THE BEGINNING Before the ceremony, the Officiator provides the participants the rings, emblems, and gems, and gives them time to examine and inscribe them. It is customary to have the Officiator stand behind the participants, who face each other. Guests then stand or sit in a semi-circle around them, at a respectful distance. Guests may be asked to make short speeches before the ceremony begins. Officiator: Welcome, friends and family of and ! Let us begin. OF FREE WILL Officiator: , are you here of your own free will? Bride: Yes Officiator: , are you here of your own free will? Groom: Yes Officiator: Are there any here who have legitimate cause to oppose this marriage? [Pause] THE GROOM's VOWS Officiator: , do you take to be your lawfully wedded wife? Groom: I do. Officiator: Do you pledge to love, cherish and honor her, through all your time in Dereth? Groom: I do. Officiator: Do you promise to remain faithful unto her, to support her, to be her finest friend, through all trials and tribulations, joys and victories? Groom: I do. Officiator: What seal do you place upon your vows? Groom: The seal of [my own honor/the name of a higher authority]. THE BRIDE'S VOWS Officiator: , do you take to be your lawfully wedded husband? Bride: I do. Officiator: Do you pledge to love, cherish, and honor him, through all your time in Dereth? Bride: I do. Officiator: Do you promise to remain faithful unto him, to support him, to be his finest friend, through all trials and tribulations, joys and victories? Bride: I do. Officiator: What seal do you place upon your vows? Bride: The seal of [my own honor/the name of a higher authority]. THE INTENTIONS Officiator: , please share with us your loving intentions toward . Bride: [Speak about how you will love and cherish the groom. It helps to have this prepared beforehand.] Officiator: , please share with use [sic] your loving intentions toward . Groom: [Speak about how you will love and cherish the groom. It helps to have this prepared beforehand.] FRIENDS AND FAMILY Officiator: You who stand here as witnesses are the friends and family of the bride and groom. You are charged with the task of helping them in their new role as wife and husband, to support them in their times of need, and to do all that you can to make their marriage a blessed and happy union. THE RINGS Officiator: Please exchange the rings. Groom: With this ring, I thee wed. Bride: With this ring, I thee wed. THE PRONOUNCEMENT Officiator: You have made your vows under the seals of that which you hold important. Officiator: Before the witnesses of your friends and family, you are now pronounced husband and wife. May your marriage bring you great happiness. [Guests may now congratulate the married couple. Emote freely. Save celebratory gems for use outside.]
