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Egalitarian feminist pluralistic ceremony script for your equality-focused ceremony (includes READINGS!)
When you want to focus on equality and feminism, it can be hard to find a wedding ceremony script that holds water. This one ROCKS... Read more
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the wedding of Kara and Neal. You have come here to share in this formal commitment they are about to make to one another, to offer your love and support to this union, and to allow Kara and Neal to start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them.
So welcome to one and all, who have traveled from near and far. Kara and Neal thank you for your presence here today, and now ask for your encouragement and lifelong support in their decision to be married.
The bride and groom would like to give a special thank you to their parents and their wedding party, who have loved and supported them every step of the way. The bride and groom would also like to acknowledge all those who are no longer with us physically but who are very much here in spirit.
Definition of Marriage
“Marriage is a coming together for better or for worse, hopefully enduring, and intimate to the degree of being sacred.” Justice Douglas, Griswold v. Connecticut
“Marriage is one of the basic civil rights of man, fundamental to our very existence and survival.” Justice Stewart, Loving v. Virginia.
“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.” Justice Kennedy, Obergefell v. Hodges.
“The nature of marriage is that, through its enduring bond, two persons together can find other freedoms, such as expression, intimacy, and spirituality. This is true for all persons, whatever their sexual orientation.” Justice Kennedy, Obergefell v. Hodges.
Readings
The matron of honor and best man have been asked to read passages selected by the bride and groom.
Matron of honor reads “I Promise You” by Johnny Cash:
“I Promise You”
I promised you the day you marry me
I'll be everything to you that I should be
And while you're in the springtime of your years
You'll not know what it's like to shed a tear
I'll be the same through all that we go through
I promise you I promise youI promise you for richer or for poorer
I'll more than share each pain that you endure
And when you're in the autumn of your years
You'll call me in the night and I'll be near
I love you and I'll let you know I do
I promise you I promise youI promise you for better or for worse
I'll stand by you as I did at the first
And when you're in the winter of your years
I'll be right by your side to dry your tears
Yes I'll be the same through all that we go through
I promise you I promise you
I promise you I promise you
Best man reads “If I Should Fall Behind” by Bruce Springsteen:
“If I Should Fall Behind”
We said we'd walk together baby come what may
That come the twilight should we lose our way
If as we're walking a hand should slip free
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for meWe swore we'd travel darlin' side by side
We'd help each other stay in stride
But each lover's steps fall so differently
But I'll wait for you
And if I should fall behind
Wait for meNow everyone dreams of a love lasting and true
But you and I know what this world can do
So let's make our steps clear that the other may see
And I'll wait for you
If I should fall behind
Wait for meNow there's a beautiful river in the valley ahead
There ‘neath the oak's bough soon we will be wed
Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees
I'll wait for you
And should I fall behind
Wait for me
Darlin' I'll wait for you
Should I fall behind
Wait for me
I Do
[We decided to keep our vows private, but here are our “I do's”:]
Kara: do you take Neal to be your lawfully wedded husband and to never stop him from watching Star Wars? (I do)
Neal: do you take Kara to be your lawfully wedded wife, and to never stop her from adopting another pet? (I do)
Rings
Please present the rings…
Your wedding ring is a symbol of your promise to one another. The ring, an unbroken, never ending circle, is a symbol of committed, unending love.
Kara, as you place this ring on Neal's finger, repeat these words after me: “With this ring, I thee wed”
Neal, as you place this ring on Kara's finger, repeat these words after me: “With this ring, I thee wed”
Outro and Pronouncement
Kara and Neal, you have come here today of your own free will and in the presence of family and friends and have declared your love and commitment to each other. You have given and received a ring as a symbol of your promises.
By the power vested in me by the State of Ohio, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now share your first kiss as husband and wife. Friends and family, it is my pleasure to introduce the newly united couple, Kara and Neal.
