Spiritual Ceremony

"Spiritual" means many different things to people. Most often, in a ceremonial context, it is either the religious, sacred or divine feeling or essence underneath a religious element, ritual or tradition "concerned with or affecting the spirit or soul"; a spiritual approach to life; "spiritual fulfillment"; "spiritual values".

     (Opening)

Welcome family and friends

In the eyes of God and each other, we are here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to cherish the words that will unite __________ and __________ in marriage.

(Groom)__________ and (Bride)__________, in the days ahead of you, there will be times of conflict and times of joy. Harmony will be your reward if you follow this advice.

Let your love be stronger than your anger.

Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.

Look for the best in your beloved rather than the worst.

Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it.

Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.

Give your spouse the same courtesies and kindness you bestow on your friends.

Say, "I love you" every day.

     (Consecration)

Let us pray

Divine Creator of all of this wonder, we pray that your love and your joy may flow through us and around us at this time. Shine your light upon __________ and __________ so that they may give wholly to one another in total joy.

Nourish their minds with your wisdom.

Enrich their hearts with your love.

Feed their marriage with your presence.

Give them courage and inspiration to honor the vows they make here today.

May all who gather here as witnesses support and encourage their union and be blessed and uplifted as we celebrate with them.

Amen.

(You may wish to add a reading or song here.)

     (Vows)

__________ and __________, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift; a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully and more freely.

With this understanding, do you __________ take __________ to be your beloved wife?

Do you promise to be a tender, faithful husband?

Do you promise to love, honor and cherish her in sickness and health, for richer for poorer, for better or for worse, from this day forward?

With this understanding, do you __________ take __________ to be your beloved husband?

(You may wish to add a reading or song here.)

     (Rings)

__________ and __________ have a chosen rings as an outward symbol of the commitment they make today. From the earliest times, the ring has been a symbol of wedded love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment to love that is also never  ending. We ask that God bless these rings and this union of souls.

__________, place the ring you have chosen on __________'s finger and say to her these words:

This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my desire that you be my wife from this day forward.

__________, place the ring you have chosen on __________'s finger and say to him these words:

This ring, a gift for you, symbolizes my desire that you be my husband from this day forward.

Let these rings serve as locks binding you together, and as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever.

     (Unity Candle) (optional)

This candle before you is a candle of commitment because it takes two people working together to keep it aflame.

This candle is also a candle of Unity because both must come together, giving a spark of themselves to create the new light.

Would you both now light the candle?

As you light this candle today, may the brightness of the flame shine throughout your lives.

May it give you courage and reassurance in darkness; Warmth and safety in the cold; And strength and joy in your bodies, minds, and spirits. May your union be forever blessed.

     (Closing)

To be loved is to know joy and happiness. To give love is to know the joy of sharing oneself; for it is through the miracle of love that we discover the fullness of life. May God always be with you, protect you, and guide you both, now and forever.

May the sun bring you new energy by day.

May the moon softly restore you by night.

May the rain wash you worries.

And may you live the days of your lives in peace, love and happiness.

     (Pronouncement)

__________ and __________, having witnessed your vows for marriage with all who are assembled here, and by the authority vested in me, I announce with great joy that you are husband and wife.

You may seal your vows with a kiss.

     (Presentation)

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the first time as husband and wife __________ and __________!