Two new friends of mine recently got married, and had the opportunity to create a ceremony that was a little more consistently Pagan, and less clothed in traditional garb, than ours. If you have a small and devoted circle of friends and family, and especially if you have access to a beach (which they did), this might be just the thing for you.

Bob & Lisa's Wedding

All assembled well-wishers form a circle around Bob, Lisa, and Edith. They all hold hands to form an unbroken circle. To each person is given a copy of responses. They may release hands to read the responses. We open with a poetry reading. Then....

Officiant Within every Masculine nature lies the Feminine. Within every Feminine nature lies the Masculine. The interplay of Masculine and Feminine forces, when flowing freely in a union based on true Love, finds many expressions.
Officiant (Bride), do you come here of your own free will?
Bride I do.
Officiant (Groom), do you come here of your own free will?
Groom I do.
Officiant (Groom) and (Bride), repeat after me: (1) You cannot possess me, for I belong to myself. (2) But I give you that which is mine to give. (3)You cannot command me, for I am a free person. (4) But I shall serve you in those ways that you require, and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.
Officiant (To the assembled well-wishers) Please release hands so you may read the responses.
Officiant Will your love survive the harsh fires of change?
Bride & Groom It will
Well-wishers May your home be filled with warmth
Officiant Will your love survive the ebb and flow of feeling?
Bride & Grooom It will
Well-wishers May your life together be filled with love
Officiant Will your love survive the times of stillness and restriction?
Bride & Groom It will
Well-wishers May your union be strong
Officiant Will your love survive the clear light of day?
Bride & Groom It will
Well-wishers May your marriage be blessed by the Light of every new Dawn
Officiant (To the assembled well-wishers) Please rejoin hands.
The reading (This is the one they used)

Navajo Wedding Blessing

Now you have lit a fire and that fire should not go out. The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding and a philosophy of life. It will give you heat, food, warmth and happiness. The new fire represents a new beginning - a new life. The fire should keep burning; you should stay together. You have lit the fire for life, until old age separates you
Officiant The Rings of Marriage serve many purposes. As rings are never-ending circles, they are a symbol of the never-ending commitment of marriage. As permanent fixtures on your left hand, they are a reminder of the one person to which you have sworn your devotion. And as jewelry, they enhance the hand, just as one life, through the joining of marriage, enhances another. (Bride) and (Groom), do you bring these powerful tokens?
Bride & Groom We do
Officiant Then before all present, repeat these words:
Bride (facing Groom and putting the ring on his finger) I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it remind you always, as it circles your finger, of my eternal love, surrounding and enfolding you day and night.
Groom (facing Bride and placing the ring on her finger) I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it remind you always, as it circles your finger, of my eternal love, surrounding and enfolding you day and night.
Officiant (To the assembled well-wishers) These rings are circles. Each represents the full circle of a life, as one is given into the care of the other. All of you standing in a circle, holding hands, represent the community that will surround and support this marriage with love and friendship. No partnership exists in a vacuum. It is beholden upon each of you to honor and respect this union.
Bride I bring you the warmth of my heart. (Bride is handed a lighted taper by her mother)
Groom I bring you the light of my love. (Groom is handed a lighted taper by his father)
Officiant Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. Remember always, like a star, your love should be constant. Like the Earth, your love should be firm. Be understanding and patient, for storms may come and go. Be free always in giving affection and warmth, for it is the currency of a happy marriage.
Together, Bride and Groom light a single candle held by the Officiant.
Officiant May the warmth and light of your union be blessed. May you know the best of fortune, and your life together be one of joy and prosperity. Do you swear to keep sacred your vows?
Bride & Groom We do
Officiant Then seal your promise with a kiss.
Bride and Groom turn to face outward toward the circle of well-wishers
Edith I present to you (names), husband and wife.
(The End)

back...