OPENING WORDS FOR A
WEDDING CEREMONY
(alternate selections)

1. We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite __________ and __________ in marriage.

Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace.

2. Good (morning/afternoon/evening) everyone. We are gathered here to witness the marriage of ________________ and ________________. We celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other and support their decision to commit themselves to one another.

3. Good (morning/afternoon/evening)! We are gathered here today, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with _______________ and _______________ and their friends and family the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives.

4. Love is a miraculous gift, and a wedding is a celebration of that magic, and that's what we're here to do today. We are gathered together to be overjoyed for and with _______________ and _______________, who are so wonderfully suited to one another that it's a pure delight for the rest of us to see how very happy two people can be. When we think of love we sometimes talk about people who “deserve” one another. Not only do _______________ and _______________ deserve one another, but they are a perfect match, a pair, a fit, two hybrid peas in a pod; and their marriage, far from being something they have had to work hard to achieve, was pure inevitability. They were given to one another and fell so deeply in love that they had no choice.

They are the embodiment of true romance which, matured, becomes true love. They are the example of love that in its lightheartedness dissolves the notion of love as hard work. They are the promise of possibility, the expectation of joyful surprise.

So, hooray! We're here to celebrate, to honor, to laugh, to dance, and to be glad because the inevitable has happened. Love is alive and well in the land. _______________ and _______________ are here to prove it, and we are here to celebrate with them.

5. We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of _______________ and _______________. There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls, has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life, posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this.

6. _______________ and _______________, Mr. And Mrs. (names of bride's parents), Mr. And Mrs. (names of groom's parents), beloved friends, colleagues, accomplices, witnesses, we have come here to celebrate the marriage and the intertwining of destinies of _______________ and _______________, who, through being ruthlessly and wonderfully themselves, have fallen in love and chosen to get married. Whether we know it or not, the path of our lives is already laid out deep within us, and life is the process of being willing to discover the direction of our path, the giving of ourselves to whatever it takes to be able to hit the mark. In other words, we are all here for a reason, and it is our business, as our lives progress, not only to discover what that purpose is but also to cultivate the conditions - whether emotional, educational, personal, or geographic - that allow us to fulfill that highest purpose.

In this context, marriage is a nurturing matrix in which two individuals can continue to expand and develop, so they can fulfill their individual destinies and offer their gifts to life and to the world. In this view, the focus is not so much on the couple and what they may undertake together, but more on the power of the individuals and what they have to contribute through their lives, how their union serves to enlarge and develop each of them.

Although this may appear on the surface to be an unromantic vision of love, it is a view that holds a relationship in the highest spiritual regard. For it has as its underlying assumption that each of us is alive for an important purpose, and that marriage enhances that capacity for individual contribution and participation.

_______________ and _______________ have stretched their individual development so far that they are no longer laboring alone to become themselves, but have arrived at the point in self-discovery where they can offer themselves as accomplices of destiny to one another. It is in this spirit that they marry, not just because of their ineffable attraction to one another, but because the composite of their experiences has brought them to the place where they are ready to fulfill what is theirs to accomplish in this life. To join the forces of their individual spirits, capabilities, and backgrounds for the purpose of accomplishing together and individually what is theirs to do.

Therefore, we celebrate with them their arrival at the portal of true and conscious loving. We are incredibly happy for them and with them that one of the landmarks in the vast landscape of their becoming is the love that has brought them, and us, to the joyous occasion of this marriage.

7. We are gathered here in the presence of God and of this company to join in holy marriage _______________and _______________ and to bear witness to the transforming power of love. Love is a quality of spirit and an attitude of the emotions, but a marriage is a life's work, a spiritual art form. Therefore, this is an occasion of both profound joy and great responsibility, and we who partake in it bind ourselves as witness to the labor of love that _______________ and _______________ are undertaking here.

In acknowledgment of this holy purpose and of the power of this occasion, let us pray.

8. _______________ and__________________, it is this day you take a giant step of courage, of commitment, to communicate your love, to understand and grow. When a commitment this strong is made by two people, the force of that commitment, of that love, of that courage, reaches out and touches all of us around you, so that our lives are changed and we share a part of your love. Like a stone dropped in a still pond, the ripples of the love from this celebration extends and changes the world we live in.

True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage for two persons. It is the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When such a true bond already exists between man and woman, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgement be made. This acknowledgement is the prime objective of this gathering and this ceremony. We are hear to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.

9. We, as a community of friends, are gathered here in God's presence, to witness the marriage of ____________ and _______________, and to ask God to bless them. By our presence here we accept responsibility for helping ______________ and _________________ and encouraging them in the new relationship into which we are about to enter. Marriage, like our creation as men and women, owes its very existence to God. It is God's will and intention that a husband and wife should love each other throughout their life; and that children born to them should enjoy the security of family and home.

10. Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in Paradise, and into which holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined. Therefore if any man can show just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, by God's Law, or the Laws of the Realm; let him speak now, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.

11. We have come together, family and friends, in the presence of God to uphold ________________ and _______________ as they make their vows of marriage. We celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other, and we support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

Marriage is a holy estate born in the love of God. It is a relationship entered into thoughtfully, reverently, with gratitude for the past and hope for the future. In the tradition of our faith, we believe God calls a man and a woman to leave the homes of their childhood to become, together, a new family.

12. Welcome! We are gathered here to join in marriage ________________ and ________________.

Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say. Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass remember... Like a stone should your love be firm, like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not suffocating. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly. Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, and may peace be with you always.

13. Welcome to the marriage ceremony of ________________ and ________________

We are assembled here today because love gathers us, and especially because love has found ________________ and ________________ and woven them together into the great web of life. So sit back now, open your hearts, and let the wedding begin!

14. Welcome! We are gathered here with deepest reverence to bring together into perfect matrimony ________________ and ________________. May this couple be lastingly true to the vows they make today. May they love and respect each other, help each other in stress and woe, keep themselves pure in mind and body, and encourage each other in the promotion of all virtues. Thus spoke Buddha: "the greatest happiness which a mortal man or woman can imagine is the bond of marriage that ties together two loving hearts. But there is a greater happiness still: it is the embrace of Truth."

15. Welcome! We are gathered here in the presence of God and of this company to join together ________________ and ________________ in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God, and signifying unto us the mystical union which exists between Christ and His Church; which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with His presence in Cana of Galilee. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly, but reverently, discreetly, and in the respect of God. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined.

16. Welcome! We have gathered together in the presence of God and these witnesses to join ________________ and ________________ in holy matrimony. Marriage is a gift from God, given to us so that we might experience the joys of unconditional love with a lifelong partner. God designed marriage to be an intimate relationship between two people - mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Our service today is based on the relationship which ________________ and ________________ share, and on their faith in God. It is a covenant. We affirm their love for each other as part of God's will for them.

17. Welcome! We are gathered here to join ________________ and ________________ in marriage.

In Hinduism, every auspicious occasion including weddings, begins with an invocation to God. Blessings are sought for a ceremony that will be free from impediments and for a marriage free from all hardships and obstacles. In what is called the Ganesh Pooja, God's grace is invoked for the health, happiness, prosperity, and peace of the bride and groom and their families. I will now recite this holy prayer...[followed by a prayer]

18. Welcome everyone to the marriage ceremony of ________________ and ________________.

An old Jewish legend states: two souls are created in heaven, and an angel cries out: "This man is made for this woman." Should these two souls, these two people, meet on earth and recognize each other for who they truly are, they will fall in love and become as one, working together in unison. Then no hardship can alter the strength of their enduring love. Everything they do shall succeed.

Today, we are here to witness two of these souls... ________________ and ________________ have found each other, recognized each other, and fallen in love. Now they will become as one, they shall succeed, and no hardship will be ever able to alter the strength of their love.

19. Welcome! Today we are uniting ________________ and ________________ as husband and wife in the sacred bond of marriage. May this union be blessed by Almighty God and filled with His divine benevolence.

20. Wecome! We are gathered here to join in marriage ________________ and ________________. Nature is constantly in transition. It shows us that we die to the old and are reborn in the new. We see the leaves turning color in the fall, dropping from tree branches, followed by new growth each springtime. Just as in nature, we must let go of what was in order to grow anew. Today, ________________ & ________________ are choosing to do just that! They are choosing to let go of their separate lives, and are choosing to embrace a transition that will see them merge two devoted lives into one, and to grow anew in their togetherness. And today, on this glorious autumn day, we are here to celebrate with them this transition into a new season of their lives.

21. Welcome! We are gathered here in the presence of God and of this company to join in holy marriage ________________ and ________________. Nature is constantly in transition. It shows us that we die to the old and are reborn in the new. We see the leaves turning color in the fall, dropping from tree branches, followed by new growth each springtime. Just as in nature, we must let go of what was in order to grow anew. Today, ________________ & ________________ are choosing to do just that! They are choosing to let go of their separate lives, and are choosing to embrace a transition that will see them merge two devoted lives into one, and to grow anew in their togetherness. And today, we are here to celebrate with them this transition into a new season of their lives.

