What is the difference between a Simple Ceremony (5 minutes) and a Customized Ceremony (10-20 minutes)?
This is a great question! A simple ceremony is a typical 'civil' ceremony. It is prewritten with your names added. You can add into the ceremony a blessing and/or reading for an additional cost. The Civil Ceremony looks like this:
CIVIL CEREMONY
MINISTER - We are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends to join together this man and this woman in the loving bonds of marriage. Marriage is not to be entered into lightly; instead it is to be entered into reverently and soberly. Love is an act of endless forgiveness, a tender look which becomes a habit.
If any person can show just cause why this couple may not be lawfully joined, speak now or forever hold your peace. (Pause)
(Addressing the Bride and Groom) - Do you each enter this marriage of your own free will, free of any reason why you should not be joined? ((Bride) and (Groom) answer)
*PASS BOUQUET TO MAID OF HONOR*
*HOLD HANDS*
(Addressing the Groom) - (Groom) repeat after me - I (Groom), take thee (Bride), to be my lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish forevermore. ((Groom) repeats)
(Addressing the Bride) - (Bride) repeat after me - I (Bride), take thee (Groom), to be my lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish forevermore. ((Bride) repeats)
*OBTAIN RINGS**
A ring is a circle, so shall your love for each other be, a circle with no beginning and no end, complete forever.
(Addressing the Groom) - Place the ring on (Bride)'s left ring finger and repeat after me - With this ring, I thee wed.
(Addressing the Bride) - Place the ring on (Groom)'s left ring finger and repeat after me - With this ring, I thee wed.
May you always share with each other the gifts your love brings, be one in heart. May you always create a home together to share your love, generosity, and kindness.
Now, by the power vested in me by the State of Michigan, I pronounce you husband and wife. I ask you now to remember the days of old and seal the promises you have made to each other this day with a kiss. (Couple kisses)
Ladies and Gentlemen, I now pronounce to you for the very first time
MR. and MRS. (GROOM) AND (BRIDE) LAST NAME
For a list of Customized Ceremonies please see our Ceremony Ideas HERE
