Same Gender Wedding Ceremony - Shorter

Word of welcome

Welcome to you all on this special day.

Regardless of the wonderful and loving relationship that (Partner 1) and (Partner 2) have shared to this day, today, that relationship changes. All of us know it will grow, and become stronger and better.

Indeed, during these exciting times, this day is a day of hope; A day in which (Partner 2) and (Partner 1) demonstrate their faith and love in one another.

Reading

I would now like to read a passage that I believe expresses the sense of joy and love experienced on a day such as this. It's called 'To My Friend':

I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you because you have done more than any creed could have done to make me good, and more than any fate could have done to make me happy. You have done it without a touch, without a word, without a sign. You have done it by being yourself. Perhaps, after all, that's what being a friend means.

Expression of Intent

I now have a question for each of you.

(Partner 1), you have chosen (Partner 2) to be your life partner. Will you love and respect her/him? Will you be honest with her/him always and will you stand by her through whatever may come? (Answer: "I will")

(Partner 2), you have chosen (Partner 1) to be your life partner. Will you love and respect her/him? Will you be honest with her/him always and will you stand by her through whatever may come? (Answer: "I will")

And do you both promise to make the necessary adjustments in your personal lives in order that you may live in a harmonious relationship together? (Answer: "We do")

The Exchange of vows

(Partner 1) and (Partner 2), we now come to your vows. May I remind you that saying your vows are one thing but nothing is more challenging than living them day-by-day. What you promise today must be renewed tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you. Will you now please turn and face each other and hold hands, looking at each other.

(Partner 1), please repeat after me: In the presence of our family and friends, I (Partner 1) choose you (Partner 2) to be my husband/wife/life partner; To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow.

Now (Partner 2), please repeat after me: In the presence of our family and friends, I (Partner 2) choose you (Partner 1) to be my husband/wife/life partner; To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. This is my solemn vow.

The Giving of Rings (Optional)

May I have the rings please?

(Partner 2), I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am I honour you.

(Partner 1), I give you this ring that you may wear it as a symbol of the vows we have made this day. I pledge you my love and respect, my laughter and my tears. With all that I am I honour you.

Now may those who wear these rings live in love all their days.

Declaration of Marriage

(Partner 1) and (Partner 2), we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made here this day before each of us as witnesses. Therefore in the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today and by the power vested in me, by the Province of Ontario, I declare you married and partners for life.

You may seal your vows with a kiss.

Signing of the Marriage Register

(At this time, the wedded parties and their witnesses will sign the Official Marriage Register. This normally takes a minute or two; consider providing appropriate music during this interval.)

Introduction of the couple

It is now my personal privilege and great joy to be the first one to introduce (Partner 1) and (Partner 2) as a newly married couple/partners in life, for life/other other introduction of your choosing.

Please greet them warmly.