Tell the story
The ceremony should reflect the values, lives and spirituality of the happy couple.
Ceremonies can take on many different personalities and honor many traditions. Feel free to use these sample ceremonies to inspire the foundation of your ceremony.
Sample 1 Short and Sweet: TIME ~10 Minutes
...You are here today, because you believe that by being together your lives will be richer and more interesting than they would be apart. We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognize a bond that already exists. But before you turn the page to your next chapter together, lets go back to how it all began...
Sample 2 Just Enough: Time ~20 Minutes
...The concept of marriage in society is changing. We have more lifestyle options than ever before. You two chose to stand up here today, together (however long it took you to get here) in front of your family, friends, your most enthusiastic supporters (!) - and commit. You are embarking on yet another chapter of your life together and we are here to honor that.
But before you turn around to face this new future together, let’s go back to how this all began….
Sample 3 It's In the Details: Time ~30 Minutes
...Today I make the most sincere promise my heart can make. I promise you that my choices, actions, and words are guided by my unconditional love for you.
I am committed to grow, guided by your unconditional love for me.
I will always keep faith in our love, whether our journey is effortless or whether it is challenging.
I promise that you will never be alone, I will be your home, your calm, your comfort.
I will listen to you, and I will nurture you.
I will walk beside you as your rock, share your dreams, and give you room to grow.
Whatever adventure awaits us, it awaits us together.
You invigorate my life, and today I join that life with yours...
Sample 4 The Mountains Win: ~20 minutes
...Now for all you mountaineers out there, you know there are 3 rules of mountaineering. “It’s always further than it looks. It’s always taller than it looks. And it’s always harder than it looks.” And so you would be wise to prepare.
The manner with which you two prepared for that trip is indicative of how you got here today. Your sense of adventure, compassion for each other and ability to approach things as a united front is exactly what made that trip so memorable and what will make this marriage an incredible journey...
Sample 5 From The Heavens: ~10 minutes
...You two chose to stand up here today, together and commit. To be successful, you will need strength, courage, patience and a really good sense of humor.
Today you promise to embrace conflict as well as peace; to work as well as play; to struggle as well as coast; to give as well as receive; and to be with, stay with, and move toward one another...
Sample 6 Tradition & Unitarian...Say Hello to The Open Road
....We cannot know what the future may bring into the lives of ____ and ____ but we pray that together they may be equal to the demands of all their tomorrows.
May their marriage always be a shared adventure, rich with moments of serenity as well as excitement, vital with problems that test as well as achievements that lift, marked by a sense of personal freedom as well as mutual responsibility. May you find in each other companionship as well as love...