This ceremony took place on the Winter Solstice and on the beach.
It includes a handfasting with the cord of 4 ribbons/cords and a ring warming
My ceremonies can be mixed/matches and tailored to your liking
The greeting:
Officiant: I address the couple & the guests:
We are gathered here in God’s presence, amid the beauty of God’s creation, to witness the exchange of ___ and _____ vows of marriage. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love and their expectations.
Being here at this location is so special to the brides. They share a love of the beach. There is something about being by the ocean that evokes a certain awe. The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings joy to the soul. So, it is only fitting that here amongst a gathering of those they hold dearest, ___ and _____ will commit their lives to each other in vows of marriage
This is a special time of celebration and joy that ___ and _____ will forever remember, and because of this, they are thankful and delighted that you are here to share in their happiness. They also take this opportunity to remember, with love, those who are no longer with us. They are always in our hearts. We especially remember ___’s beloved parents Joe and Deloris and _____’s beloved parents Isaac and Carmon. We are certain they are here with us in spirit as we celebrate this joyous occasion.
Invocation (this is the beginning prayer to “invoke” or ask god to be present and bless this service)
Officiant: Today is the winter solstice. It is a turning point in the year. It is the longest night of the year. Starting today, we enter what is called the “light half of the year” when the days finally become longer meaning there will be more and more light each day after the solstice.
It is believed that the winter solstice is the most magical time for a wedding because of this connection to the life cycle of the earth and to one of the oldest of human rituals. It is believed it is the perfect time in the calendar to speak vows to your beloved.
I would like to invite the bride’s daughter ______to share a poem that so beautifully expresses the light of their love
_____ reads:
Light of all lights (By Gajamam Mishra)
Love is the light of all lights
Where there is truth there is love
Where there is love there is light
Light is truth, truth is light
And it is beyond darkness beyond ignorance
I love you, you are my love
You are my light
You are my truth.
Charge to _____ and ___ (the charge is addressed to the couple. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take)
Officiant: Hand in Hand you enter marriage, hand in hand you step out in faith. The hand you freely give to each other, is both the strongest and the most tender part of your body. In the years ahead you will need both strength and tenderness. Be firm in your commitment. Don't let your grip become weak. And yet, be flexible as you go through change. Don't let your hold become intolerable. Strength and tenderness...Firm commitment and flexibility....of such is a marriage made, hand in hand.
Betrothal/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will);
Officiant to ___: Do you ___ take _____ to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?
___ Responds: I do
Officiant to _____: Do you _____ take ___ to be your husband, to live with him, respect him, and love him with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?
_____ Responds: I do
Vows:
Officiant: Now that you have declared your intentions, I would like to invite you to share your vows with each other
_____ repeat to _____ after me these words
I will take joy in you and in our life together.
You are to me the whispering of the tides,
The seduction of summer’s heat.
You are my friend, my lover.
Grow old and wise with me.
I look forward to the life before us
And a willingness to share all things.
In all the ways life may find us
I love you.
_____ repeat to _____ after me these words
I will take joy in you and in our life together.
You are to me the whispering of the tides,
The seduction of summer’s heat.
You are my friend, my lover.
Grow old and wise with me.
I look forward to the life before us
And a willingness to share all things.
In all the ways life may find us
I love you
Exchange of rings:
Officiant: May we please have the rings
Ring Warming:
Officiant: ___ and _____ are deeply grateful for each and every one of you here today. You all hold a place in their hearts reserved for those that they have chosen to call "Family" and "Friend" and because of this they would like to ask you to participate in the blessing of their union with a special ring warming ceremony
It is widely believed that precious metals hold energy. The more enduring the object the more the energy will be absorbed.
At this time, I would like to invite everyone to pass the rings between one another and to warm the precious metal with your wishes, prayers, and blessings for ___ and _____.
(Rings are tied together and are passed amongst the wedding party and then the guests while a song is played in the background. Once they are finished, they are handed to the Officiant)
Heavenly Father bless these rings. Grant that ___ and _____ may wear them with deep faith in each other. May their love always be constant, as these never-ending waves flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Amen
___ and _____ these rings now contain in their precious metal, that which is more precious and yet priceless, the love and support of your family and friends.
