Marriage Service #7

Especially good for couples of diverse religious backgrounds
Opening remarks by Pastor
“The Art of Marriage”
In love and marriage, the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the entire family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not looking for perfection in each other but cultivating patience, understanding . . . a sense of humor . . . and the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is providing each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for things of the Spirit.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independent is equal, dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

Water Ceremony
Pastor: I now invite the parents of the bride and groom to come forward.
In your hands you hold water of the east and water of the west. The two symbolize your own families, your own friends, and your own traditions and faith. As the water pours from separate containers, flows together and becomes one body of water, we witness the joining of the lives of _________ and _________, and of those who are part of their lives now, and those who have helped shape their lives but can now be here in our memories and in spirit. At this moment we remember and honor _______________ (list of those dear ones who have passed on to the other side).
(ritual pouring of water together)
As the water has flowed, let these two become one. We pray this and claim this to the One God who loves us all.

(Option: readings and/or song can go here)

The exchange of vows
Pastor Eastman: _______ and _________, are you ready to exchange your vows of marriage?
Man: I, _________, take you, _________, to be my wife; to honor you, respect you, and care for you - through all that is bitter and all that is sweet. I promise to show you patience, to respect your own mind and thoughts. As we step together into the future I promise to never stop loving and amazing you. As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my life to keep.
Woman:
I, _________, take you, _________, to be my husband; to honor you, respect you, and care for you - through all that is bitter and all that is sweet. I promise to show you patience, to respect your own mind and thoughts. As we step together into the future I promise to never stop loving and amazing you. As I have given you my hand to hold, I give you my life to keep.
Pastor Eastman: _________ and _________, please join hands.
These hands holding yours on your wedding day are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work along side 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 others.
These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes - tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.
The exchange of rings
Pastor: The wedding ring is the outward and visible sigh of an inward and spiritual bond. In these two rings is the symbol of unity in which two lives are not joined as one. May these rings be forever reminders of the unbroken circle of your love and of the promises you have made here today.
(optional: pastor leads prayer to bless rings)
Man: _________, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows. You are my beloved, you are my friend, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of our God.
woman: _________, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows. You are my beloved, you are my friend, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of our God.
(optional: blended family section)
(optional: gifts to parents/grandparents)
Pastor: _________ and ____________, now that you have uttered your vows and committed that you will honor your love and build your relationship in marriage, I, _______(pastor’s name), authorized by the state of _____________ and sanctioned by Divine Authority, pronounce you legally married, husband and wife.
What the two of you have chosen to put together with the help of God, let no one interfere with. Now, would you care to share with us your first marriage kiss?

Pastor: Let me introduce to you ___________ and ______________, now legally married!
Let us go now and celebrate!

Previous Ceremony / Next Ceremony

Call to discuss your wedding:
513 853 6180 (Pastor's Office)
800 825 4332 Toll-Free
859 757 4062 Kentucky

Pastor Eastman:
Pastor@MarriageChaplain.com