20 Minute Custom Script Example
Reverend Margaret-Ann Simonetta
Custom Maui Weddings
Non-Denominational 20 Minute Custom Wedding Script
Trademarked Content by Margaret-Ann Simonetta
Introduction and Invocation:
Aloha and welcome, cherished friends, to the beautiful island of Maui, Hawai’i!
We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of __ and __. For on this day, you have chosen to affirm your love for each other with spoken words and the sharing of precious symbols.
Marriage is a commitment to life; for your souls will be bound as one. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and emotional joining that is promised for eternity.
Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life’s most important relationships. A husband and wife are each other’s best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, and listener.
Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is bountiful, memories are adored, and your commitment to one another is secure.
Marriage also understands and forgives the mistakes that life is unable to avoid. Yet, it encourages and nurtures new existence, imaginative experiences, and ways of expressing your love for each other through the seasons of life.
When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique to themselves — an essence that binds them closer than any spoken or written word. Marriage is an unbreakable vow; a word of honor made in the hearts of two people who love each other, and this promise will take a lifetime to fulfill.
For today is the first step in your eternal bond as husband/wife, husband/husband, wife/wife; a vow we will witness today surrounded by the spirit of aloha.
I now invite the couples’ dear friend //family member //chosen reader, __ , to read Ludwig Beethoven’s ‘Eternal Love’ letter; a composition in which the couple shares a notable connection.
Reading:
(Continue reading if the couple chooses to have a ceremony reading. If not, skip to the next section.)
Example:
“Good morning on July 7th.
My eternally beloved. Awaiting fate. If it will grant us a favorable hearing, I can only live either wholly with you or not at all.
Yes, I have resolved to stray about in the distance until I can fly into your arms and call myself entirely at home with you.
Until I can send my soul, embraced by you, into the realm of spirits. You know my faithfulness to you. Never can another own my heart.
Be calm. Only through quiet contemplation of our existence can we reach our goal to live together.
Be patient. Love me today, yesterday. What longing with tears for you. You, my life, my all.
Continue to love me. Never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
Forever yours.
Forever mine.
Forever us.”
- Ludwig Beevthoven
Declaration of Intent:
(Continue reading for Declaration of Intent and Standard Wedding Vows. This section will differ if the couple chooses to present their own personal wedding vows.)
I now ask __ and __ to officially make their commitment to their marriage.
Officiant to First Partner:
Do you wish for __ to be known as your husband/wife/partner, to learn and grow with, to explore and adventure with, to respect you in everything as an equal partner, with the foreknowledge of joy and pain, strength and weariness, and for all the risings and settings of the sun? If so, please say, “I do.”
First Partner: “I do.”
Officiant to Second Partner:
Do you wish for __ to be known as your husband/wife/partner, to learn and grow with, to explore and adventure with, to respect you in everything as an equal partner, with the foreknowledge of joy and pain, strength and weariness, and for all the risings and settings of the sun? If so, please say, “I do.”
Second Partner: “I do.”
Handwritten Wedding Vows:
(Vow books will be handed to the couple either by a trusted family member or friend in the audience.)
Example:
I now invite the couple’s dear friend/chosen family member, __ , to present the couple with their handwritten vows.
Officiant to First Partner:
Please recite your heartfelt vows to your chosen life partner.
First Partner: (Reads handwritten vows)
Officiant to Second Partner:
Please recite your heartfelt vows to your chosen life partner.
Second Partner: (Reads handwritten vows)
Ring Ceremony:
(Wedding bands will be handed to the couple either by a one of the partners, a trusted family member, or a friend in the audience.)
Example:
The rings you will adorn each day forward are an emblem of unbroken longevity in the marriage covenant. When you look at the beauty of these rings, may you be reminded of this moment in time — for this juncture symbolizes your today and every tomorrow.
Officiant to First Partner:
With this ring, you take __ to be no other than themselves. Adoring what you know of him/her/them, and trusting what you do not yet know. You will respect him/her/their integrity and have faith in your abiding love through all your years and in all that life may bring you both.
First Partner: (Places ring on the hand of the second partner)
Officiant to Second Partner:
With this ring, you take __ to be no other than themselves. Adoring what you know of him/her/them, and trusting what you do not yet know. You will respect him/her/their integrity and have faith in your abiding love through all your years and in all that life may bring you both.
Second Partner: (Places ring on the hand of the first partner)
Pronouncement:
I, and those of us here with you, recognize that you have now become husband/wife, wife/wife, husband/husband. We shall honor you as the same from this day forward.
Benediction and Recessional:
Cherish this day here in beautiful Maui, Hawai’i, just as you honor your humble beginnings, with joy and gratitude in your hearts. May you love one another until the very end.
By the authority given unto me, by the laws of the state of Hawai’i, I now pronounce you, husband/wife, husband/husband, wife/wife!
You may now kiss!
It is my esteemed honor to present to you for the first time, Mr. & Mrs./Mrs. and Mrs./Mr. and Mr. __ and __!
