Sample Script for a Civil Ceremony
INTRODUCTION
We are gathered here today to witness the formal joining of _________ and _________ in the legal state of matrimony.
You are to be married according to the orders, customs, and the authority granted by the government of the Province of Alberta.
Matrimony, as understood by us, is a state enriched by a long and honorable tradition of devotion. According to the law, each participant is equal and supports the common rights of one another to the marriage. Marriage is not just a ceremony here today. It is a commitment for life. Therefore, it is not to be entered into thoughtlessly or irresponsibly. There must be a desire for lifelong companionship. Couples will support and comfort each other through the changing experiences of life. May you laugh together in joy, grieve together in sorrow, and grow together in love. Marriage means caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own self-being. Marriage also means working together to create and sustain a home in which the marriage may flourish.
So, with this understanding, _________ and _________ wish to be joined in marriage. I now call upon you both in the presence of these witnesses, to repeat after me:
We are gathered here today to witness the formal joining of _________ and _________ in the legal state of matrimony.
You are to be married according to the orders, customs, and the authority granted by the government of the Province of Alberta.
Matrimony, as understood by us, is a state enriched by a long and honorable tradition of devotion. According to the law, each participant is equal and supports the common rights of one another to the marriage. Marriage is not just a ceremony here today. It is a commitment for life. Therefore, it is not to be entered into thoughtlessly or irresponsibly. There must be a desire for lifelong companionship. Couples will support and comfort each other through the changing experiences of life. May you laugh together in joy, grieve together in sorrow, and grow together in love. Marriage means caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own self-being. Marriage also means working together to create and sustain a home in which the marriage may flourish.
So, with this understanding, _________ and _________ wish to be joined in marriage. I now call upon you both in the presence of these witnesses, to repeat after me:
Let the Bride/Spouse #1 say:
I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, _________, may not be joined in matrimony to _________.
Let the Groom/Spouse #2 say:
I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, _________, may not be joined in matrimony to _________.
As no impediment was declared or admitted, I require you to give answers to these questions:
(Groom/Spouse #2) Do you, _________, promise to give to _________, the love of your person, the comfort of your companionship, and the patience of your understanding? Will you share with her equally the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself, and to respect the dignity of her own personal rights?
(Bride/Spouse #1) Do you, _________, promise to give to _________, the love of your person, the comfort of your companionship, and the patience of your understanding? Will you share with him equally the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself, and to respect the dignity of his own personal rights?
(Groom/Spouse #2) Do you, _________, promise to give to _________, the love of your person, the comfort of your companionship, and the patience of your understanding? Will you share with her equally the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself, and to respect the dignity of her own personal rights?
(Bride/Spouse #1) Do you, _________, promise to give to _________, the love of your person, the comfort of your companionship, and the patience of your understanding? Will you share with him equally the necessities of life as they may be earned or enjoyed by yourself, and to respect the dignity of his own personal rights?
MARRIAGE VOWS
Now would you both face each other, join hands, and let the Groom/Spouse #2 repeat after me:
Now would you both face each other, join hands, and let the Groom/Spouse #2 repeat after me:
I call upon those persons present to witness that I, _________, do take thee, _________, to be my lawful wedded wife/spouse, to have and to hold, from this day forward, in whatever circumstances or experiences life may hold for us.
Let the Bride/Spouse #1 repeat after me:
I call upon those persons present to witness that I, _________, do take thee, _________, to be my lawful wedded husband/spouse, to have and to hold, from this day forward, in whatever circumstances or experiences life may hold for us.
THE RING EXCHANGE
Having declared these marriage vows, let the Groom/Spouse #2 place the ring on the third finger of the Bride’s/Spouse #1's left hand, repeating after me:
Having declared these marriage vows, let the Groom/Spouse #2 place the ring on the third finger of the Bride’s/Spouse #1's left hand, repeating after me:
_________, I give you this ring, that you may wear it as a lasting reminder of our marriage vows, and as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.
Let the Bride/Spouse #1 say:
I accept this ring, as a symbol, of your love and commitment.
If a second ring is to be presented, let the Bride/Spouse #1 place the ring on the third finger of the Groom’s/Spouse #2's left hand, repeating after me:
_________, I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a lasting reminder, of our marriage vows, and as a symbol, of my love and commitment to you.
Let the Groom/Spouse #2 say:
I accept this ring as a symbol, of your love and commitment.
DECLARATION
_________ and _________, you have consented in marriage and have declared your solemn intention in this company, before your witnesses, and in my presence. You have exchanged your rings as the pledge of your love to each other; you have joined your hands to accept one another.
As you begin your marriage, let your home be a haven of peace in the midst of a busy and changing world; let your relationship be one of complete truth, love, and understanding between you both. Respect your partner in this marriage, and consider that your marriage will yield what you give to it. May you enjoy a long life, fulfill your hopes, feel content as you live day by day, and keep your promises to one another.
And now, upon the authority vested in me by the Province of Alberta, I pronounce you "Husband and Wife/Married".
_________ and _________, you have consented in marriage and have declared your solemn intention in this company, before your witnesses, and in my presence. You have exchanged your rings as the pledge of your love to each other; you have joined your hands to accept one another.
As you begin your marriage, let your home be a haven of peace in the midst of a busy and changing world; let your relationship be one of complete truth, love, and understanding between you both. Respect your partner in this marriage, and consider that your marriage will yield what you give to it. May you enjoy a long life, fulfill your hopes, feel content as you live day by day, and keep your promises to one another.
And now, upon the authority vested in me by the Province of Alberta, I pronounce you "Husband and Wife/Married".
THE KISS
Signing of the register, final presentations to the couple, and presentation to the guests.
Signing of the register, final presentations to the couple, and presentation to the guests.
