Welcome and introduction….

 

Now, Bride's name and Groom's name will commemorate their marriage by lighting a Unity Candle (Bride and groom walk over to the candles)  .Light is the essence of our existence. Each one of us possesses an inner glow that represents our hopes, our dreams and aspirations in life. 

 

Groom's name and Bride's name, the two distinct candle flames represent your lives before this day, individual, unique and special. Please take the candle symbolizing your life before today, and together light the center candle to symbolize the union of your individual lives. (Place the tapers back into their holders—join hands and remain near the candles)  As this new flame burns undivided, so shall your lives now be one. From now on your thoughts will always be for each other rather than just your individual selves. Your plans will be mutual, your joys and sorrows both will be shared alike.

 

Although you are now entering into a marriage relationship, you do not, however,  lose your personal identity. Rather, you will use your special individuality to create and strengthen the relationship of marriage. Therefore all three candles remain glowing. The individual candles represent all that makes each of you the wonderful and unique person the other admires and respects. The Unity candle in the center symbolizes the union of your lives, families, and friends, as well as your shining commitment to each other, and to a lasting and loving marriage. (Walk back to wedding officiant)

 

 (Optional to be  read by officiant, if you choose, as you walk back to the altar for the wedding pronouncement) 

May the blessing of light,

Be with you always,

Light without and light within.

And may the sun shine

Upon you and warm your heart

Until it glows

Like a great fire

So that others may feel

The warmth of your love for one another.

 

Do you commit to each other to love, honor, respect each other , to communicate with each other , to look to your own emotional health so that you can relate in a healthy way, and provide a healthy home for children if you choose to have them, to be support and comfort for your partner in times of sickness and health , as long as love shall live. Then recite the vows you have written for each other .

 

"The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, (bride and groom, exchange your rings and voice your promise. ."

Exchange rings… and vow: “with this ring, I thee wed’ ..

 

You are now as your hearts have always known you to be,Husband and Wife. (Partners) You may kiss!”