Ceremony Examples
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Introduction
Family and friends of (Party One) and (Party Two), we are gathered here this afternoon to celebrate their wedding ceremony. On their behalf I welcome you to witness their marriage.
Or
Family and friends of (Party One) and (Party Two), we are gathered here this afternoon to celebrate the love they have for each other and share with them the occasion of their marriage.
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Additions / Variations to Introduction
You have all known (Party One) and (Party Two) over a period of years, and have watched their relationship come to maturity.
Or
Some of you have travelled great distances to be here today. (Party One) and (Party Two) are delighted to have you here to share in their happiness as they confirm their commitment to each other and begin a new stage in their journey.
Readings
(Party One) and (Party Two) believe that marriage is founded on sincerity and understanding, leading to confidence, tolerance and trust. They feel it involves respect for each other’s individuality and acceptance of each other’s weakness and faults. They believe that those qualities that attracted each to the other can best be developed during a life spent together. A happy marriage will enable then to establish a home where children can be raised in love and stability – a home where you, their family and friends, will always be welcome.
Or
As they know, (Party One) and (Party Two) are about to enter into a union both sacred and serious. Marriage by its very nature requires of those who enter into it a complete and unreserved giving of self. This union will then bind them together in a relationship so close and intimate that it will influence their whole future. The future with its hopes and disappointments, its successes and failures, its joys and its sorrows is hidden from them. They know that these elements are mingled in every life and are to be expected in their own. May then this love that joins them today never fail, but grow stronger and deeper as the years go on.
Or
For the next reading (Party One) and (Party Two) have chosen this passage adapted from “Love” by George Betts
We love each other- This is not the end result, But the beginning. Love begins when two people join together to form a unity of souls. Written in their hearts is a new direction Which requires acceptance, patience and understanding. Acceptance for the differences, For the struggles and the hardships, and most of all for the growth and change That they know the future will bring. Patience to allow time to take its natural course – To flower and blossom, for to allow love to thrive we need Time, warmth and care. Understanding is the wisdom of maturity, The combination of patience and acceptance. In giving yourselves in love, you are giving these three things as one as your gift to each other, With the promise of the future.
Or
For the next reading (Party One) and (Party Two) have chosen this poem by Margie Cole My love for you is as full today as when we started – only more so. Time has served not only to increase my love As I got to know you better, but also to make my past fade into oblivion as I live each and every moment for you, and with you. I cannot thank you enough for being you, and for asking me to share your life. It is a life that I cherish, love and adore. You opened my eyes and you opened my heart to a warmth and joy I never knew existed, And never expected to know. And that knowledge has brought me respect, understanding, happiness and delight. But most of all, it has brought us a lifetime of love.
Celebrant’s Declaration
I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to Law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence, and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the promises and vows that you are about to make to one another. Marriage according to law in Australia is the union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
Or
I am duly authorised by law to solemnise this, your marriage, according to Law. Before you (PARTY ONE’S NAME) and you (PART TWO’S NAME) are joined in marriage in my presence, and in the presence of these witnesses, I am bound, as you know, to remind you publicly of the solemn, serious, and binding nature of the relationship which you are now about to formalise. Marriage, according to Law in Australia is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
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