David B Greene

Opening & Welcome

(Officiant smiles, looks out at guests, pauses for quiet)

“Family and friends — though as I see it, and understand it, we are all gathered here as family.

How wonderful it is that everything in nature seems to live within us, as if truly part of us. The sun shines not only on us, but within us. The rivers and streams we came through getting here, flow not past, but through us, thrilling and enlivening every fiber of our being. The songs of birds, the whispers of the wind, even the strength of storms — all find echo in our hearts.

Today, surrounded by this breath taking ancient and magical place, we gather to celebrate Heather and Drew as they join together in marriage.”

(Pause, smile at couple)

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Love Story & Intent

“Drew and Heather, the day you met was the beginning of everything. Over time, you have laughed, cried, argued, forgiven, and grown together.

You’ve become lovers and best friends. Somewhere along the way, you fell in love — by chance. But you are here today by choice.

You choose each other. You choose to share life with the one who makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter.

The two of you have invited us here to witness this promise — the giving of your hearts and spirits, bound in love, trust, faith, and hope. And so, before your family, before nature itself, and before every bird, grizzly bear, and gray butted moose in attendance, you declare your commitment.

(Pause for effect)

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Declaration of Intent

(Officiant turns to couple)

“Heather and Drew, is it your desire to be married here today?”

(Couple responds: “Yes.” Pause for smiles and laughter)

Sermon

Today, we are gathered not only to witness Heather and Drew’s vows, but also to reflect on the meaning of marriage itself.

Marriage is a promise — a commitment between two people who have chosen to walk life’s path side by side. It is not about perfection, nor about never facing challenges. Instead, it is about choosing, again and again, to love, to forgive, and to grow together.

A lasting marriage is built on small things as much as great ones: the shared laughter after a long day, the comfort of knowing someone is always in your corner, the quiet understanding that no matter what storms may come, you face them as one.

Today is a celebration of love — but not just the kind that brought you together. It is the deeper love that keeps two people together: love that is patient, that listens, that makes space for change, and that honors individuality while building unity.

Heather and Drew, your marriage will be a reflection of the life you create together. Keep your hearts open, your words honest, and your home full of laughter. Remember that love is not only found in grand gestures, but in the simple, daily acts of kindness and care you show each other.

Let this marriage be your greatest adventure — a journey of partnership, respect, and joy. And as you go forward from this day, may you always find strength in one another, and may your love continue to grow deeper with every year you share.

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Private & Public Vows

(Officiant nods to the couple)

“Heather and Drew have chosen to share some vows privately with one another. But now, they will make their public vows before us and before the spirit of these mountains.”

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Exchange of Rings

(Officiant gestures toward the rings)

“As a symbol of this covenant, Heather and Drew will exchange rings.

Wedding rings are made of precious metal — durable, resilient, and unbroken, just as your love must be. They are circles without end, reminding us of the eternal journey of love, trust, and joy.”

(To Heather)

“Heather, please place the ring on Drew’s finger and repeat after me.”

(Heather repeats, line by line after officiant)

“I, Heather, take you, Drew,

to be my lawfully and spiritually wedded husband,

my partner in life,

to have and to hold,

in sickness and in health,

in good times and in times of woe,

for richer or poorer,

keeping myself to you alone,

for as long as we both shall live.”

(Pause — Heather places ring on Drew’s finger)

(To Drew)

“Drew, please place the ring on Heather’s finger and repeat after me.”

(Drew repeats, line by line after officiant)

“I, Drew, take you, Heather,

to be my lawfully and spiritually wedded wife,

my partner in life,

to have and to hold,

in sickness and in health,

in good times and in times of woe,

for richer or poorer,

keeping myself to you alone,

for as long as we both shall live.”

(Pause — Drew places ring on Heather’s finger)

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Pronouncement & Closing Blessing

(Officiant steps slightly back, smiles warmly at the couple)

“Heather and Drew, may your home be full of laughter, your table full of good food, and your hearts always full of love and honesty.

If you hold to these things, your journey together will be an extraordinary one.

By the strength of your love, and the authority entrusted to me by the State of Colorado and the American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you husband and wife!”

(Pause — look at Drew, smile)

“Drew, you may kiss your bride!”

(Allow kiss, applause, smiles, celebration)