To ___: ___ will you take this ring and place it upon _____’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(___ says) I give you this ring,
As a symbol of my vow
(___ says) As a symbol of my vow
And with all that I am
(___ says) And with all that I am
And all that I have
(___ says) And all that I have
And with it, I marry you
(___ says) And with it, I marry you
And join my life with yours
(___ says) And join my life with yours
To _____: _____ will you take this ring and place it upon ___’s finger, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(_____ says) I give you this ring,
As a symbol of my vow
(_____ says) As a symbol of my vow
And with all that I am
(_____ says) And with all that I am
And all that I have
(_____ says) And all that I have
And with it, I marry you
(_____ says) And with it, I marry you
And join my life with yours
(_____ says) And join my life with yours
Handfasting:
Officiant: _____ and ___ have chosen to express their love through the very ancient tradition practiced by lovers of centuries past. Handfasting is literally “Tying the knot.” In this ceremony cords of four colors will be used, Yellow, Red, Blue and Green.
Yellow symbolizes friendship and communication which are crucial to any successful marriage
Red symbolizes the passion the brides feel for each other and warmth they will share through the future years.
Blue symbolizes fidelity, trust, compassion and the ability to adapt to the changes that will undoubtedly occur during their life together.
Green symbolizes the prosperity, growth and happiness we all wish for them.
Just as you often see the presence of those four colors in a rainbow joining heaven and earth so too may you see these qualities in the life of a marriage.
I ask you now join your hands. (Either both hands crossed over each other making the figure 8-the symbol of infinity or if you prefer just one hand- the each use your left hand. This is your heart hand, the hand closest to your heart. the hand you wear your wedding ring on)
The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.
Officiant to couple: Are you now ready to continue and take your vows not as two but as one
_____ and ___ : We are.
Officiant to couple: Is it also your wish today that your hands be fasted in the ways of old?
_____ and ___ : It is.
Remember then as your hands are fasted, these are not the ties that bind... Cords are held aloft
The role already taken by the song your hearts share- shall be now be strengthened by the vows you take.
The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is eternals.
Officiant to couple: Do you vow to keep open your hearts and minds that neither words nor the lack of them shall ever cause a silence to dwell between you that your love cannot bridge?
_____ and ___ : We do.
I would like to invite (name) to place the Yellow cord. (name) comes forward, taking the yellow Cord-lays it over the couple’s hands and reads: We wish for you both a bright future, filled with joy and happiness.
(Name) goes back to her/his place
~
Officiant to couple: Do you vow to always remember to take joy in life, and in each other, never forgetting it is the matters of the heart that are real?
_____ and ___ : We do.
I would like to invite (name) to place the red cord. (name) comes forward, taking the red Cord-lays it over the couple’s hands and reads We wish for you eternal love and passion for life. (Name) goes back to her/his place
~
Officiant to couple: Do you vow to share whatever burdens the mundane world may present, in that overcoming them together your spirits shall grow towards a common hope, dream and reality?
_____ and ___ : We do.
I would like to invite (name) to place the green cord. (name) comes forward, taking the Green Cord-lays it over the couple’s hands and reads We wish for you good health and abundance with prosperity, now and forever. (Name) goes back to her/his place
~
Officiant to couple: Do you vow to love and cherish each other keeping sacred above all else, the place your hearts hold for one another?
_____ and ___ : We do.
I would like to invite (name) to place the blue cord. (name) comes forward, taking the blue cord, lays it over the couple’s hands and reads We wish for you peace and serenity.
~
Officiant to Brides: May you be forever as one in the passion and fire of your spirits, and the deepest love that your souls have to give, ever steadfast and unwavering, yet as full of promise and fresh as the dawn on each new horizon.
Brides hands are bound/Officiant will loosely tie the cords together
These cords symbolize so much. They are your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found with one another.
I would like to share a reading with you titled "Where there is Love" (by Helen Rice)
Where there is love the heart is light
Where there is love the day is bright
Where there is love there is a song
To help when things are going wrong
Where there is love there is a smile
To make all things seem more worthwhile
Where there is love there’s a quiet peace
A tranquil place where turmoils cease
Love changes darkness into light
And makes the heart take wingless flight
Oh, blessed are those who walk in love-
They also walk with God above. (If you prefer non-religious we can leave the last two lines off)
Couple can choose to pull the cords as they take them off creating a knot or Officiant will remove the ribbons and say):
The ties of this handfasting are not formed by these cords, or even by the knot connecting them. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one.
Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.
Pronouncement:
Officiant: Your two hearts now beating as one, your two souls now deeply joined anew - walk forward together, forever hand in hand, May your marriage be a lifelong celebration of love! Now that the rituals are complete, you have made your promises, and exchanged your rings. May your lives together be filled with love and laughter. By the power vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you Married!
You may seal your marriage with a kiss!
Officiant will prompt newlyweds to face their guests.
