Special Ceremonies
The Marriage Vows
The groom and bride face one and other, join hands, and let the groom repeat:
I call upon those persons present to witness that I __________ do take thee, __________ to be my lawful wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, in whatever circumstances or experiences life may hold for us.
Let the bride repeat:
I call upon those persons present to witness that I __________ do take thee, __________ to be my lawful wedded wife, to have an to hold from this day forward, in whatever circumstances or experiences life may hold for us.
The Ring Exchange
Having declared the marriage vows, let the groom place the ring on the third finger of the bride's left hand, repeating:
I give you this ring that you may wear it as a lasting reminder of our marriage vows and as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
The bride will repeat:
I accept this ring as a symbol of you love and commitment.
If a second ring is presented, let the bride place the ring on the third finger of the groom's left hand, repeating:
I give you this ring that you may wear it as a lasting reminder of our marriage vows and as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
The groom will also repeat:
I accept this ring as a symbol of you love and commitment.
The Hands of the Bride and Groom
The bride will face the groom and hold his hands palms up so she may see the gift they are to her.
These are the hands of your best friend, 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 that will passionately care for and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you tight when you are grieving.
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 hold yours as you both venture into the future.
The groom will now hold the bride's hands palms up so he may see the gift that they are to him.
These are the hands of your best friend, tender and gentle, 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 work along side yours, as together you build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your inner most secrets and dreams.
These 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.
The Candlelight Ceremony
As you light this candle, and as you share the light from each other to it, may you consider the light and warmth of the candle in relationship to the warmth generated by your love to each other.
On the anniversary of your marriage, light the candle to remind you of the vows and commitment that you have made to each other. Renew the vows with the same passion, intention, expectation, and hope that you did on this day.
The Declaration
As you begin your marriage, let your home be a haven of peace in the midst of a busy and changing world; let your relationship be one of complete truth, love and understanding between you both.
Respect the confidences of your partner in this marriage, and consider that your marriage will yield what you give to it.
May you enjoy a long life, fulfill your hopes and dreams feel content as you live day by day, and keep your promises to one and other.
You have consented in marriage, and have declared your solemn intention before these witnesses, and in my presence. You have exchanged thes rings as the pledge of your love to each other, and you have joined your hands to accept one and other.
Now upon the authority vested in me by the Province of Alberta, I pronounce you, husband and wife.
Congradulations, you may now seal your vows and commitment with a kiss.
Bride, groom, witnesses and myself will sign the register.
It Is a pleasure to introduce to you Mr. __________ and Mrs. _________ Smith.