Sample Contemporary Secular Ceremony  (Dave and Marci)

Minister:
Dear Friends, we gather here today to witness and to celebrate the drawing together of two  lives.
We have come to see this man, David Knecht, and this woman, Marcia Millard,  joined in marriage.

Marriage is not to be entered into lightly but with assurance and mutual respect. And of course, with
Love, the shining light of all human emotions that reduces our selfishness, fulfills our need to
share, and reinforces our greatest virtues.

No matter how much we know, we can always learn more about love, and seeing the miracle of love
in this beautiful young couple enriches all of us. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their
excitement refreshes the emotions of everyone around them.

But, this celebration of human affection is also the outward sign of a commitment, which religion
may consecrate and society may formalize, but of which neither can guarantee happiness. For
within the fold must exist two minds filled with loving purpose, willing to grow and not recede in the
face of change. Out of that benevolent spirit of affection and sharing, these two people now stand
before us.

[Reading by a friend.]
“The Art of Marriage”
A Good Marriage must be created.
In the Art of Marriage, the little things are the big things;
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say, "1 love you," at least once each day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives;
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right partner.
It is being the right partner.

Minister to Groom:
Do you, David Knecht, take Marcia Theresa Millard, to be the wife of your days, to love and to cherish
her, to honor and to comfort her, in sorrow or in joy, in hardship or in ease, to have and to hold her
always from this day forward?

Groom:  I do.

Minister to Bride:
Do you, Marcia Theresa Millard, take David Knecht to be the husband of your days, to love and to
cherish him, to honor and to comfort him, in sorrow or in joy, in hardship or in ease, to have and to
hold him always from this day forward?

Bride:  I do.

[Best man hands the rings to the groom, who presents them to the minister]
Minister:
These are rings of precious metal, symbolizing the precious love Dave and Marci now express to
each other. They are in the shape of a circle, having no beginning and no end like the unending
promise of faithfulness Dave and Marci make to each other this day. And they are a message
understood in every land around the world that two people have joined their destinies together as
one.

RING CEREMONY

Minister:
May this couple, now joined, draw strength from their agreement in marriage. Understanding, even
in the moments of despair, the virtues they see this day in one another. Serenity under fire,
encouragement when life becomes a trial, sharing one another's joys and pains. Welcoming life's
mysteries through the optimism found in their love. Growing wise instead of old, accepting the
unwanted stranger that no one knows. Sharing today's inspiration, beyond the present.

May this union add to the goodness and joy of all the lives it touches, from this day on.
David and Marcia, by the power vested in me and in the presence of your loved ones, I now
pronounce you husband and wife.

David, you may kiss the bride.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you-- Dave and Marci Knecht!



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