Declaration of Mariage

Party 1: Accept and wear this ring as a symbol of all that we have promised and all that we shall share.
Party 2: Accept and wear this ring as a symbol of all that we have promised and all that we shall share.

Declaration of Marriage

Meriki: (Name & Name), you have made your intentions and vows clear and you have publicly expressed your commitment to each other, so it now gives me the greatest honour to be the first to declare you forever joined in love and life as husband(s) and/or wife/wives!
You may now share a kiss!

Signing of the Register

Meriki: We will now complete the signing of the marriage registry to complete proceedings.

Music, if required. 

3. Personalised Ceremony with Symbolism

Ceremony Commencement Announcement

Meriki: Ladies & Gentlemen, before we begin today, I would like to ask you all to please ensure that your mobile phones are either switched off or on silent and, at the request of (Party 1 + Party 2), ask that you please refrain from taking any photos during the ceremony, or posting any images you may capture later of our newlyweds on any social media sites, until they have had the chance to do so themselves.

Thank you.

Processional

Music

Welcome

Meriki: Good afternoon everyone!
My name is Meriki Comito and I have the absolute honour of welcoming you all here today, as we come together at Albert Park’s iconic Carousel, in the presence of God and this company, to witness and celebrate the joining of (Party 1 + Party 2) in marriage.

(Name & Name) have known one other since they first met in year 7 at high school over 16 years ago, so we are not simply here to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognise a bond that already exists, and to share in the joy of this next life chapter that they now undertake together as husband and wife.

For them, marriage simply means dedicating their lives to that one special person whom they have chosen to spend the rest of their life with. It means loving one other more than anyone else and always having each other there to lean on during all the good times and the not so great ones. And finally, it means learning together, growing together – both as a couple and as individuals, and accepting one another completely, as they evolve through all the adventures that life will bring.

*Couples’ recap’ story to be included if required.

First Reading

If required

The Asking

Meriki: The love of family has long been considered the foundation from which new relationships are formed, so as (Party 1 + Party 2) come here today to begin their new lives together as a married couple, I would like to ask (Name), as father of the bride/groom, the important question of whether he will step forward and give his daughter/son to be married to this woman/man today?

Father of the Bride/Groom: I will.

Acknowledgement/In Memory

Meriki: Before I continue, (Party 1 + Party 2) would like to acknowledge all the special family and friends who have travelled far & wide to be here today, especially interstate guests from Sydney & Queensland and international guests all the way from Canada! Thank you, your presence is immensely appreciated.

(Party 1 + Party 2) would like to take a moment to honour the memory of all their loved ones past, who are not here with us to share in this special day.
Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, moulded our spirits and touched our hearts.

May we always remember the memories we have shared, and the everlasting impact you have made upon our lives.

Ring Warming

Meriki: It has long been a tradition for couples to exchange rings as a token of their commitment to each other, and during today’s ceremony, (Name & Name) will be exchanging rings as a symbol of the vows they will make and of the love that they share.

But before they do, (Party 1 + Party 2) would like to acknowledge how important the support of their families has been, both for this day and in the lead up to their marriage, by inviting them to take part in a Warming of the Rings ceremony, asking that they pass (Party 1 + Party 2’s) wedding bands between them, and warm them by bestowing all their best wishes upon them for (Party 1 + Party 2’s) future together.

Upon their return to us, their rings will contain in their precious metal, that which is more precious and priceless – the love and vow of support for this union, from those whom they love the most.

Monitum

Meriki: As we come to the official part of today’s proceedings, I wish to advise you that, as an authorised marriage celebrant, I am duly authorised to solemnise your marriage, in accordance with Australian law.

Before you are joined in marriage, in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

According to law in Australia, marriage is the union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

Declaration of Intent

Meriki: (Party 1), do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself in marriage? Do you promise to honour and respect (Party 2), for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?

Party 1: I do.

Meriki: (Party 2) do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself in marriage? Do you promise to honour and respect (Party 1), for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?

Party 2: I do.

Exchange of wedding rings

Meriki: Can we have the rings now please?

Wedding bands are visible, tangible symbols of a couple’s commitment and of their emotional and spiritual connection. Many people talk of rings as being a perfect circle, having no beginning and no end. But we all know that these rings have a beginning.
Rock is dug up from the earth, metals are liquified in a furnace at a thousand degrees, the hot metal is forged, cooled, and polished and something beautiful is made from raw elements. Love is like that.

It comes from humble beginnings, made by imperfect beings, and is the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all.

Meriki: (Party 1 + Party 2), your rings have been warmed with love by your families and friends, may they serve as a reminder of the feelings you have in your hearts at this very moment. Always remember that you have someone to share this life with and that never again, will you need to walk alone.

