Love’s Constant
The Marriage Ceremony
of
Name #1 Last #1
and
Name #2 Last #2
on
Date
at
Place
in
Place
INTRODUCTION
We are gathered here today to witness the formal joining of
Name #1 Last #1
and
Name #2 Last #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 with him equally the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself; and respect the dignity of his 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 with her equally the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself; and respect the dignity of 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 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 WIFE
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD,
FROM THIS DAY FORWARD,
IN WHATEVER CIRCUMSTANCES OR EXPERIENCES
LIFE MAY
HOLD FOR US.
Now Name #1 and Name #2 will read their vows to each other.
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.
We stand here today, celebrating a milestone in this relationship, but marriage is actually a normal part of life. There is nothing in life more constant than love.
And, regardless of how unpredictable the world is, we can always rely on the constant of love.
As you begin your marriage, may love’s constant guide your actions. As your lives grow and change together may your relationship be one of truth and understanding.
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 husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.