Beyond Illusion Wedding Officiants

The Meaning of Marriage

Today the two of you have come to the fulfillment of a momentous decision. And that is what love truly is: not merely an emotion or an infatuation, but a decision to look deep within another’s heart, and bond with that person, knowing that your partner’s strengths will make up for your weaknesses and the other’s weaknesses will be complemented by your strengths. Whether your eyes met across a crowded room and you felt that indescribable spark or you’ve known each other for years and been friends, at some point the two of you made the deliberate decision that what you had wasn’t fleeting, wasn’t ephemeral, but was the foundation of something long-lasting: a lifetime of love and companionship. I’m sure that your decision was not made lightly, and I rejoice with you as you announce and proclaim to your friends and family your decision to love and commit to each other for a lifetime.

Hands Ceremony

Please face each other and take each other’s hands.

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and always.

These are the hands that will work along side yours as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief temporarily comes your way.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will give you support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.

These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

These are the hands that will lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into eyes that are filled with overwhelming love for you.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Benediction

The two of you are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, may you always return to one another in your togetherness, may you two find in each other the love for which all men and women long, may you grow in understanding and in compassion, may the home that you establish be such a place of sanctuary that all who visit will find there a friend, and may the Lord bless you and keep you forevermore. Amen.