HAND BINDING
(to be done before the HandFasting) PRIESTESS:
(BRIDE), please face (GROOM), and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you.
(BRIDE and GROOM should be facing each other, his upturned hands resting in hers.)
These are the hands, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life.
These are the hands you will place with expectant joy against your stomach, until he too, feels his child stir within your womb.
These are the hands that look so large and clumsy, yet will be so gentle as he holds your baby for the first time.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief rack your mind.
These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his love and desire for you.
PRIEST:
(GROOM), please hold (BRIDE)'s hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you.
(Bride should now place her upturned hands in the Groom's hands.)
These are the hands that are smooth, young, and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.
These are the hands that will hold each child in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurts, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it's time to let go.
These are the hands that will massage tension from your neck and back in the evenings, after you've both had a long hard day.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will hold you in joy and excitement and hope.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together, everything you wish for can be realized.
PRIEST and/or PRIESTESS:
Lovely Goddess, bless the hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted to reaching for your perfection. May (BRIDE) and (GROOM) see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter, and guide.
(If desired, you may now continue on with the hand-fasting.) BLOOD BINDING CEREMONY CELEBRANT:
May the place of this rite be consecrated before the Gods. For we gather here in a ritual of love with the two who would be wedded.
(GROOM) and (BRIDE), come forward to stand before me and before the Gods.
*GROOM kneels and holds his sword.*
GROOM:
With this sword, I promise to stand beside you through all the challenges of this life, to support you, and defend you whenever you need me.
BRIDE:
I accept your promise.
*GROOM kisses his blade, sheaths it, and rises.*
*BRIDE kneels and holds her sword.*
BRIDE:
With this sword, I promise to stand beside you through all the challenges of this life, to support you, and defend you whenever you need me.
GROOM:
I accept your promise.
*BRIDE kisses her blade, sheaths it, and rises.*
*GROOM takes the cup and kneels.*
GROOM:
With this cup, I promise to accept the love you pour upon me, and to return that love in kind.
*BRIDE fills the cup halfway.*
BRIDE:
Drink, then, of my love.
*BRIDE takes the cup and kneels.*
BRIDE:
With this cup, I promise to accept the love you pour upon me, and to return that love in kind.
*GROOM fills the cup to the brim.*
GROOM:
Drink, then, of my love.
*GROOM pricks his finger.*
GROOM:
With this blood I ask the Gods to bless this union.
*GROOM lets a drop of his blood fall into the cup.*
GROOM:
With this blood I bind my life to yours.
BRIDE:
I drink of our life together.
*BRIDE pricks her finger.*
BRIDE:
With this blood I ask the Gods to bless this union.
*BRIDE lets a drop of her blood fall into the cup.*
BRIDE:
With this blood I bind my life to yours.
*GROOM raises the cup.*
*BRIDE places her hands over his.*
GROOM:
I drink of our life together.
*GROOM drinks from the cup.*
*BRIDE drinks from the cup.*
CELEBRANT:
(GROOM) and (BRIDE), do you have vows you wish to exchange with each other?
BRIDE and GROOM:
We do.
CELEBRANT:
Please speak them now.
**Insert vows here**
CELEBRANT:
(GROOM) and (BRIDE), place your hands over mine and your rings.
Like a stone should your love be firm. Be close, yet not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with each other for storms will come, but they will go quickly. Be free in giving of affection and warmth. Have no fear, and let not the ways or words of strangers give you unease, for the Gods are with you, now and always.
Is it your wish, (BRIDE), to join your life with this man?
BRIDE:
It is.
CELEBRANT:
Please present to him the token of your love.
*BRIDE places the ring on GROOM's finger.*
CELEBRANT:
Is it your wish, (GROOM), to join your life with this woman?
GROOM:
It is.
CELEBRANT:
Please present to her the token of your love.
*GROOM places the ring on BRIDE's finger.*
CELEBRANT:
As the Gods are witnesses to this rite, I hereby announce to all present that you are husband and wife.
(GROOM), you may now kiss your bride.
