This ceremony was witnessed by the couple’s families on their land. It was planned with short notice and follows the basic script with no customization except the wedding address. The couple wrote their own vows and the bride designed and crafted their cords.
Ceremony Script
Gathering
Wedding party and family gather in grove of trees.
Welcome and Remembering of Loved Ones
Welcome! It’s wonderful to be here with you today. I’m Reverend Debbie Philp and I’m so happy to be officiating today. On behalf of Groom and Bride, thank you for being here to witness and support them as they unite in marriage. Our thoughts are with loved ones who have passed on, including Groom’s mom. May her spirit be present in our hearts today.
Wedding Address
Customized for couple.
Declaration of Intent
And so, Bride and Groom, if it is your intent to be joined together in marriage, take each other’s hands.
Couple faces each other and joins right hands together and left hands together, forming an infinity sign.
Will you, Groom, take Bride as your partner, and will you promise your friendship and love, in good times and in difficult times, from this day forth?
[Groom] I will.Will you, Bride, take Groom as your partner, and will you promise your friendship and love, in good times and in difficult times, from this day forth?
[Bride] I will.Couple continues to hold hands for the handfasting.
Handfasting
In a wedding, symbols are important and helpful, because they serve as a powerful reminder of this time and place, the feelings shared, and the promises made, when the memories of those start to fade over time. Handfasting is a symbol like this. It is one of the world’s oldest wedding traditions. In fastening their hands together, Bride and Groom symbolize their commitment to continue their journey through life hand-in-hand.
Will the keeper of the cords please come forward?
Hand cords to officiant.
Lays first cord over hands.
These are the hands of your best friend, full of love for you. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
Lays second cord over hands.
These are the hands that will love you, cherish you, and comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will wipe tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
Lays third cord over hands.
These are the hands that will tenderly support your family with you. And these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours.
Ties the cords so they will tighten into an infinity knot when hands released. Grab front 3 with left hand and hold. Bring back 3 forward, cross (t), behind, then tuck under cords on top of hands, drape behind from top.)
Groom and Bride, as I fasten your hands together and tie the knot, I invite you to reflect on the joy and responsibility that awaits you. From today, you are bound together as lifelong partners in this ongoing journey of love.
Groom and Bride will now make their vows to each other.
Hands stay bound. Custom vows are written by couple or officiant based on interview. I will hold a printed copy of the vows for each so can be read if necessary.
Vows
Groom, I invite you to speak your vows to Bride.
Groom reads personal vows.
Bride, I invite you to speak your vows to Groom.
Bride reads personal vows.
I will hold the ends of the cords and tighten the knot as they remove their hands.
May you keep these knotted cords as a visible reminder of your promises to one another.
I will hold the cords until the end.
Exchange of Rings
Another wedding symbol is the ring, representing commitment and love that, like a circle, has no beginning and no end. Bride and Groom, let these rings that you exchange be an outward sign of your love and remind you always of what you have promised today.
Groom, please place this ring on Bride’s finger and repeat after me: “Bride, I give you this ring as a sign of my devotion and love.”
Groom repeats
Bride, please place this ring on Groom’s finger and repeat after me: “Groom, I give you this ring as a sign of my devotion and love.”
Bride repeats.
Pronouncement and Kiss
Bride and Groom, you have publicly committed yourselves to each other in marriage. And so, by the power vested in me by the State of New York, it is my joy and privilege to pronounce you married. You may kiss.
Marriage License
Gather with witnesses to sign license.