We chose a traditional scottish ceremony. The main thing really is the celebrant, you have to like them! They'll be able to tell you what's required legally etc.
Ours was about 45 minutes, and we had an awesome celebrant who was sneakily writing down everything we said every time we spoke. She'd ring with an innocent enough "question" and engage us in a chat, and then ended up finding out some special little nuances. She built an amazing ceremony around this.
We also submitted a few things that we wanted included, like we wanted soemthing in there about acknowledging the love of ALL couples, and a few other things that we wanted. We also wrote our own vows, and chose our own readings. Our readings were a Pablo Neruda sonnet (I lived in Latin America) and a reading from The Velveteen Rabbit, read by a young cousin.
It is easy to do! Go for it!
jjj I can't PM you yet because you don't have enough posts (I think you need 25). I'll post it in here (I hope it's not too long mods!) and that way it will give you an idea of the structure/wording etc. I won't include the wording of the the vows, ring ceremony or the readings as these are very personal and I recommend finding something that you and your DP both love.
Introduction
Friends and Family of Amy and (DH), it is a joy to welcome you here to this spectacular location and this memorable occasion. You have travelled from far and wide to witness this marriage and to celebrate with Amy and (DH) on this beautiful island. Each of you has given something special to their lives and your presence here today has made this celebration of love complete.
Today we are celebrating the beginning of a new family. May this union be blessed with joy, trust, peace, children, hope for the future, faith in the family and in each other, and most of all, love; love for each other, love for your parents and love for your children. May this love be returned so that Amy and (DH) know that their little family is part of a greater family who will rejoice in their success, who will find joy in their joys and who will sustain them in their challenges.
Today's celebration is the outward sign of a sacred and inward commitment.Such a union can only be created by loving purpose, maintained by abiding will and renewed by human feelings and intentions.
Definition of Marriage
Amy and (DH), this is the time you have chosen to become husband and wife. We are here, not only to witness your commitment to each other, but also to wish you every happiness in your future life together. Within its framework of commitment and loyalty marriage enables the establishment of a home, where through trust, patience and respect, the love and affection which you have for each other may develop into a deep and lasting relationship. Marriage embodies all the precious values and warmth that grow from human companionship and love. It symbolizes the ultimate intimacy between a man and a woman.
Therefore, it is not to be entered into lightly, but with certainty, with mutual respect; with a sense of reverence that does not preclude beauty, humor and joy. We, who are witnessing your marriage, hope that despite the stresses inevitable in any life, your love, respect for each other, your trust and understanding of each other will increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living. A new family is established in our midst, and we celebrate that new relationship with the bride and groom.
First Reading
The Vows
Exchanging of Rings
Second Reading
Third Reading
Declaration of Marriage
For as much as Amy and (DH) have consented together in marriage and have witnessed the same before this company, I declare to you that they are husband and wife. Amy and (DH), you have kissed a thousand times, maybe more. But today, the feeling is new. Today, your kiss is a promise. (DH), you may now kiss your wife.
We had an amazing celebrant (who was an actor back in the day) and he was amazing! Due to his background he was very dramatic and told our story with so much confidence and engaged everyone. He had us laughing and crying the whole way through!
He provided us with SOOOOOOO many different versions of everything and we just picked out what we wanted and changed bits here and there. He put the finals touches on everything and tweaked it to perfection!!
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