Weddings
Sample Ceremony
Introduction
"Welcome family and friends to the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Gardens
We have come here today to share and celebrate the union of (Groom) and (Bride) who will begin their new life together in this very special place and at this very special hour. As the day begins, so does their life as husband and wife.
They are delighted that you, their families and close friends, are also here to witness their marriage and share in their happiness on this day.
My name is Shay Irvine and I am a Civil Marriage Celebrant who is authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law in Australia.
(Groom) and (Bride) enter into this marriage with the greatest respect for one another. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty, marriage enables the establishment of a home where, through tolerance, patience and courage, the love and affection that these two people bear for one another will develop into a deep and lasting relationship.
(Groom) and (Bride) when you pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, you create a spirit that is uniquely yours. A spirit which binds you closer than any spoken or written word can ever do. Marriage is a promise made in your two hearts to be nurtured and fulfilled for the rest of your lifetime together.
Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of your witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.
Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.
The vows that you are about to take are an acceptance of that commitment."
Vows
(Groom)
"I call upon the persons here present to witness that I (Groom) do take you (Bride) to be my lawfully wedded wife and lifelong partner.
The one I have learned from and shared with, the one I have chosen to support and encourage.
Our relationship has been built with trust and honesty and I promise to share with you my heart and soul.
I promise to always love, honour and respect you through tears, laughter and through this lifetime of adventure together."
(Bride)
"I call upon the persons here present to witness that I (Bride) do take you (Groom) to be my lawfully wedded husband.
I have found a friend whom I truly love. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.
I will love you when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple and when it is an effort.
I will try and understand you. I will help you to be your true self and respect you in your own right.
These things I give to you today and always."
Ring Exchange
"Take this ring and wear it as a symbol of my love so that the world will know that I am yours and you are mine."
Declaration
"For all of us here who have been privileged to share with (Groom) and (Bride) their Wedding Ceremony, hope that the love that you have declared before us will give you the strength to keep the vows that you have made to each other.
So therefore on your behalf and with the power invested in me, I now declare you
HUSBAND AND WIFE
(Groom) you may now kiss your beautiful wife."