~ Ceremony Begins…
Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the face of this company to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended of the apostle Paul to be honorable among all people. It is not to be entered into lightly; but reverently, advisedly and soberly. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined. If anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak or forever hold their peace.

~ Declaration of Intent      (the bride can also participate in this, if desired)
_________ (Groom)… will you have this woman to be your wedded wife; to live together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony…will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her; forsaking all others and keep her only for yourself, as long as you both shall live?    I WILL

~ Give Away the Bride
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.

~ Wedding Vows
I _______ / ______ take you ______ / ______ ~ to be my lawfully wedded wife / husband ~ to have and to hold ~ from this day forward ~ for better and for worse ~ for richer and for poorer ~ in sickness and in health ~ to love and to cherish ~ until death do us part!

~ Blessing and Exchange of Rings
With this ring… I thee wed!

~ Reciting of the ‘Our Father’ by all gathered

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

~ If you choose the ‘Unity Sand or Candle’ option, it is inserted here ~

~ Closing Benediction
To those whom God has joined together, let no man or woman put asunder. ______ and _______, for as much as you have consented together to be joined in holy wedlock, God and this company have witnessed the same. You have pledged your lives to each other, and have declared the same by the giving and receiving of a ring. May God bless you and keep you; may He mercifully and favorably look upon you; may He fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace that you might live together in this life; and that, in the world to come, you will have everlasting life. Amen!

~ 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!

Ladies and Gentlemen, I introduce to you… Mr/Mrs ______________ ; _______ and _______!