place it on your finger, I commit the whole of my heart and soul to you. I promise to cherish you for the rest of my days. I give you all that I am, and accept all that you are.
I, , give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As I place it on your finger, I commit the whole of my heart and soul to you. I promise to cherish you for the rest of my days. I give you all that I am, and accept all that you are.
Minister: Family and friends, by the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church and by , I am pleased to pronounce and as and , sealed together today both in law and in love.
Minister: , you may now kiss the bride.
Minister: , you may now kiss the bride.
Minister:You may now kiss your groom.
Minister:You may now kiss your bride.
Minister:You may now kiss your spouse.
Minister: Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, !
Minister: Thank you to the friends and family that are here today to celebrate the union of and .
This occasion not only marks the beginning of their marriage commitment together, but it is a commemoration of the love nurtured and shared between these two. Together, they embark today on a new life together, built on the foundations of trust, compassion, and mutual respect.
Bridal Companion: I do. Minister: Who gives this person today?
Person's Companion: I do.
Minister: If there is anyone in attendance who has cause to believe that this couple should not be joined in marriage, you may speak now or forever hold your peace.
Minister: Marriage is an ancient human tradition. The personal and social merits that accompany the bonds of marriage have led to its continued endurance and have paved the way for us to be standing here before God before Allah before the Universe before the Elements celebrating the union between these two people today.
As the Bible reminds us in Corinthians, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it
is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and
always perseveres. Love never fails."
Will you please join me in prayer for this couple?
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hath created joy and gladness, bridegroom and bride,
mirth and exultation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. May there soon be heard in
the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of joy and gladness, the voice of the bridegroom
and the voice of the bride, the jubilant voice of bridegrooms from the wedding canopy, and of youths from their
feasts of song. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who gives the Bridegroom joy in his bride.
At this time I'd like to share the marriage blessing handed down to us from Rumi,
May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk,
this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade, like the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,
our everyday a paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcome
as the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe
how spirit mingles in this marriage.
Marriage is, truly, a magical gift. As Mark Twain noted, "Marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole, and
it gives to two purposeless lives a work [...] it gives to two questioning natures a reason for living, and
something to live for; it will give a new gladness to the sunshine, a new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to
the earth, a new mystery to life."
Nothing happens without a cause. The union of this man and woman these men these women this couple has not come about accidentally but is the foreordained result of many past lives. This tie can therefore not be broken or dissolved.
In the future, happy occasions will come as surely as the morning. Difficult times will come as surely as night. When things go joyously, meditate according to the Buddhist tradition. When things go badly, meditate.
Meditation in the manner of the Compassionate Buddha will guide your life.
To say the words love and compassion is easy. But to accept that love and compassion are built upon patience and perseverance is not easy.
At this time I'd like to perform the Blessing of the Hands. (Addressing couple) Will you please join hands with your beloved?
These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands 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 hold you and comfort you in grief and uncertainty. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and joy. These are the hands that will hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength. And 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.
Minister: As we celebrate this bond of unity today under the eyes of God, under the eyes of Allah, under the eyes of the Universe, under the fold of the Elements, it is important that we keep in mind that, while this is certainly an occasion of tremendous joy, the promises we witness here today are serious and life-altering commitments.
As Jesus said: "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female," he also taught that, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
- Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who has created everything for your glory.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Creator of Human Beings.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who has fashioned human beings in your image, according to your likeness and has fashioned from it a lasting mold. Blessed are You Adonai, Creator of Human Beings.
- Bring intense joy and exultation to the barren one (Jerusalem) through the ingathering of her children amidst her in gladness. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who gladdens Zion through her children.
- Gladden the beloved companions as You gladdened Your creatures in the garden of Eden. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who gladdens groom and bride.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, glad song, pleasure, delight, love, brotherhood, peace, and companionship. Adonai, our God, let there soon be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the grooms' jubilance from their canopies and of the youths from their song-filled feasts. Blessed are You Who causes the groom to rejoice with his bride.
In the name of Allah, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Sovereign of all the worlds.
The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning.
You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
the path of those who have received your grace;
not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray.
