Houston Wedding Officiants, Houston Non-Denominational Wedding Ministers, Houston Bilingual Wedding Ministers, Houston Juez Bodas

The following is a list of the wedding ceremonies we usually perform.  They are beautiful ceremonies that fulfill the need for meaning and honor in a wedding ritual.  However, you are welcome to modify the ceremony you choose according to your own preferences, and add your own vows and readings to create a meaningful ceremony special to you and your fiancée. You are also free to design your own ceremony. If you do, please mail us a copy at least a week before the wedding day. 

Traditional  & Contemporary Christian Ceremonies: 

This ceremony will reflect religious overtones with scripture, prayer and spiritual readings.
If you wish to personalize this ceremony, we will be happy to incorporate your own personal vows into this ceremony as well.

Civil Ceremony:

Your civil wedding ceremony can also be a wonderful, romantic, and beautiful event.  This ceremony will reflect the love, honor, and commitment to each other. Custom vows and content may also be written into this ceremony.

Custom Crafted Ceremonies:

We will develop a custom crafted ceremony using parts of traditional, spiritual, inter-faith ceremonies, or your own words.

Renewal of Vows: 

This ceremony is designed to re-affirm the promises and commitments made to each other in wedding vows. This is a beautiful ceremony when celebrating a milestone anniversary.
 

Elopements or Impromptu Weddings:

OH!  How marvelous to get married without the worries of planning a full-fledged wedding.  An even more so, when your wedding can have all the splendor of a fabulously planned wedding when you get married in our stunningly beautiful Wedding Chapel, with your choice of ceremony.

Family Medallion® Ceremony:

We proudly feature Family the Medallion® Ceremony for couples with children.

It is your wedding and you have the freedom to create your own wedding ceremony! The following is a guide on how a ceremony would generally proceed and not all parts will apply to every ceremony.  Feel free to choose those parts that will make your ceremony special to you and your fiancée.

*  Wedding Party Pictures:  
This should begin at least 90 minutes prior to the start of the wedding and be finished at least 45 minutes before the ceremony.

*  Wedding Party Dressed and Ready:
The wedding party should be dressed, ready and waiting in the appropriate locations at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.

1. Prelude music should start at least 5 minutes prior to the ceremony.

2. Processional music for the seating of the parents and honored guests:

Having the support and involvement of parents and grandparents in the ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple and also expresses honor to the previous generations of marriage unions.
Seating of the Groom's grandmother
Seating of the Bride's grandmother
Seating of the Groom's parents
Seating of the Bride's mother

3. Processional music for the bridal party:

Minister and Groom enter usually from stage right.
If the Groomsmen are not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the altar, they also enter together with the Minister and Groom.
Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time.
If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together.
Maid or Matron of Honor enters.
If the Best Man is escorting her, they enter together.
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.

4. Processional music for bride’s entrance:

Wedding March Begins.
The Bride and her father enter.
Typically the Bride's mother will stand as a signal for all of the guests to stand.
Sometimes the Minister will announce, "All rise for the Bride."

5. Introduction and opening prayer (congregation seated)

6. Giving of the Bride 

7. Parents Involvement (optional)

This may be accomplished with the mothers lighting unity candle tapers, receiving flowers from the bride and groom during a mini-parent greeting, or sand preparation for a sand ceremony.
This is when the minister talks about the important of parents getting us to this day. 

8. Reading #1 or song

9. Definition of marriage

10. Blessing of Rings 

11. Exchange of Rings & Vows
 
12. Reading #2 or song 

13. Prayer:  A prayer can be done religiously or a spoken blessing from a guest, parent, or sponsor. 

14. Couple Unity Activity:

Examples are Unity candle ceremony, or Sand Ceremony, etc. 
No matter what activity is used, it is the couples’ first formal act as husband and wife. 

15. Children’s Unity Ceremony
This is where brides and grooms have an opportunity to include their children in the ceremony.
This may include a blessing, exchange of vows of commitment of care, and exchange of gifts,
medallions, or rings.
 
16. Nuptial Blessing
 
17. Pronouncement of Marriage:  Formal legal declaration of unity. 

18. Introduction of new couple formed by Mr. & Mrs.
 
19. Breaking of the glass (combined Christian/Jewish)
 
20. Recessional – Recessional bridal march:

May be a straight forward exiting of the bride, groom, and wedding party or it can include the groom picking up the bride and carrying her away before the wedding party recesses.

21. Receiving Line

1. Prelude (to start at least 15 minutes prior to the ceremony).

2. Processional music for the seating of the parents and honored guests:

Having the support and involvement of parents and grandparents in the ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple and also expresses honor to the previous generations of marriage unions.

Seating of the Groom's grandmother 
Seating of the Bride's grandmother 
Seating of the Groom's parents 
Seating of the Bride's mother

3. Processional music for the bridal party:

Minister and Groom enter usually from stage right.
If the Groomsmen are not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the altar, they also enter together with the Minister and Groom.
Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time.
If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together. 
Maid or Matron of Honor enters. If the Best Man is escorting her, they enter together. 
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.

4. Processional music for bride’s entrance:

Wedding March Begins.
The Bride and her father enter. 
Typically the Bride's mother will stand as a signal for all of the guests to stand. 
Sometimes the Minister will announce, "All rise for the Bride."

Minister:  

Welcome! We are gathered here today in the sight of God and angels, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words which shall unite ____ and _____ in holy matrimony.  Marriage is a most honorable estate, signifying unto us a mystical union. May this marriage be adorned by true and abiding love.

Minister:   Who is it that brings this woman to this man?

Parent: :  I do.  (Father or other kisses, then sits)

(Groom steps forward and takes the hand of Bride and stands before the Minister)

Mothers light the taper cancles (optional):
This may be accomplished with the mothers lighting unity candle tapers, receiving flowers from the bride and groom during a mini-parent greeting, or sand preparation for a sand ceremony.

Minister:

The mothers of _____ and _____will now light two individual candles, symbolic of the individuality of the couple and their families here at the beginning of this ceremony.

First Reading:

Sonnet XLIII, from "Sonnets from the Portuguese"
by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

Minister:

Friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love of ___& _____, as they make their pledges of marriage before God and before this company. Jesus Christ was once asked,  "What is the greatest Law that mankind must follow?'' And he answered them by saying that we must love God with all our hearts, and love our neighbors as our self.

I think that when he said these words, he touched upon something we all feel very deeply in our hearts, and that is that love is the greatest gift we can offer one another, and that is what makes marriage so very special, and such a cause of joy and celebration for all of us who have come here today to share in this event.

B & G,  as the two of you come into this marriage ceremony to unite you as husband and wife,  always remember to cherish each other as a unique individual, respect each other, forgive each other, do not hold grudges, and live each day as a gift together - as from this day forward you shall be together, your marriage a strong tower of  love, respect, and consideration for each other.

Treat  each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you here today. Gentle and kind words pave the road of a great marriage.. When each of you take responsibility for the quality of your lives together, your marriage will be blessed. 

Minister: Who holds the rings? 

Best Man or Sponsor: I do. 

Minister:

These rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace, which unites two hearts in love.  They are especially significant because the circle of these rings is a symbol of the unending and enduring quality of the love which B&G are sharing today.

Let us pray: Bless, O God, these rings, that they who give and wear them may abide in Your peace, and continue in Your favor, unto their life’s end; through Jesus Christ. Amen.
 

Minister:  B&G, please face each other and hold hands.

Minister:  Groom, as you look at the bride, repeat these words after me:

I take you, BRIDE, to be my wife,
my faithful partner in life,
my constant friend
and my one true love.
I promise to love you without reservation,
in sickness and in health,
in plenty and in want,
to stand together in our times of joy and sorrow,
always to be open and honest with you,
for as long as we both shall live.  
With this ring, I thee wed.

Second Reading(optional)

Lighting of the Unity Candle Ceremony:

Minister: (The following sentence does not have to be said by the Minister if the mothers have lit the candles just before the ceremony.)  Your mothers are both here to bless your marriage, and it is fitting that they have lit the two individual candles you see here, For it is them who brought you life, and taught you your first lessons about love.

(Otherwise, Minister starts here):
B&G, you have learned much in your individual lives. Your family and friends, many of whom are here with you today, have been a part of your unique experiences and have shared with you hopes, dreams, triumphs, and  sufferings.
But at some point the two of you met and your lives changed forever.
Now you are here promising to build a future together.
Therefore, let us reflect in the fact that just as the flame you are about to light is not created solely by either candle, so too is your love not the sole possession or creation of either of you. 
B&G, the two separate candles symbolize your separate lives
I ask that each of you take one of the lit candles and that together you light the center candle. .
Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining of your two families and circles of friends into one.

