Jumping the Broom Ceremony Script

Officiant:

Hi everyone, my name is _________ , and I will be officiating today. _________ and _________ are so grateful you are all here to witness their marriage at this unplugged ceremony. We often get distracted by technology, and we would love for you to be fully present with us.

Please take this time to turn off the sound on your devices, and please refrain from taking pictures during the ceremony. Photography is welcomed and encouraged at the reception. Thank you!

Officiant:

Welcome friends, family, and loved ones! _________ and _________ have chosen to commit to one another for the rest of their lives. We are here today to celebrate with them, and to share in their gladness as they proclaim their love for one another.

Marriage brings hard days, just as it brings beautiful ones. This day is a reminder of what your love has already accomplished, and the amazing possibilities of what it can continue to accomplish and overcome in the many years ahead of you.

_________ and _________, let there be no mistake. While the tradition of handfasting recognizes and accepts love as dynamic in nature, it is not to be entered into lightheartedly, because it is a sacred vow.

Officiant:

The vows you make today signify that you are bound forever, whether or not your bodies are.

You make these promises today with the understanding that you are committing to being a true partner to one another.

These agreements should not easily be broken, as you make them in the sight of these loved ones as witnesses. Knowing this, _________ and _________, is it your intent to enter into this commitment to one another?

Officiant:

It’s time to seal your bond with the exchange of rings. [Friend/family member], will you please bring the rings?

The ring has a special significance within Pagan culture because it is a symbol of unbrokenness. It is also a symbol of completion – as the two of you are now a complete whole.

Officiant (to Partner 1):

_________, please repeat after me: _________, I promise on this day to share your pain, your joy, your burdens, and your dreams, and to help navigate this life together, as our love grows with us.

Officiant (to Partner 2):

_________, please repeat after me: _________, I promise on this day to share your pain, your joy, your burdens, and your dreams, and to help navigate this life together, as our love grows with us.

Officiant:

_________ and _________, please link arms. [Friend/family member], will you please bring the handfasting cords?

Officiant:

Now, as your hands are bound together, I will read the vows you have created for one another:

My love, I seek to know all of you,
And ask that I be given wisdom.
to see you as you are but love you as a mystery.

I take you in joy. I delight in the love of you.
You are my friend and my lover.
I will uphold you in respect all of my days.

Grow old and wise with me,
As I will do with you.
I give you my body, that we two might be one.
I give you my spirit, until our life is done.

You do not own me, for I belong to myself.
But while we both wish it; I give you that which is mine to give.

You cannot command me, for I am a free person.
But I will lovingly serve you in any way you require.

I pledge to you the first bite from my plate, and the first drink from my cup.
I pledge to you my living and dying, equally in your care.
I will not slander you, nor you me. I will honor you above all others.
Our marriage is only for us, and no stranger will hear of our grievances.

I will cherish and protect you through this life and into the next. This is a marriage of equals. As above, so below.

Officiant:

We end this ceremony with the tradition of jumping the broom. As _________ and _________ jump, they physically and metaphysically cross the threshold into their life together.

It marks making their home together a place of refuge. It symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new; the sweeping away of all negative energy, making way for all things that are good to come into their lives.

The leap they take is a gesture they make of dedication to working together through everything that will occur in this life. They leave behind the past and jump into the future together, secure in their love. Okay, jump when you’re ready!

Officiant:

_________ and _________, like a stone may your love be solid; like a star may your love be constant. May it always make you happy.

By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church, I now pronounce you husband/wife and husband/wife.

You may now kiss!