I’m not going to use them, so have these wedding vows!

So, a few years ago, I became ordained in the Universal Life Church in order to perform a wedding for some good friends of mine. Turns out that it never happened, but my ordination is still in effect. A few weeks ago, some friends of mine approached me to officiate their wedding, and I replied with a hearty yes.

I ended up writing out a script for the wedding, but didn’t use it. Since I took the time to write it though, I figured why not share it with the world, right? It’s non-denominational (non religious in fact), so if you want to use it, feel free. Here you go:

Welcome everyone. (Groom) and (Bride) would like thank you for being with them on this special day.

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

(Groom) and (Bride), I will ask each of you if you have come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage.

(Bride), have you come here freely and without reservation to be joined with (Groom) in marriage?

(Groom), have you come here freely and without reservation to be joined with (Bride) in marriage?

It is appropriate that you, (Groom) and (Bride)’s family and friends, are also here to participate in this wedding. The ideals, the understanding, and the mutual respect, which these two bring to their marriage have roots in the love, friendship, and guidance, with which you have provided them.

When (Groom) and (Bride) left Florida and came to California, they opened a new page in life. They found a place in which they felt comfortable, and a place that encouraged them to grow together. While they both come from distinctly different backgrounds, they both love, respect, and appreciate each others differences, and use them as a way to become closer and love each other more. The world could certainly learn a lesson from these two.

Now they are taking the next exciting step in growing closer together than ever before.

John Lennon once said, “We’ve got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can’t just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it’s going to get on by itself. You’ve got to keep watering it. You’ve got to really look after it and nurture it.”

To me, Lennon’s quote wonderfully describes the secret to a successful and loving marriage. Both the husband and wife need to look after and nurture the marriage as if it were indeed a precious plant. There are no vacations from marriage, and it won’t just survive on its own, but when both husband and wife treasure it and nurture it, it quickly becomes the most beautiful thing in the world.

(Groom) and (Bride) have chosen to write their own vows, which I will ask them to share with each other now. Please join hands.

(Vows)

Do you (Groom), take (Bride) to be your lawfully wedded wife, and do you promise to love her; to comfort her; honor and keep her in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?

Do you (Bride), take (Groom) to be your lawfully wedded husband, and do you promise to love him; to comfort him; honor and keep him in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?

Traditionally, the marking of the passage to the status of husband and wife is marked by the exchange of rings. May these rings which you give and receive this day be a symbol of true faith in each other, and always remind each of you of the love you share on this day.

(Groom), repeat after me while placing the ring on (Bride)’s hand. I give you this ring to wear as a symbol of our love for each other.

(Bride), repeat after me while placing the ring on (Groom)’s hand. I give you this ring to wear as a symbol of our love for each other.

By the Power vested in me by the state of (State), I now pronounce you husband and wife. It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you (Groom) and (Bride) Jimas.