Sample Wiccan/Pagan Wedding Ceremony   The Convocation Minister: “We have come together this afternoon to celebrate the marriage and the entwining of destinies of Bride and Groom, who have fallen in love and chosen to get married.  There are no accidents in the universe.  Nothing happens by chance.  Whether we know it or not, the path of our lives is already laid out deep within us, and life is the process of being willing and able to discover the direction of that path.  Marriage begins with the giving of words.  We cannot join ourselves to one another without giving our word.  And this must be an unconditional giving, for in joining ourselves to one another we join ourselves to the unknown.          Love is a miraculous gift, and a wedding is a celebration of that magic.  We are gathered here today to celebrate the gift of love that two best friends, Bride and Groom, have found in one another and to share with them the magic of this occasion.  Marriage is a very special place, the sheltered environment in which we can endlessly explore ourselves in the presence of each other and in which we can offer the possibility of the true reflection of another.             Let us extend our joy to Bride and Groom on this happy occasion, for they are about to take a new step forward into life.  This day was made possible not only because of their love for each other, but through the grace of their parents and the whole of society.  It is our hope that their fulfillment and joy in each other increases with each passing year.”  The Address Minister: “Bride and Groom, demonstrate your love for yourselves and each other through caring and sharing.  Stretch your love large enough to embrace whatever life brings to you.  Let it fill you, surround you, comfort and protect you.           Let your hearts be truly safe and at home with each other.  Be generous in expressing your love.  Be open to receive love from each other.  Be flexible and forgiving with each other.  Let your relationship be a catalyst that transforms you into the expression of your highest selves.           Remember that your relationship is alive and ever-changing and that your love is a miracle, always inviting you to grow, to learn, to blossom, and to expand.  How you regard each other and how you behave towards each other will determine the destiny of your union.  It is your creation together, your sacred responsibility.           Be kind to your relationship.  Nourish it with tender loving care, and, above all else, keep your love alive.  Treat it as the precious blessing it is. Do not just be married or in love, but let your marriage be an active process of loving each other.           The quality of your marriage is up to you.  Both of you as individuals and together as a couple will choose what kind of marriage you will create, promote, and allow through your thoughts, feelings, and actions each day.May you always honor the sanctity of your union and be blessed beyond imagination.” The Expression of Intent “Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Bride and Groom have come here today to be joined as one in marriage. Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply: “Bride, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord to be wed to Groom?  Bride:  “Yes, it is true.” Minister: “Groom, it is true that you also come of your own free will and accord to be wed to Bride?”  Groom:  “Yes, it is true.”

Sample Wiccan/Pagan Wedding Ceremony (continued) Vows Minister to Bride: [Bride repeats after Minister] “Groom, I take you to be my husband, in equal love, as a mirror for my true Self, as a partner on my path, to honor and to cherish, in sorrow and in joy, until death do us part.” Minister to Groom:  [Groom repeats after Minister] “Bride, I take you to be my wife, in equal love, as a mirror for my true Self, as a partner on my path, to honor and to cherish, in sorrow and in joy, until death do us part.” Blessing of the Rings Minister: “All things in nature are circular – night becomes day, day becomes night and night becomes day again.  The moon waxes and wanes and waxes again.  There is Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and then the Spring returns.  These things are part of the Great Mysteries.  These circles of gold, like the Mysteries of the Universe, are without beginning or end.  As they are now placed on your hands, they represent a seal of your love and respect for each other.” Ring Exchange (Bride takes Groom’s left hand in her right, and while she is putting the ring on his ring finger repeats after the Minister)  “Groom, with this ring, I celebrate and proclaim my love for you.” (Groom takes Bride’s left hand in his right, and while he is putting the ring on her ring finger repeats after the Minister)  “Bride, with this ring, I celebrate and proclaim my love for you.” Sharing of the Bread and Wine Minister: [handing the chalice to Groom] “This is your first drink together as husband and wife.  May you never thirst.”  [Groom holds the chalice while Bride drinks from it, then Bride takes the chalice while Groom drinks from it.  The chalice is handed back to Minister.] Minister: [handing the plate of bread to Groom] “This is your first food together as husband and wife.  May you never hunger.”  [Groom holds the plate while Bride eats a piece of bread, then Bride takes the plate while Groom eats a piece of bread.  The plate is handed back to the Minister.] Benediction Minister: “Bride and Groom, may you always express courtesy and consideration, even in anger and adversity, for these are the seeds of compassion.  Love is the fruit of compassion.  Trust, love and respect are the sustaining virtues of marriage.  May both of you hold these virtues in your hearts for they will enable you to learn from each situation and help you to realize that everywhere you turn you will meet yourself. May light and love surround both of you, and all who have gathered here. May your hearts always be guided to take the high road, and may you be blessed with every step of your journey together. May love, joy, prosperity and peace be yours in abundance." Pronouncement and the Kiss  Minister: “Now that Bride and Groom have promised to give themselves to one another, and to love each other, through their sacred vows, and through the giving and receiving of their rings, by the power vested in me by the State of Maryland, I now pronounce you, husband and wife.  You may now kiss the bride.”