From the time that humankind first walked the earth in the sight of God - when all things were new - marriage has been.  Marriage is a relationship to be honored and valued among us.

The scriptures say: "Two are better than one, because they have they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall one will lift up the other, but woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up.  And so it is when two sleep together...they gain warmth from one another.  For how can one be warm who is always alone.  And though a man may prevail against another who is alone, two will ore easily withstand him.  And even stronger is threefold cord which is not easily broken." (Ecclesiastes 4)

To be it's best - to fulfill it's intended purpose - a marriage should be a threefold cord consisting of the man, the woman, and Almighty God.  It's fitting, then, that we call upon Him, at this time, for His blessing and for His participation in this marriage.  May we join together in prayer.

Prayer - Lord God, we thank you for (Groom) and (Bride) for the deep love they bring to each other here and for the great joy they share.  We thank you too for all who share their joy - those who can be here and the many who cannot.  Bless them now as they make their promises to each other that they make them in all sincerity and truth and that they'll have the strength and the courage to keep these promises.  We ask, also for each of them a spirit of living forgiveness.  In the name of our Almighty God, Jehovah, we pray.  Amen

(Groom), marriage in our society has come to mean that a man will love, respect and cherish his wife.  That he will make his wife the closest companion of this life.  That he will reserve this intimate associations for her alone.  That he will give his strength and wisdom to the support and comfort of his wife.  Do you now commit yourself wholeheartedly in this manner?  (The Groom Responds "I Do")

(Bride), it is our belief that marriage will involve a woman in the same kind of commitment.  A commitment of companionship, respect and love.  A commitment of mutual support in the establishment of care of your home.  A commitment which makes it plain that while you have other friends, it is this one, her husband, who  will be her dearest and  closest friend..  Do you now commit yourself  wholeheartedly in this manner?  (The Bride Responds "I Do")

VOWS OF MARRIAGE
I, (Groom), give myself to you to be your loving husband.
I, (Bride), give myself to you to be your loving wife.

(Bride & Groom repeat together) "To have and to hold from this day forward for better or for worse.  For richer or for poorer, in laughter and in tears.  In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish.  To honor and to trust.  And, with God's blessings, I shall love thee forever and ever.

THE RINGS
A ring is a very fitting symbol for a wedding because it comes from the earth and, so, can represent the earthly aspect of your life together.  And, made of precious things, can represent the precious relationship between each of you.  And, because it has no end, it also represents the eternal in you lives.  Over the years, you will find - each of you - these to be very important.

Will you place the ring on the proper finger, please, and repeat these vows:
The groom says, "(Bride), this ring is a symbol of my gift, a love that never ends."
The bride says, "(Groom), this ring is a symbol of my promise to be from this day forward your friend, your companion, your wife."

PRAYER
Almighty God, we pray that you will bless these rings so that as our two friends wear them they will remember their promises made to you and to each other.  Help them to keep faith with each other in unbroken loyalty, remaining at peace with you and faithful with each other in mutual love for the rest of their days.  Amen.

This is the beginning of a new life together.  A life where dreams, hopes and joys will be shared.  You each bring these ideals with you here today as well as the friendship and the deep mutual love that you share with each other.

FIRST CORINTHIANS 13
Love is the strongest, most fulfilling emotion possible.
Love is patient and kind.
Love is never jealous or deceitful.
Love is truth and forgiveness.
Love is personal freedom and trust.
It's sharing your goals, your dreams, your soul.
Love is the fury of the storm and the calmness and serenity of a rainbow.
Love is like the misty rain that falls softly, but, floods the river.
Love is the breath, the smiles and the tears of life, it will endure whatever challenges it. 
True love will never end.

THE BLESSING
Father, we thank you for the privilege of sharing as (Groom) and (Bride ) begin their married life together.  We ask that the difficulties and joys they share, the problems and the dreams and the accomplishments that come to them might simply draw them closer together and closer to you.  And, we ask for them a special gift that by your grace, their love might grow and grow.  So, that in the years that lie ahead, not just once, but time after time they might look back on this and be surprised to find that their love was once this small.