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15325 views
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~12 minute ceremony
As an officiant, you may be asked to perform a marriage ceremony for a couple that wants a spiritual wedding ceremony, but not one that is explicitly religious. Perhaps they feel a spiritual connection or have existing beliefs, but they’d like any elements of traditional religion to be set aside for their wedding, instead opting for a more general theme around spirituality. A couple interested in a spiritual wedding is likely looking for something that isn’t secular, but also not tied to one specific faith.
Contextualizing Spirituality and Religion
Spirituality and religion are both concerned with matters of the spirit. Whereas religion is focused on a shared set of beliefs and practices, spirituality is more of an individual practice – a wide-spanning concept that includes a belief in something bigger and higher than the self. It may include a connection to God, nature, others, or one’s surroundings.
Many people find a sense of purpose and peace in spirituality, which helps them deal with life’s uncertainties. Elements of one’s spiritual journey may be inspired or influenced by one or more faiths or belief systems. Keep this in mind as you work with the couple in developing a spiritual wedding script. Below you’ll find an example of one direction this type of ceremony could go.
Introduction
Officiant (to everyone):
Welcome, everyone, to the wedding of _________ and _________. We are gathered here today to celebrate and witness their love and commitment to each other.
Love is a powerful force that brings people together, creating joy and building a foundation for a strong and lasting connection.
(To the couple): _________ and _________, you have chosen to share your love and lives with one another. We are happy that you have invited us to stand as witnesses to your union and rejoice with you.
Next, we will have a reading, a Cherokee prayer for the love and life of _________ and _________.
Reading
Officiant (to guests):
"God in heaven above, please protect the ones we love. We honor all you created as we pledge our hearts and lives together. We honor Mother Earth—and ask for our marriage to be abundant and grown stronger through the seasons; We honor fire—and ask that our union be warm and glowing with love in our hearts; We honor wind—and ask that we sail through life safe and calm as in our father's arms; We honor water—to clean and soothe our relationship, that it may never thirst for love; With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as we forever grow young together."
- "Cherokee Prayer" by Anonymous
Declaration of Intent/Vows
Officiant (to couple):
_________ and _________, you both have journeyed to this day, bringing your love, your unique stories, and your own experiences. You have shared yourselves with family and friends. Now you stand ready to move forward on a new adventure in life as spouses. Please face each other and join hands.
(To partner 1): _________, please repeat after me: I, _________ (partner 1), promise to be your support and inspiration, _________ (partner 2), to be your peace and joy, whether things are sunny and bright or stormy and uncertain. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems difficult, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.
(Officiant may repeat with the other partner. Consider having both partners say this together, symbolizing their union).
Ring Exchange
Officiant (to couple):
May your love for each other continue to bloom anew. May you always be there for each other through thick and thin. May your marriage be a source of joy and happiness for you both.
(Officiant presents the couple with wedding bands.)
This ring is an icon of your love and commitment to each other. Its circular shape represents the idea that you are always connected to each other and that your love is constant and unending.
Pronouncement
Officiant (to couple):
By the power vested in me by the State of _________, I now pronounce you as married. You may now kiss each other.
Officiant: Congratulations, _________ and _________! Let us pray that each day of your life as a married couple is one of love, blessings, and peace that transcends earthly understanding.
(To guests):
Officiant: Please join me in congratulating and welcoming _________ and _________ as newlyweds!
