Celebration of Contemporary Vows
A modern-style ceremony with less emphasis on religion
Convocation
We have gathered here for the marriage of Happy Human and Other Happy Human. May they continue to grow together and to strengthen their love throughout their lives.
Presentation Of The Happy Human
Who presents Happy Human to be united with Other Happy Human?
FATHER-OF-THE-Happy Human: “I do” or “Her mother and I do”
(Optional) Honoring Those Not Present
At this time, we would also like to honor those who could not be with us today. We offer a special remembrance of(…) . Although they are not here with us physically, we feel blessed they are with us in spirit on this beautiful day. We bow in silence to honor their memory. (Pause for a few moments.)
Address
(Officiant gives a homily on marriage, and talks about special characteristics of the couple. May include the following or another passage of his choosing.)
Marriage begins in the giving of words. You cannot join yourselves to one another without giving your word. This must be an unconditional giving, for in joining yourselves to one another, you join yourselves to the unknown.
I would like to extend my joy to you on this occasion. You are about to take a new step forward into life. It is my hope that your fulfillment and joy in each other and in yourselves increase with each passing day.
Marriage is one of the most important obligations that two people can commit to in their lifetime. A good marriage is dependent upon many factors, but the first prerequisite is a strong bond of friendship and respect for each other. Your love for each other will grow with each passing day, but your willingness to accept each other's strong and weak points with understanding and respect, this is the sure foundation for a strong marriage.
Declaration Of Intent
Happy Human and Other Happy Human, today I ask you to make a promise: That whatever happens, you shall never walk alone;
That your hearts will be shelter to each other and your arms will be your home;
That you’ll stand side by side and sleep in each other’s arms:
That Other Happy Human, you’ll watch over Happy Human and keep her from harm;
That Happy Human, you’ll be the joy in Other Happy Human’s heart and the food for his soul;
May you feel deeply loved for indeed you are; through your brightest days and your darkest nights.
And so I ask, will you take each other into your hearts and pledge your love for this moment and forever?
Happy Human and Other Happy Human: “We will.”
Prayer (Optional)
Dear God, we call upon you in the midst of this celebration to be with this man and woman and walk with them during their days together as husband and wife. Grant that they both be filled with faith and trust. Give them grace to live with each other in peace and harmony.
May they always bear one another's weakness and grow from each other's strength. Help them to forgive one another's failings and grant them patience, kindness, cheerfulness and the spirit of placing the well-being of one another ahead of one's self. Amen
Consecration
You have always had dreams of the potential of your tomorrow's believing that anything was possible. As you set out to live in this world and make a difference in it, it stirs your hearts to know that you will be side by side. Your desires for redeeming the promises of tomorrow are strong. Having found each other, you have made a decision that there is no moment in your lives more profoundly significant than this one, the moment you offer yourself to become husband and wife. May you share with each other, from this day one, the unending joy of growth and discovery.
For many years to come you will remember this day; yet, beyond the fragrant flowers, beyond the melodious music, beyond the expressions of joy and encouragement from family and friends, beyond albums filled with picturesque memories, may your celebrate through the years that which is most fundamental about your union. You are joining because your love each other, you respect one another, and you will honor each other, and because you are committed to sharing equally in both the triumphs and trials of the days to come.
As you begin this new chapter in your lives, remember, all of your yesterdays have led you to today, and your love will lead you into tomorrow.
Lasting Vows
Other Happy Human, do you promise to love, respect and care for Happy Human for life, remaining faithful to your love as it enters into new meanings and definitions?
I do.
Happy Human, do you promise to love, respect and care for Other Happy Human for life, remaining faithful to your love as it enters into new meanings and definitions?
I do.
Ring Ceremony
May I have the rings please?
Rings are an ancient symbol, blessed and simple. Round like the sun, round like the eye, and round like arms that embrace. May these rings symbolize that your love, like the sun, illuminates and warms the others heart, like the eye, you must see clearly even amid the adversity of life, and like arms that embrace as grace upon the world. May they also remind you that love given comes back around again and again.
Happy Human/Other Happy Human take this ring and place it on Other Happy Human/Happy Human ‘s finger and repeat after me.
I, Other Happy Human, take you, Happy Human, to be my wife/husband, in equal love, as a partner and companion, to have and to hold, to honor and to cherish, in joy and in sorrow, from this day forward.
Unity Candle ( Optional)
In the calm of this moment, as you join together as husband and wife, having left the darkness to stand before the bright light that is the love of God, may the lighting of this candle symbolize the collaboration of two hearts that are united in one life.
A Reading: "These Are The Hands"
These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you. These are the hands that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind. These are hands that will countless times wipe tears from your eyes, tears of joy and tears of sorrow. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help hold your family together as one. These are hands that will give you strength when you need it. These are the hands that even when wrinkled with age will still be reaching for yours, still giving the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
Pronouncement
Happy Human and Other Happy Human have chosen each other, declared their love and purpose before family and friends, and have made their pledge to each other, symbolized by the giving and receiving of rings. By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I pronounce you husband and wife/partners in life. You may kiss!
Announcement
Family and friends, it is my great honor and privilege to present to you for the very first time, Other Happy Human and Happy Human Lastname!
