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In March of 2002, I was honored to be the officiant for a wedding vow renewal for a friend. I put together the ceremony using a book of ceremonies that I have, as well as getting ideas from various sites on the 'net. Below are photos of the occasion as well as the outline of the ceremony. A happy life each day to the lovely couple and their family.

On Behalf of [name of groom] and [name of bride][surname], welcome and thank you for being witness to this very special occasion; Today is a day of joyous celebration for the lives they have created together, which they are proud to share with you.

Know now before we go further, that since we have crossed paths in this life, we have formed ties between each other. As you witness the re-vowing of this state of matrimony, bring to mind and strive to make real, your contributions to each other as beings, and the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony, and the institution of marriage.



[To Bride and Groom] With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be re-vowed before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth. Do you wish to enter this ceremony?

[Bride and Groom] Yes, We Seek to Enter.

In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; [gesture with the sign of the cross for those in attendance who are of Christian Faith-->] East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that blessings are offered in support of this ceremony.

Be here now; in heart, mind, and body. Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North; Firm foundation on which to build Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives; A stable home to which you may always return.

[Place and bless the candle holder]

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East: Communication of the heart, mind, and body; Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.

[Place the three candles within the candle holder]

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home; The heat of the heart's passion. The light created by both to lighten the darkest of times.

[Light the two candles]

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West; The deep commitments of the lake; The swift excitement of the river; The refreshing cleansing of the rain; The all encompassing passion of the sea.

Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you continue building a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union.


Marriage brings two people into a unique relationship. While each is separate, we arrive here with a past full of love and remembrance. In this union you will continue to share many experiences as if you were one, yet each of you retain your identity. I invite you now to light this candle as a symbol of the union of your lives. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you.

[Candle is lit by bride and groom]

Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. As time passes, remember; like a stone, your love should be firm; like a star, your love should be constant.

Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, and they will pass quickly.

Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of others give you unease, for your highest truth and power is with you always."

[Exchange of Vows] The ring that each of you wears speaks of the continual nature of love for it has no beginning and it has no end. May this circle of love declare your unity and oneness of your lives together. And may these rings represent a love glowing with increasing luster through the years before you.

At this time I invite you, [the groom], to speak your personal words of devotion to your mate.

[Groom's Vows] At this time I invite you, [the bride], to speak your personal words of devotion to your mate.

[Bride's Vows] ----- May your words be the foundation of what is, and what is to become; a reminder of your commitment to yourselves and to each other. May the powers of the cardinal directions mirror your strengths. May the light of the candle guide you as one to all that is good. May your rings remind you of your eternal devotion to one another. For these are symbolic of the threads that keep you bonded.

[Groom’s name] and [Bride’s name] Go together as partners in life, sealing your union with a kiss. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. [name]

The Taylor Family & Me --- March 2003

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