(Bride and Groom come forward to light the candle and take a few seconds to reflect. 
This is a good point for a solo or a special music selection.)

Minister:
B & G  May you find happiness and satisfaction in your work.
May daily problems never cause you undue anxiety,
nor the desire for earthly possessions dominate your lives.
But may your hearts’ first desire be always the abundance of
good things awaiting you from our loving God.
 
May the Lord bless you with many happy years together,
so that you may enjoy the rewards
of a good, long and healthy life.
And after serving God by your love of others in this physical world,
may God welcome you into the eternal spiritual world  for all ages to come. 

Minister:
Now that  G&B have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Congratulations, you may kiss the bride

Minister:

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs.
Would everyone please stand as the couple departs! Please remain in your places until the parents have left the room.

Recessional:
Music begins, couple slowly walks out, flower girl and ring bearer depart, groomsmen and bridesmaids recess as pairs, Minister  invites parents and grandparents to exit just in front of him.

The End

1. Prelude (to start at least 15 minutes prior to the ceremony).

2. Processional music for the seating of the parents and honored guests:

Having the support and involvement of parents and grandparents in the ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple and also expresses honor to the previous generations of marriage unions.
Seating of the Groom's grandmother
Seating of the Bride's grandmother
Seating of the Groom's parents
Seating of the Bride's mother

3. The mothers light the two taper candles for the unity candle ceremony after they are escorted down the aisle.

4. Processional music for the bridal party:
Minister and Groom enter usually from stage right. If the Groomsmen are not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the altar, they also enter together with the Minister and Groom.
Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together.
Maid or Matron of Honor enters. If the Best Man is escorting her, they enter together.
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.

5. Processional music for bride’s entrance:
Wedding March Begins .
The Bride and her father enter.
Typically the Bride's mother will stand as a signal for all of the guests to stand.
Sometimes the Minister will announce, "All rise for the Bride."

Minister:
Family and friends, we welcome you today to witness the marriage of [groom] and [bride]. You have shared and contributed to their lives in the past, and by witnessing their marriage ceremony today, [bride and groom] ask you to share in their future.
Marriage is a promise, made in the hearts of two people who love each other, which takes a lifetime to fulfill. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's lover, teacher, listener, critic, and best friend.
It is into this state that [bride and groom] wish to enter.

Minister:
Who gives their blessings to this union? (parents and/or guests say "we do".)
If anyone present can show just cause as to why this couple may not be legally joined together, you should now declare it, or hereafter hold your peace. (silence)

Minister:
B&G, I charge and require of you both, as before a bar of justice, and in the presence of these witnesses, that if either of you know of any legal or moral impediment to this marriage, you do now reveal the same.
(silence)

Minister: 
Groom, do you take [bride] to be your wife? Will you love, honor, and cherish her, in good times and in bad, and do you promise to stay true to her as long as you both shall live?

Groom: I do.

Minister:
Bride, do you take [groom] to be your husband? Will you love, honor, and cherish him, in good times and in bad, and do you promise to stay true to him as long as you both shall live?

Bride: I do.

Minister:
B&G,  may you pledge to each other to be loving friends and partners in marriage. To talk and to listen, to trust and appreciate one another; to respect and cherish each other's uniqueness, and to support, comfort, and strengthen each other through life's joys and sorrows. May you promise to share hopes, thoughts, and dreams as you build your lives together. May your lives be ever intertwined, your love keeping you together. May you build a home that is compassionate to all, full of respect and honour for others and each other. May your home be forever filled with peace, happiness, and love.

Minister:  B&G, please face each other and hold hands. Groom, as you look at [bride], repeat these words after me:

I [groom], take you [bride], to be my wife, to have and to hold, from this day forth, to love, honor, and cherish, to comfort and respect, in sorrow or in joy, in hardship or in plenty, so long as we both shall live.
 
Minister:  Bride, as you look at [groom], repeat these words after me:

I [bride], take you [groom], to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forth, to love, honor, and cherish, to comfort and respect, in sorrow or in joy, in hardship or in plenty, so long as we both shall live.

Minister: The ring is a symbol of unity into which your two lives are now joined in an unbroken circle; in which, wherever you go, you will return to one another.

