Sample of a Traditional Secular Ceremony (Cathy and Marcus)

We gather here today to witness the joining of this man and this woman in marriage, which is an
honorable estate, instituted in the necessities of our being, and dedicated to the happiness of
mankind; an estate not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly,
soberly, with great love and all sincerity.

In truth, this outward act of commitment must be a symbol of that which is inner and more real, a
sacred personal union, which a church can solemnize and a state can make legal, but which only
a deep and abiding love can truly create and mutually fulfill.

[At this point there may be a ceremony of the father of the bride giving her hand in marriage.]

To endure, the marriage of two persons must be a promise from each to the other, and from both
to the wider community of which their lives are a part. Love is a wonderful thing, and thoroughly
good. It makes that which is heavy, light; and it bears evenly all that is uneven. Love carries a
burden as if no burden; it is not kept back by anything low and mean.  It strives to be free from all
worldly affectations and not to be entangled by any outward prosperity nor by any adversity to be
subdued.
Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of trouble, attempts what is above its strength, and pleads
no excuse of impossibility.  It is therefore able to undertake all things, and it completes many
things and warrants them to take effect, where he or she who does not love would faint and lie
down.
Though weary, love is not tired; though pressed, it is not defeated; though alarmed, love is not
confounded; but as a living flame, it forces its way upward and securely passes through all.
And so it is always to be cherished and nurtured and held dear in both your hearts for no matter
what may come to you through life, your love can see you through it, together.

Minister: So now, in the presence of your families and closest friends, I ask you:
[To Groom:]
Marcus Catalano, will you have this woman, Cathy to be your wife, to live together in the sacred
estate of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health,
in sorrow and in joy, and pledge to be faithful to her for as long as you both shall live?

Groom:  I Will.

[To Bride:]
Cathy Jessup, will you have this man, Marc to be your husband, to live together in the sacred
estate of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in
health, in sorrow and in joy, and pledge to be faithful to him for as long as you both shall live?

Bride:  I Will.

READING:  [from The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran]

Love one another, but make not a bond of love.
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each of you be alone,
even as the strings of a lute are alone, though they quiver with the same music.
And stand together, yet not too near together, for the pillars of the temple
stand apart, and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow."

MUSIC:  "Because you love me"

[At this point there would be an exchange of rings and explanation of their symbolism.]

Minister:
Inasmuch as Marc and Cathy have consented together in marriage, and have witnessed the
same before you, and thereto have pledged their faith to each other, and have declared the same
by joining hands and giving and receiving rings, therefore by the power vested in me by the State
of Michigan, I now pronounce that they are husband and wife.

May you always remain sweethearts and friends. May your marriage be full of kindness.
And may the years bring you happiness and contentment-- forever in love.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce Mr. & Mrs. Marc Catalano!


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