It is with great honor I present to you for the first time as a married couple _____ and ___!
Officiant: I address the couple & the guests:
We are gathered here in God’s presence, amid the beauty of God’s creation, to witness the exchange of ___ and _____ vows of marriage. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love and their expectations.
Being here at this location is so special to the brides. They share a love of the beach. There is something about being by the ocean that evokes a certain awe. The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings joy to the soul. So, it is only fitting that here amongst a gathering of those they hold dearest, ___ and _____ will commit their lives to each other in vows of marriage
This is a special time of celebration and joy that ___ and _____ will forever remember, and because of this, they are thankful and delighted that you are here to share in their happiness. They also take this opportunity to remember, with love, those who are no longer with us. They are always in our hearts. We especially remember ___’s beloved parents Joe and Deloris and _____’s beloved parents Isaac and Carmon. We are certain they are here with us in spirit as we celebrate this joyous occasion.
Invocation (this is the beginning prayer to “invoke” or ask god to be present and bless this service)
Officiant: Today is the winter solstice. It is a turning point in the year. It is the longest night of the year. Starting today, we enter what is called the “light half of the year” when the days finally become longer meaning there will be more and more light each day after the solstice.
It is believed that the winter solstice is the most magical time for a wedding because of this connection to the life cycle of the earth and to one of the oldest of human rituals. It is believed it is the perfect time in the calendar to speak vows to your beloved.
I would like to invite the bride’s daughter ______to share a poem that so beautifully expresses the light of their love
_____ reads:
Light of all lights (By Gajamam Mishra)
Love is the light of all lights
Where there is truth there is love
Where there is love there is light
Light is truth, truth is light
And it is beyond darkness beyond ignorance
I love you, you are my love
You are my light
You are my truth.
Charge to _____ and ___ (the charge is addressed to the couple. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take)
Officiant: Hand in Hand you enter marriage, hand in hand you step out in faith. The hand you freely give to each other, is both the strongest and the most tender part of your body. In the years ahead you will need both strength and tenderness. Be firm in your commitment. Don't let your grip become weak. And yet, be flexible as you go through change. Don't let your hold become intolerable. Strength and tenderness...Firm commitment and flexibility....of such is a marriage made, hand in hand.
Betrothal/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will);
Officiant to ___: Do you ___ take _____ to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?
___ Responds: I do
Officiant to _____: Do you _____ take ___ to be your husband, to live with him, respect him, and love him with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?
_____ Responds: I do
Vows:
Officiant: Now that you have declared your intentions, I would like to invite you to share your vows with each other
_____ repeat to _____ after me these words
I will take joy in you and in our life together.
You are to me the whispering of the tides,
The seduction of summer’s heat.
You are my friend, my lover.
Grow old and wise with me.
I look forward to the life before us
And a willingness to share all things.
In all the ways life may find us
I love you.
_____ repeat to _____ after me these words
I will take joy in you and in our life together.
You are to me the whispering of the tides,
The seduction of summer’s heat.
You are my friend, my lover.
Grow old and wise with me.
I look forward to the life before us
And a willingness to share all things.
In all the ways life may find us
I love you
Exchange of rings:
Officiant: May we please have the rings
Ring Warming:
Officiant: ___ and _____ are deeply grateful for each and every one of you here today. You all hold a place in their hearts reserved for those that they have chosen to call "Family" and "Friend" and because of this they would like to ask you to participate in the blessing of their union with a special ring warming ceremony
It is widely believed that precious metals hold energy. The more enduring the object the more the energy will be absorbed.
At this time, I would like to invite everyone to pass the rings between one another and to warm the precious metal with your wishes, prayers, and blessings for ___ and _____.
(Rings are tied together and are passed amongst the wedding party and then the guests while a song is played in the background. Once they are finished, they are handed to the Officiant)
Heavenly Father bless these rings. Grant that ___ and _____ may wear them with deep faith in each other. May their love always be constant, as these never-ending waves flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Amen
___ and _____ these rings now contain in their precious metal, that which is more precious and yet priceless, the love and support of your family and friends.
