Wedding Ceremony
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957 views
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~12 minute ceremony
Written by ULC Minister Torrey Malek
The breaking of the glass is one of the most iconic traditions in Jewish weddings, symbolizing the fragility of life, the strength of love, and the couple’s commitment to stand together through joy and sorrow. Whether you're planning a traditional ceremony or adding a meaningful cultural touch, this wedding script beautifully weaves the ritual into your vows, creating a powerful and unforgettable moment.
Processional
~Introductory Music~
Officiant:
Please be seated.
Welcome Statement
Officiant:
Welcome Friends, Family, and loved ones! We are gathered here today in celebration of the marriage of _________ and _________.
Today we enshrine their union before this community of their closest loved ones and walk with them into this next chapter of their lives together.
In acknowledgement of each and all of the friends and family here today whom _________ and _________ cherish so deeply, I’d like for us all to take a moment of silence in remembrance of those who are with us in spirit. Even though they have passed on from this world, they are still present here with us in our hearts and minds, celebrating this moment with us.
Moment of Silence
Officiant:
Thank you.
Wedding Sermon
Officiant (to guests):
Ladies and gentlemen, we hold marriage as a sacred union between two people who are solemnly committed to loving and spending the rest of their lives together. But we also know as a society that marriage is a serious institution. It requires deep commitment, faith, and trust in your spouse, as well as a lot of patience to make it work.
I’ve witnessed the commitment _________ and _________ have shown to one another, their faith, trust, and patience – but above all, I’ve seen the love that these two wonderful people hold for each other.
_________ and _________, I want to urge you to hold fast to this vision of your love for one another. Because even though all of us here are behind you and rooting for you, life throws at us many challenges, and it's amidst those challenges and how we rise above them with our partners, that we show how brightly the bonds of marriage truly shine.
_________ and _________, this is a special day in both of your lives, and one you will no doubt cherish forever. Before we proceed, take a moment to reflect upon every major decision and important experience that you've had over the years. Although you surely had no way of knowing at the time, each of those life events have led to this very moment.
And now, without further ado, I think it’s time we finally got you married!
Declaration of Intent
Officiant (to couple):
_________ and _________, please join hands.
Officiant:
_________, do you take _________ to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife/partner, to have and to hold, from this day forward. For better, for worse, in sickness and in health, so long as you both shall live?
Partner 1: I do.
Officiant:
_________, do you take _________ to be your lawfully wedded husband/wife/partner, to have and to hold, from this day forward. For better, for worse, in sickness and in health, so long as you both shall live?
Partner 2: I do.
Officiant:
And now, for the wedding rings...
Exchange of Rings
Officiant:
These wedding rings perfectly symbolize the never-ending love you two have for each other. By exchanging these rings, you solidify a lifelong commitment to one another. The rings serve as a welcome and constant reminder of the eternal bond you form today with your partner.
_________, please repeat after me:
Partner 1:
I, _________,
give you, _________ this ring
as a symbol of my love,
and the vows we made today,
to one another.
* Partner 1 places the ring on Partner 2's finger. *
Officiant:
Now, _________, please repeat after me:
Partner 2:
I, _________
give you, _________, this ring
as a symbol of my love,
and the vows we made today,
to one another.
* Partner 2 places the ring on Partner 1's finger. *
Breaking of the Glass
Officiant:
Although you have spoken the words to finalize your commitment, you will now officially seal your union with the breaking of the glass.
This ritual holds deep significance in Jewish tradition for numerous reasons. First and foremost, it symbolizes the fragility of life and the destruction of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem. This lesson teaches us that even in moments of great joy, there is a place for reflection on past sorrows.
There is also meaning in the material we will use for this ritual. Glass serves as a reminder that love must be protected and cherished, as it is delicate and needs constant care in order to thrive.
For anyone unfamiliar, it is tradition that once the glass is shattered, we shall all shout "Mazel Tov".
* _________ and _________ stomp the glass. *
Audience: MAZEL TOV!
Officiant:
This glass, now shattered, may never be reassembled. Similarly, the commitment you have made today is a permanent one. Your lives are now forever joined together through faith, love, and an everlasting devotion to one another.
Pronouncement
Officiant:
_________ and _________, having said your vows and stomped the glass, you have signified your commitment to one another and to this union. By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church, I now pronounce you married! You may kiss!
Presentation
Officiant:
Ladies and gentlemen, I now have the privilege of presenting, for the first time as a married couple: _________ and _________!
Recessional
~ Exit Music~