All Hail (BRIDE) and (GROOM)! CELTIC WICCAN HANDFASTING (Perform this rite out-of-doors. The circle is outlined around the edges with stones. A tree standing at either the North or East is decorated with ribbons and flowers, and electric holiday lights, to symbolize the bridal pair's new life.)
(All guests enter the ritual area, and stand, forming another circle inside the stone circle.)
PRIEST:
Let the four directions be honored that power and radiance might enter our circle for the good of all beings.
CALLER OF THE NORTH:
With the blessing of the deep and fruitful earth, we call upon the powers of the North.
CALLER OF THE SOUTH:
With the blessing of the inner fire of the sun, we call upon the powers of the South.
CALLER OF THE WEST:
With the blessing of the sacred waters of the pool, we call upon the powers of the West.
CALLER OF THE EAST:
With the blessing of the the clear pure air, we call upon the powers of the East.
PRIESTESS:
May the harmony of our circle be complete.
PRIEST:
We stand upon this Holy Earth and in the Face of Heaven to witness the Sacred Rite of Marriage between (GROOM) and (BRIDE). Just as we come together as family and friends so we ask for the Greater Powers to be present here within our Circle. May this Sacred Union be filled with their Holy Presence.
(pause)
I invoke the God of Love whose name is Aengus mac Og to be present in this Sacred Place. In his name is Love declared.
PRIESTESS:
I invoke the Goddess of the Bright Flame whose name is Brigid to be present in this Sacred Place. In Her name is Peace declared.
PRIEST:
In the name of the Ancestors whose Traditions we honour,
PRIESTESS:
In the name of those who gave us Life,
BOTH:
May we all unite in Love.
The BRIDE and GROOM, shrouded in black (symbolizing the mystery of love), and walking hand-in-hand, enter accompanied by their ATTENDANTS, and if possible, the COUPLE's parents. Either the GROOM or his ATTENDANT brings a sword or other weapon. The BRIDE and GROOM walk three times around the fire. Upon completing the three revolutions, their attendants remove the shrounds. The BRIDE and GROOM kiss, and all the guests shout and wave branches and flowers in approval.)
PRIESTESS:
Standing before us are (GROOM) and (BRIDE). May we all bid them hail and welcome.
EVERYONE:
Hail!
(BRIDE stands before HP and GROOM stands before HPS.)
HP (to BRIDE):
Are you (BRIDE)?
BRIDE:
I am.
HP:
What is your desire?
BRIDE:
To be joined with (GROOM) in the prescence of the Gods and our friends.
(HP places a wreath of roses on the BRIDE's head.)
HP:
I welcome you with joy.
HPS (to GROOM):
Are you (GROOM)?
GROOM:
I am.
HPS:
What is your desire?
GROOM:
To be joined with (BRIDE) in the presence of the Gods and our friends.
(HPS places a wreath of greenery on the GROOM's head.)
HPS:
I welcome you with joy.
(The PRIEST and PRIESTESS bring the BRIDE and GROOM's parents into the circle. The GROOM's parents and attendant stand with him, the BRIDE's parents and attendant with her. The BRIDE's FATHER has carried with him a sword or other weapon.)
FATHER:
I bring you (BRIDE's name), my child and my treasure. (FATHER passes his weapon over BRIDE's head to the GROOM) Take this sword (or other weapon) and mind that always must you be strong, whole, and ready in service to protect thy bride.
GROOM (as he accepts the weapon from BRIDE's FATHER):
I, (GROOM's NAME), do vow this before the Gods of our people.
HPS:
Then nothing may stand in your way!
HP (to BRIDE):
Take the hand of your love in yours (The BRIDE takes GROOM's left hand in her left) and say after me -
By seed and root, by bud and stem, by leaf and flower and fruit, by life and by love, in the name of the God, I take thee to my hand, my heart and my spirit, at the setting of the sun and the rising of the stars. Nor shall death part us, for in the ripeness of time we shall meet, and know, and remember, and love again. Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone, I here, thou there, yet both as one.
BRIDE:
By seed and root, by bud and stem, by leaf and flower and fruit, by life and by love, in the name of the God, I take thee to my hand, my heart and my spirit, at the setting of the sun and the rising of the stars. Nor shall death part us, for in the ripeness of time we shall meet, and know, and remember, and love again. Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone, I here, thou there, yet both as one.
