Marriage is an honorable estate, and therefore, not to be entered into lightly, but with careful reflection and reverence, for this is a lifetime union of love, honor and, most importantly, trust between this man and this woman. Today, as you join yourselves in marriage, you stand apart from all others as you pledge your love and commitment to one another.
No matter how your paths have brought you here today, it is your love that sustains the moment. In marriage, you marry a mystery. It is someone you know you love, but who you will continue to learn about for the rest of your life. In this sense, marriage is an act of faith, of absolute trust in one another. In marriage you promise not only to give of yourself, but also to accept the other. You promise to love them not only for today, but to extend that love to include whatever may come tomorrow.
As each day passes, may you gain love and strength from each other and may your hearts become one. If difficult times arise, remember to be open to communication in order to exchange your anger for joy and tears for smiles. Always listen to each other's unspoken words and understand each other's meaning. Always love, help and respect each other and then know truly that you are one in the eyes of all. It is no weakness to admit a wrong; it is a strength and a sign of learning. Always strive to see the beauty that first touched your love.
These promises will change you. They will shape you. You will live differently because of them. For you have chosen each other, and you have made and received the most important vow of all: you have chosen each other and you have promised each other the future.
In marriage, walk the path together, side by side whenever possible.
Remember to hold each other when it is cold.
If the air becomes too close, make a little space so each other can breathe.
When the path is narrow, pick one to go first.
Always be willing to follow; don't be afraid to lead.
Trust your partner; trust yourself, for marriage is a journey that leads to great love.
(A passage of advice on marriage written in 1886):
Let your love be stronger than your anger. Learn the wisdom of compromise for it is better to bend a little than to break. Believe the best rather than the worst; for people have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them. Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindness you bestow on your friends.
(Native American Wedding Blessing):
Now for you there is no rain, for one is shelter to the other.
Now for you there is no pain, for each is comfort to the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now for you the snow has ended always, your fears, your wants, your needs are at rest.
Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you.
May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead and through all the years together.
Go now into your dwelling place to enter the days of your togetherness.
May your days be good and long upon the earth. Amen.
May you love, honor and cherish one another, keeping the covenant and vows made between you today. May your home and your family always be filled with the blessings of patience, wisdom, happiness and peace.
