~ Traditional Wedding Ceremony ~

by Rev. Richard Lewis

THE GREETING:

_________ and _________, we are gathered together this day in the sight

of God to celebrate your union together as husband and wife in holy

matrimony. A wedding is a celebration of a man and a woman entering the

Divine Mystery of Oneness as they sanctify their partnership through the

power of the Holy Spirit. It is nothing less than the proclamation of the

depths of their love for one another in a reverent manner, as the Lord Jesus

Christ’ had expressed his reverence and love for God.

Hence, marriage is one of the most precious occasions in life when we are

presented with a profound opportunity to enter the timeless dimension of

Love as it descends into the world of time. It emphasizes and reminds us

that our lives have meaning and purpose beyond the day to day affairs of

worldly life and that Love is the strongest bond, the greatest joy and the

sweetest nourishment we can ever experience.

In First Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul further describes the nature &

characteristics of love in this way ... "Love is patient, love is kind. Love is

not envious, jealous or boastful. It is not arrogant or rude. Love does not

insist on it’s own ways. It is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice at

wrong and wrongdoing. But rejoices in right and truth. Love bears all things,

believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. So

faith, hope and love abide these 3. But the greatest of these is love."

THE INVOCATION:

Let us go within now as we close our eyes and rest in the quietness, the

goodness and the perfection of our inner most being.

Heavenly Father we give thanks for the miracle of life that you bestow upon

us this glorious day. We give thanks as you weave the spirit of love

throughout every heart, body and mind within this gathering. May the

blending of our hearts prepare us to remember the truth of Oneness as we

bear witness to the sacred ceremony of marriage. May the radiance of joy

on this special day, overflow with peace and harmony throughout the rest of

_________ & _________ life together as husband & wife. And may this

peace & harmony continue to expand, bringing joy to their families and

friends and to all others who enter their home and circle of life.

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit ... Amen

THE EXCHANGE OF LEIS: (Optional)

In Hawaii we exchange leis as a symbol of embracing one another in love.

The leis was originally created as a means of bringing healing herbs and

flowers from the mountains to villages on the sea. Over the passage of time

this ring of beautiful flowers has come to symbolize affection and respect

between two people. In Hawaiian tradition, the head and shoulders of an

individual are considered to be sacred. Therefore, the placing of a lei is an

expression of great honor toward the one to whom the lei is given.

THE DECLARATION (Vows):

Minister: Before we come to the exchange of vows, I will ask each of you

your intent.

Groom: _________, will you unconditionally accept this woman to be your

wife? Will you devote your life to loving her, nourishing her and honoring her

uniqueness? Will you nurture her in sickness and support her in health for

as long as you both shall live?

Bride: _________, will you unconditionally accept this man to be your

husband? Will you devote your life to loving him, nourishing him and

honoring his uniqueness? Will you nurture him in sickness and support him

in health for as long as you both shall live?

Minister: _________, please repeat after me the following words ...

Groom: Today, _________, I join my life to yours as your beloved life

partner, most intimate friend and confidant. I pledge to be true to you, to

respect you, and to grow with you through the years to come. With you I will

walk the path of love and devotion forevermore!

Minister: _________, please repeat after me the following words ...

Bride: Today, _________, I join my life to yours as your beloved life partner,

most intimate friend and confidant. I pledge to be true to you, to respect

you, and to grow with you through the years to come. With you I will walk the

path of love and devotion forevermore!

THE BLESSING OF RINGS:

As God is a circle whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is

nowhere, so let the seamless circle of these rings become a symbol of the

timeless dimension of Unconditional Love. May the presence of these rings

continue to remind you of the eternal love and devotion you are to share

with one another from this moment onwards. May the beauty and perfection

of these rings remind you of the beauty of your togetherness and the

perfection of this union you are sanctifying in this perfect moment.

THE EXCHANGE OF RINGS:

Minister: _________, please place this ring on _________’s finger &

repeat after me:

Groom: "With this ring, I thee wed ... I pledge my love, my loyalty, and my life

to you. ‘Till the end of time I will embrace you."

Minister: _________, please place this ring on _________’s finger &

repeat after me:

Bride: "With this ring, I thee wed ... I pledge my love, my loyalty, and my life

to you. ‘Till the end of time I will embrace you."

THE PRONOUNCEMENT:

_________ & _________ you have been guided by the Lord to discover in

one another an oasis of love. You have exchanged precious rings,

proclaimed vows of love, devotion and faithfulness and now have finally

entered into the sacred covenant of marriage.

By the authority vested in me in the state of Hawaii, it gives me great Joy to

pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss your Beautiful Bride.

For the very first time I would like to present _________ & _________

_____________, husband and wife.

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