HPS (to GROOM):
Take the hand of your love in yours (The GROOM takes BRIDE's right hand in his right) and say after me -
By seed and root, by bud and stem, by leaf and flower and fruit, by life and by love, in the name of the Godess, I take thee to my hand, my heart and my spirit, at the setting of the sun and the rising of the stars. Nor shall death part us, for in the ripeness of time we shall meet, and know, and remember, and love again. Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone, I here, thou there, yet both as one.
GROOM:
By seed and root, by bud and stem, by leaf and flower and fruit, by life and by love, in the name of Godess, I take thee to my hand, my heart and my spirit, at the setting of the sun and the rising of the stars. Nor shall death part us, for in the ripeness of time we shall meet, and know, and remember, and love again. Flesh of thy flesh, bone of thy bone, I here, thou there, yet both as one.
(PRIESTESS stands in place, PRIEST brings GROOM's MOTHER to stand facing GROOM and BRIDE. PRIESTESS hands her the chord.)
MOTHER:
(Says a few words of her own, then as she is placing the cord around the hands of Bride And Groom, says the following):
May you be ever joined as one,
happy and together before all you come to meet and know,
and before the Divine.
HPS:
As the Sun and Moon bring light to the Earth do you (GROOM) and (BRIDE) vow to bring the light of love and joy to the union?
BRIDE and GROOM:
We do.
HP:
And do you vow to honor each other as you honor which you hold most sacred?
BRIDE and GROOM:
We do.
HPS:
And do you vow to maintain these vows in freedom, for as long as love shall last?
BRIDE and GROOM:
We do.
HP:
Let our friends and our Gods bear witness that (BRIDE) and (GROOM) are joined in love, joy and freedom.
ALL:
So let it be.
(HP unbinds BRIDE's and GROOM's wrists.)
HPS:
All things in Nature are circular - night becomes day, day becomes night and night becomes day again. The moon waxes and wanes and waxes again. There is Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and then the Spring returns. These things are part of the Great Mysteries. (GROOM) and (BRIDE), do you bring your symbols of these Great Mysteries of Life?
BRIDE and GROOM, in turn:
__________, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it remind you always, as it circles your finger, of my eternal love, surrounding you and enfolding you day and night. You are my beloved bride / bridegroom and I marry you today with this ring as I give you my heart, my body and the very breath of my soul.
HPS:
Then seal your promise with a kiss.
(BRIDE and GROOM kiss)
HP:
Let those assembled here bear witness that (BRIDE) and (GROOM) are joined in love. May their love partake of the beauty, majesty and power of the sacred land and may they grow together in wisdom, joy and harmony. My own blessings and the blessings of all those assembled be with you.
HPS:
The blessings of the Goddess and the God be with you.
HP:
The blessings of the ancestors be with you.
HPS:
And with all that grows from your union.
HP:
So let it be!
ALL:
So let it be! HANDFASTING IN FULL CEREMONIAL FORM HIGH PRIEST:
I humbly ask the attendance of the Elementals of life!
CALLER OF THE EAST [said whilst pouring water into a bowl]:
Welcome, O'powers of Water! Bless this couple with a love as deep as any ocean! May richness of body, of soul and of spirit be theirs ever more!
[Places bowl at eastern point of the circle, bows & retires]
CALLER OF SOUTH [said whilst lighting a red candle ]:
Welcome, O'powers of Fire! Ignite the Passion and the Love for this blessed pair. Ever burning, yet never consuming one or the other!
[Places candle at southern point of circle, bows & retires.]
CALLER OF WEST [said whilst igniting incense in censer]:
Welcome, O'powers of Air! With clever fingers weave tightly the bonds of Heart, Spirit and Love between these two! Let none undo the fabric of their love!
[Places censer at western point of circle, bows & retires.]
CALLER OF NORTH [said whilst filling bowl with soil]:
Welcome, O'powers of Earth! Bless this man, this woman with thy strength and wisdom. To be theirs as long as love lasts!
[Places bowl at northern point of circle, bows & retires.]
