Sample of Contemporary ceremony
Contemporary
Welcome: Friends and Family, we have gathered here today to witness and bless the marriage of ______. To this moment they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure to share with one another. They bring their dreams that bind them together in an everlasting commitment. They bring their gifts and talents, their unique personalities and spirits, which they will use as they build their life together. Marriage is the promise of hope between two people who love each other sincerely, who honor each other as individuals, and who wish to unite their lives and share the future together. In this ceremony, they dedicate themselves to the happiness and well-being of each other. We rejoice with them that out of all the world they have found each other; and that together they will find the deeper meaning and richness of human life in sharing it with each other.
Personalize by adding some details.
Readings
Contemporary
(Fr. Noel) Understanding of Marriage:
Your marriage relationship offers you the highest and most intimate experience of love. A growing bond of affection, trust and mutual concern can bring you into a fuller life than either of you can achieve alone. As you share with each other your creative differences, your life together can become richer, more complete and more soul-satisfying. Marriage in this high sense is a uniting on all levels of your being: body, mind, heart and spirit.
As you stand here, in this high moment, remember that love, loyalty and trust are the foundations of a happy and lasting marriage. As you strive to fulfill the commitment you make here today, your life together can be increasingly full of joy, of satisfaction and of peace. We pray that in all the events of life you will hold fast to the vision and promise of this, your wedding day.
(Fr. Noel) Declaration of Intent & Exchange of vows:
Contemporary
I, take to be my wife and constant friend, my faithful partner in life and my one true love. On this special day, I promise to stay by your side as your husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in good times and bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
I take you, to be my husband and constant friend,
my faithful partner in life and my one true love. On this special day, I promise to stay by your side as your wife in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in good times and bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
Or
Personal vows
RING CEREMONY
Rings are an ancient symbol, blessed and simple. Round they are, like the sun, like the eye, like the arms that embrace. Circles they are, for love that is given comes back round again. Ashley and Patrick, may these rings remind you that your love, like the sun, illuminates; that your love, like the eye, must see clearly; and that your love, like the arms which embrace, is a grace upon this world.
.
Groom and bride repeat: With this ring, I thee wed.
Good Wishes to couple.
You have now affirmed before God, your families, and your friends, your bond of love and commitment. You have come from different backgrounds. You have walked different paths. You are different individuals. Your love now transcends these differences. In the years ahead of you, may the richness of the traditions that have nurtured you, enhance and brighten your lives as you help to create and shape the future.
May the spirit of love be ever a part of your lives, so that the union we celebrate this day be worthy of continued celebration to-day, tomorrow and forever. Amen.
Pronouncement:
Contemporary
Welcome: Friends and Family, we have gathered here today to witness and bless the marriage of ______. To this moment they bring the fullness of their hearts as a treasure to share with one another. They bring their dreams that bind them together in an everlasting commitment. They bring their gifts and talents, their unique personalities and spirits, which they will use as they build their life together. Marriage is the promise of hope between two people who love each other sincerely, who honor each other as individuals, and who wish to unite their lives and share the future together. In this ceremony, they dedicate themselves to the happiness and well-being of each other. We rejoice with them that out of all the world they have found each other; and that together they will find the deeper meaning and richness of human life in sharing it with each other.
Personalize by adding some details.
Readings
Contemporary
(Fr. Noel) Understanding of Marriage:
Your marriage relationship offers you the highest and most intimate experience of love. A growing bond of affection, trust and mutual concern can bring you into a fuller life than either of you can achieve alone. As you share with each other your creative differences, your life together can become richer, more complete and more soul-satisfying. Marriage in this high sense is a uniting on all levels of your being: body, mind, heart and spirit.
As you stand here, in this high moment, remember that love, loyalty and trust are the foundations of a happy and lasting marriage. As you strive to fulfill the commitment you make here today, your life together can be increasingly full of joy, of satisfaction and of peace. We pray that in all the events of life you will hold fast to the vision and promise of this, your wedding day.
(Fr. Noel) Declaration of Intent & Exchange of vows:
- Response: We have.
Contemporary
I, take to be my wife and constant friend, my faithful partner in life and my one true love. On this special day, I promise to stay by your side as your husband in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in good times and bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
I take you, to be my husband and constant friend,
my faithful partner in life and my one true love. On this special day, I promise to stay by your side as your wife in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in good times and bad. I promise to love you without reservation, comfort you in times of distress, encourage you to achieve all your goals, laugh with you and cry with you, grow with you in mind and spirit, always be open and honest with you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.
Or
Personal vows
RING CEREMONY
Rings are an ancient symbol, blessed and simple. Round they are, like the sun, like the eye, like the arms that embrace. Circles they are, for love that is given comes back round again. Ashley and Patrick, may these rings remind you that your love, like the sun, illuminates; that your love, like the eye, must see clearly; and that your love, like the arms which embrace, is a grace upon this world.
.
Groom and bride repeat: With this ring, I thee wed.
Good Wishes to couple.
You have now affirmed before God, your families, and your friends, your bond of love and commitment. You have come from different backgrounds. You have walked different paths. You are different individuals. Your love now transcends these differences. In the years ahead of you, may the richness of the traditions that have nurtured you, enhance and brighten your lives as you help to create and shape the future.
May the spirit of love be ever a part of your lives, so that the union we celebrate this day be worthy of continued celebration to-day, tomorrow and forever. Amen.
Pronouncement:
- blessings you will share in the days and years ahead. And now that you have spoken the words and performed the rites that unite your lives. Now, by the power of your love and the commitment you have made, it is my legal right and our privilege to declare your marriage to be valid and binding, and declare you, -------- husband and wife.
