This ancient Celtic rite emphasizes the practical aspects of marriage and celebrates the couple's intent to remain joined together through all that the future has in store.

[Celebrant]As you endeavor to join in this state of matrimony, understand the truths which give meaning to this ceremony and to the institution of marriage.

The promises made here today form the ties that bind the two of you together, and greatly strengthen your union. As you weave them together, they reinforce your marriage and provide a foundation for your growth as individuals and as a couple.

Bride, Will you share his laughter?

[Bride] Yes

[Celebrant] Groom, Will you share (bride) laughter?

[Groom] Yes

[Celebrant] *To Both*

Will both of you look for the brightness in life, and the positive in each other?

[BRIDE & GROOM] Yes

[Celebrant] And so the binding is made.

*First cord is draped across the bride and grooms hands*

[Celebrant] Groom, Will you cause (bride) pain?

[Groom] I May

[Celebrant] Is that your intent?

[Groom] No

[Celebrant] Bride, Will you cause (groom) pain?

[Bride] I may

[Celebrant] Is that your intent?

[Bride] No

[Celebrant] *To Both*

Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?

[Groom & Bride] Yes

[Celebrant] And so the binding is made. Join your hands

*Second cord is draped across the bride and grooms hands*

[Celebrant] Bride, Will you burden (groom)?

[Bride] I may

[Celebrant] Is that your intent?

[Bride] No

[Celebrant] Groom, Will you burden (bride)?

[Groom] I may

[Celebrant] Is that your intent?

[Groom] No

[Celebrant] *To Both*

Will you share the burdens of each, so that your spirits may grow in this union?

[BRIDE & GROOM] Yes

[Celebrant] And so the binding is made.

*Third chord is draped across the couples hands*

[Celebrant] Bride, will you share his dreams?

[Bride] Yes

[Celebrant] Groom, will you share (bride) dreams?

[Groom] Yes

[Celebrant] *To Both*

Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?

[BRIDE & GROOM] Yes

[Celebrant] And so the binding is made.

*Fourth chord is draped across the couples hands*

[Celebrant] Groom, will you cause (bride) anger?

[Groom] I may

[Celebrant] Is that your intent?

[Groom] No

[Celebrant] Bride, will you cause (groom) anger?

[Bride] I may

[Celebrant] Is that your intent?

[Bride] No

[Celebrant] *To Both*

Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?

[BRIDE & GROOM] We Will

[Celebrant] And so the binding is made.

*Fifth chord is draped across the couples hands*

[Celebrant] Bride, Will you honor (groom)?

[Bride] I will

[Celebrant] Groom, Will you honor (bride)?

[Groom] I will

[Celebrant] *To Both*

Will desire always to have this honor drive all of your words and actions?

[BRIDE & GROOM] Yes

[Celebrant] And so the binding is made.

*Drape sixth chord across the couples hands and tie chords together while saying:*

[Celebrant] The knots in these cords do not hold you together as a couple. Your union is strenthened by your deeds as you implement the intent of your vows. Either of you may hold fast to this union, or you may let the bindings slip. It is you who hold this union in your hands.

Contact Pastor Jack for more information.

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