Please see the script below, with the words in italics that the couple will repeat after the registrar:
Good morning/afternoon everyone. On behalf of my colleague (Registrar 2’s name), and myself (Registrar 1’s name), I would like to welcome you to (ceremony venue) to celebrate the love between (Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name).
Today, (Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name) are saying ‘thank you’ for the time they have spent together as partners.
They are reaffirming that their relationship means more to them than ever and they will grow even closer as they look forward to the future together.
When two people are in love, that love affects their family and friends, who are then able to share in their joy.
When two people declare their love for each other, it gives us all a chance to think about relationships and what make them work well. Certainly, good relationships have to be worked at; they don’t just happen by chance. We have to be committed. We have to be a loyal friend who overlooks the imperfections in our partner. We have to be prepared to work together to achieve our aspirations. We have to support each other in life’s ups and downs. We must want the best for each other and be sympathetic in life’s disappointments.
Today, (Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name) have invited you to share in the happiness of their relationship so far, and to be witnesses to their commitment ceremony.
[1st READING (OPTIONAL)]
(Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name), you have gathered about you those whom you love, to celebrate with you at this special time.
(Partner 1’s name), do you take (Partner 2’s name) to be your committed partner and friend? Do you promise to treat them with love and devotion, honour and respect? Do you promise to stand by them in the triumphs and tragedies of life as a faithful and caring partner?
I do.
(Partner 2’s name), do you take (Partner 1’s name) to be your committed partner and friend? Do you promise to treat them with love and devotion, honour and respect? Do you promise to stand by them in the triumphs and tragedies of life as a faithful and caring partner?
I do.
(Partner 1’s name), please repeat after me:
I (Partner 1’s name), make my vow to you, (Partner 2’s name), in the presence of this company: I will love and support you with compassion, respect you as an individual, cherish you no matter what, and enjoy your love always.
(Partner 2’s name), please repeat after me:
I (Partner 2’s name), make my vow to you, (Partner 1’s name), in the presence of this company: I will love and support you with compassion, respect you as an individual, cherish you no matter what, and enjoy your love always.
[PERSONAL VOWS (OPTIONAL)]
[2nd READING (OPTIONAL)]
A ring is an unbroken circle, it has no beginning and no end. It symbolises un-ending and everlasting love and is an outward sign of the lifelong promise you have just made to each other.
(Partner 1’s name), please repeat after me:
With this ring, I promise to care for you, to tackle every challenge as a team, to find laughter and lightness in every day, and to love and accept you, just as you are.
(Partner 2’s name), please repeat after me:
With this ring, I promise to care for you, to tackle every challenge as a team, to find laughter and lightness in every day, and to love and accept you, just as you are.
[GUESTS’ VOWS (OPTIONAL)
Although the decision to make a commitment to one another is a very personal one, a huge amount of value is gained by making a commitment in front of your families and close friends.
Will the guests please stand.
I am now going to ask all of you, assembled here today, to lend your verbal support to this couple, and I am expecting the response: ‘We will’.
Family and friends, now that you have heard (Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name) make their vows, do you, their family and friends, promise, from this day forward, to encourage them and love them, to give them your guidance, and to support them in being steadfast in the promises that they have made?
We will.
[3rd READING (OPTIONAL)]
(Partner 1’s name) and (Partner 2’s name), the vows you have made constitute a public pledge of your love for each other.
Cherish your love, the potential you have as individuals and as a couple and look to your future with a commitment that grows deeper and stronger as the years pass. Be honest, tender, warm and faithful, accepting and respectful of each other, for the rest of your lives together.
You have both now made solemn promises to one another in the presence of your family and friends gathered here today. You have also chosen to exchange rings as a symbol of your love and commitment to each other.
It is my pleasure to declare that you are now joined in love! You may now kiss each other!
[SIGNING OF THE COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATE]