Hitch'n Post Weddings and More
Secular Same-sex Wedding Full Text
Opening:
Welcome and please stand. (or other needed instruction, or music)
One of the great universals in human life across all boundaries and throughout the world is love. We see it in families, we see it among friends. From the time we are small children in our mothers arms we are taught to value love in others, at first for the benefit it brings us but later just for its' own sake. It sadden us when we see people who have not learned to value, honor, and respect love when they see it in others. Today the world is invited to celebrate a love between two people: The love that binds them together and makes them one. May all who see them, see love and be warmed by its' light.
The contract of marriage is one not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities it entails. The commitment of marriage is different from all others. It is a life long bond that joins two people for better or for worse. Remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundation of a happy home. There are no human ties are more important or more tender than marriage.
We are gathered today in the presences of witnesses (and family and friends) for the joining in bond of matrimony (Name) and (Name).
Please face one another:
Do you (name) take this man/woman to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife?
I do
And do you promise to keep him/her, love and comfort, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse and to be faithful until death do you part?
I do
Repeat with other person.
Do you have rings?
Yes.
(Name), I give you this ring , in token of my commitment and love.
Repeat
Now that you have joined yourselves formally in matrimony, may you strive all of your lives to meet this contract with the same sense of love and commitment. Together may you dream, and may you stumble, may you restore each other, and share all things, serving each other and humanity. Cherish, respect, comfort and encourage each other as long as you both shall live.
It is now with great pleasure that I pronounce you spouses for life.
You may kiss.
Nondenominational Wedding Text for Gay Couples
Welcome and please sit.
Processional Music
We gather today for the joining of (Name) and (Name) in bond of matrimony.
Welcome, we are here today to celebrate love. To this world of "no you can't" and "It is not done." To those we are here to say "Yes love can! And Yes love does!" Today the world is invited to celebrate a love between two people: The love that binds them together and makes them one.
They will pledge to be true, and to respect, and to grow through the years together. Time may pass, fortune may smile, trials may come; no matter what they may encounter together, the vow they make here today will be the first step on a life long journey of love and commitment. We celebrate their willingness to make a home in each others heart from this day forward.
Marriage should not be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully. With it are both deep joys and responsibilities. Please remember that your miracle lies in the path you have chosen together. Enter into marriage knowing that the true magic of love is not to avoid changes, but to navigate them successfully. Commit to the miracle of making each day work together, for no human ties are more important or more tender.
Please face one another:
Please repeat after me:
Today I , (full name)join my life to yours as your friend, your lover, and your confidant. Let me be the shoulder you lean on, the rock on which you rest, the companion of your life. With you I will walk my path from this day forward to the end of my days.
(Repeat with other person.)
Do you have the rings?
Yes.
Let these rings be a sign of unbroken love.
Please repeat after me:
(Name), I offer myself to you today. I will always love you, respect you and be faithful to you and I give you this ring, in token of my commitment and love.
(Repeat with other person.)
Now that you have joined yourselves formally in matrimony, may you strive all of your lives to meet this contract with the same sense of love and commitment.
Oh God we call down your blessings on (Name) and (Name) and ask that their days be long, and be seasoned with love, understanding, and respect. And may all of us be blessed by Your love as it shines through them all of their lives.
It is now with great pleasure that I pronounce you spouses for life.
You may kiss.
Short Civic Weddings For Gays and Lesbians
Opening:
Welcome and please stand. (or other needed instruction, or music)
We are gathered today in the presences of witnesses (and family and friends) for the joining in bond of matrimony (Name) and (Name).
The contract of marriage is one not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and with a deep realization of the obligations and responsibilities it entails. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundation of a happy home. No human ties are more important or more tender.
Please face one another:
Do you (name) take this man/woman to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife?
I do
And do you promise to keep him/her, love and comfort, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, for better or for worse and to be faithful until death do you part?
I do
Repeat with other person.
Do you have rings?
Yes.
(Name), I give you this ring , in token of my commitment and love.
Repeat
Now that you have joined yourselves formally in matrimony, may you strive all of your lives to meet this contract with the same sense of love and commitment.
It is now with great pleasure that I pronounce you spouses for life.
You may kiss.
GENDER NEUTRAL CEREMONY SCRIPT
PROCESSIONAL
Beginning of the Wedding Ceremony. Guests are seated followed by the entrance of the Bridal Party.
INVOCATION
Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of and . This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgement of the next chapter in of their lives together. and have spent the few years getting to know each other, and we now join the to bear witness to what their relationship has become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly. This affirmation means more because it is shared with their most beloved friends and family members. As Proust said, 'Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.' and will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but by also celebrating the love between all of us – including the love of their parents, siblings, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous. Thank you all for being here this afternoon.
and today you not only marry the right person, you also commit to being the right partner, the one with whom the other can stand and face the world. It's finally time to seal this chapter with questions that will lead us into the next chapter.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
Do you take to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?
Do you take to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?
RING EXCHANGE
A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is also a symbol of completeness, just as you two complete each other. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. It encircles an opening, which is the door to your future. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other.
place the ring on 's finger and repeat after me:
, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.
And now, place the ring on 's finger and repeat after me:
, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.
PRONOUNCEMENT
and , before these witnesses you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. You may now seal this ceremony with a kiss.
RECESSIONAL
End of the Wedding Ceremony.