Civil Ceremony - 3

Minister:
Today we have gathered in this place of natural beauty to be joyful, in celebration of the relationship of ____________ and ____________. By their commitment to marry each other, they are saying yes to love, yes to caring, yes to the family. May the spirit of God–which is in the blue sky, in the wind, and in the fresh smells of the Earth–enter your bodies, fill your hearts, and bless your lives.

Have you come here in the midst of these natural surroundings to affirm your commitment to each other?

Bride and Groom:
We have.

Minister:
Please share your vows with each other:

Groom:
I promise to live with you, to encourage and celebrate your growth and fulfillment through all the changes of our lives, and to be your faithful husband. May respect for ourselves, for each other and for the earth continue to be the cornerstone of our lives together.

Bride:
I promise to live with you, to encourage and celebrate your growth and fulfillment through all the changes of our lives, and to be your faithful wife. May respect for ourselves, for each other and for the earth continue to be the cornerstone of our lives together.

Minister:
What do you give to each other as a symbol of this pledge?

Groom to the Bride, placing her ring on her finger:
I give you this ring, and I welcome you into my life as the companion of my days.

Bride to the Groom, placing his ring on his finger:
I give you this ring, and I welcome you into my life as the companion of my days.

Minister:
These two people have been drawn together by their love for each other. May they practice self-discipline and patience throughout their marriage, for these are essential to lasting love. May they continue to trust each other, for trust is the foundation on which all love is built.

Minister:
Since ____________ and ____________ have pledged their love and commitment to each other before these witnesses, I declare that they are husband and wife.

Congratulations! You may kiss.