Processional – This is when those participating arrive at the altar space.

Statement of Purpose –

Good evening. We are gathered here before the Powers that Be, (in this beautiful park), to witness the joining of two lives, (bride) and (groom). These two young people have chosen this special time and place to be joined to one another.  The decision to marry is not entered into lightly, but rather is undertaken with great consideration, respect, and love. You, as friends and family, are here to celebrate with (bride) and (groom) at the beginning of their journey.

Before the ceremony, it is customary to purify the space. Both Fire and Water are by their very nature’s sacred and we call upon the Divine to use these elements for cleansing away those things that cause us strife and allowing us to join in the joyful celebration the union of this couple brings. 

Purification –

Censing and aspersing the couple or the group (sprinkling of water and smudging of incense)

(Drawing a circle of tobacco, cedar, sweet grass and sage around the couple and officiant to declare sacred space for the exchange
of vows.)

Though there are many differences between people one of the greatest things we share is our connection to the world around us. As we are comforted and grown on this earth we also eventually return. In this capacity the earth is much like our mother. By recognizing her we honor all that is beautiful and loving in our lives.

Honoring the Earth Mother –

“Earth Mother,
From you we spring
by you are we nourished
To you we inevitably return.
Our bodies are built upon your bounty
Our spirits strengthen with your support
We call out to you as a child does a parent.
Blessed World, from whose womb springs forth all things;

What can we give that is ours only by your grace?
What gift can we make that was not first your gift to us?
The air we breathe, the food we eat, the shelter we call our homes show the love you bear your children. 

Bounteous Lady, we welcome you in all your forms.
We call to you this day to bear witness to the joining of this couple, to share your blessings with (bride) and (groom) as they begin a new path honoring their union and their love.

Accept this offering on behalf of those gathered here in the spirit of love and joy with which it is given.

Earth Mother, we honor you.”

(couple repeats last line)

Offering made by the couple to the earth that sustains them.

Key Offerings –

The couple will now make their separate offerings to the Divine.

Workings –

Vows and meat of the ceremony – exchange of rings

Do you have the rings? (pass rings to me) The history of the wedding ring dates back before the spread of Christianity.  It was a symbol of eternity, with no beginning or end and was used by multiple ancient cultures, it is a tradition that is still observed today. Even the hole in the center of the ring has significance. It is not just a space, but rather a gateway, or door; leading to things and events both known and unknown, the journey from one life to another.  To give a ring in this fashion signifies never-ending and immortal love.  

(If you have your own vows):

(bride)? (I will hand you (groom)’s ring.  At the end of your vows place ring upon (groom)’s finger)

(groom)? (I will hand you (bride)’s ring.   At the end of your vows place ring upon (bride)’s finger)

Walk to the candles taking them from your side and Lighting the center candle together…

What began as two is made stronger into one.

Hand binding –

This cord is braided with three colors chosen by (bride) and (groom) as elements they wish to have in their marriage. The green represents prosperity, fertility, luck, and nurturing. The silver represents protection, inspiration, creativity, and vision. The black represents strength, wisdom, success, and the purest of love. By binding their hands with these colors we weave these intentions into their lives from now until infinity.

(Bind left hands together with cording and recite:)

“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years. May happiness be your companion and your days together be good and long upon the earth.

((bride) & (groom) will grasp horn in right hands.)

“Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at one time or another, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives — remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.” – (Apache wedding blessing)

Cup Blessing – (spoken as you both drink)

“May the wisdom of your tribes both known and unknown be manifest in your union.”

Would the family like to offer any words of wisdom or blessing to the couple as they begin their journey?

Final Offerings –

First offerings of the couple as one to the Divine as one unit.

Recessional where the couple is presented to the attendees as one unit.

In our lives there are many rites of passage that take us from one state into another.  Each of our “firsts” bring joy to those who love and support us.  We have born witness to the vows (bride) and (groom) have made to one another.  We have given them our blessings both as individuals and as a group.  You see before you not the young people that entered this space but a unit.  They have not lost who they are as individuals but instead joined those forces to create a beautiful family.  By the power invested in me by those gathered here and the State of Ohio, I present to you (bride) and (groom).  Rise and congratulate them on their new journey while they make their first steps as a married couple.