i’d marry you with paper rings
earthly vow inspiration
take inspiration from your relationship & environment
For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.
“We are gathered here in the presence of the natural world, before friends and family, to join together these two wonderful people in matrimony.
We are here to celebrate love.
Love organizes our large and sometimes unpredictable world.
It is that which enshrines and ennobles our human experience.
In the words of the late Carl Sagan, “For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.”
Today, [name] & [name] have come before us to publicly affirm their love and to promise to nurture themselves, each other, and this union.
All of you are present today because you, in one way or another, have been part of [name] & [name]s lives. On their behalf, I welcome you all to share with us on this day of joy and unity.
In this spirit of unity, [name] & [name] have chosen to give their vows jointly.
[name] & [name], do you pledge to help each other develop your hearts and minds, cultivating generosity, patience, enthusiasm, and wisdom as you age and experience all that life has
to offer?
“We do.”
The wedding ring is the outward sign
of a spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in partnership.
You both possess each other's rings and you may now exchange them on each other's fingers.
[Partners put rings on
at same time]
[They then hold hands]
Do you pledge to
avoid becoming cynical or closed-minded, and, to the best of your abilities, to make ethical decisions?
“We do”
Recognizing that the external conditions in life will not always be smooth, and that internally your own minds and emotions will sometimes get stuck in negativity,
do you pledge to see all these circumstances as a challenge to help you grow; to accept yourselves, and each other; and to generate compassion for others who are suffering?
“We do”
Understanding that, just as we are a mystery to ourselves, each other person is also a mystery to us,
do you pledge to seek to understand yourselves, each other, and all living beings, and to regard all the mysteries of life with curiosity and joy?
“We do”
Do you pledge day-to-day, to be forgiving of yourselves and others, knowing that change comes slowly and gradually, and to seek inspiration from your teachers and not to become discouraged?
“We do”
Will you strive to understand and embrace the impermanence of life
and cherish your relationship as the precious gift that it is? When it comes time to part, do you pledge to look back at your time together with gratitude
and acceptance that we cannot hold
on to anything forever?
“We do”
[Name] & [name], you have declared your deep love for each other and pledged to share a life well-lived. Therefore, it is my pleasure to officially acknowledge your union as life partners. You may now seal your marriage with a kiss.
And Lastly, Do you
accept each other as life partners
joining today in matrimony
offering your friendship and loving care
honoring each other's growth and freedom
cherishing and respecting each other, promising to love and embrace one another in times of adversity and times of abundance?
“We do”
