Opening
Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ endorsed this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the Union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all PEOPLE. The union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy and for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into lightly: but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
Into this holy union _______________ and _____________ now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not lawfully be married, speak now or else forever hold your peace.
We come together today not to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognize a bond that already exists. This marriage is one expression of the many varieties of LOVE. Therefore it is fitting to speak briefly about LOVE. We live in a world of joy and fear and search for meaning and strength in this seeming Disorder. We discover the truest guideline to our quest when we realize love in all its MAGNITUDES. Love is the eternal force of Life. Love is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with COURAGE. But, you must be of love a little more careful than of ANYTHING. For the giving of yourself in love is difficult, for you must learn to give of your love without total submission of YOURSELF. Therefore, in your giving, give your joy, your sadness, your interest, your understanding, your knowledge – all expressions that make up LIFE. But in this giving, remember to preserve yourself – your integrity, your individuality. This is the challenge of love within marriage.
Reading
There is an art to marriage as there is to any creative activity we human beings engage IN. This art asks that we pay attention to the little things as well as the big ones that are part of the closeness of MARRIAGE. Never grow too old to hold HANDS. At least once a day, remember to say, “I love YOU.” In so much as it is possible, develop the capacity to forgive and forget and heal quarrels as they happen so that you do not go to bed angry. Your courtship should not end with the honeymoon, so pay attention that you do not come to take each other for granted, and remember to speak words of appreciation and demonstrate your gratitude in thoughtful WAYS. In day-to-day experience a husband and wife can know the meeting of minds, the communion of spirits and the joining of BODIES. Marital union can mediate spiritual unity in a bodily mode that transcends the limitations of speech.
Chapter of Love (I Corinthians 13)
Question of intent
________________________, Will you have this man to be your husband; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?
________________________, Will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?
Vows
(bride and groom face each other and hold hands)
__________________, Repeat after me:
This is my solemn vow. I, ________________, take you, __________________, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part.
__________________, Repeat after me:
This is my solemn vow. I, ________________, take you, __________________, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part.
Rings
These rings are a symbol of unity in which your two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle of LOVE. Today in weddings, rings are gifts and they are also much MORE. They are the lasting symbols of the vows and commitments made on the wedding DAY. Long after the cake and flowers are gone and the clothing put away, the ring will remain as a reminder of the promises of the wedding service.
___________, please place this ring on ___________’s finger and repeat after me:
In token and pledge of our constant faith and
abiding love, with this ring I marry you.___________, please place this ring on ___________’s finger and repeat after me:
In token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love, with this ring I marry you.
Blessing
Dear Lord, thank you for this wonderful Hawaiian day. Thank you so very much for bringing this couple together. Please bless their union with love, joy and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Declaration
Now that __________ and __________ have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of a ring, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride!!!
