"I DO I DOS"

Weddings * Civil Ceremonies * Renewal of Vows

Reverend Kerri Hoffman

Non-Denominational Wedding Minister

  Serving Northern Indiana, Southwestern Michigan,

Northeastern Illinois

Basic Ceremony

Greeting:

In the eyes of God and each other, we are here today to celebrate that Groom and Bride are joined together in Holy matrimony. Marriage is a most honorable estate, created and Instituted by God, signifying unto us the spiritual union which also exists between Christ and the Church; so too may this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love.

(If bride is escorted forward)
Who is it that brings this woman to this man? (If the father, he may answer "her mother and I", "her father on behalf of the family" or simply "I do". He will place the bride's hand with the groom's and steps back.

Opening:

Groom and Bride, in the days ahead of you, there will be times of conflict and times of joy. Harmony will be your reward if you follow this advice.

Let your love be stronger than your anger.
Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break.
Look for the best in your beloved rather than the worst.
Confide in your partner and ask for help when you need it.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship.
Give your spouse the same courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Say "I love you" every day.

And I ask you to remember what First Corinthians Chapter 13 teaches us of love:
Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love is never-ending.

Vows:

Groom and Bride, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift; a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another more fully and more freely.

With this understanding, do you Groom, take Bride to be your beloved wife?
Do you promise to be a tender, faithful husband?
Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish her, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, for as long as you both shall live?

With this understanding, do you Bride, take Groom to be your beloved husband?
Do you promise to be a tender, faithful wife?
Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish him, in sickness and in health, for richer for poorer, for better for worse, for as long as you both shall live?

Rings:

Groom and Bride have chosen rings as outward symbols of the commitment they make today.

From earliest times, the ring has been a symbol of committed love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment to love that is also never ending. We ask that God bless these rings and this union of souls.

Groom, take the ring which you have selected, place it on Bride's finger, and say to her these words.

With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bride, take the ring which you have selected, place it on Groom's finger, and say to him these words.

With this ring, I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(While holding the hands of the bride and groom) May the peace of God that passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God and of his Son Jesus Christ: and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you always.

Prayer:

Let us pray: God, bless this couple that you see before you this day. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help them to continue building a relationship founded in respect and rich in caring. May Groom and Bride see each other as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in your name, Amen.

Pronouncement:

Groom and Bride, having witnessed your vows for marriage, and by the authority vested in me by God and the state of Indiana, I announce that you are husband and wife.

Kiss:

You may seal your vows with a kiss.

Presentation:

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the first time as husband and wife: Mr. and Mrs. Name!

Send mail to RevKerri@idoidos.net  with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 07/15/09