The Marriage Ceremony

of

Name #1 Last #1 and Name #2 Last #2

on

Date

at

Place

City

INTRODUCTION

We are gathered here today to witness the formal joining of

(name #1)

and

(name #2)

in the legal state of Matrimony. You are to be married according to the orders, customs, and the authority granted by the government of the Province of Alberta.

Matrimony, as understood by us, is a state enriched by a long and honorable tradition of devotion.  According to the law each participant is equal and supports the common rights of one another in the marriage.

Marriage is not just a ceremony here today. It is a commitment for life. Therefore, it is not to be entered into thoughtlessly, or irresponsibly. There must be a desire for lifelong companionship. Couples will support and comfort each other, though the changing experiences of life.

Marriage means caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own well-being. Marriage also means working together to create and sustain a home in which the marriage may flourish.

May you laugh together in joy, grieve together in sorrow, and grow together in love.

With this understanding

(name #1)

and

(name #2)

wish to be joined in marriage.

THEREFORE:

I now call upon you both in the presence of these witnesses, to repeat after me:

Let Name #1 repeat after me:

I DO SOLEMNLY DECLARE

THAT I DO NOT KNOW OF ANY LAWFUL IMPEDIMENT

WHY I, (name #1 last #1)

MAY NOT BE JOINED IN MATRIMONY

TO (name #2 last #2)

Let Name #2 repeat after me:

I DO SOLEMNLY DECLARE

THAT I DO NOT KNOW OF ANY LAWFUL IMPEDIMENT

WHY I, (name #2 last #2)

MAY NOT BE JOINED IN MATRIMONY

TO (name #1 last #1)

As no impediment was declared or admitted, I require you to give answers to these questions:

Do you (name #1) promise to give to (name #2) the love of your person, the comfort of your companionship, and the patience of your understanding? Do you promise to share (him/her) equally the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself; and to respect the dignity of (his/her) own personal rights? Answer: I DO

Do you (name #2) promise to give to (name #1) the love of your person, the comfort of your companionship, and the patience of your understanding? Do you promise to share (him/her) equally the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself; and to respect the dignity of (his/her) own personal rights? Answer: I DO

THE MARRIAGE VOWS

Now would (name #1) and (name #2) please face one another, join hands, and let (name #1) repeat after me:

I CALL UPON THOSE PERSONS PRESENT

TO WITNESS THAT I, (name #1 last #1)

DO TAKE YOU, (name #2 last #2)

TO BE MY LAWFUL WEDDED [SPOUSE/WIFE/HUSBAND]

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD,

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD,

IN WHATEVER CIRCUMSTANCES OR EXPERIENCES

LIFE MAY

HOLD FOR US.

 Let (name #2) repeat after me:

I CALL UPON THOSE PERSONS PRESENT

TO WITNESS THAT I, (name #2 last #2)

DO TAKE YOU, (name #1 last #1)

TO BE MY LAWFUL WEDDED [SPOUSE/HUSBAND/WIFE]

TO HAVE AND TO HOLD,

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD,

IN WHATEVER CIRCUMSTANCES OR EXPERIENCES

LIFE MAY

HOLD FOR US.

THE RING EXCHANGE

The wedding ring as a symbol is significant, both as a precious metal and as an unending circle, but what gives it even more significance is that you wear it permanently. Each time you notice the ring on your finger, be reminded of the commitments you’ve made today.

Having declared these marriage vows, let (name #1) place the ring on the third finger of (name #2)’s left hand, repeating after me:

(name #2), 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.

Let (name #2) place the ring on the third finger of (name #1)’s left hand, repeating after me

(name #1), 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.

SIGNING THE MARRIAGE REGISTRATION

I will now ask (Name #1) and (Name #2) to join me, along with their witnesses to sign the Marriage Registration.

THE DECLARATION

(name #1) and (name #2) you have consented in marriage, and have declared your solemn intention in this company, before these witnesses, and in my presence. You have exchanged these rings as the pledge of your love to each other; you have joined your hands to accept one another.

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.  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, feel content as you live day by day, and keep your promises to one another.

Now upon the authority vested in me by the Province of Alberta, I pronounce you legally married. You may kiss the bride.