To ___: ___ will you take this ring and place it upon _____’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(___ says) I give you this ring,
As a symbol of my vow
(___ says) As a symbol of my vow
And with all that I am
(___ says) And with all that I am
And all that I have
(___ says) And all that I have
And with it, I marry you
(___ says) And with it, I marry you
And join my life with yours
(___ says) And join my life with yours
To _____: _____ will you take this ring and place it upon ___’s finger, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(_____ says) I give you this ring,
As a symbol of my vow
(_____ says) As a symbol of my vow
And with all that I am
(_____ says) And with all that I am
And all that I have
(_____ says) And all that I have
And with it, I marry you
(_____ says) And with it, I marry you
And join my life with yours
(_____ says) And join my life with yours
Handfasting:
Officiant: _____ and ___ have chosen to express their love through the very ancient tradition practiced by lovers of centuries past. Handfasting is literally “Tying the knot.” In this ceremony cords of four colors will be used, Yellow, Red, Blue and Green.
Yellow symbolizes friendship and communication which are crucial to any successful marriage
Red symbolizes the passion the brides feel for each other and warmth they will share through the future years.
Blue symbolizes fidelity, trust, compassion and the ability to adapt to the changes that will undoubtedly occur during their life together.
Green symbolizes the prosperity, growth and happiness we all wish for them.
Just as you often see the presence of those four colors in a rainbow joining heaven and earth so too may you see these qualities in the life of a marriage.
I ask you now join your hands. (Either both hands crossed over each other making the figure 8-the symbol of infinity or if you prefer just one hand- the each use your left hand. This is your heart hand, the hand closest to your heart. the hand you wear your wedding ring on)
The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.
Officiant to couple: Are you now ready to continue and take your vows not as two but as one
_____ and ___ : We are.
Officiant to couple: Is it also your wish today that your hands be fasted in the ways of old?
_____ and ___ : It is.
Remember then as your hands are fasted, these are not the ties that bind... Cords are held aloft
The role already taken by the song your hearts share- shall be now be strengthened by the vows you take.
The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is eternals.
Officiant to couple: Do you vow to keep open your hearts and minds that neither words nor the lack of them shall ever cause a silence to dwell between you that your love cannot bridge?
_____ and ___ : We do.
I would like to invite (name) to place the Yellow cord. (name) comes forward, taking the yellow Cord-lays it over the couple’s hands and reads: We wish for you both a bright future, filled with joy and happiness.
(Name) goes back to her/his place
~
Officiant to couple: Do you vow to always remember to take joy in life, and in each other, never forgetting it is the matters of the heart that are real?
_____ and ___ : We do.
I would like to invite (name) to place the red cord. (name) comes forward, taking the red Cord-lays it over the couple’s hands and reads We wish for you eternal love and passion for life. (Name) goes back to her/his place
~
Officiant to couple: Do you vow to share whatever burdens the mundane world may present, in that overcoming them together your spirits shall grow towards a common hope, dream and reality?
_____ and ___ : We do.
I would like to invite (name) to place the green cord. (name) comes forward, taking the Green Cord-lays it over the couple’s hands and reads We wish for you good health and abundance with prosperity, now and forever. (Name) goes back to her/his place
~
Officiant to couple: Do you vow to love and cherish each other keeping sacred above all else, the place your hearts hold for one another?
_____ and ___ : We do.
I would like to invite (name) to place the blue cord. (name) comes forward, taking the blue cord, lays it over the couple’s hands and reads We wish for you peace and serenity.
~
Officiant to Brides: May you be forever as one in the passion and fire of your spirits, and the deepest love that your souls have to give, ever steadfast and unwavering, yet as full of promise and fresh as the dawn on each new horizon.
Brides hands are bound/Officiant will loosely tie the cords together
These cords symbolize so much. They are your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found with one another.
I would like to share a reading with you titled "Where there is Love" (by Helen Rice)
Where there is love the heart is light
Where there is love the day is bright
Where there is love there is a song
To help when things are going wrong
Where there is love there is a smile
To make all things seem more worthwhile
Where there is love there’s a quiet peace
A tranquil place where turmoils cease
Love changes darkness into light
And makes the heart take wingless flight
Oh, blessed are those who walk in love-
They also walk with God above. (If you prefer non-religious we can leave the last two lines off)
Couple can choose to pull the cords as they take them off creating a knot or Officiant will remove the ribbons and say):
The ties of this handfasting are not formed by these cords, or even by the knot connecting them. They are formed instead by your vows, by your pledge, your souls, and your two hearts, now bound together as one.
Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.
Pronouncement:
Officiant: Your two hearts now beating as one, your two souls now deeply joined anew - walk forward together, forever hand in hand, May your marriage be a lifelong celebration of love! Now that the rituals are complete, you have made your promises, and exchanged your rings. May your lives together be filled with love and laughter. By the power vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you Married!
You may seal your marriage with a kiss!
Officiant will prompt newlyweds to face their guests.
It is with great honor I present to you for the first time as a married couple _____ and ___!
