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Weddings > Civil Ceremonies.
The Wedding Ceremony of ( Names)
Date:
Harp music as guests gather:
Bridal Chorus. Wagner
My Love is Like a Red Red Rose.
I Knew I Loved You. Morriconi.
Lord of the Rings.
All I ask of you.
One Moment in Time.
Songbird. Fields of Gold.
From this Moment.
I'll Walk Beside You.
A selection of Irish music i.e. jigs, slow airs, and Music by Carolan.
GREETING
A very warm welcome to all of you gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of
(Names)
Whether you have travelled from far or near, your presence is, I’m sure, much appreciated by the happy couple since it allows them begin the journey of married life surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them.
Before proceeding, however, I would like to pause for a moment to remember those loved one’s who have passed from this life to their eternal reward. I’ve no doubt they are smiling down on (Names). All pause for a brief moment]
Short Harp instrumental :
Morning Has Broken.
Everything I do, I do it for You.
DEFINITION OF MARRIAGE
Marriage is a big commitment to undertake and, for that reason, is rarely undertaken lightly. Marriage, however, is not to be confused with the event we’re celebrating to-day – the Wedding. You see, marriage, unlike the Wedding, isn’t something that’s accomplished in one day – on the contrary, it’s an ever evolving state of living. It begins to-day – but that’s just the start – because Marriage is something that must be tended to every day of a couple’s life together. It’s like a houseplant in many respects – unless it’s cared for and tended to on a regular basis it will wither and die. Once it’s given the TLC it requires, however, a marriage can grow into something strong, vibrant and full of potential.
( Names) will commence their marriage to-day. In a short while they will vow to live together as husband and wife for the rest of their natural lives. These vows signify their commitment to a common ideal – a common journey – common goals.The path ahead remains largely unseen but it is a path they are undertaking to travel together. There will, of course, be times of happiness and joy but there will also be occasions of sadness and discord. That is the natural course of life! Yet ( Names) know that no matter what comes their way, they will always have each other to rely upon. They will help and support each other, while at the same time allowing one another to be his or herself. That is very important, because differences should never be suppressed. On the contrary they ought be encouraged as a source of mutual enrichment. (Names) are very fortunate in this regard since they both are very accepting of one another, but it’s their differences that make them a happy couple. They complement one another and provide just what the other needs – whether it be relaxation or motivation. They are strong in their love. This is a very special quality and one that will stand by them throughout their marriage.
At this point I’m going to keep quiet and ask N. & N. to read a couple of pieces chosen by (Wedding Couple’s names)
A READING FROM THE CORINTHIANS 13:4-7 read by__________
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
THE ART OF A GOOD MARRIAGE by Wilferd A. Peterson
read by__________
(Quiet harp music during the reading. ( i.e Jimmy mo Mhíle Stór. )
A good marriage must be created.In the art of marriage the little things are the big things...
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once each day.
It is never going to sleep angry
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right partner...
It is being the right partner.
THE RITE OF MARRIAGE
Minister: ( Names) you have come here today to pledge your love before God, your families and friends. The vows you are to exchange are legally binding and, more importantly, sacred bonds: Therefore, I must ask:
(Names) Have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other?
(Bride and Groom) We have.
Minister: (Names) Do you know of any reason why you may not lawfully marry?
(Bride and Groom) We do not.
Minister: Do you promise to love and cherish each other as husband and wife from this day forward?
( Bride and Groom.) We do.
Minister: Please join your hands and declare your consent:
Minister:
(Name), do you take (Name) to be your wife and do you promise to always protect her, with your utmost care, to respect, honour and cherish her, in sickness and in heath, for richer or for poorer and be to her faithful and loving, for as long as you both shall live?
James: I do.
(Name), do you take (Name) to be your husband and do you promise to always protect him, with your utmost care, to respect, honour and cherish him, in sickness and in heath, for richer or for poorer and be to him faithful and loving, for as long as you both shall live?
(Name): I do.
Ceremony of the Rings
Minister: May these rings be a hallowed reminder to you always of the vows you have made this day.
((Name) takes the ring and places it on the fourth finger of the left hand.)
Holding it there he says:
(Name): I give you this ring as a token of my love and affection.
((Name) takes the ring and places it on the fourth finger of the left hand.)
Holding it there she says:
(Name) I give you this ring as a token of my love and affection.
LIGHTING OF THE UNITY CANDLE: harp music.
DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
Minister:(Names), both of you have affirmed your commitment and love for each.
You have made a promise to each other to live in this union as husband and wife - today, tomorrow and forever.
May you live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort and refuge to each other in good times and in bad.
The wonderful experience of living day by day as married people is about to begin.
Go forth and meet it gladly – love life so it will love you.
May the blessings of God enrich you; may the good wishes of your family and friends strengthen you.
May your hope give us hope, may your love give us love.
I now pronounce you husband and wife.
FINAL BLESSING/DISMISSAL
SOURCE OF LOVE AND LIFE, out of this world two souls have found each other. Their destinies shall now be woven into one design and their joys shall not be known apart.
(Names) may your home be a place of happiness for all who enter it, a place where the old and the young are renewed in each other’s company, a place for growing and a place for sharing, a place of love.
May those who are nearest to you be constantly enriched by the beauty and the bounty of your love for one another.
May your work be a joy of your life that serves the world and may your days be good and long upon the earth.
SIGNING OF THE REGISTER
Harp music during the signing:
The Greatest Day of Our Lives.
A Thousand Years.
Falling Slowly.
How Long will I Love You.
One Moment in Time.
Stand by Me.
There's a Place for Us.
Wise Men Say.
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.
Feels Like Home
The Luckiest.
Perfect . Ed. Sheeran
One Day Like This, Elbow.
Romanza.
Song from a Secret Garden.
Everything I do, I do it for you.
Give my your hand.
Over the Rainbow.
Jenny will Love me, and / or some Irish / Scottish Airs.
RECESSIONAL.
Harp Music:
Wedding March.
Today This Could be, the Greatest Day of our Lives:
Carolan’s Concerto.
The Blackbird.
Have I Told you Lately that I Love You.
Celtic Medley.