Amen. Love, it has been noted, is the reason we live. As Carl Sagan wisely deduced, "The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth. We should remain grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides. The sum of all our evolution, our thinking and our accomplishments is love." Heed in particular the advice of the Buddha in his sermon at Rajagaha, "Cherish good will right and left, early and late, and without hindrance, without stint, be free of hate and envy, while standing and walking and sitting down, whatever you have in mind, the rule of life that is always best is to be loving, kind."
"Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves by example. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for and the blessings of Nature's Elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We do this that they may fully come to understand the lessons each element has to offer. The attributes of which are examples of those aspects they mirror not only within divinity but within ourselves as well."
"We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this couple. May their future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As Air flows freely to and from and through us all, may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner. Seeing not only with their eyes, may they together grow wise with wisdom."
"Spirits of Fire, we ask that and 's passion for each other and for life itself remain ever strong and vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in boldness, and courage. As Fire clears the way for new growth, may they know that this power is theirs: to create change and bring about the richness and quality that comes with a true love of life."
"We ask the Spirits of Water, that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones, like the serenity of the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds our bride and groomcouple. May they be well loved, and love well, letting the surety with which Water makes its journey to the sea, flowing over rocks or around trees, even turning into vapor and riding a cloud, ever serve as a reminder that with love all is well and will endure."
"Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock solid place to stand and fulfill his destiny. May their journey mirror the vast planes and fertile fields, expansive and alive. May they find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest. And when they look up at the Northern Star, may they know that it is as bright and constant as their love for each other as well as the love of the divine is for them."
"Father, Mother, Divine Spirit whose presence is felt in all things and at all times we ask your continued blessings upon this couple, upon their union and upon their family and friends who have gathered here to celebrate this joyous event with them. May they become one in truth and forever revel in the magik that is love."
It is with simultaneous feelings of elation and expressions of respect that we proceed.
Minister: At this time, before proceeding with the bonding ceremony, I would invite the couple to share their vows. , would you please deliver yours first?
: ( states their vow...) Today I take you as my . I love you now as I've always loved you, and as I always will love you.
Minister: And now , would you deliver your vows?
: ( states their vow...) Today I take you as my . I love you now as I've always loved you, and as I always will love you.
Minister: and please join hands.
, do you take as your cherished , in front of these witnesses, and promise to stay by side through sickness and health, joy and sorrow, so long as you both shall live?
: I do.
Minister: , will you take as your cherished , in front of these witnesses, and promise to stay by side through sickness and health, joy and sorrow, so long as you both shall live?
: I do.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the lighting of the unity candle that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should each receive a pre-lit taper candle.
You hold in your hands a single flame. Allow this flame to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows.
And now, tilt these candles forward to light the center candle.
and should tilt their candles forward, lighting a larger candle centered between them.
Watch as the two flames instantly form one. So too, today, have your two spirits come together to form one singular entity. Just as your combined flame illuminates the space around it, let your magnificent union radiate with love and light your path as you move forward through life.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your legal union, it is the fasting of your hands that seals your spiritual commitment to one another. Please join your hands together, interlacing them.
At this time and should join their hands, traditionally joining right-hand to right-hand and left-hand to left-hand in an interlocking fashion. Feel free to help the couple adjust their hand positioning here if they struggle.
As your hands meet your partner's, look into their eyes. Recall the joys and sorrows you have celebrated and endured together. Take note of the support you are feeling, and know that this support will exist for you always.
In the tradition of our forefathers, we will now fasten your hands together.
At this time the Officiant should wrap the hand-fasting ribbon around the couple's interlocked hands a number of times.
As we bind your bodies, so too do we bind your spirits. Your lives, as your hands, are now bound. While the ribbon binding your hands will eventually be removed, know that the union binding your hearts is permanent knot, a gift that will bless you for the rest of your days.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the combining of sands that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should receive a vessel, each containing a sand of a different color.
Each of you holds now a vessel of sand. Allow this sand to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every grain of sand is another moment, either a moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be.
And now, tilt your vessels forward and pour your sand into the vessel of marriage.
and should tilt their vessels forward, pouring their sand into the larger vessel centered between them.
