Sample Humanist Ceremony for Groom and Bride

Introduction

Friends and family! We are here today with Bride and Groom, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather to celebrate what already is! In so doing, Bride and Groom have invited us to participate in the celebration of a love which they have nurtured for the past _ years.

Theirs is a partnership freely chosen and founded on love, friendship, trust and respect. A partnership that encourages not only open communication, self expression and the sharing of knowledge, but also an enthusiasm for life.

My name is David Fowler and I am a Humanist Officiant licensed by the Province of Ontario and the Humanist Association of Canada to solemnize marriages. Humanism is a life stance based on rational thought, a strong moral sense, compassion, fairness and respect for all.

Please feel free to take pictures during the ceremony.

The ceremony and exchange of vows that you are about to witness were chosen by Bride and Groom.

Opening

This is the time you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you every happiness in your future life together. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty, marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience and respect, the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship. We, who are witnessing your marriage, hope that despite the stresses inevitable in any life, your love and respect for each other, your trust and understanding of each other will increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living.

Statement of Intention

Bride and Groom, you have invited us to witness the happiness that you have found in each other. Do you come here freely, ready to make the pledges to which you commit yourselves to each other in love?
(Answer: "We do")

Declaration

Do you agree that there are no lawful impediments against you getting legally married?
(Answer: "We do.")

Do you accept one another as your legally wedded spouse?
(Answer: "We do.")

Acknowledgement of Family and Friends

It is appropriate that you, the family and friends are 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.

Reading

We are gathered here to join this man and this woman in marriage. This is an act as ancient as the history of the human race and as new as each new morning; for it speaks of the past and of the future, of the life of the individual and the existence of the community. Because marriage is concerned with the most fundamental of human relationships, it must not be regarded lightly. Those who enter into this relationship shall cherish for each other a mutual esteem and love, bear each other's infirmities and weaknesses, comfort each other in sickness, trouble and sorrow, encourage each other in trials of the spirit, and live together as the heirs of life. Marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly, but with devotion, respect and discretion. Love and loyalty will be the foundation of a happy and enduring home; and if the solemn vows you are about to make be kept with honour and integrity, your life will be full of peace and joy, and the home you are establishing will be one of warmth and understanding.

The Vows

I, Groom, take you Bride, to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honour you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you always through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep as long as we live.

I, Bride, take you Groom, to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honour you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you always through the best and the worst, through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold, so I give you my life to keep as long as we live.

Ring Exchange

May these rings which you give and receive this day be a symbol of your true love and trust in each other, and always remind each of you of this special day.

Groom please take bride's left hand and lovingly present her with her ring while repeating after me:

"With this ring, I marry you, and to you I will be true, as long as we both shall live."

Bride please take Groom's left hand and lovingly present him with his ring while repeating after me:

"With this ring, I marry you, and to you I will be true, as long as we both shall live."

Signing of the Register

Pronouncement

For as much as Groom and Bride have consented together in marriage, declaring their love for one another, I, David Fowler by the power vested in me by the Marriage Act of Ontario, pronounce you husband and wife.

Kiss

Please seal your vows with a kiss.

Words of Closure

Bride and Groom, marriage is the joining of two people, the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day...Marriage is love. May you always be enriched in your hearts with the wonder of this special day. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is finished. May you enter into a lifetime of happiness.

Please help congratulate and welcome Groom and Bride as husband and wife!