Introduction
(Name
of Groom) and
(Name of Bride) you
have come to this beautiful setting here in Jamaica,
so that you can publicly commit yourselves to each other in marriage.
In various traditions, marriage is a sign of our Creator’s
intention for wholeness in all creation. Out of the chaos, God brought
order. That creative purpose is still at work. The joining together
of two persons into one unique, intimate, and creative unity in
marriage is therefore not only a symbol but also a demonstration
of the well being, the purpose of human society. And so marriage
is truly a celebration of God’s good work in creation.
The
uniting of two individuals from two separate families and backgrounds
to establish a new family is an important and memorable event. For
us, attached as we are to (Name
of Groom) and
(Name of Bride) by
special bonds of love and affection, the uniting of these two people
in heart, body and mine, is an occasion of great significance, which
we can all celebrate.
Marriage
is not a casual event, nor is it simply a private affair between
two individuals. Marriage is to be entered into responsibly and
prayerfully. This marriage brings together this day two individuals,
two families and two communities of faith. It is then, in the midst
of society, a sign of hope. It deserves and needs the support of
a wider community. Today is a time for family and friends to share
in their commitment to each other by offering (Name
of Groom) and
(Name of Bride) our
continued support, love and best wishes in their lives together.
In
their love together, which they publicly express in this ceremony,
(Name of Groom)
and (Name
of Bride) demonstrate not only their joy in
the present but their commitment to share the future together. We
share their joy, and promise to do all we can to help bring to fulfillment
a future of peach and justice for them and for all humanity.
Prayer
Let us pray: O Lord our God, source of all blessing, in happiness
and joy, we thank you for the gift of marriage, which we celebrate
today. May we give (Name
of Groom) and
(Name of Bride) the
ability to rejoice always in their love. May you fulfill every worthy
wish of their hearts. May you open their eyes to the
beauty and the mystery of the love they hold for each other,
every day as today.
And may their life together embrace and nurture the promise
of this moment, so that all who know them will call them truly blessed.
Amen.
Minister
Friends,
(Name of Groom) and
(Name of Bride) stand
before us to be united in marriage. If anyone can show any just
cause why they should not be joined together in marriage, let him
now speak or else forever hold his peace.
(Name of Groom)
and (Name
of Bride), please state your
intent to enter into this union by expressing your vows to one another.
His Vows
(Name
of Groom)
repeat after me: “I promise (Name
of Bride),
before family and friends to commit my love to you; to respect your
individuality; to be with you through life’s changes; and to
nurture and strengthen the love between us, as long as we both shall
live”.
Her Vows
(Name
of Bride),
repeat after me: “I promise (Name
of Groom),
before family and friends, to commit my love to you;
to respect your individuality; to be with you through life’s
changes; and to nurture and strengthen the love between us, as long
as we both shall live”.
RINGS: Minister:
The wedding ring is a symbol of unity, a circle unbroken, without
beginning or end. And today, (Name
of Groom)
and (Name
of Bride)
give and receive these rings as demonstrations of their vows to
make their life one, to work at all times to create a love that
is whole and unbroken, and to love each other without end.
Her Ring
(Name
of Groom)
take this ring and place it on (Name
of Bride)’s
finger and state your pledge to her, repeating after me: “This
ring I give you as a sign of our constant faith and abiding love.”
His Ring
(Name
of Bride),
take this ring and place it on (Name
of Groom)’s
finger and state your pledge to him, repeating after me: “This
ring I give you as a sign of our constant faith and abiding love”.
PRAYER: Minister:
“Eternal God, without your grace no promise is sure. Strengthen
(Name of Groom)
and (Name
of Bride)
with patience, kindness, gentleness, and all the other gifts you
so abundantly impart, that they may fulfill the vows they have made
this day. Keep them faithful to each other and to You. Fill them
with such love and joy that they may build a home of peace and welcome.
And guide them by your word to serve you all their days. Amen.
PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE: Minister:
“Before God and in your presence as witnesses, (Name
of Groom) and
(Name of Bride),
have made their solemn vows to each other. They have confirmed their
promises by the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of
rings. Therefore, by the power and authority given to me as minister,
according to the laws of the Country of Jamaica, I proclaim that
(Name of Groom)
and (Name
of Bride) are Husband and Wife!
You may kiss the Bride!