Watch as the grains of sand mix together, forming one structure. So too, today, have your two spirits come together to form one singular entity. Just as your combined sands have combined to form a collection much grander than you ever could have accumulated on your own. Note also, that now combined, the sands may never again be separated. Your lives, like the sand, have become all the more grand for the involvement of your partner. Your spirits so intertwined that they may never again be truly torn asunder. As you move forth in life, keep your partner close to the heart, recognizing that they are an integral part of your being.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is in jumping over this broom that you truly transition into your new combined lives together.
As they speak the words above, the minister should display the ceremonial broom to those gathered, setting it down before the and after they have finished.
Take a moment to recall every magical moment in your life that led you to this point. All the smiles and tears endured, all the meticulous plans that went awry and the happy accidents that got you back on course. Everything that has ever happened has led you to this miraculous moment, right here. When you're ready, take the hand of your betrothed and leap over the broom together, entering your destiny.
and should join hands, jumping over the broom together.
and , take a moment to recall every magical moment in your life that led you to this point. All the smiles and tears endured, all the meticulous plans that went awry and the happy accidents that got you back on course. Everything that has ever happened has led you to this miraculous moment, right here. While the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it the smashing of the glass that truly seals your spiritual union. It is tradition that as the glass is smashed, the message of "Mazel Tov" is shouted.
As the officiant speaks the words above, the best man should place the glass (typically wrapped in a white cloth) before the couple. The couple may then stomp the glass.
The glass, once broken, may never be truly re-assembled. The change is permanent. Likewise, the bonds you have formed today are permanent and spirit-altering. Having entered into the beautiful institution of marriage, your lives have been changed irrevocably for the better.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the planting of your marital tree that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should receive a vessel, each containing soil. The sapling should already be positioned in the ground or pot, ready to receive their soil.
Each of you holds now a vessel of soil. Allow this soil to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every bit of soil is another moment, either a moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be.
And now, pour your soil in and give a life and home to this tree.
and should tilt their vessels forward, pouring their soil into the hole or pot housing the tree.
As this tree grows, so shall you both. The tree will endure harsh weather, invasive animals, all matter of hardships but, just like your marriage, it shall endure.
Minister: The wedding rings perfectly symbolize the never-ending love you two have for each other. By exchanging these rings, you solidify a lifelong commitment to one another. The rings serve as a welcome and constant reminder of the bond you've formed with your partner.
Please repeat after me:
I, , give you, this ring as a symbol of my enduring love. Just as the circle of the ring completes itself, so you complete me.
I, , give you, this ring as a symbol of my enduring love. Just as the circle of the ring completes itself, so you complete me.
Minister: and , by the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church and , I am pleased to pronounce you and , sealed together today both in law and in love before God. before Allah. before the Universe. before the Elements.
Minister: , you may kiss the bride.
Minister: , you may kiss the bride.
Minister:You may kiss your groom
Minister:You may kiss your bride.
Minister:You may kiss your spouse.
Minister: Ladies and gentlemen, I now have the privilege of presenting (for the first time) !
Minister: and , it my pleasure to share this special occasion with you. Many believe that marriage is the last big milestone in a relationship. But, the wedding day isn't intended to be the final step at all. Really (as I'm sure you've learned by now) your wedding was just the beginning. Despite plenty of challenges, you've made it far enough that we are now blessed today with the opportunity to renew the vows you made before God before Allah before the Universe before the Elements all those years ago.
As the Bible reminds us in Corinthians, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it
is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and
always perseveres. Love never fails."
Will you please join me in prayer for this couple?
Blessed art thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hath created joy and gladness, bridegroom and bride,
mirth and exultation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. May there soon be heard in
the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of joy and gladness, the voice of the bridegroom
and the voice of the bride, the jubilant voice of bridegrooms from the wedding canopy, and of youths from their
feasts of song. Blessed art thou, O Lord, who gives the Bridegroom joy in his bride.
At this time I'd like to share the marriage blessing handed down to us from Rumi,
May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk,
this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade, like the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,
our everyday a paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcome
as the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe
how spirit mingles in this marriage.
