_____and_____, it is with great joy that we come together to celebrate with you as you wed. Ladies and gentleman, we are here as guests; not only to witness this marriage covenant today, but to uphold this couple and their marriage all the days of their lives! _____ and______; as you commit yourselves to one another, we therefore pray you are entering into this bond with the desire and the firm intention to honor your vows for a lifetime.

~ ‘Give Away the Bride’      (if you would like to have this, here is where it is inserted)
Who gives this woman to this man in marriage?   I DO    (or, ‘Her mother and I do, etc)

_______ and _______, in just moments you will be vowing your lives to one another. Before you are joined in marriage in the presence of God and all gathered here, I am bound to remind you of the holy and solemn nature of God’s marriage covenant. It is to be entered into reverently, and with a full understanding of its sacredness.

~ Exchange of Wedding Vows
(vows are recited ‘phrase by phrase’ after the minister…or write your own!)

I ____ take you ____ ~ as my friend and love ~ beside me and apart from me ~ in laughter and in tears ~ in conflict and peace ~ asking that you not be ~ other than yourself ~ loving what I know of you ~ trusting what I do not know yet ~ in all the ways ~ that life may find us ~ I will honor and love you always!

~ Blessing and Exchange of Rings      (repeated after the minister)
I give you this ring as a symbol…    of my everlasting love for you!

~ Scripture reading(s), suitable poetry, or music can be inserted here ~

~ Power of Vestment / Pronouncement / Kiss
First, by the authority and Power vested in me by Almighty God; then secondly by the State of NC, I pronounce you husband and wife… you may seal your vows with a kiss!

~ Formal Announcement of Bridal Couple
Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you…
Mr/Mrs ______________ ; _______ and _______!