CALLERS OF EAST, SOUTH, WEST, and NORTH [in unison]:
Gracious Goddess, Gentle God, Grant this blessed pair thy love and protection.Blessed Be!
HIGH PRIEST:
Who comes forth at this time to petition the Lord and Lady's attention?
CALLER OF EAST [Said as caller draws bride into the circle]:
This Lady.
CALLER OF WEST [Said as caller draws groom into circle ]:
And this Man.
HIGH PRIESTESS:
And their reason?
COUPLE TO BE JOINED [In unision]:
For the beauty of love!
HIGH PRIEST [standing before altar, taking man's right hand and woman's left hand.]:
We gather here this night/day in a ritual of love. You, [BRIDE] and Thee, [GROOM] stand here before your friends, the elements, the Lord and Lady to join together as the beginning of a family. For before there can be three, there must be two.
HIGH PRIESTESS [Joining couple's hands, with them facing each other]:
[GROOM], what do you have to offer this woman for her love?
GROOM [gets down on one knee]:
I present to her my love and my pledge. May I never knowingly or willingly do such a thing to harm, nor greive, her in any form or fashion. Accept this my athame, as a token of my trust. Like its blade, may my love be as strong. Like its metal may our love be enduring. Accept it my love, for that which is mine is yours.
BRIDE:
My Love, I accept your pledge, and your love, as I accept thy blade. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in thine. The magic of my will, of my love, shall ever be thine.
HIGH PRIEST:
[BRIDE], and what do offer in return for the love of this man?
BRIDE:
I present to him my love and this pledge. May I never knowingly or willingly do such a thing to harm, nor greive, him in any form or fashion. Accept this, my jewel, my treasure, as a token of my trust. Just as its bright gleam, may our love glow. Like the stone that it is its essence, may our love be as enduring. Accept it my love, for that which is mine is yours.
GROOM:
My Love, I accept your pledge and your love, as I accept thy jewel. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in thine. The magic of my will, of my love, shall ever be thine.
HIGH PRIEST [Binds couple's right hands in the traditional manner]
May the Lord and Lady smile upon this union, and bless this couple with health and prosperity!
HIGH PRIESTESS:
May neither take advantage of the other. For remember what one may not provide, the other may!
HIGH PRIEST [Placing wedding bands on the fingers of the couple.] :
Your Vows have now been heard by all. These rings, like your vows, are without beginning or end. Now placed, they represent a seal of your love and respect for each other.
HIGH PRIEST [offering Chalice to couple to drink from]:
This is your first drink together as man and wife. May you never thrist.
HIGH PRIEST [Offering Bread to couple to eat from.]:
This is your first food together as man and wife. May you never hunger.
HIGH PRIEST [positions the besom]:
This will be your first act of working together as Husband and Wife.
[HIGH PRIEST AND PRIESTESS lead the couple to jump the broom.]
HIGH PRIEST [Removes binding and holds it overhead] :
I present to you [BRIDE's NAME] and her Husband, [GROOM's NAME].
HIGH PRIESTESS:
We thank the elementals of life for their attendance this day/night and ask they go forth and herald this union.
CALLER OF EAST [raising bowl overhead]:
Hail o'powers of water! Thank thee for thy attention! Sally forth and announce to all this union!
CALLER OF SOUTH [raising candle overhead]:
Hail o'powers of fire! Thank thee for thy attention! Sally forth and announce to all this union!
CALLER OF WEST [raising censer overhead]:
Hail o'powers of air! Thank thee for thy attention! Sally forth and announce to all this union!
CALLER OF NORTH [raising bowl of earth]:
Hail o'powers of earth! Thank thee for the attention! Sally forth and announce to all this union! SPIRITUAL HANDFASTING RITE OFFICIANT:
Friends, we are gathered here today, among friends and family, to witness the exchange of sacred vows to unite ------ and -------- as one. This unity is not entered into lightly, but is a simple reflection of their sincerity and commitment to each other as witnessed by those they care most about. While a faith may bless, and the state may make this commitment legal, neither state nor faith can create or invalidate this union. It is a sacred commitment between these two people responsible only unto each other, held true by their values and beliefs.