Marriage is, truly, a magical gift. As Mark Twain noted, "Marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole, and
it gives to two purposeless lives a work [...] it gives to two questioning natures a reason for living, and
something to live for; it will give a new gladness to the sunshine, a new fragrance to the flowers, a new beauty to
the earth, a new mystery to life."
Nothing happens without a cause. The union of this man and woman these men these women this couple has not come about accidentally but is the foreordained result of many past lives. This tie can therefore not be broken or dissolved.
In the future, happy occasions will come as surely as the morning. Difficult times will come as surely as night. When things go joyously, meditate according to the Buddhist tradition. When things go badly, meditate.
Meditation in the manner of the Compassionate Buddha will guide your life.
To say the words love and compassion is easy. But to accept that love and compassion are built upon patience and perseverance is not easy.
At this time I'd like to perform the Blessing of the Hands. (Addressing couple) Will you please join hands with your beloved?
These are the hands of your partner, young and strong and full of love, holding your hands 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 hold you and comfort you in grief and uncertainty. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and joy. These are the hands that will hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength. And 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.
At this time, we thank family and friends for joining us to celebrate this vow renewal. If you were fortunate enough to attend the ceremony all those years ago during which and initially entered into marriage, how fortunate you are to have been able to witness the love and mutual respect these two have cultivated. Today, we are honored to witness and recommit themselves to one another as a symbolic commemoration of their continued devotion.
Minister: When you were married, you likely received advice about building a relationship that would withstand the test of time. Take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate that, by virtue of your standing here before me today, that you have passed this test with flying colors.
The road continues, however. You must continue to cherish one another, and you must continue to, upon the foundations of the last few years, actively build an even stronger relationship. All the lessons you've learned in that time, lessons of love, forgiveness, and trust, you must continue to cultivate.
As you face the challenges of the years to come, remember the things you did that brought you each to this place. Always be there to provide the support, encouragement, and refuge that you partner needs. Be present in your love and devoted to your mutual commitment.
This vow renewal ceremony provides you with the opportunity to, in front of your loved ones, strengthen those sacred bonds, and reaffirm the promises made in your hearts on your wedding day.
Minister: As we celebrate these renewed bonds of unity under the eyes of God, under the eyes of Allah, under the eyes of the Universe, under the fold of the Elements, it is important to keep in mind that, while this is certainly an occasion of tremendous joy, the promises we witness being made again here today are just as serious and life-altering now as they were the first time around.
As Jesus said: "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female," he also taught that, "For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
- Blessed are You, Adonai our God, King of the Universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who has created everything for your glory.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Creator of Human Beings.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who has fashioned human beings in your image, according to your likeness and has fashioned from it a lasting mold. Blessed are You Adonai, Creator of Human Beings.
- Bring intense joy and exultation to the barren one (Jerusalem) through the ingathering of her children amidst her in gladness. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who gladdens Zion through her children.
- Gladden the beloved companions as You gladdened Your creatures in the garden of Eden. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who gladdens groom and bride.
- Blessed are You, Adonai, our God, King of the universe, Who created joy and gladness, groom and bride, mirth, glad song, pleasure, delight, love, brotherhood, peace, and companionship. Adonai, our God, let there soon be heard in the cities of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem the sound of joy and the sound of gladness, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the grooms' jubilance from their canopies and of the youths from their song-filled feasts. Blessed are You Who causes the groom to rejoice with his bride.
In the name of Allah, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful.
Praise be to Allah, Sovereign of all the worlds.
The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning.
You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help.
Guide us on the straight path,
the path of those who have received your grace;
not the path of those who have brought down wrath, nor of those who wander astray.
Amen. Love, it has been noted, is the reason we live. As Carl Sagan wisely deduced, "The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth. We should remain grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides. The sum of all our evolution, our thinking and our accomplishments is love." Heed in particular the advice of the Buddha in his sermon at Rajagaha, "Cherish good will right and left, early and late, and without hindrance, without stint, be free of hate and envy, while standing and walking and sitting down, whatever you have in mind, the rule of life that is always best is to be loving, kind."
"Since ancient times, people have communed with nature to learn more about themselves by example. Since it is within nature that we all do abide, we ask for and the blessings of Nature's Elements, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. We do this that they may fully come to understand the lessons each element has to offer. The attributes of which are examples of those aspects they mirror not only within divinity but within ourselves as well."
