Customary Non-Denominational Wedding Ceremony Vows

Introduction of Bride and Groom

I would like to thank you for the honor to be able to join the two of you in this marriage.

(Groom’s name) and (Bride’s name), _____ years ago you first met and became friends, and this friendship turned into love. Today, we celebrate the love the two of you have for one another.

Your love has brought you to this moment of commitment, and now we rejoice in the unconditional love you have for each other. You are leaving behind your past lives and beginning a new life together. From this day on, your lives are forever intertwined, and no possession is more precious than the love that you both have for one another.

You have had the privilege to find true love, a feeling that is so powerful that you have come here today to one of the most beautiful places on God’s earth to add a new chapter to your love story. Today is a day that you will never forget, for today you are taking into your care and keeping the heart of the one person you have chosen above all others to be your partner. You are adding not only the affection of the other, but also a companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well.

Mark Twain Quote (optional)

Mark Twain once said of Lake Tahoe:

“The air up there in the clouds is so very fine, pure, embracing, and delicious, and why shouldn’t it be – it is the same air the Angels breathe.”

That is what your love is…fine, pure, embracing, and delicious, and I don’t want you to forget that.

Your love has made you stronger, so you can reach out in ways you dared not reach alone. Burdens will be lighter because you will divide them, and joys more intense because you will share them.

Never forget that a successful marriage is not only finding the right partner, but being the right partner. Therefore, one of the greatest gifts that you can give to one another is the gift of understanding and loving yourself, eliminating any fears and insecurities and truly believing that you deserve this person standing here before you.

As you join together pledging to love and care for each other in this marriage, you are creating a spirit that is unique unto yourselves, and this spirit will bind you closer than any written or spoken word ever could. So, believe in love’s power, believe in each other, be gentle with each others hearts, and say I love you often, for love is a sacred gift.

The sanctity of love is having the capacity to forgive and forget, and being able to say that you are sorry, which is a very important virtue a marriage must possess. Marriage must also possess a promise, a commitment made in the hearts of two people who are very much in love. This love is very evident in the two of you. Never take your love for granted.

Introduction of Children

(If children are to be a part of this union, they are introduced here)

The Wedding Vows

Minister to Groom: (Groom), will you take (Bride) to be your wedded wife, to be her friend and companion, to share your life and your love?

Minister to Bride: (Bride), will you take (Groom) to be your wedded husband, to be his friend and companion, to share your life and your love?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I ask that you bless (Groom) and (Bride) who come before you to be joined in the bond of holy matrimony, that they may give their vows to one another in the strength and spirit of your steadfast love. Let the promises they make today be everlasting. Shine your grace upon them that they may preserve in trust and true friendship all their days upon this earth. Amen.

Exchanging of Rings

May I have the rings please?

Your wedding rings are a symbol of love and covenant of the vows you are taking here today. The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of your inward and spiritual bond. They are not meant to be locks that bind you together, but as keys that unlock the secrets of your hearts, secrets to share with one another, which makes your relationship that much stronger. And whether together or apart, may they be a constant reminder of the love you share and the vows you are taking here this day.

Ring Exchange (Option #1)

Minister to Groom: (Groom), while placing the ring on the left hand of (Bride), look into her eyes and repeat after me.

I, (Groom), take you (Bride) to be my wife, my partner in life, and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love from this day forward as long as we both shall live.

Minister to Bride: (Bride), while placing the ring on the left hand of (Groom), look into his eyes and repeat after me.

I, (Bride), take you (Groom) to be my husband, my partner in life, and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than the day before. I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love from this day forward as long as we both shall live.

Ring Exchange (Option #2)

Minister to Groom: (Groom), while placing the ring on the left hand of (Bride), look into her eyes and repeat after me.

I (Groom), pledge to you my devotion, trust, and love. I will honor and support you in all your dreams, share my life openly with you, speak the truth to you in love, and share my life with you from this day forward.

Minister to Bride: (Bride), while placing the ring on the left hand of (Groom), look into his eyes and repeat after me.

I (Bride), pledge to you my devotion, trust, and love. I will honor and support you in all your dreams, share my life openly with you, speak the truth to you in love, and share my life with you from this day forward.

Wedding Blessing

I would like to share a Native American blessing with you.

Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be the shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be the warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness for you,
Because now you are no longer lonely.
Now you are two bodies,
Yet there is only one life set before you.
Go therefore into your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
That your days may be good and beautiful and long upon this earth.

Pronouncement as Husband and Wife

(Groom) and (Bride), my wish to you is a home full of love and laughter. May harmony and happiness be with you always. By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

(Groom), you may kiss your beautiful bride.

Other Ceremonial Options Performed by Reverend Irvalene Blount

• Celtic Handfasting
• Veil and Cord Ceremony
• Sand Ceremonies
• Jumping the Broom
• Commitment Ceremonies
• Civil Ceremonies
• Unity Candle