Groom says to Bride:
Bride, I offer this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. Let it always be a reminder of my vows to you.
Bride says to Groom:
Groom, I offer this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. Let it always be a reminder of my vows to you.

Unity Candle Ceremony:
Minister:
B&G, the two separate candles symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends.
I ask that each of you take one of the lit candles and that together you light the center candle.
The individual candles represent your lives before today.
Lighting the center candle represents that your two lives are now joined to one light, and represents the joining of your two families and circles of friends into one.

Minister:
B&G, may your home be a haven of peace and your relationship be one of truth and understanding.
May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes, and peace and content of mind as you, day by day, live and fulfill the terms of this covenant you have made with one another.

And now, for as much as you have made your vows, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving your rings, I pronounce that you are husband and wife.

Congratulations, you may kiss the bride.

Minister:   Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. (applause)

Minister:  Would everyone please stand as the couple departs! Please remain in your places until the parents have left the room.

Recessional: Music begins, couple slowly walks out, flower girl and ring bearer depart, groomsmen and bridesmaids recess as pairs, Minister  invites parents and grandparents to exit just in front of him.

The End

1. Prelude (to start at least 15 minutes prior to the ceremony).

2. Processional music for the seating of the parents and honored guests:
Having the support and involvement of parents and grandparents in the ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple and also expresses honor to the previous generations of marriage unions.
· Seating of the Groom's grandmother
· Seating of the Bride's grandmother
· Seating of the Groom's parents
· Seating of the Bride's mother

3. The mothers light the two taper candles for the unity candle ceremony after they are escorted down the aisle.

4. Processional music for the bridal party:

· Minister and Groom enter usually from stage right. If the Groomsmen are not escorting the Bridesmaids down the aisle to the altar, they also enter together with the Minister and Groom.
· Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together.
· Maid or Matron of Honor enters. If the Best Man is escorting her, they enter together.
· Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.

5. Processional music for bride’s entrance:
· Wedding March Begins .
· The Bride and her father enter.
· Typically the Bride's mother will stand as a signal for all of the guests to stand.
· Sometimes the Minister will announce, "All rise for the Bride."

Minister:
Loving God, we thank you for your presence among us on this joyous occasion. As N. and N. give themselves to each other, we pray that they might also give themselves to you, offering their shared life in service to your will. In the quietness of these sacred moments, we remember that you planted the seeds of love in the human heart.  Now, as N., and N., stand before you, their family, and friends, we affirm the love that has brought them together. Amen.

Welcome and Greeting  The congregation sits.

Minister:
Dearly beloved, we are assembled here in the presence of God, to join this man and this woman in holy marriage. Marriage is an honorable institution ordained by the church, blessed by Jesus with his presence at the marriage at Cana in Galilee, and held in honor among all people throughout the ages. This simple ceremony, this celebration, is the outward token of a sacred and inward union of hearts, a union created by God's loving purpose and kept by God's abiding will.

Address to the Bride and Groom
Minister:
B&G, nothing is greater for two human souls than to feel they are joined together in the presence of their Creator to strengthen each other in all gladness; to cherish a mutual esteem and love; to bear with each other’s infirmities and weaknesses; to comfort each other in sickness, trouble, and sorrow; to provide for one another in earthly matters; to pray for and encourage each other in the things which pertain to God; and to let their happiness and grace lead them into decisions and deeds that contribute to the lives of others and to the betterment of our world.

Address to the Congregation (Guests)

Minister: 
B&G welcome you, their families and friends. Each of you has given something of yourself into their lives. They want you to know that your love, guidance and encouragement will forever be appreciated. It is fitting, then, that you should share this celebration of their commitment to each other.
 
B&G, it is in this spirit of love and support that you have come to be married.
 
Choose A or B below. Or both questions may be asked.

Minister:  A. Question to the Families of the Bride and Groom                                                  
 (to be answered by parents in attendance)
Do the families of N. and N. give their blessing and support to this marriage?
Answer: We do.
or
B. Question to the Bride’s Father or Family
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

The father answers: I do, or We do, or Her mother and I, or Her family and I.
(The groom steps to the bride's side. The father or escort is seated.)