"We ask the spirits of Air to keep open the lines of communication between this couple. May their future be as bright as the dawn on the horizon. As Air flows freely to and from and through us all, may their hearts and minds and souls come to know the world and each other in this manner. Seeing not only with their eyes, may they together grow wise with wisdom."
"Spirits of Fire, we ask that and 's passion for each other and for life itself remain ever strong and vital, fortifying each day with a vibrancy rooted in boldness, and courage. As Fire clears the way for new growth, may they know that this power is theirs: to create change and bring about the richness and quality that comes with a true love of life."
"We ask the Spirits of Water, that their love for each other and the comfort of loved ones, like the serenity of the deep blue ocean, be the oasis that forever surrounds our bride and groomcouple. May they be well loved, and love well, letting the surety with which Water makes its journey to the sea, flowing over rocks or around trees, even turning into vapor and riding a cloud, ever serve as a reminder that with love all is well and will endure."
"Spirits of Earth, we ask that you give unto those you see standing before you this day, the rock solid place to stand and fulfill his destiny. May their journey mirror the vast planes and fertile fields, expansive and alive. May they find the right seeds to sow to ensure a bountiful harvest. And when they look up at the Northern Star, may they know that it is as bright and constant as their love for each other as well as the love of the divine is for them."
"Father, Mother, Divine Spirit whose presence is felt in all things and at all times we ask your continued blessings upon this couple, upon their union and upon their family and friends who have gathered here to celebrate this joyous event with them. May they become one in truth and forever revel in the magik that is love."
It is with simultaneous feelings of elation and expressions of respect that we proceed.
Minister: and , at this time I would invite you to share the vows renewing your commitment with one another.
, would you like to begin?
: ( states their vow...) Marriage is a fragile thing, and one that has lasted as long as ours is a precious rarity, to be held carefully and cherished forever. I chose you before, and today I choose you again. Not because I should, not because it is expected, but because my love for you is even deeper and richer than it was the day I married you. I choose you again gladly without reservation. I hereby reaffirm my vows to love you, to comfort you, to honor you, and to keep you.
Minister: , your turn.
: ( states their vow...) Marriage is a fragile thing, and one that has lasted as long as ours is a precious rarity, to be held carefully and cherished forever. I chose you before, and today I choose you again. Not because I should, not because it is expected, but because my love for you is even deeper and richer than it was the day I married you. I choose you again gladly without reservation. I hereby reaffirm my vows to love you, to comfort you, to honor you, and to keep you.
Minister: and please join hands.
, will you continue to have as your , and recommit to hold close and cherish your relationship together?
: I do.
, will you continue to have as your , and recommit to hold close and cherish your relationship together?
: I do.
please repeat after me. I , take you, by the hand, and reaffirm my love for you. I will love, cherish, and honor you in all the experiences that we have in life. This love will continue through sickness and health, riches and poverty, for better or worse, so long as we both shall live.
, please repeat after me. I , take you, by the hand, and reaffirm my love for you. I will love, cherish, and honor you in all the experiences that we have in life. This love will continue through sickness and health, riches and poverty, for better or worse, so long as we both shall live.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the lighting of the unity candle that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should each receive a pre-lit taper candle.
You hold in your hands a single flame. Allow this flame to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows.
And now, tilt these candles forward to light the center candle.
and should tilt their candles forward, lighting a larger candle centered between them.
Watch as the two flames instantly form one. So too, today, have your two spirits come together to form one singular entity. Just as your combined flame illuminates the space around it, let your magnificent union radiate with love and light your path as you move forward through life.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your legal union, it is the fasting of your hands that seals your spiritual commitment to one another. Please join your hands together, interlacing them.
At this time and should join their hands, traditionally joining right-hand to right-hand and left-hand to left-hand in an interlocking fashion. Feel free to help the couple adjust their hand positioning here if they struggle.
As your hands meet your partner's, look into their eyes. Recall the joys and sorrows you have celebrated and endured together. Take note of the support you are feeling, and know that this support will exist for you always.
In the tradition of our forefathers, we will now fasten your hands together.