This is not the first cycle of their lives together. Rather than start new, this ceremony represents to --------- and --------- a new season. Just as spring is a time of planting, and summer is a time of growth, this cycle represents the harvest of growth, maturity and abiding respect. Past success, failures, disappointments and joy simply nourish this harvest, providing a rich and stable place from which to grow together as the cycle
of life continues.
(Turning to GROOM)
---------, is it your wish to take ----------- to be your wife and soul mate, to join together your heart unto hers, uniting your spirit and her; into a common being. gifting her with your trust, respect and abiding love for so long as your love shall last?
(Answer: It is.)
(Turning to BRIDE)
--------------, is it your wish to take --------- to be your husband and soul mate, to join together your heart unto his, uniting your spirit and his into a common being. Gifting him with your trust, respect and abiding love for so long as your love shall last?
(answer: it is)
A union such as this unites not only these two people, but brings together two halves of a circle. When a man and a woman pledge their hearts to each other, they not only create a home and family of their own, they also carry with them, the support, good will and hopes of all that care for them as individuals. This union is a confirmation to the families from which you come that they are worthy and that their contribution to your lives shall be continued in the home that you have created. In a close and personal way, your marriage is a uniting of these two families that bore and raised you. By uniting together, each of you join the family of the other to bear its strengths and promise into the future as it lies within your ability to do. Having this acknowledged is an important matter. For this reason, I would ask this of the of the families from which you come:
(Turning to MATRON OF HONOR)
Do you, as a representative of --------'s family, accept ------- as --------'s lifelong mate, and thereby, as one of your own?
(Answer: 'Yes, we do.')
(Turning to BEST MAN)
Do you, as a representative of ----------'s family, accept ----------- as --------'s lifelong mate, and thereby, as one of your own?
(Answer: 'Yes, we do.')
---------, please repeat after me:
I, --------, because I love you, take you; ----------, to be my wife. I will share with you the many adventures of life together. I gift you with my love, my respect, and pledge to you my care and commitment in times of joy and sorrow, for today, and throughout all of our tomorrows.
So will it be.
----------, please repeat after me:
I, ----------, because I love you, take you -------, to be my husband. I will share with you the many adventures of life together. I gift you with my love, my respect, and pledge to
you my care and commitment in times of joy and sorrow, for today, and throughout all of our tomorrows.
So will it be.
A ring is an unbroken circle, a symbol of unity and love, representative of the greater circle of life of which we all spiritually are a part of. Having neither beginning nor end, but a continuous cycle of which you are an element. For you, it begins with the gift of life, and will continue through the end of time.
Please Present the rings.
Will you --------, accept this ring as a loving symbol of ------'s vows this day?
(Answer: 'I will.')
Will you --------, accept this ring as a loving symbol of -------'s vows this day?
(Answer: 'I will.')
And now, each in your own way, Join me in prayer....
This is a holy place, for here life is touched by love and love by life--radiating joy like the warmth from fire. Here now, between ------ and ----------, lies hidden all the future of their lives together. May that future be blessed with deepening love. May they trust each other wholly, as they trust themselves, so that together they are equal to the needs of their tomorrows. May they be at home wherever they dwell, and gather wisdom from all the seasons of their lives.
So will it be.
-----------, and ------------, on behalf of the family and friends who love you, both here and far away, and on behalf of the larger family of humankind to which we all belong, I recognize and honor you as husband and wife, as soul mates. We celebrate your union which you have shared with us this day. May that glory which rests on all who love, rest upon you, bless you, and fill you with happiness and a gracious spirit. Despite all changes of time and fortune, may all that is noble and lovely and true abound in your hearts, and abide within you. May it give you strength in all your days together. May you accept life's rewards and bear it's burdens together for all time.
So may it be.
SYNERGY WEDDING CEREMONY CELEBRANT [to guests]:
All of us have been invited here for a holy purpose; not just to witness, but to participate fully with our thoughts, asking for blessings upon this couple and their married life. You are here because this couple feels close to you and asks that you join with them in this dedication of sacred purpose.
[CELEBRANT turns to GROOM and BRIDE].
