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~12 minute ceremony
The act of marriage is more than just an exchange of rings, it’s also the decision to put down roots together. Including a tree-planting ceremony in a wedding is a popular way to symbolize this lifelong commitment between two separate people embarking on a new life as one unit.
Officiant Introduction
Officiant (to guests):
Hello everyone! As I’m sure you’re aware, we’re gathered to celebrate _______________ and _______________’s wedding. Please silence your cell phones and leave the photos to the photographer. The ceremony will begin shortly.
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, today marks the end of your lives as two individuals and the beginning of your lives as a team. Look before you. The [tree or plant name] here will be planted to represent the intertwining of what was previously two separate lives. The [tree or plant name] also represents the values you will need—and bring—to marriage: these include solidarity, strength, compassion, and a nurturing will.
Speak Now (optional)
Officiant:
Does anyone object to this marriage? Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Vows
Officiant:
_______________ and _______________, it’s time to exchange vows. Turn and face one another.
[Officiant pauses as they move]
Are you both ready? Let us begin with _______________.
Partner 1:
I, _______________, take you, _______________, to be my lawfully wedded partner. I promise to keep you through good times and bad, for richer or poorer, and in sickness and in health. I vow to stay true to you, honor you, and love you until death do us part.
Officiant:
_______________, it’s your turn.
Partner 2:
I, _______________, take you, _______________, to be my lawfully wedded partner. I promise to keep you through good times and bad, for richer or poorer, and in sickness and in health. I vow to stay true to you, honor you, and love you until death do us part.
Declaration of Intent
Officiant:
_______________ and _______________ please join hands. _______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawful wedded partner?
Partner 1:
I do.
Officiant (continuing):
_______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawful wedded partner?
Partner 2:
I do.
Tree Ceremony
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, take up your shovels and please begin to fill the hole of the tree. This tree, like your marriage, is a living thing. It has its roots in who you both were before you chose to get married and how you met. The trunk of the tree is the life you’ve led—and will continue to lead—together.
The trunk at some point may merge indiscriminately with the branches, and hopefully this reflects the state of your joint endeavors: a partnership of mutual love and support that results in great blossoming flowers. Everyone you encounter over the course of your life will see the results of your marriage. Only you two will know of the effort it took to get there.
Ring Exchange
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, it’s now time for you to exchange rings. These rings are a symbol of the bonds of marriage and your love for one another.
Officiant (to Partner 1):
_______________, please place your ring on _______________’s finger.
[Officiant waits until the ring is on Partner 2’s finger, then continues]
Now repeat after me: “With this ring, I solemnize my marriage vows and promise my lifelong love and commitment.”
Partner 1:
With this ring, I solemnize my marriage vows and promise my lifelong love and commitment.
Officiant (to Partner 2):
_______________, please place your ring on _______________’s finger.
[Officiant waits until the ring is on Partner 1’s finger then continues]
Now repeat after me: “With this ring, I solemnize my marriage vows and promise my lifelong love and commitment.”
Partner 2:
With this ring, I solemnize my marriage vows and promise my lifelong love and commitment.
Pronouncement
Officiant (to guests):
Well then, with that all taken care of, let’s get to what we’ve all been waiting for! By the power vested in me by the state of _______________ and the Universal Life Church, I pronounce _______________ and _______________ as married! You may now kiss!