At this time the Officiant should wrap the hand-fasting ribbon around the couple's interlocked hands a number of times.
As we bind your bodies, so too do we bind your spirits. Your lives, as your hands, are now bound. While the ribbon binding your hands will eventually be removed, know that the union binding your hearts is permanent knot, a gift that will bless you for the rest of your days.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the combining of sands that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should receive a vessel, each containing a sand of a different color.
Each of you holds now a vessel of sand. Allow this sand to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every grain of sand is another moment, either a moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be.
And now, tilt your vessels forward and pour your sand into the vessel of marriage.
and should tilt their vessels forward, pouring their sand into the larger vessel centered between them.
Watch as the grains of sand mix together, forming one structure. So too, today, have your two spirits come together to form one singular entity. Just as your combined sands have combined to form a collection much grander than you ever could have accumulated on your own. Note also, that now combined, the sands may never again be separated. Your lives, like the sand, have become all the more grand for the involvement of your partner. Your spirits so intertwined that they may never again be truly torn asunder. As you move forth in life, keep your partner close to the heart, recognizing that they are an integral part of your being.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is in jumping over this broom that you truly transition into your new combined lives together.
As they speak the words above, the minister should display the ceremonial broom to those gathered, setting it down before the and after they have finished.
Take a moment to recall every magical moment in your life that led you to this point. All the smiles and tears endured, all the meticulous plans that went awry and the happy accidents that got you back on course. Everything that has ever happened has led you to this miraculous moment, right here. When you're ready, take the hand of your betrothed and leap over the broom together, entering your destiny.
and should join hands, jumping over the broom together.
and , take a moment to recall every magical moment in your life that led you to this point. All the smiles and tears endured, all the meticulous plans that went awry and the happy accidents that got you back on course. Everything that has ever happened has led you to this miraculous moment, right here. While the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it the smashing of the glass that truly seals your spiritual union. It is tradition that as the glass is smashed, the message of "Mazel Tov" is shouted.
As the officiant speaks the words above, the best man should place the glass (typically wrapped in a white cloth) before the couple. The couple may then stomp the glass.
The glass, once broken, may never be truly re-assembled. The change is permanent. Likewise, the bonds you have formed today are permanent and spirit-altering. Having entered into the beautiful institution of marriage, your lives have been changed irrevocably for the better.
and , while the words you have spoken have sealed your union, it is the planting of your marital tree that truly symbolizes the melding of your two souls.
At this time and should receive a vessel, each containing soil. The sapling should already be positioned in the ground or pot, ready to receive their soil.
Each of you holds now a vessel of soil. Allow this soil to represent your life: every thought that's ever crossed your mind, and every word that's ever crossed your lips; all of your victories, and all of your failures; all of your joys, and all of your sorrows. Every bit of soil is another moment, either a moment that has been or a moment that is yet to be.
And now, pour your soil in and give a life and home to this tree.
and should tilt their vessels forward, pouring their soil into the hole or pot housing the tree.
As this tree grows, so shall you both. The tree will endure harsh weather, invasive animals, all matter of hardships but, just like your marriage, it shall endure.
Minister: You exchanged rings on your wedding day as a symbol of your love and commitment to each other. This never-ending circle of love has continued through the years, and your rings have served as a daily reminder of that special promise. Now, we will reaffirm your wearing these rings as a continuing representation of your shared union.
Please repeat after me:
I, , wear this ring as a symbol of the love that we share together. May it always rest on my hand, and may you always rest in my heart.
I, , wear this ring as a symbol of the love that we share together. May it always rest on my hand, and may you always rest in my heart.
Minister: I hereby pronounce and as still being happily married! Your vows renewed, may your marriage move forward and become stronger than you ever imagined.
Minister: , at this time I would invite you to please seal the renewal of your vows with a kiss!
Minister: , at this time I would invite you to please seal the renewal of your vows with a kiss!
Minister:At this time I would invite you to please seal the renewal of your vows with a kiss!
Minister: Ladies and gentlemen, I'm delighted to present to you , committed again to one another before God. before Allah. before the Universe. before the Elements. From this day forth, may their joys be plenty and their worries few as their love continues to grow.