22. Welcome to the ceremony that will unite ________________ and ________________ in marriage. We have gathered today in the midst of lush spring, a time for new beginnings in relationships, as well as in nature. Yet while the flowers of spring are gorgeous to behold and compellingly sweet to the senses, we know that it takes several seasons, much tender care, and the weathering of many storms for the fruit of those perennial flowers to grow and ripen. In the same way, it takes time for love to mature and reach its rightful completion. This spring wedding ought to remind us that, like the seasons, human life - the life of the psyche and the emotions -- moves in cycles. To be in a loving relationship does not guarantee an eternal summer. To make a sincere and honest commitment does not promise an end to all struggle. What a good relationship does offer, is opportunity for renewal. It recognizes the abiding, shared hope that after every winter, spring will come again. In marriage we make a commitment to weather patiently the cold and bitter times, to protect and tend to that original love-seed until it bursts into bloom again. We are here to celebrate beginnings, and to acknowledge that love, just as anything else we would like to have abide for long, requires sustaining care and nurture. In making this declaration to their family and friends, ________________ and ________________ express their eagerness to take up this lifelong challenge in seriousness and in joy.

23. Welcome to the ceremony that will unite ________________ and ________________ in marriage. We have gathered today in the midst of lush spring, a time for new beginnings in relationships, as well as in nature. Yet while the flowers of spring are gorgeous to behold and compellingly sweet to the senses, we know that it takes several seasons, much tender care, and the weathering of many storms for the fruit of those perennial flowers to grow and ripen. In the same way, it takes time for love to mature and reach its rightful completion. This spring wedding ought to remind us that, like the seasons, human life - the life of the spirit and the emotions -- moves in cycles. To be in a loving relationship does not guarantee an eternal summer. To make a sincere and honest commitment does not promise an end to all struggle. What a good relationship does offer, is opportunity for renewal. It recognizes the abiding, shared hope that after every winter, spring will come again. In marriage we make a commitment to weather patiently the cold and bitter times, to protect and tend to that original love-seed until it bursts into bloom again. We are here to celebrate beginnings, and to acknowledge that love, just as anything else we would like to have abide for long, requires sustaining care and nurture. In making this declaration to their family and friends, ________________ and ________________ express their eagerness to take up this lifelong challenge in seriousness and in joy.

24. Welcome everyone on this beautiful summer day to marriage ceremony of ________________ & ________________. You know, summer and weddings are synonymous. Summer is a wonderful season. As a child, I remember the first day of summer vacation - it was full of excitement, hopes, and dreams for what the following summer would bring, and indeed, even as adults, we enjoy summer as a time when life slows down a bit, and becomes a little bit more carefree - it's a time to step away from our worries and stressors and drink in the joy of life! And, a wedding is wonderful in much the same way! Like the first day of summer vacation, ________________ & ________________ are full of hopes, dreams, and excitement as they embark on the first day of their journey together as a married couple. And, like summer, a wedding is a day to step away from life's worries and stressors, to slow down a bit and drink in the joy of a new married life. So yes, today, right now, let's step away from our worries, and prepare to celebrate fully and freely with ________________ & ________________ as they take their vows of marriage.

25. Welcome everyone on this beautiful and blessed summer day to marriage ceremony of ________________ & ________________. You know, summer and weddings are synonymous. Summer is a wonderful season. As a child, I remember the first day of summer vacation- it was full of excitement, hopes, and dreams for what the following summer would bring, and indeed, even as adults, we enjoy summer as a time when life slows down a bit, and becomes a little bit more carefree- it's a time to step away from our worries and stressors and drink in the joy of life! And, a wedding is wonderful in much the same way! Like the first day of summer vacation, ________________ & ________________ are full of hopes, dreams, and excitement as they embark on the first day of their journey together as a married couple. And, like summer, a wedding is a day to step away from life's worries and stressors, to slow down a bit and drink in the joy of a new married life. So yes, today, right now, let's step away from our worries, and prepare to celebrate fully and freely with ________________ & ________________ as they take their vows of marriage.

26. Welcome! We are gathered here on this wonderful winter day to join in marriage ________________ and ________________. Some words associated with winter are 'dreary', 'cold', 'bleak'. And, although winter may be overhead, ________________ and ________________'s love brings spring to the heart! It is said that one love can warm three winter months. But today, ________________ and ________________ engage in a marriage that will bring a warmth to the rest of their lives. ________________ & ________________ have brought life to this season with their wedding! And we who are here today, appreciate the chance to celebrate with them!

27. Welcome! We are gathered here on this wonderful winter day in the presence of God and of this company to join in holy marriage ________________ and ________________. Some words associated with Winter are 'dreary', 'cold', 'bleak'. And, although winter may be overhead, ________________ and ________________'s love brings spring to the heart! It is said that one love can warm three winter months. But today, ________________ and ________________ engage in a marriage that will bring a warmth to the rest of their lives. ________________ & ________________ have brought life to this season with their wedding! And we who are here today, appreciate the chance to celebrate with them!