Party 1: Before the witnesses present, I, (Party 1), take you, (Party 2) to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife, my soul mate and my one true love.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my promise to love and support you today, tomorrow and always.

Party 2: Before the witnesses present, I, (Party 2), take you, (Party 1) to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife, my partner in crime and my one true love.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my promise to love and support you today, tomorrow and always.

Blessing of the Hands

Meriki: Family and Friends, (Party 1 + Party 2) have chosen to include a Blessing of the Hands today, as it has been said that the hands are a connection to the heart, and this ritual symbolically brings two hearts together.

A wedding has always been considered a time for celebration and for renewing bonds of love, loyalty, family and friendship, so important in all our lives. So (Party 1 + Party 2) would like to ask that during this blessing, you all take a “Mindful Moment” to reflect on the loves in your life and all that you have to be grateful for.

(Party 1 and Party 2), as you place your hands in each others, you are representing that in giving each other your hands, you are also giving each other your hearts.

Meriki: 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 forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside 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 wracks your mind.
These are the hands that will 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 help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
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.

Declaration of Marriage

Meriki: (Party 1 + Party 2) you have made your intentions and vows clear and you have publicly expressed your commitment to each other, so it now gives me great pleasure, to be the first to declare you Legally Married!

Please share a kiss to celebrate!

Signing of the Register

Music

Final Reading/Prayer

If required

Ceremony Conclusion

Meriki: Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to thank you all for attending today and on behalf of (Party 1 + Party 2), I invite you to join our beautiful newlyweds for a formal reception immediately after the ceremony.

But before you do, I ask you to all to please raise your glasses as I propose a toast.
(Party 1 + Party 2), may you always be as happy as you are today, and may you always be ready to raise a glass in celebration of your life together.

Presentation of the Bride and Groom

Meriki: I invite you all now to please put your hands together once more, as I take great pleasure in introducing to you all for the very first time, the new Mr & Mrs (Name)!

Recessional

Music  

4. Personalised Ceremony with Mixed Cultures

Processional

Music

Welcome

Meriki: Good afternoon everyone!

My name is Meriki Comito, I am an authorised Marriage Celebrant and I have the honour of welcoming you all here today, as we come together in the presence of God and this company, to witness and celebrate the joining of (Party 1 and Party 2) in marriage.

Having already spent 7 years of their lives together, we are not simply here to mark the start of (Party 1 and Party 2’s) relationship, but to recognise a bond that already exists. For them, marriage is purely a greater commitment that they are making to one another to be together for the rest of their lives, as they both celebrate their diverse families and strive to always ensure that each other’s happiness is essential to their own.

*Relationship ‘recap’ if required.

Family and friends, (Party 1 and Party 2) have made the decision to marry here today, so that they could share their happiness with all the people who are most important to them, and with their hopes for the future being to simply appreciate each other every day, start a family of their own and make one another happy as they enjoy every moment of their life together, I am sure that all of you here today will agree that their journey moving forward as husband and wife will be a very full and happy one.

The Asking

Meriki: To begin today, (Party 1 + Party 2) would like to acknowledge how important the support of their families has been, both today and in the lead up to their marriage. They are so very grateful for the opportunities they have been given throughout their lives and for the relationships they share with their parents, so whilst (Name & Name) have come here today freely to give themselves in marriage, they would now like to ask their parents for their blessing, as they take inspiration from the successful marriages that they themselves have built over the last 50 years.

*Meriki asks parents for their blessing

Acknowledgement/ Remembrance

Meriki: I would now like to introduce and make welcome, two very special people whom (Party 1 + Party 2) have chosen to be their special helpers today – our beautiful Flower Girl, Miss Sophie and handsome Ring Bearer Master Finn. Thank you both, for your love & support today!

(Party 1 + Party 2) would also like to take a moment to remember all the loved ones past who could not be here with us to share in this special day, in particular, (Party 1’s) beloved grandmother, June.

Today we pause to reflect upon those who have shaped our character, moulded our spirits and touched our hearts. May we always remember the memories we have shared, and the everlasting impact they have made upon our lives.

Monitum

Meriki: As we come to the official part of today’s proceedings, I wish to advise you that, as an authorised marriage celebrant, I am duly authorised to solemnise your marriage, in accordance with Australian law.