CELEBRANT:
And with this journey, [GROOM] and [BRIDE], you bring your synergy. The essence of synergy is to value differences - to respect them, to build on strength, to compensate for weakness. Synergy is everywhere in nature. This day we celebrate a sacred agreement between the two of you. I congratulate you on the journey of your lives, on the strength and the courage it has taken for each of you to make your way to this place.
[BRIDE], [GROOM] is the Spirit's gift to you, but he is not a gift for you alone. It is your highest will that in your love, this man might find within himself a greater sense of who he is meant to be. You are asked to see the good in this man, to accept him for who he is and who he shall be, that thus he might be healed and made strong. In this way, your highest purpose shall be accomplished in this relationship. May this man find the kingdom of heaven through the love you share.
And so it is with you also, [GROOM], that although [BRIDE] is the Spirit's gift to you, she is not a gift intended for you alone. You are asked to so love this woman, that in your love she might find herself as she is created, so beautiful and strong and brave and true, that the entire world might be blessed by the presence of a woman who shines so. May she relax in your arms as she has never relaxed before. May she know, from now on, that there is one on whose love she can depend forever.
[GROOM], turn to [BRIDE] and repeat after me: "[BRIDE], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love."
[GROOM places the ring on BRIDE's finger.]
BRIDE:
I will wear it gladly. Whenever I look at it, I will remember this joyous day and the vows we've made.
[GROOM], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love.
[BRIDE places the ring on GROOM's finger.]
GROOM:
This ring is an emblem of my love. It signifies that our souls are joined in life-long ties.
BRIDE:
This ring is beautiful - shining and pure. I will strive to keep our marriage beautiful, too.
GROOM:
This ring is hard - sturdy and strong. I will strive to keep our marriage strong, too.
CELEBRANT:
Inasmuch as [GROOM] and [BRIDE] have consented together in marriage before their family and friends, have pledged their faith and declared their unity by each giving and receiving a ring and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion; I, as officiator in this realm, but most of all by the power of their love for each other, pronounce that they are husband and wife together.
May the spirits watch over you as long as the grass grows and the rivers flow.
[GROOM], you may now kiss your bride.
May the sweetness of this kiss last your whole lives through! All Hail [BRIDE] and [GROOM]! SAMPLE RING VOWS *With this ring, I wed you and pledge you my love now and forever.
*GROOM / BRIDE: I offer you this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. It will always be a symbol of the vows which have made us husband and wife this day.
BRIDE / GROOM: I accept this ring as a symbol of our love and wear it proudly as your wife / husband.
*I bring this ring as a symbol of my love and fidelity as your husband / wife, and as I slide it onto your finger, I commit my very heart and soul to you, my dear husband / wife, and I ask you to wear it as a reminder of the vows we have taken today.
*On this ring, my oath I swear, love and honor to my husband / wife.
*As this ring encircles your finger from this day forward, year in and year out, so will my love forever encircle you.
*___________, with this ring I wed you; with my body I worship you, and with all my worldly goods I endow you.
*OFFICIANT: I hold in my hand two beautiful rings, symbolic of a binding contract, to begiven and recieved as bonds of never-ending love and devoted friendship, circles of life and circles love.
(The OFFICIANT hands one of the rings to the GROOM who places it on the BRIDE's finger)
GROOM: With this ring I wed thee and offer it as a symbol of our everlasting love.
(The OFFICIANT hands the other ring to the BRIDE who places it on her GROOM's finger)
BRIDE: With this ring I wed thee and offer it as a symbol of our everlasting love.
*You are my beloved bride / bridegroom and I marry you today with this ring as I give you my heart, my body and the very breath of my soul.
*__________, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it remind you always, as it circles your finger, of my eternal love, surrounding you and enfolding you day and night.
*Just as this ring wraps endlessly around your finger, so shall my love always wrap around the very breath of your soul; may it be a reminder of the sacred vows I have spoken this day.
*A circle is the symbol of the sun and the earth, and of the universe. It is a symbol of wholeness, and perfection, and of peace. The rings we give and receive this day, then, are symbols of the circle of shared love into which we enter together as husband and wife.
*May these rings which we give and receive this day be a symbol of true faith in each other, and always remind each of us of the love you share on this day. |
