Declaration of Support #1
Bride and Groom, today we have come together to celebrate the love you have found with each other. By being here with you, each of us is declaring our support for your decision to join together in marriage.
(To guests)
As families and friends, you form the community of support that surrounds Bride and Groom. Each of you, by your presence here today, is being called upon to uphold them in honoring and loving each other.
Always stand beside them, never between them. Offer them your love and support, not your judgment. Encourage them with your kindness and loving hearts, and honor this marriage into which they have come to be joined today.
Declaration of Support #2
We give thanks for the gift of love and the opportunity to enter into its mystery.
We pray that Bride and Groom possess the kind of love that will bring them great delight, peacefulness, and friendship.
May they find their hearts and souls growing ever more closely together over the years, and may the sanctuary of their love and friendship nurture each of them in their own most beautiful and unique expressions.
May their love be strong enough to survive the tides of life.
May they know God’s presence in their lives through their love for each other and through our love for them as well.
May all of us here be ready to offer our support when it is needed, and may we have the wisdom to know when it is not.
And, above all, may we return to them the love that they have given us.
In the next version, the parents are called forward to stand behind the Bride and Groom to declare their support for the marriage. This action symbolizes the joining together of the two families. Sometimes, couples like this sentiment but do not have the “perfect” families with both sets of parents still married and/or living. In such cases, other family members may be called forward to represent one’s heritage.
Declaration of Support #3
When two individuals come together in marriage, their families and friends are also joined together into a larger circle of caring.
From now on, you will know Bride and Groom not only as individuals, but as Marriage Partners, and your individual lives will be linked together as members of this community.
Mr. and Mrs. , would you please come and stand behind Bride?
Mr. and Mrs. , would you please come and stand behind Groom?
Mr. and Mrs. , you stand before us symbolizing the traditions and family from which Bride comes. Do you willingly and gladly support Bride’s marriage to Groom?
Mr. and Mrs. : Yes, we do!
Mr. and Mrs. , you stand before us symbolizing the traditions and family from which Groom comes. Do you willingly and gladly support Groom’s marriage to Bride?
Mr. and Mrs. : Yes, we do!
(Families greet each other and return to their seats.)
The form of this greeting between the families will reflect the level of formality of the ceremony as well as how well-acquainted the two families are with each other. Some choose handshakes, others are huggers. Sometimes the Bride and Groom get involved and other times it is simply the parents or family members greeting each other.
Declaration of Support #4
Today, we form a circle of love around Bride and Groom as they enter into marriage.
To last, their marriage must be a consecration of each to the other, and of both to the wider community of which they are a part.
That community starts with each and every one of you, their loved ones.
Through their act of marriage, Bride and Groom have gathered you around them like a comforting blanket, forming their community of love and support as they move forward into a shared life as Marriage Partners.
Now, let us share in a moment of silently extending our blessings to Bride and Groom for a loving, healthy, and happy marriage.
Bride and Groom, it is very special that you have chosen to celebrate your marriage union in the circle of your families.
So, I would like to welcome each member of your families:
(Family members are each called by name, given a flower by the Bride and Groom, then one by one join into a circle around the Bride and Groom.)
This circle of your family represents your circle of loving, caring, friendship, and family support.
These people embody the traditions and values that have brought you to this point in your lives.
Bride and Groom, at this time, your parents would like to share their best wishes with you.
Bride’s mother:
Bride, your father and I are so happy for you today and filled with pride and joy that our baby girl has become such an accomplished and lovely woman. And, as though that were not enough,you have found a profound love with Groom and brought this magnificent young man into our family.
Bride’s father:
Groom, I never imagined there would come a day when I could sincerely feel that anyone was wonderful enough for our Bride. But you have changed all that. She has chosen wisely, and we are delighted to have you in our family.
Bride’s mother:
Bride and Groom, we have had the good fortune to build and enjoy a secure and nurturing marriage. Our greatest wish for you is that you too have the good fortune to share a healthy and happy marriage, and that you continue to light up the room for each other for the rest of your lives.
Groom’s mother:
My dear son Groom, nothing could give your father and me greater pleasure than to stand here with you today knowing that you have found what your generation calls your soul mate. I have watched you and Bride really take your time in getting to know each other and in building a solid foundation of love and respect for each other. And now, as you stand on the threshold of your marriage, I can truly say we support you both without reservation and with great enthusiasm.
Groom’s father:
I remember when Groom was a young boy and used to love learning all the names of the trees, flowers, and birds. Now I listen to the two of you share your anecdotes and lessons from nature and am so pleased for you both that you share this common bond. Seeing how much you two love and understand nature touches me deeply. You are a wise and wonderful pair, and you make us all better people just by knowing you.
May God bless you always.
Some couples like to have their guests take a pledge of support for their marriage.
Declaration of Support #5
I invite each of you as members of this gathering to indicate your support for Bride and Groom by answering “I will” to the following question:
By God’s grace, will each of you do everything you can to uphold and care for these two persons in their marriage?
Guests: I will.
I encourage you as families and friends to always choose your loving in your thoughts about and interactions with Bride and Groom. Stand beside them, not between them.
Come to them with hearts of peace, not judgment.
Honor them and yourselves as children of God.
Honor their marriage as a sacred union with God.
Show them your kindness, your support, and your loving hearts.
Declaration of Support #6
Collectively, you represent the families, friends, and traditions that have brought Bride and Groom to this point in their lives.
Please affirm your support for this marriageby responding “Yes, I do” to the following question:
As part of the community that surrounds Bride and Groom, do you offer your love and support to strengthen their marriage and bless this family created by their union?
Guests: Yes, I do!
Declaration of Support #7
Bride and Groom would like to acknowledge their parents, whose love, support, and nurturing are such an essential part of who they are today.
They thank you for being their first teachers of the power and possibilities of love.
May you take great pride in the fact that the seeds of love you have planted in Bride and Groom will flourish in the formation of this new family today.
Let us all remember, today and always, that there is nothing more important than loving one another.
Ceremonies With Hallie 