Before you are joined in marriage, in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

According to law in Australia, marriage is the union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

Declaration of Intent

Meriki: (Party 1 + Party 2), will you constantly strive to share your life together honestly & openly?
Both Parties: We Will

Meriki: Will you comfort each other in times of trouble and laugh with each other in times of joy?
Both Parties: We Will

Meriki: Will you be gracious & generous, giving & understanding?
Both Parties: We Will

Meriki: Will you listen to one another and support each other in all you do?
Both Parties: We Will

Meriki: And do you promise to love, honour and respect one another for all the days of your life?
Both Parties: We Will

Vows

**Couple chose to share the same vow

Party 1: Today is the best day of my life.
Party 2: Today I get to marry you, the most amazing person in the world.
Party 1: From the moment I met you I knew that I wanted to marry you.
Party 2: Whilst this may have initially involved some Facebook stalking and persuasion, I very quickly won you over and we have undoubtedly been in-love ever since.
Party 1: I choose you. To stand by your side and sleep in your arms.
Party 2: I choose you. To be joy to your heart and food for your soul.
Party 1: To learn with you and grow with you, even as time and life change us both.
Party 2: To laugh with you in good times and stand alongside you in tough times.
Party 1: I vow to fight by your side in the zombie apocalypse. And should you turn into one, I promise to let you bite me so I can be one too.
Party 2: I vow to love you even when you’re 55 and still playing computer games.
Party 1: I promise to love you more than I love my bicycles (but pray that we can all live indoors together in harmony).
Party 2: I promise to love you more than coffee or wine (but please don’t make me prove it).
Party 1: I promise to respect you and cherish you as an individual, a partner, and an equal, knowing that we do not complete, but complement each other. May we have many adventures and grow old together.
Party 2: I promise to work with you to foster and cherish a relationship of equality knowing that together we will build a life far better than either of us could imagine alone.
Party 1: I love you so much today.
Party 2: And I will continue to love you for all the days of our lives.

Exchange of wedding rings

Couple’s own ring exchange vows.

Handfasting

Meriki: Friends and family, to provide a visual representation of the commitment they are making here today, and to honour (Party 2’s) Scottish heritage, (Party 1 + Party 2) have chosen to include the ancient Celtic ritual of hand fasting, which involves binding the couple’s hands together with family tartan/coloured ribbons, and is considered by many as one of the earliest forms of a legally binding marriage ceremony.

(Party 1 + Party 2) have chosen coloured ribbons to symbolise the important qualities they are dedicated to bringing to their marriage and, as I name the special qualities each of these ribbons represent, I would like to ask (Party 2’s) sister (Name) to come up and assist us with the binding.

**Party 2’s sister binds (Party 1 + Party 2’s) hands with the ribbons as Meriki recites the qualities each colour represents

Meriki: (Party 1 + Party 2), as your hands are bound by these ribbons, so is your partnership held by the symbol of the knot.
The fashioning of the knot ties all the desires, dreams, love, and happiness wished here in this place, to your lives for as long as you live.

5. Second Marriage Ceremony, with children

Processional

Music

Welcome/Introduction

Meriki: Good Afternoon Family and friends and welcome to this most wonderful celebration – the joining of (Party 1 + Party 2) in marriage.

We have come here today not only to witness the lifelong commitment that (Party 1 + Party 2) are making to each other, but to share in the joy of this next life chapter that they now undertake together with their beautiful children – Melissa, Madeline, Jeremy & Jye.
Marriage is a time for celebration and for renewing bonds of love, loyalty, family and friendship, so important in all our lives.

Today, as (Part 1 + Party 2) become husband and wife, they will not just be creating a marriage, they will be creating a true family.
As novelist George Eliot once quoted, ” What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life, to strengthen each other in all labour, to rest on each other in sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, and to be with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?.”

As (Party 1 + Party 2) make their vows today, I invite all couples, families and groups of friends, to take this opportunity to reflect on their own commitments to family and loved ones and the love and friendship that they share with each other.

Monitum

Meriki: As we come to the official part of today’s proceedings, I wish to advise you that, as an authorised marriage celebrant, I am duly authorised to solemnise your marriage, in accordance with Australian law.

Before you are joined in marriage, in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

According to law in Australia, marriage is the union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

Declaration of Intent/ Vows

Party 1: Before the witnesses present, I, (Party 1) take you, (Party 2), to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live.
Together we will create a home, becoming a part of one another. I vow to help create a life that we can cherish, to be honest, caring and truthful and to love you, just as you are. I promise to accept and love your children as my own and to protect and love them for all of my life.

Party 2: Before the witnesses present, I, (Party 2), take you, (Party 1), to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live.
Together we will create a home, becoming a part of one another. I vow to help create a life that we can cherish, to be honest, caring and truthful and to love you, just as you are. I promise to accept and love your children as my own and to protect and love them for all of my life.

Children’s Vows

Meriki: I would now like to invite (Name & Name’s) children to come forward and make their own promises, in a show of support and commitment to their parents and the new family that they have formed.

