Sample Non-Denominational Wedding Ceremony-easily modifyable

Sample Wedding Ceremony

Let us begin...

Convocation

(example for outdoor wedding)
With the horizon our only walls, the sky our only ceiling, and the earth our floor we meet here in nature to affirm our love.

(example for indoor wedding)
May the promises you make to one another be lived out to the end of your lives in an atmosphere of profoundest joy.

Invocation

_____ and _____ welcome you, their family and friends. Each of you has given something of yourself into their lives. It is fitting then that you share in this celebration of their commitment to each other and to their lives joined in marriage.

Readings

_____ and _____ parents and members of the wedding party will now say a few words.

Optional)
Groom's Parents Speak
Brides's Parents Speak
Grandparents, Siblings, etc.
Expression of Intent
Do you _____, choose to marry _____? To speak the words that will join you with her as your wife for the rest of the days of your life?
Answer: I do.
Do you _____, choose to marry _____? To speak the words that will join you with him as your husband for the rest of the days of your life?
Answer: I do.
 
Consecration
PEACE I ASK OF THEE, O RIVER
Peace I ask of Thee, O River,
Peace, Peace, Peace.
When I learn to live serenely
Cares will cease.
From the hills I gather courage,
Visions of the day to be.
Strength to lead and strength to follow
All are give unto me.
Peace I ask of Thee, O River,
Peace, Peace, Peace.
Vows
_____ take _____ 's right hand and repeat after me.
_____, I choose you to be my wife.
I promise freely from this day forward
To be worthy of your trust and deserving of your confidence;
To be generous with my time, my energy and my love;
To be patient with you and with myself,
To return love, tolerance, and generosity to your family.
To trust you;
To be devoted to you and our life together.
These things I pledge before you, myself, our friends, and our family.
_____ take _____ 's right hand and repeat after me.
_____, I choose you to be my husband.
I promise freely from this day forward
To be worthy of your trust and deserving of your confidence;
To be generous with my time, my energy and my love;
To be patient with you and with myself,
To return love, tolerance, and generosity to your family.
To trust you;
To be devoted to you and our life together.
These things I pledge before you, myself, our friends, and our family.

Ring Vows
What pledge do you offer in symbol of these vows?
Answer: "These rings"
Minister takes the rings and gives them to _____ and _____, then minister places hand over the rings, the hands of _____ and _____, and gives a blessing:
"May these rings remind us well of our vows to each other."
_____, I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect and trust.
_____, I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect and trust.

Pronouncement
_____ and _____, you have exchanged vows and rings, and consented to marry in the presence of your family and friends. By the power vested in me by the State of Texas, I pronounce you husband and wife.
"Let all others honor their decision and the threshold of their home."

The Kiss
You may now kiss the bride.
I now present _____ and _____.

http://www.nondenominationalweddings.com/sampleweddingceremony.html

Sample Invocations from toastmasters

Emily Dickenson once said, "I dwell in Possibility." By joining Toastmasters and coming here each Tuesday night we are choosing to dwell in Possibility. As we gather around these tables may we acknowledge the courage that it has taken each one of us to take this step towards realizing all of the potential that life has for us. Let us continue to dwell in our possibility with enthusiastic and passionate resolve.

Albert Einstein said “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” May we learn from yesterday's mistakes and challenges. Tonight may we live in the moment, taking joy in our meeting. And may we increase in hope for our speeches of tomorrow through the helpful support and learning that we receive tonight.

Dale Carnegie said, "There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave." We've come to Toastmasters tonight to grow our skills so that our given speech grows ever closer to our wished for speech.

On this very frigid evening, may we warm our hearts and minds with the company of our fellow Toastmasters. Let us put our best foot forward so that we may encourage and help our new Toastmasters become better communicators and leaders. As always let us learn from each other as each of us brings something unique to the Toastmasters' table.

The Bible says: "The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh: but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones. Many have fallen by the edge of the sword: but not so many as have fallen by the tongue." Tonight, may we lift up instead of striking down. May we heal, instead of break. May we learn by being supportive to one another in the best tradition of Toastmasters.

The strength of Toastmasters is its members. It isn't in strength in numbers, but strength in our actions. In this meeting tonight, may each one here give and receive supportive coaching so that we continue to develop and grow our leadership and communication skills.

Hansell B. Duckett said, "What this country needs is more free speech worth listening to." Tonight let us learn to think, listen and speak so that our speech will not only be worth listening to, it will move the hearts and minds and souls of those listening.

Let's reflect on the words of Peggy Noonan: "A speech is poetry: cadence, rhythm, imagery, sweep! A speech reminds us that words, like children, have the power to make dance the dullest beanbag of a heart."

http://www.kvtoastmasters.org/info-invocations.php

Examples of Inclusive Reflections

Appropriate examples for use as a meal is served (these can be easily modified to begin or conclude a meeting):

We meet together in an effort to build community, to advance education and understanding.  We seek the patience of one another as we strive to learn and grow and the stamina to make a difference in our state, nation, and world.  We express our thanks for the gifts of life and for the food that we are about to partake of. 

We gather here today as colleagues and friends with attention to a common goal.  That goal is the continued service to the citizens of our state through our programs and information.  We understand our responsibilities as committed educators as well as learners – personally and professionally.  It is obvious that we work and live in challenging times.  We seek the patience of each other as we strive to learn and grow, and the stamina to make a difference in our state, nation, and the world.

We express our thanks for an opportunity to gather together where we can reinforce our community principles of openness and engagement for all people, for the gifts of life and for the food that has been prepared for us.  For all this, we are thankful.