Scripture Reading(s)  By Minister or designated guest:

Reading 1 Corinthians 13
Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense and it is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s faults, but delights in the truth.
It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope. It is always ready to endure whatever comes. True love does not come to an end. Two lives, two people, so very different, yet so similar. Together we stand as one, sharing our future as it comes. The past is that - past.
Buds are yet to blossom, with care and trust, the best to be revealed.
Honesty and kindness, are the fruits of love. Lord bless this day and always, to enrich us so our love will never end.

A reading to be selected by you. The reading(s) may be offered by a friend or family member.   
The Old Testament :  Genesis 1:26-28,31; Genesis 2:18-24 ; Ruth 1:16-17; Psalm 33:1-5 ; Psalm 37:3-7; Pslam 67; Psalm 100; Psalm 103; Psalm 121; Psalm 127; Psalm 128; Psalm 150; Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Song of Solomon 8:6-7/ 
New Testament: Matthew 5:1-12; Matthew 7:24-27; Matthew 19:4-6; John 15: 9-17; Romans 8:31-39; Romans 12:1-2, 9-18; 1 Corinthians 13 ; Ephesians 3:14-21; Ephesians 5:2, 21-33; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Peter3:1-9; 1 John 3:18-24; 1 John 4:7-16

Declaration of Intention:

Minister: 
B&G, please face each other and hold hands. Before God and this congregation, I ask you to affirm your willingness to enter this covenant of marriage and to share all the joys and sorrows of this new relationship, whatever the future may hold.
 
Groom, do you take Bride. to be your wife, and do you promise to love her faithfully as long as you both shall live?
The groom says: I do. or I do, with the help of God.

 Addressing the bride: Bride, do you take Groom. to be your husband, and do you promise to love him faithfully as long as you both shall live?
The bride says: I do or I do, with the help of God.

(At this point in the service, the bride & groom and possibly the maid/matron of honor and best man may move up the steps into the chancel area for the vows. Flowers may be given to the maid/matron of honor at this point in the service.)

Vows:
These traditional vows will be repeated after the Minister. If  vows have been written by the bride and groom or substituted with more personal vows, then Bride and Groom will say the vows to each other, without the
prompting of the Minister, unless previously agreed otherwise.

Minister:   Groom, as you look at Bride, repeat these words after me:
 Groom: I, Groom’s name., take you ,Bride.; to be my wedded wife; and I do promise and covenant; before God and these witnesses; to be your loving and faithful husband; in plenty and in want; in joy and in sorrow; in sickness and in health; as long as we both shall live.

Minister:  Bride, as you look at Groom, repeat these words after me:
 Bride: I, Bride’s name., take you, Groom.; to be my wedded husband; and I do promise and covenant; before God and these witnesses; to be your loving and faithful wife; in plenty and in want; in joy and in sorrow; in sickness and in health; as long as we both shall live.

Exchange of Rings:
Minister: 
May I please have the rings? (The minister takes them from the best man or maid or matron of honor, or both, or unties them from the ring bearer's pillow.)

Minister:
Holding the rings aloft, the minister says:
These rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace, which unites two hearts in love.  They are especially significant because the circle of these rings is a symbol of the unending and enduring quality of the love which B&G are sharing today.

Minister: Let us pray:
 Bless, O God, these rings, that they who give and wear them may abide in Your peace, and continue in Your favor, unto their life’s end; through Jesus Christ. Amen.

The groom places the ring on the fourth finger of the bride's left hand.

Minister: Groom, repeat these words to your bride fter me:
Bride, this ring I give you; as a sign of our constant faith; and abiding love.

The bride places the ring on the fourth finger of the groom's left hand.

Minister: Bride, repeat these words to your groom after me:
Groom, this ring I give you; as a sign of our constant faith; and abiding love.

Prayer of Dedication  (The couple may kneel or remain standing.)
Minister:
·  Let us pray. Our loving God, Creator and Preserver of us all, bless Groom, that he might share his love, strength and protection with Bride, so that she might find in him character, patience, understanding and faithfulness.
· Bless Bride. with tenderness and an inner beauty of soul that never fades and a holding fast to those Godlike qualities which make marriage right and beautiful.
· Teach them, Lord, not only to live for each other, but to live for you and for others.
· Give them a living faith which also sends them into life with a purpose to do your will.
· Allow them enough tears to keep them tender, enough hurts to keep them human, enough failure to keep their hands firmly held in yours, and enough success to make them sure they walk with you.
· Lord, may they never take each other's love for granted -- bless them in their work, in their companionship, in their sleeping, and in their waking.
· Let your Holy Spirit be upon them to keep them faithful to each other and to you, that they may know the fullness of life as you intended for your human family.
· In Christ we pray, Amen.

