Simply Sweet Ceremony

Good afternoon. My name is ____ and I have the privilege of conducting this marriage ceremony today.  

On behalf of [Partner 1] and [Partner 2], welcome. They are delighted that you are here to share in their joy during this wonderful moment in their lives.  

By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other, and you support their decision to commit themselves to one another for the rest of their lives.

First, I have some questions for each of you. 

[Partner 1], you have chosen [Partner 2] to be your wife/husband/partner. Do you promise to love and respect her/him/them? To be honest with her/him/them always, and to stand by her/him/them through whatever may come? (Answer: 'I do')  

[Partner 2], you have chosen [Partner 1] to be your husband/wife/partner. Do you promise to love and respect him/her/them? To be honest with him/her/them always, and to stand by him/her/them through whatever may come? (Answer: 'I do') 

There is a great deal of literature written about love. This is a reading from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. 

“You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness. We pardon to the extent that we love. Love is knowing that even when you are alone, you will never be lonely again. And the greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved. Loved for ourselves. And even loved in spite of ourselves.

(Couples are encouraged to select or write their own vows. We offer the selection below as an option.) 

[Partner 1] and [Partner 2], we now come to your vows. These promises that you make today must be renewed tomorrow and each day that stretches out before you.  

[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/partner, for better and for worse, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. 

Thank you. [Partner 2], it’s your turn. 
 

[Partner 2], please repeat after me: In the presence of our family and friends I, [Partner 2], choose you, [Partner 1], to be my wife/husband/partner, for better and for worse, in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, to love and to cherish, and to be faithful to you alone. 

Let’s confirm your vows with the exchange of rings. May we have the rings, please? 

[Partner 2], please repeat after me: 

[Partner 1], I give you this ring; wear it with love and joy. 
Let it be a constant reminder that we are partners 
And that I am with you always. 

[Partner 1], please repeat after me: 

[Partner 2], I give you this ring; wear it with love and joy. 
Let it be a constant reminder that we are partners 
And that I am with you always. 

 
These rings will be a daily reminder of the commitments you have made today and a symbol to the world of your devotion.

Affirmation of the Marriage

[Partner 1] and [Partner 2], we have heard your promises, made before these witnesses, to share your lives in marriage. Therefore, by the power vested in me by the Province of XXX, it is my honour to now declare you to be husband and wife/married/partners for life.  

You may seal your vows with a kiss!