If you want to be married and want the simplest way possible, you need a marriage license and an appointment. You can call me at (215) 621 6810 to set an appointment. These Quick & Simple weddings are performed at our officiant’s offices or homes. The fee for this “walk-in” service is $200. Learn more.

Opening Words……….Gathering / Welcome Guests

The step which you are about to take is the most important into which human beings can come. It is a union of two people founded upon mutual respect and affection. Your lives will change, your responsibilities will increase, but your joy will be multiplied if you are sincere and earnest with your pledge to one another. Learn more.

Opening Statement

MINISTER:

“Dearly Beloved: We are gathered here, in the presence of God and of this company, that ______ and ______ may be united in holy matrimony. We are here to celebrate and share in the glorious act that God is about to perform – the act by which He converts their love for one another into the holy and sacred estate of marriage. Learn more.

Welcome Family and Friends

MINISTER:

You are here to witness a wedding. Today we unite __________ and __________ as husband and wife. What we do today is done in conformity to the laws of  Louisiana and in the historical Western tradition of the act of marriage. Learn more.

MINISTER: (To the congregation)

“Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.” Learn more.

MINISTER:

Let this be a day of gladness, thanksgiving, possibility, and good fortune for all of us, but especially for __(Groom)__ and __(Bride)__, who are here to renew and celebrate their love. Just as spring blossoms anew after a harsh winter, so must spouses renew their love for each other in their daily lives. Today marks the ________ anniversary of your marriage vows and today you renew your vows and love as husband and wife. Today begins the new spring of this year’s love. So may it be renewed each day in your hearts. Learn more.

Parents Blessing or Blessing of the Gathering – This involves the parents of both the bride & groom, asking for their consent and acceptance of the new family member or the asking for the consent of the gathering, as a whole, for their blessings on the marriage.  Usually performed at the beginning of the ceremony after the welcome.

Unity Candle Ceremony – There are many traditions commonly included in marriage ceremonies, one of the most beautiful & expressive is the Unity Candle & can symbolize the joining of your lives & your families. The Unity Candle Ceremony consists of the lighting of one candle from two separate candles held by the bride and groom. This ceremony symbolizes the union of two lives into one. Creative variations can be added to the ceremony, such as the mothers of the bride and groom, or any designated member of the wedding party, lighting the candles after they walk down the isle or during the ceremony. The couple may keep the candle (some re-light the candle each year on their anniversary).

Learn more.