Convocation

(example for outdoor wedding)
With the horizon our only walls, the sky our only ceiling, and the earth our floor we meet here in nature to affirm our love.

(example for indoor wedding)
May the promises you make to one another be lived out to the end of your lives in an atmosphere of profoundest joy.

Invocation

_____ and _____ welcome you, their family and friends. Each of you has given something of yourself into their lives. It is fitting then that you share in this celebration of their commitment to each other and to their lives joined in marriage.

Readings

_____ and _____ parents and members of the wedding party will now say a few words.

(Optional)

     Groom's Parents Speak
     Brides's Parents Speak
     Grandparents, Siblings, etc.

Expression of Intent

Do you _____, choose to marry _____? To speak the words that will join you with her as your wife for the rest of the days of your life?

     Answer: I do.

Do you _____, choose to marry _____? To speak the words that will join you with him as your husband for the rest of the days of your life?

     Answer: I do.

Consecration

     PEACE I ASK OF THEE, O RIVER

     Peace I ask of Thee, O River,
     Peace, Peace, Peace.
     When I learn to live serenely
     Cares will cease.

     From the hills I gather courage,
     Visions of the day to be.
     Strength to lead and strength to follow
     All are give unto me.

     Peace I ask of Thee, O River,
     Peace, Peace, Peace.

Vows

_____ take _____ 's right hand and repeat after me.

     _____, I choose you to be my wife.
     I promise freely from this day forward
     To be worthy of your trust and deserving of your confidence;
     To be generous with my time, my energy and my love;
     To be patient with you and with myself,
     To return love, tolerance, and generosity to your family.
     To trust you;
     To be devoted to you and our life together.
     These things I pledge before you, myself, our friends, and our family.

_____ take _____ 's right hand and repeat after me.

     _____, I choose you to be my husband.
     I promise freely from this day forward
     To be worthy of your trust and deserving of your confidence;
     To be generous with my time, my energy and my love;
     To be patient with you and with myself,
     To return love, tolerance, and generosity to your family.
     To trust you;
     To be devoted to you and our life together.
     These things I pledge before you, myself, our friends, and our family.

Ring Vows

What pledge do you offer in symbol of these vows?
     Answer: "These rings"

Minister takes the rings and gives them to _____ and _____, then minister places hand over the rings, the hands of _____ and _____, and gives a blessing:

"May these rings remind us well of our vows to each other."

     _____, I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect and trust.

     _____, I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect and trust.

Pronouncement

_____ and _____, you have exchanged vows and rings, and consented to marry in the presence of your family and friends. By the power vested in me by the State of (Iowa or state where ceremony takes place if outside of Iowa),

      I pronounce you husband and wife.

"Let all others honor their decision and the threshold of their home."

The Kiss

      You may now kiss the bride.

      I now present _____ and _____.