Hands of the Couple

[Just before vows.]

Officiant: Now our maid/man of honour and the best man/maid (or two other readers) will join me for the Hands of Couple reading

Reader 1: [Bride/Spouse 1], please face [Groom/Spouse 2], and hold his/her/their hands, palms up, so you see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief fill you. These are the hands that will give you support and celebrate with you in your accomplishments.

Reader 2: [Groom/Spouse 2], please hold [Bride/Spouse 2's] hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as you are encouraged to fulfill your dreams. Together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.

(Optional)

Officiant: God, bless these hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold on during the storms of stress and the dark of disillusionment. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in their wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in your grace, rich in caring, and devoted in reaching for your perfection. May [Spouse 1] and [Spouse 2] see their four hands as healer, protector, shelter and guide. We ask this in your name, Amen.