Last year, I had the honor of officiating the marriage of two of my friends. This was the first time I have ever officiated a wedding before and so I really took the time to think about what I thought needed to be said. Since it is Valentine’s Day and all, I thought I would share a more generic version of that secular wedding ceremony:
We are gathered here today to celebrate the relationship between _____ and _____. However, it is important to take a moment to recognize that we live in a world where not all people who love each other as much as ____ and ____ do are afforded the right to marry that is being exercised here today.
Today we celebrate the relationship between _____ and _____, and it is important to remember that marriage should not be seen as a change in a relationship; rather, it is a celebration of the strong relationship that already exists, and it is a commitment to try to work through problems that might develop within the partnership and a promise to work as a team against problems that either of you have to face from outside the marriage.
Remember that marriage is not about changing each other, but being there for each other when times change. While it is true that you will change over time, you will change together, always accepting each other for who you are and being each other’s companion through life’s rocky terrain.
The rest gets a little person, so I am not including it. But I did want to give you an example of what I think a secular marriage ceremony looks like and in doing so, I am also sharing a little bit about my thoughts on marriage.
Since it is Valentine’s Day, I should also add that you should celebrate Valentine’s Day every day. Life is short; don’t forget to remind the ones you love just how much you love them each and every day. It doesn’t always have to be a card, chocolate, and/or flowers, but you should always remember to appreciate the ones you love and surprise them pretty often.
Related articles
- Balancing Your Significant Other With Jesus (skepticink.com)
- Avoiding Temptation Of Sex Before Marriage (skepticink.com)