*Children make own promises (I can assist with samples of these if required)

Ring Exchange

Party 1: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, my faith in our strength together, and my covenant to learn and grow with you

Party 2: (Responding) I will wear it gladly. Whenever I look at it, I will remember this joyous day and the vows we’ve made.

Declaration of Marriage

Meriki: (Party 1 + Party 2), you have made your intentions and vows clear and you have publicly expressed your commitment to each other and to your children, so it is now my honour and privilege, to be the first to pronounce you as husband, wife and family!

**Couple share a kiss and then kiss each of their children**

Signing of the Marriage Register

Music

Sand Ceremony

Meriki: Friends and Family, (Party 1 + Party 2) have committed here today to share the rest of their lives with each other. We have witnessed their giving and receiving of rings and their exchange of vows. Now we will observe their decision to create a lasting visual representation of these promises by incorporating a Sand Unity Ceremony, and would like to invite (Children’s Names), to come forward and join us.

Music: “True Colours” by Cyndi Lauper

Meriki: The White sand, symbolising peace and innocence, represents you (Party 1) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.
The Orange sand, symbolising contentment and wholesomeness, represents you (Party 2) and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

And the Pink, Yellow, Green and Blue Sand, contributed by (Children’s Names) respectively, represent Happiness and Tenderness, Joy, Renewal and Dedication to commitment.

You will notice that the individual colours do not cease to exist, but there are times when they are blended. It is this blending that is marriage.

Ceremony Conclusion/Presentation of the Couple

Recessional

Music: “We are Family” by Sister Sledge 

6. Surprise Wedding

Meriki: Good evening everyone.
My name is Meriki Comito, and on behalf of (Bride) and (Groom), I would like to welcome you all here this evening and thank you immensely for coming to help them celebrate this very special occasion.
I do believe however, that the only thing more exciting than celebrating the engagement of two friends is being a guest at their surprise wedding!
So please put your hands together as we welcome our gorgeous bride & groom!

Processional

Music

Meriki: Before we begin, (Name & Name) would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri People, the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future who hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia.

We also ask that you please turn off your mobile phones at this time as well.

It is always so exciting to have all of ones family and friends in the one place together, and after having discussed marriage and a future together many times before in the lead up to today, (Name & Name) couldn’t think of a more enjoyable addition to this evening, than by holding a wedding.

*A brief ‘recap’ to introduce the couple and the relationship they have built thus far can also be included if required

Acknowledgement/In Memory

Meriki: After having already received the full blessing of their families, (Name & Name) are so happy to be able to marry before all of you here today, and they would like to particularly thank those of you who have travelled interstate and from overseas to be here!

They would also like to take a moment to honour the memory of all the loved ones past, who could not be here to share in this special day.
Today we pause to reflect upon all of those who have shaped our character, moulded our spirits and touched our hearts. May we always remember the memories we have shared, and the everlasting impact these special people have made upon our lives.

Monitum

Meriki: (Name & Name), could you now please face each other and join hands.

As we come to the official part of today’s proceedings, I wish to advise you that I am duly authorised to solemnise your marriage, in accordance with Australian law.
Before you are joined in marriage, in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

According to law in Australia, marriage is the union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

Declaration of Intent

Meriki: (Name & Name), I ask you now to confirm your intentions here today.

Meriki: (Party 1), do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself in marriage? Do you promise to honour and respect (Party 2), for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live? (wording can be changed if desired)

Party 1: I do.

Meriki: And (Party 2), do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself in marriage? Do you promise to honour and respect (Party 1) for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?(wording can be changed if desired)

Party 2: I do.

Vows

Meriki: I invite you both now to recite your vows.
*Couple share secret Vows they have written themselves*

Ring Exchange

Party 1: In the presence of these witnesses, I (Party 1), take you, (Party 2), to be my fully wedded husband/wife. (compulsory legal requirement)
With this ring I marry you and bind my life to yours. It is a symbol of my eternal love, my everlasting friendship and the promise of all my tomorrows.

Party 2: In the presence of these witnesses, I (Party 2), take you, (Party 1), to be my fully wedded husband/wife. (compulsory legal requirement)
With this ring I marry you and bind my life to yours. It is a symbol of my eternal love, my everlasting friendship and the promise of all my tomorrows.

Declaration of Marriage 

Meriki: (Name & Name), you have made your intentions and vows clear and you have publicly expressed your commitment to each other, so it now gives me the greatest pleasure to be the the first to declare you husband and wife!
You may now kiss your beautiful bride!

Final Words

Meriki: Thank you everyone for coming to celebrate this very special day with (Party 1 + Party 2)! Our newlyweds will now sign the marriage register to complete proceedings, but invite you all to enjoy the drinks and canapé’s that will now be served whilst they do so!

Signing the Marriage Register

Music