Minister:
Declaration of Marriage

B&G, inasmuch as you have declared your willingness and intention to enter the state of marriage with each other, and have declared the same in the company of God and these witnesses, and have given to each other as a symbol of this commitment these rings, by virtue of the authority vested in me as an ordained minister  and according to the laws of this state, I pronounce you husband and wife, united in the holy bonds of marriage. What God has joined, let no one put asunder. 

Benediction
May God bless, preserve, and keep you; may God look mercifully and with favor look upon you; and may God fill you with all spiritual benediction and grace, that you may so live together in this life, that in the world to come, you may have life everlasting. Amen.

Flowers may be returned to the bride at this point in the service.

Minister:
Now that G&B have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce they are husband and wife, in the Name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Congratulations, you may kiss the bride.

Minister:
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs.
Would everyone please stand as the couple departs! Please remain in your places until the parents have left the room.

Recessional:
Music begins, couple slowly walks out, flower girl and ring bearer depart, groomsmen and bridesmaids recess as pairs, Minister  invites parents and grandparents to exit just in front of him.

The End

Reasons to have a  Vow Renewal Ceremony:

You want to celebrate your a significant wedding anniversary
You only got married legally before, and now would like to have a religious wedding.
You never had a chance to wear a wedding dress and you are ready for it now.
didn't have much money for your first wedding, and you want a more elaborate wedding
You got married with only a few people present, and you'd like to say wedding vows in front of lots of family and friends.
Your marriage has endured troublesome times and would now like to reaffirm your commitment to one another.
You think your marriage is marvelous and you think it would be romantic to have that special celebration.

How to renew your wedding vows:

There are no rules. It can be as simple as the two of you alone in a beautiful spot reaffirming your vows you have written or an elegant affair with guests and family members. Your budget is the factor that will determine how elaborate or simple it will be.

You can dress in an understated wedding gown or the dress of your choice. You may have a full blown reception with music and dinner, or you may have a backyard affair, festive and casual.

Let your imagination flow free and dream a new dream. There is no pressure, you set the date ahead of time. You may take a couple of years to plan it and make the decorations ahead of time. Or you may also hire a wedding consultant to help you make the most of your time.

Re-affirmation of Vows Ceremony:

Today is your, (Couples’ Names) wedding anniversary and your celebration. On the (date) you took upon yourselves the responsibility of married life. Today we gather here to renew your marriage vows and to re-affirm with happiness a new beginning in your life where love is celebrated and your commitment to each other is reaffirmed.

This is a time when your heart is willing with tender intention to continue developing your love for each other. You are here today with open eyes, having experienced the tensions and struggle to become established in life and in nurturing a growing relationship and a family. And you say: it has been worth it and it will continue being of great worth to us: our love, our marriage, our family, our life.

This anniversary is a time when you can reassure each other of the promises made on your wedding day. And you express to each other deep loyalty and loving trust as the continued basis of your marriage relationship.

On this anniversary you can look together with gratitude and humility in your hearts on the years that have passed, conscious of the sharing, the caring, the joys and sorrows, of family life and of wonderful friends made; and you can look forward to the future with strength and assurance of even more joy and experiences. All the trials of the past have not weakened your love for each other but have only made you more determined to stand by each other.

Both of you believe that marriage is the fullness of the husband and wife relationship and you know that a deep bond unites you both together. Your mutual re-commitment today will encourage you to continue that loyal dedication to each other so that you can look forward to a settled and contented future, with the blessing of God.


Sample Vows to Say at Your Vow Renewal:

(spouse's name), 25 years ago, I pledged my love and commitment to you, but it seems like only yesterday. I promised to love you, honor you, comfort and keep you. I pledged to be by your side in sickness and in health, in times of want, and times of plenty, for better or worse, for the rest of our lives. We have had all of those things, and you have been by my side as we created a family, a home, and a life together.

Today, at the beginning of our 26th year as husband and wife, in the presence of God, and our family and friends, I renew my vows to you, pledging my eternal love for you, and eagerly awaiting what life may bring us. I am grateful to God for having you in my life.