Civil Marriage Ceremony – Option #3
<Officiant to Announce>
“We are gathered here today to witness the formal joining in the legal state of matrimony of this couple, under the authority given and provided by the Government of the Province of Ontario. The state matrimony, as understood by us, is the state ennobled and enriched by a long and honourable tradition of devotion, set in the basis of the law of the land, assuring each participant an equality before the law, and supporting the common rights of each party to the marriage. Both of you understand that marriage is not to be entered upon thoughtlessly, or irresponsibly, but with a due and serious understanding and appreciation of the ends for which it is contracted.”
“___________________ and __________________ you have made it known that you want to be joined in marriage and no one has shown any valid reason why you may not. If either of you know of any lawful impediment why you should not be married, you are now to declare it.”
<Officiant to Applicant. Repeat after me please>
“I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I __________________ may not be joined in matrimony to ____________________”
<Officiant to Joint Applicant. Repeat after me please>
“I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I __________________ may not be joined in matrimony to ____________________”
<Officiant to Announce>
“Marriage is not a single event but, rather, a developing process. Marriage is the faithful union between two persons, the result of which is the formation of a family unit whose members shall help, support and enjoy each other in good times and in bad times. It is this relationship these two persons wish to have declared and celebrated.”
<Declaration of Intent and Vows>
“Would you please face each other, join hands and repeat after me.”
<Officiant to Applicant. Repeat after me please>
“ I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, _______________ do take you, _________________ to be my lawful wedded (wife/husband/partner/spouse). To have and to hold, from this day forward. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, so long as we both shall live.”
<Officiant to Joint Applicant. Repeat after me please>
“ I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, _______________ do take you, _________________ to be my lawful wedded (wife/husband/partner/spouse). To have and to hold, from this day forward. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, so long as we both shall live.”
<Exchange of Rings>
This ring is a symbol of your marriage and a symbol of your love and life together.
<Officiant to Applicant>
“Please place this ring on the third finger of ________________________’s left hand saying after me:
This ring is a symbol of your marriage and a symbol of your love and life together.”
<Officiant to Joint Applicant>
“Please place this ring on the third finger of ________________________’s left hand saying after me:
This ring is a symbol of your marriage and a symbol of your love and life together.”
<Pronouncement>
“____________________ and _________________ have pledged themselves to each other and have declared this symbolically by their vows and the exchange of rings.
I, _________________, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Ontario Marriage Act; do hereby pronounce you _______________ and ______________ to be (husband and wife/partners in life/ married, etc.).
You may exchange a kiss as a token of your joy.”
<Signing of the Register>
“At this time, the wedded parties and their witnesses will sign the Official Marriage Register.”
<Ceremony Conclusion>
“May you enjoy length of days, fulfillment of hopes and peace and contentment of mind as you day by day live and fulfill the terms of this covenant you have made with one another. I wish you happiness and prosperity and may the vows you made to each other today sustain you forever.
May I introduce to you the married couple.”
Note: All bolded text is mandatory for the ceremony.