Family Oriented Ceremony Script

PROCESSIONAL

• Guests are seated followed by the entrance of the Bridal Party.

INVOCATION

officiant to the reception

"We are gathered here today to celebrate with [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] as they proclaim their love and commitment to the world. We are gathered to rejoice, with and for them, in the new life they now undertake together."

DECLARATION OF INTENT

officiant to the couple

"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], the relationship you enter into today must be grounded in the strength of your love and the power of your faith in each other. To make your relationship succeed it will take unending love.

It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want what is best for one another and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds.

If you both come freely, and understand the responsibility and work involved to make your relationship thrive, and are committed to not only each other but your family, please take each other by the hands and reply 'we do.'"

• the couple responds in the affirmative.

VOWS EXCHANGE

officiant to partner a

"[PARTNER A], repeat after me:

[PARTNER B], you are my best friend and everlasting companion. You have brought me the truest happiness I have ever known. I take joy today in committing my life to yours."

• partner a repeats the words.

"Now place the ring on her hand and repeat after me...

With this ring, I promise to stand with you as we share this life, and cherish the memories we make together."

• partner a repeats the second passage as they place the ring on partner b's finger.

officiant to partner b
"[PARTNER B], repeat after me:

[PARTNER A], you are my best friend and everlasting companion. You have brought me the truest happiness I have ever known. I take joy today in committing my life to yours."

• partner B repeats the words.

"Now place the ring on his hand and repeat after me.... with this ring, I promise to stand with you as we share this life and cherish the memories we make together."

• partner B repeats the second passage as they place the ring on partner A's finger.

POETRY READING AND RECOGNITION OF THE BRIDE'S FATHER

officiant to the reception

"[PARTNER B] shared with me how much their family means to her and [PARTNER A]. The bond between a child and her father is lifelong, and special. In recognition of that, I’d like to share a poem with you called, 'I am Yours to Keep' by Mike Quinn:

You are my princess in my heart, and I care for you so much. I love the fondness in your eyes and your tender little touch. I looked at you when you were born, And knew straight away, That I would be forever here to watch you grow and play. You bring to me a heart of joy, And memories so great, And a powerful sense of fatherhood that no one can debate. I watch you sleep and dream of things that I can only wonder. That innocent look upon your face Just makes my heart grow fonder. I see you run and jump and shout and calling out my name. No love that I have ever known could ever feel the same. No suffering or tragedy Nor deeply seated pain could ever overshadow the bond that we retain. And so my little princess before you go to sleep, remember I am your daddy and I am yours to keep.

[PARTNER B'S MOTHER], you can place the necklace you have brought to share with your daughter around her neck."

• PARTNER B'S MOTHER STANDS UP AND PLACES THE NECKLACE AROUND HER DAUGHTER'S NECK.

PRONOUNCEMENT

officiant to the couple

"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], prior to this moment you each walked a separate path. Now, you embark together on a shared path. Yet the journey is not yours alone, for you have already been blessed with beautiful children. It is the strength of your love that shall nourish you all together as a family.

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], today you have stood before these witnesses and declared your intent to commit your lives to each other in marriage. You have made promises to each other and your family.Your road to this moment has not always been smooth, but you continued to fight for one another. I hope you will never forget the fight and perseverance it has taken to get to this moment.And I hope you will never forget the love and joy you feel today, because these are the values that will keep your marriage, family and bond to one another strong."

officiant to the reception
"And so, by the power vested in me by the American Marriage Ministries and the State of [WEDDING STATE], I now pronounce you husband and wife."officiant to PARTNER A
"[PARTNER A], you may kiss your bride."

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony.