Download - WEDDING CEREMONY PACKAGESstorage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-24281974/documents... · Wedding Ceremony Packages Page 1 of 3 WEDDING CEREMONY PACKAGES You and your fiancé are encouraged

Wedding Ceremony Packages www.youregettingmarried.com of 3

WEDDING CEREMONY PACKAGES

You and your fiancé are encouraged to be hands-on in the creation process. Your Ceremony will be personalized and reflect who you are as a couple.

Take a look at the 3 wedding Ceremony packages below.

INITIAL CONSULTATION Phone Consultations are always free. There is no obligation. When we meet in person, I will bring detailed vows of

each package along with Alternate wording for your review and selection.

“I Do”: A simple, less than 10 minute long Ceremony administering the Oath of Marriage. With Short Vows, say I DO, Quick Ring Vows and a Kiss. It is a basic civil type Ceremony. This is not appropriate for a “Formal Venue” wedding. It is designed for a

small at-home or park Ceremony with just a few guests.

“Simply Sweet”: This is a Traditional, most popular, less than 20 minute long Ceremony. This is for Couples who want a Simple yet Sweet Ceremony experience and there is no customization on this package. With simple Vows, say I DO, Ring Exchange and

a Kiss. This is appropriate for a “Formal Venue” wedding. It is designed for any venue with any amount of guests.

“Our Love Story”: This Ceremony is for couples who want a more personalized 30 minute long Ceremony. In this Ceremony, this is your love story; vision for married life; family/cultural traditions; favorite poetry; and/or any of our add-ins, all mixed together to create the most memorable ceremony experience ever. You can choose from our Alternate Selection of Vows

and/or Wedding Ceremony Add On Ideas, add your love story and any readings you wish to incorporate. We will work together to design something even more personal than the traditional Simply Sweet Ceremony. It is designed for any venue with any

amount of guests.

“I Do” “Simply Sweet” “Our Love Story” $225 $350 $475

A Quick Legal Ceremony Approx. 10 Minutes

Most Popular Package Approx. 20 Minutes

Personal & Fully Customized Approx. 30 Minutes

1 Complimentary consultation in person and unlimited phone and email

consultations

1 initial Complimentary consultation in person

1 initial Complimentary consultation in person

Administer the oath of marriage A semi customized Ceremony A fully customized Ceremony with Add Ons

Semi-private wedding (the couple and up to 4 guests)

Fine-tuning the Ceremony to perfection Wedding Layout Assistance

Travel to the Ceremony venue* Unlimited phone and email consultations Fine-tuning the Ceremony to perfection Arriving 10+ minutes prior to Ceremony

start time Travel to the Ceremony venue* Unlimited phone and email consultations

and 1 additional in-person consultation Officiating the Ceremony on wedding

day Arriving 30+ minutes prior to Ceremony

start time Travel to the Ceremony venue*

Completing and mailing marriage license Coordinating with Wedding Coordinator/DJ/Photographer about

Ceremony details

Arriving 30+ minutes prior to Ceremony start time

Details about obtaining certified copies of your marriage record and changing your

name

Officiating the Ceremony on your wedding day

Coordinating with Wedding Coordinator/DJ/Photographer about

Ceremony details Contact Me Completing and mailing marriage license Officiating the Ceremony on your

wedding day Upon request, presence at the rehearsal* Completing and mailing marriage license Contact Me Wedding Rehearsal Guide or Upon

request, presence at the rehearsal* Contact Me

*Additional fees may apply

http://www.youregettingmarried.com/


Travel Fees* • Travel to the Ceremony location beyond 20 miles from zip code 10604 incurs a travel fee:

21 to 34 miles – $45 35 to 49 miles – $55 50 to 74 miles – $75 75 to 100 miles – $125 For travel over 100 miles, call for pricing.

• If there are any bridges, tunnels or tolls that require payment, you are responsible paying the additional fees

• If you have selected a venue that does not offer free parking you are responsible for either validating or paying for your Officiant’s parking.

• For destination weddings and weddings outside our service area, overnight accommodations may also be required.

Rehearsal*

For an additional fee of $125, I will meet at the Ceremony location or another location and run through

the rehearsal. Rehearsals typically last about 15 minutes. Additional Travel fees may be incurred.

Q. When is my payment and final due?

A 50% Deposit is due via cash or check before the date it officially booked. The 50% balance payment is due no later than 14 days prior to the wedding date.

Q. What if I have to change my start time or wedding date?

While I try to be as flexible as possible in accommodating changes, I cannot guarantee my availability for a date or time change. Please let me know as soon as possible if you plan to change your wedding date or time so I can try to find a solution for you.

Q. What if I Cancel my wedding, is the deposit refundable? Unfortunately no, the deposit is nonrefundable because I was holding a secured date for you and there is no guarantee that I will rebook the date.

Q. Will you come to our wedding rehearsal? Yes, for an additional fee. I contract Ceremony rehearsals separately from weddings because most couples don’t want (or need) an Officiant at the rehearsal. At a wedding rehearsal you are simply practicing walking in and walking out, but not the Ceremony itself.

Q. If I still want you to do my rehearsal can I book it now?

Yes, you should book the rehearsal at the same time you book the wedding date. There is no guarantee that I may be available on your rehearsal date if it is not booked at the same time.

Q. Do you allow pictures during the Ceremony?

Yes, of course! I have heard that some ministers can be touchy about when and how pictures are taken during the Ceremony, but I am happy to work with your other vendors. Your photographer and videographer can shoot whenever and however they would like. I do ask that you provide us with one copy of a photo for my memory book.



Q. I know we tip other vendors, but what about the Officiant? Gratuities are never expected, but are always appreciated.

Q. All of this sounds great! How can we move forward with booking you for our wedding?

Please fill out the form on our contact page to check my availability for your wedding date, and I will get right back to you!

Q. What does Officiant mean? Someone who is legally authorized to preside over/perform a couple's wedding ceremony.

Q. What kind of Officiant am I?

Modern nondenominational minister/civil Officiants. "Officiants" are known and called by many different names: wedding Officiant, wedding minister, wedding officiator, marriage officiator, marriage minister, marriage Officiant, marriage official, wedding clergy, marriage clergy, wedding celebrant, celebrant, wedding Officiant, justice of the peace, JP, civil Officiant and reverend. I am legally ordained through the Universal Life Church.

Q. What is the Universal Life Church? The Universal Life Church & ULC Seminary, Inc., is a non-denominational church that believes that we are all spirits in bodies, seeking and discovering our own personal truth in our own unique way. For many of us, that truth is found through Jesus Christ, Buddha or The Divine, while still others find their truth through examining life and the experiences we all have. All of these paths and more, are welcomed and explored. We value all the viewpoints of our ministers and congregation; however varied and controversial they might be. We believe in religious freedom, as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others and is within the law.

Q. What if I have another question you haven’t answered here? Email me at [email protected] or call me at 203-644-4815 and I will be happy to answer any question you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!


mailto:[email protected]

“I Do” Wedding Ceremony www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 1

“I DO” CEREMONY $225

A simple, less than 10 minute long Ceremony. With Short Vows, say I DO, Quick Ring exchange and a Kiss. This is not appropriate for a “Formal Venue” wedding. It is designed for a small at-home or park ceremony with just a

few guests. It is a basic civil type ceremony. It includes unlimited telephone and e-mail support.

This is a nice straight-forward ceremony with all the key elements.

Opening Words

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts and to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite BRIDE and GROOM in marriage.

Declaration of Consent

GROOM do you take BRIDE to be your Wife? GROOM says, "I do".

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her? GROOM says, "I do".

BRIDE do you take GROOM to be your Husband? BRIDE says, "I do".

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him? BRIDE says, "I do".

Exchange of Vows

GROOM, repeat after me: I, GROOM take you BRIDE to be my wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

BRIDE, repeat after me: I, BRIDE take you GROOM to be my husband, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever.

Introduction of the Rings

The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.

Rings

Wedding rings are an unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of this couple in marriage."

GROOM/BRIDE, This ring is my sacred gift, with my promise that I will always love you, cherish you and honor you all the days of my life. And with this ring, I thee wed.


Closing

By the power vested in me I now pronounce you ............

You may now kiss your GROOM/BRIDE.

I present to you our happy couple Mr. ad Mrs….

Email me at [email protected] or call me at 203-644-4815 and I will be happy to answer any question you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!



Simply Sweet Ceremony www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 2

“SIMPLY SWEET” CEREMONY $350

This is a Traditional, most popular, less than 20 minute long Ceremony. This is for Couples who want a Simple yet Sweet ceremony experience and there is no customization on this package. With simple Vows, say I DO, Ring Exchange and a Kiss. This is appropriate for a “Formal Venue” wedding. It is designed for any venue

with any amount of guests.

Opening Words

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts and to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite this couple in marriage.

Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, speak now or forever hold their peace (Alternate: Shush!!)

Who Gives this Woman/Man today to be married (optional)

Today we have come together to witness the joining of these two lives. For them, out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened. They met each other, fell in love and are finalizing it with their wedding. A good marriage must be created. It is never being too old to hold hands. It’s remembering to say I love you every day and it is not just marrying the right person its being the right partner.

Exchange of Vows










Rings

Wedding rings are an unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of this couple in marriage."




Simply Sweet Ceremony www.youregettingmarried.com Page 2 of 2

Closing

By the power vested in me I now pronounce you ............

You may now kiss your GROOM/BRIDE.

I present to you our happy couple Mr. ad Mrs….

Email me at Email me at [email protected] or call me at 203-644-4815 and I will be happy to answer any

question you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!



“OUR LOVE STORY” CEREMONY www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 3

“OUR LOVE STORY” CEREMONY $475

This Ceremony is for couples who want a more personalized 30 minute long Ceremony. In this Ceremony, this is your love story; vision for married life; family/cultural traditions; favorite poetry; and/or any of our add-ins, all mixed together to create the most memorable ceremony experience ever. You can choose from our Alternate Selection of Vows and/or Wedding Ceremony Add On Ideas, add your love story and any poems you wish to

incorporate. We will work together to design something even more personal than the traditional Simply Sweet Ceremony. It is designed for any venue with any amount of guests. It includes unlimited telephone and e-mail support.

Introduction of Couple

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts and to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite this couple in marriage.

Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, speak now or forever hold their peace (Alternate: Shush!!)

Today we have come together to witness the joining of these two lives. For them, out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened. They met each other, fell in love and are finalizing it with their wedding. A good marriage must be created. It is never being too old to hold hands. It’s remembering to say I love you every day and it is not just marrying the right person its being the right partner.

(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE – I)






(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - II)

Parents Consent

Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - III)

Readings

Because this is a personal choice, you provide what you would like to be read here. This is optional.

(SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - IV)

Preparation for Vows

Today, your wedding day, is one brief day in time, and although your vows are spoken in a matter of minutes, they are

promises that will last a lifetime.

(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - V)



Exchange of Vows



(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - VI)



Rings

Wedding rings are an unbroken circle of love, signifying to all the union of this couple in marriage.

GROOM/BRIDE, With this ring - I marry you - and join my life with yours. Accept this ring - as a sign of my love and

faithfulness - for all the years to come.

GROOM/BRIDE, With this ring - I marry you - and join my life with yours. Accept this ring - as a sign of my love and

faithfulness - for all the years to come.

(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - VIII)

Blessing of the Rings

This is Optional.

(SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - IX)

Add On Here

This is an optional event such as unity candle, sand ceremony etc. This will require you to purchase additional items.

(SELECT ANY ADD ON AND WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - X)

The Blessing of the Marriage

May you always share with each other the gifts of love and be one in heart and always beautiful of mind. And may

you always create a home together that puts in your hearts, love, generosity and kindness.

(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - XI)

Closing Prayer or Blessing

This is Optional.

(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - XII)



Closing

Butterfly Ceremony, Dove Release, Breaking of the Glass, Jumping the Broom is done here

By the authority vested in me by the State of New York, I pronounce you to each other, husband and wife.

(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - XIII)

Kiss Preparation

You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more. But today the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best

friends, you have become husband and wife and can now seal the agreement with a kiss. Today your kiss is a promise.

It is now my pleasure to present ____ and ____ as Husband and Wife!

(OR SELECT ANY WORDING FROM OUR ALTERNATE SELECTIONS PAGE - XIV)




Catholic Inspired Ceremony www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 3

CATHOLIC INSPIRED CEREMONY

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, the joining of two hearts. In this ceremony today we will witness the joining GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE in marriage. If there is anyone present who has just cause why this couple should not be united let them speak now or forever hold their peace. Who gives this man/woman to be married today (Optional) You have come together today so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of God and this community. Christ abundantly blesses your love, he strengthens you so that you may assume the duties of marriage in mutual and lasting fidelity, and so... in the presence of this community. Today we have come together to witness the joining of these two lives. For them, out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened. They met each other, fell in love and are finalizing it with their wedding Today. Romance is fun, but true love is something far more and it is their desire to love each other for life and that is what we are celebrating here today. A good marriage must be created. In marriage the "little" things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, “I love you" at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is standing together and facing the world. It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right person -- it is being the right partner

VOWS (face each other and hold hands)(repeat after me) I, GROOM/BRIDE take you GROOM/BRIDE to be my husband/wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep I, GROOM/BRIDE take you GROOM/BRIDE to be my Husband/Wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there.



As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep

PRAYERS FOR THE FAITHFUL (call and response) Let us pray for peace, happiness and joy in everyone's life, both here at home, and around the world. Response: Lord, hear our prayer. Let us pray for the new additions to our families, that God looks over them, and that they are always surrounded by love and caring. Response: Lord, hear our prayer. Let us pray for those in our lives who are sick and healing, may their road to recovery be blessed. Response: Lord, hear our prayer. Let us pray for those who have traveled this road with us, but could not join us here today. We know that those people are close to us in spirit. Response: Lord, hear our prayer. GROOM/BRIDE AND GROOM/BRIDE I would ask that you always treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and happiness.

I Do’s GROOM/BRIDE, do you take GROOM/BRIDE to be your Husband/Wife? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her forevermore? ("I do") GROOM/BRIDE, do you take GROOM/BRIDE to be your Husband/Wife? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him forevermore? ("I do") John 4:7-12 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us.

Ring Exchange (who has the rings) (repeat after me) The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.



I GROOM/BRIDE, take thee, GROOM/BRIDE to be my Husband/Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit. I GROOM/BRIDE, take thee GROOM/BRIDE, to be my Husband/Wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. Take this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy spirit. Lord, bless and consecrate this groom and bride in their love for each other. May these rings be a symbol of their true faith in each other, and always remind them of their love through the Christ to God.

Wedding Prayer Bless their marriage, O God, as they begin their journey down the road of life together. We don't know what lies ahead for the road turns and bends. But help them to make the best of whatever comes their way. Help them to continue to enjoy each other as they did when they first met. Help them to realize that nothing nor no one is perfect and to look for the good in all things and all people including themselves. Help them to respect each other's likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears even though they may not always understand them. Help them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Help them to realize that no matter what happens to them they will hold on to each other and know that things have a way of working out for the good. Help them to create for their children a peaceful, stable home of love as a foundation on which they can build their lives. But most of all, dear God, help them to keep lit the torch of love' that they now share so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children and to their children's children forever. Amen

Closing Comments To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know, that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both have pledged to today. My dear friends, let us turn to the lord and pray that he will bless GROOM/BRIDE & GROOM/BRIDE united them in true marriage today. Father you have made the union of husband and wife so holy as it symbolizes the marriage of two humans through Christ to God. Look with love upon GROOM/BRIDE & GROOM/BRIDE Fill them both with love for each other, both honoring and respecting each other and always seeing their love as a gift to be treasured. May the commitment which they are making be sacred not only for today but for the rest of their lives. We ask this blessing for them in the name of the father and the son and the holy spirit. By the power vested in me I now pronounce you . . . . . . . You may kiss your Groom/Bride. I would Like to introduce to you the happy couple…Mr. and Mrs……


Christian Ceremony www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 2

CHRISTIAN CEREMONY

We are gathered here today in the sight of God, and the presence of friends and loved ones, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments. We are here to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words that will unite GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE in holy matrimony. Who gives this man/woman to be married (Optional) GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE, marriage is the most important of all earthly relationships. It should be entered into reverently, thoughtfully and with full understanding of its sacred nature. Your marriage must stand by the strength of your love and the power of faith in each other and in God. Just as two threads woven in opposite directions form a beautiful tapestry, so to your two lives when merged together will make a beautiful marriage. 1st Corinthians Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud. Love is never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand it's own way. Love is not irritable or touchy. Love does not hold grudges and will hardly notice when others do it wrong. Love is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone, you will be loyal to them no matter what the costs. You will always believe in them, always expect the best in them, and will always stand your ground in defending them.

VOWS (face each other and hold hands) (repeat after me) I, GROOM/BRIDE take you GROOM/BRIDE to be my husband/wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep So help me God I, GROOM/BRIDE take you GROOM/BRIDE to be my Husband/Wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep So help me God


Christian Ceremony www.youregettingmarried.com Page 2 of 2

John 4:7-12 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God—for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love. It is not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us.

I Do’s GROOM/BRIDE, do you take GROOM/BRIDE to be your Husband/Wife? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him/her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her forevermore? ("I do") GROOM/BRIDE, do you take GROOM/BRIDE to be your Husband/Wife? ("I do") Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect him/her, forsaking all others and holding only unto him forevermore? ("I do") The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.

Ring Exchange (who has the rings) (repeat after me) I GROOM/BRIDE, take thee, GROOM/BRIDE to be my Husband/Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my Husband/Wife, for as long as we both shall live. I GROOM/BRIDE, take thee GROOM/BRIDE, to be my Husband/Wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise My love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my husband/wife, for as long as we both shall live.

Wedding Prayer Bless their marriage, O God, as they begin their journey down the road of life together. We don't know what lies ahead for the road turns and bends. But help them to make the best of whatever comes their way. Help them to continue to enjoy each other as they did when they first met. Help them to realize that nothing nor no one is perfect and to look for the good in all things and all people including themselves. Help them to respect each other's likes and dislikes, opinions and beliefs, hopes and dreams and fears even though they may not always understand them. Help them to learn from each other and to help each other to grow mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Help them to realize that no matter what happens to them they will hold on to each other and know that things have a way of working out for the good. Help them to create for their children a peaceful, stable home of love as a foundation on which they can build their lives. But most of all, dear God, help them to keep lit the torch of love' that they now share so that by their loving example they may pass on the light of love to their children and to their children's children forever. Amen By the power vested in me I now pronounce you . . . . . . . You may kiss your Groom/Bride. I would Like to introduce to you the happy couple…Mr. and Mrs……


Jewish Ceremony www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 4

JEWISH INSPIRED CEREMONY Shalom!! We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, The Joining of 2 hearts. In this ceremony today we will witness the joining GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE in marriage. If there is anyone present who has just cause why this couple should not be united..... Sussh! Who gives this man/woman to be married today (Optional) Today we have come together to witness the joining of these two lives. For them, out of the routine of ordinary life, the extraordinary has happened. They met each other, fell in love and are finalizing it with their wedding Today. Romance is fun, but true love is something far more and it is their desire to love each other for life and that is what we are celebrating here today. GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE, life is given to each of us as individuals, and yet we must learn to live together. Love is given to us by our family and friends - we learn to love by being loved. Learning to love and living together is one of the greatest challenges of life; and it is the shared goal of a married life. But we also must remember that it is not humankind which created love, but God who created love. Blessed art thou, O Lord God, creator of all things. A good marriage must be created. In marriage the "little" things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, “I love you" at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is standing together and facing the world. It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right person -- it is being the right partner

Wine Blessing In this glass are the fruits of God, Humankind and Mother Earth. The years of our lives are like a cup of wine that is poured out for the sake of labor, honor and love. Many days you will sit at the same table and eat and drink together. Many are the experiences you will share. As with a glass of wine, one of you may find it sweet, the other perhaps dry or somehow different. Let the drink you share today serve as a reminder that although you may perceive things very differently, being right is never more important than being happy. With this space that you give each other, always putting your commitment to love and honor one another first, your lives together will grow deeper, richer and greatly satisfying, like a rare and fine wine. Blessed art thou oh lord our god king of the universe who has created the fruit of the vine. You may now drink from this fountain of love.



VOWS (face each other and hold hands)(repeat after me) I, GROOM/BRIDE take you GROOM/BRIDE to be my husband/wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep I, GROOM/BRIDE take you GROOM/BRIDE to be my Husband/Wife, my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our friendship and love you today, tomorrow, and forever. I will trust you and honor you I will laugh with you and cry with you. Through the best and the worst, Through the difficult and the easy. Whatever may come I will always be there. As I have given you my hand to hold So I give you my life to keep GROOM/BRIDE AND GROOM/BRIDE I would ask that you always treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and happiness.

Benediction May the groom/bride and groom/bride now receive the benediction - "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Creator of Man. "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Who hast fashioned us in Thine own image and who established marriage for the fulfillment and perpetuation of life in accordance with Thy holy purpose. "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Creator of man. "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Who art the source of all gladness and joy. Through Thy grace we attain affection, companionship, love and peace. Grant that the love which unites this man and woman my grow in abiding happiness. May their family be ennobled through their devotion to the faith of Israel. May there be peace in their home, quietness and confidence in their hearts. May they be sustained by Thy comforting presence in the midst of our people and Thy promise of salvation of all mankind. "Blessed art Thou O Lord God, Ruler of the Universe, Who dost unite this man and this woman in the holy joy of matrimony. Amen"



I Do’s Do you GROOM/BRIDE take GROOM/BRIDE to be your husband/wife? ("I do"). Do you promise to love, cherish and protect him/her, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek with him/her a life hallowed by the faith of Israel? ("I do") Do you GROOM/BRIDE take GROOM/BRIDE to be your husband/wife? ("I do"). Do you promise to love, cherish and protect him, whether in good fortune or in adversity, and to seek with him/her a life hallowed by the faith of Israel? ("I do") The ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the vows you have taken.

Ring Exchange (who has the rings) (repeat after me) I GROOM/BRIDE, take thee, GROOM/BRIDE to be my Husband/Wife- To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise my love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my Husband/Wife, for as long as we both shall live according to the law of God / and the faith of Israel." I GROOM/BRIDE, take thee GROOM/BRIDE, to be my Husband/Wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and sorrow, and I promise my love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my husband/wife, for as long as we both shall live according to the law of God / and the faith of Israel." 7 Jewish blessings

1. You are blessed, Lord our God, the sovereign of the world, who created everything for his glory. 2. You are blessed, Lord our God, the sovereign of the world, the creator of man. 3. You are blessed, Lord our God, the sovereign of the world, who created man in His image, in the pattern of

His own likeness, and provided for the perpetuation of his kind. 4. You are blessed, Lord, the creator of man. Let the barren city be jubilantly happy and joyful at her joyous

reunion with her children. 5. You are blessed, Lord, who makes Zion rejoice with her children. Let the loving couple be very happy, just as

you made your creation happy in the Garden of Eden, so long ago. You are blessed, Lord, who makes the bridegroom and the bride happy.

6. You are blessed, Lord our God, the sovereign of the world, who created joy and celebration, bridegroom and bride, rejoicing, jubilation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. May there soon be heard, Lord our God, in the cities of Judea and in the streets of Jerusalem, the sound of joy and the sound of celebration, the voice of a bridegroom and the voice of a bride, the happy shouting of bridegrooms from their weddings and of young men from their feasts of song. You are blessed, Lord, who makes the bridegroom and the bride rejoice together.

7. You are blessed, Lord our God, the sovereign of the world, creator of the fruit of the vine.

Silent Prayer I ask you and all your dear ones to bow your heads in reverence. Silently pray that God will bless the home of GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE and that they each, and together, may achieve their highest hopes. (After short pause) "May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May the Lord lift up his countenance unto to you, and give you peace. Amen")



Closing Comments To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know, that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other. It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment, to hold true to the journey you both have pledged to today.

Crushing of the Glass The final act of this ceremony is the shattering of the glass. This old custom has many traditions, with many interpretations. At one time it was meant to scare off demons that frequent celebrations (or pesky wedding guests) Today, the fragility of the glass suggests the frailty of human relationships. The groom/bride and groom/bride - and everyone –that they should consider these marriage vows as an IRREVOCABLE ACT. Just as permanent and final as the breaking of this glass is unchangeable. The glass is broken to protect this marriage with the implied prayer. ”May your bond of love be as difficult to break, as it would be to put back together these pieces of glass.” Knowing that this marriage is permanent, the Groom/Bride and Groom/Bride should strive every day to show each other love and respect and happiness. After GROOM/BRIDE breaks the glass, I invite everyone to shout the Hebrew words “Mazel Tov,” meaning “Good Luck” and “Congratulations.” CRUSH TIME By the power vested in me I now pronounce you . . . . . . . You may kiss your Groom/Bride. I would Like to introduce to you the happy couple…Mr. and Mrs……


FAQs www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 5

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

GENERAL QUESTIONS NY MARRIAGE LICENSE INFORMATION How long is the ceremony? General Info What type of ceremonies do you perform? ID Requirements in New York What authority do you have to perform legal ceremonies? Waiting Period in New York Will you conduct the ceremony outside of a house of worship? Residency Requirements Can I write my own vows? Fees in NYC What is your fee? Officiants in NYC What do your services include? Same-Sex Marriages Will you be doing other weddings that day? What happens if you’re running late or can’t make it?

Witnesses

Will you lead a rehearsal? NYC Clerk Online Registration When do you sign the marriage license? At the ceremony or beforehand? Marriage Ceremony Outside of the City Clerk's Office What is the next step? Certificate of Marriage Registration Types of Ceremonies Miscellaneous and other Information

Q. How long is the ceremony? • The length of course depends on many variables i.e.: readings, songs, dove/butterfly release etc. • Since most reception sites have a 30 minute limit, we can work together to time out everything.

Q. What type of ceremonies do you perform?

While the ceremonies are non-denominational, they are designed to meet the couples’ individual needs. Some of the various types of ceremonies are: • Civil (Most Common) • Inter-faith where one or both partners is not Christian • Non-denominational • Vow Renewals • Same-sex Weddings • Domestic Partner or Commitment Blessings

Q. What authority do you have to perform legal ceremonies?

I am an ordained wedding minister of the Universal Life Church and have full legal authority to perform your wedding ceremony. Click here to view my certificate of ordination.

Q. Will you conduct the ceremony outside of a house of worship? If so, does that change any of the restrictions?

Because I am a non-denominational Officiant, I perform ceremonies everywhere! There are no restrictions.

Q. Can I write my own vows? Of course you can; since I feel that your ceremony should have special meaning to you. I do ask to review the vows so we can discuss timing, etc.

Q. What is your fee? The fee is based on several factors i.e., location, type of ceremony etc. Base rate starts at $225.00. There is a non-refundable deposit of $150.00 to reserve your date with the balance due two weeks prior to the ceremony. Remember the ceremony is the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of your wedding day and probably the least expensive.

Q. What do your services include? • Meeting with the couple to compose the ceremony. • Unlimited email and phone contact whenever you have questions. • Reviewing and giving written rehearsal instructions to help conduct the rehearsal. • Appearance at the rehearsal can be possible; for an additional charge. • Reviewing the rehearsal instructions with the ceremony participants ½ hour before the ceremony to ensure unison. • Officiating the Ceremony. • Travel expenses to and from the reception site. May be an additional fee depending on location. • Filing your marriage license in the town that the ceremony took place in.



Q. Will you be doing other weddings that day? What happens if you’re running late or can’t make it?

During wedding season, it is possible that I’ll have another ceremony. In order to avoid the possibility of running late, I never have two weddings that start within several hours of each other.

Q. Will you lead a rehearsal?

In most cases, your wedding or site coordinator will lead the rehearsal. For couples that want me to attend, please contact me for pricing.

Q. When do you sign the marriage license? At the ceremony or beforehand?

I arrive early to your ceremony to go over last-minute details and also complete and sign the marriage license. This allows you to celebrate at the conclusion of your ceremony with no interruption for signing documents.

Q. What is the next step?

Once you have set your ceremony date, you should contact me to make an appointment to discuss your ceremony and all of the details of your special day. During your consultation visit, I will discuss readings, mentioning people who are not able to be at the ceremony, the unity candle, writing your own vows or any other special touch you may want in your ceremony.

TYPES OF CEREMONIES

Civil A civil ceremony is the most common and allows a couple to include special readings, vows, symbols and wedding themes

that may not be included in a religious ceremony. A civil ceremony often does not contain religious elements; however, it is completely up to the couple. A civil ceremony can take place in the venue of your choice.

Traditional

A traditional wedding ceremony is the handing down of vows, beliefs and customs from generation to generation. I assist couples in incorporating important cultural and family traditions in their ceremony.

Non-traditional

A non-traditional wedding ceremony is similar to a civil ceremony, but may or may not have religious overtones. You will most likely add your own flavor to a non-traditional ceremony.

Non-denominational

A non-denominational ceremony has no association with a religious denomination. It can contain elements of traditional, non-traditional, spiritual, interfaith and/or civil ceremonies.

Spiritual

A spiritual wedding is a completely personalized ceremony that incorporates spiritual practices rather than religious practices. You can include your own spiritual beliefs or select from many ancient traditions and practices from around the world.

Interfaith

An interfaith ceremony is an ideal solution for couples that have different spiritual, religious or cultural backgrounds. I can assist you in combining important practices of faith into your ceremony.

I have vows that represent each type of ceremony.



NY Marriage License Information After the excitement of setting a wedding date has lessened, you need to start thinking about when you will apply for your marriage license. Here's help in knowing what to bring with you when you apply for your New York marriage license. We recommend applying for your marriage license about a month before your wedding date. NOTE: Requirements may vary as each county/city/town in New York could have their own requirements. It is important to verify current requirements with the city/town clerk where you want to get married.

ID Requirements in New York:

Your photo identity documentation must be current and valid. The official web site for New York state marriage licenses states "A person is required to establish proof of age and identity by submitting to the issuing clerk one of the following age related documents: Birth Certificate, Baptismal record, Naturalization record, Census record. And one of the following identity related documents: Driver's license, Passport, Employment picture ID, Immigration record." Although they don't mention having a certified birth certificate, many locales in New York are requiring having a certified birth certificate and we recommend having this documentation with you when you apply for your marriage license. Before you apply for your marriage license, contact the city or town clerk where you want to get married to verify their specific requirements for applying for a marriage license.

Waiting Period in New York: • New York has a twenty-four (24) hour waiting period to get married. • The Marriage License expires in 60 days after the time of purchase, except for active military personnel • A Marriage License obtained at any of the five NYC offices may be used anywhere within the State of New York.

Active Military Personnel:

• If either you or your prospective spouse is an active member of the armed forces, your Marriage License expires in 180 days after the time of purchase.

• Indicate that you are an active member of the United States Military when you apply for your Marriage License by showing your Active United States Military Identification Card.

Residency Requirement: • You do not have to be a resident of New York. • The marriage license in New York is valid for 60 days. This means you two have 60 days from when you apply for your

marriage license to get married and have your marriage license officially recorded. If you wait past that time frame, you can't get married without applying for and paying for another marriage license.

Fees in New York: • The cost for getting married in New York is approximately $40.00 - $50.00 in most areas of the state. • New York City charges $35 and will only accept money orders made payable to "The City Clerk." • Some other locales will not accept cash or personal checks and require a money order.

Officiants in New York City:

According to Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law, an Officiant must be an authorized, officially ordained member of the clergy or a public official in the State of New York such as a mayor, city clerk, deputy city clerk, appointed marriage officer, justice, or judge. In New York City, an Officiant must be registered with the City of New York. Ship captains cannot perform marriage ceremonies in New York State.

Same-Sex Marriages:

Yes, effective July 24, 2011, if there are no court challenges to the law, same sex couples can get married in New York. Same-sex marriage was legalized through a legislative act on June 24, 2011. The bill was quickly signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo shortly before midnight on the 24th of June. NYC Marriage Information for Same-Sex Couples

Witnesses: A marriage ceremony must have at least one witness. Although the state website states that there is no minimum age required in order to be a witness, the New York City web site requires witnesses to be at least 18 years of age.


http://www.health.state.ny.us/vital_records/married.htm

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/home/home.shtml

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/same_sex_couples.shtml


NYC Clerk Online Registration: https://www1.nyc.gov/cityclerkformsonline/formslist.htm?recordType=CANCEL

Marriage Ceremony Outside of the City Clerk's Office • You may arrange a civil or religious Marriage Ceremony outside of the City Clerk’s offices in any location you wish within the

State of New York. • Your private Ceremony must be conducted by a Marriage Officiant who is eligible to perform Marriage Ceremonies under

New York State Law. • If your private Marriage Ceremony will be performed in the City of New York, the Marriage Officiant must be registered

with the Office of the City Clerk before the wedding. • You can verify whether the Marriage Officiant is registered with the Office of the City Clerk in person, by calling 311, or by

inquiring by mail to: Office of the City Clerk Marriage Officiant Registration Clerk 141 Worth Street New York, NY 10013

• At the conclusion of the Marriage Ceremony, the Marriage Officiant, the couple, and the witness or witnesses are required to sign the Marriage License.

• The Marriage Officiant must return the Marriage License to the office where the Marriage License was obtained within five business days.

Certificate of Marriage Registration

• A Certificate of Marriage Registration is the official documentation of your wedding that lists the date, time, location, Marriage Officiant's name and title, and any changes in surname.

• If you get married in the City Clerk's office, you will receive your Certificate of Marriage Registration at the conclusion of the ceremony.

• If you have a Marriage Ceremony outside of the City Clerk's office, you will receive your Certificate of Marriage Registration in the mail within approximately 20 days from the date when they receive and process the Marriage License from your Marriage Officiant and process it.

• If you have not received your Certificate of Marriage Registration within a month of your Marriage Ceremony, you should contact the Office of the City Clerk where you obtained your Marriage License. Get a list of NYC office locations

Sources: http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/ceremony.shtml

MISCELLANEOUS

I do my best to periodically check to see if any laws or regulations have changed to the above information but it is your responsibility to verify that nothing has changed.

Click Below For Direct Links to All Your Answers

Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

Vital Records Section New York State Department of Health Empire State Plaza Albany, New York 12237-0023

Information on Getting Married in New York State: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/


https://www1.nyc.gov/cityclerkformsonline/formslist.htm?recordType=CANCEL

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/about/office.shtml

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/ceremony.shtml

https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/


Sample Marriage License:

https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/docs/marriage_certificate_sample Office of the NYC Clerk Marriage Bureau:

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/marriage_bureau.shtml

Office of the NYC Clerk Marriage Licensee & Application: http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/license.shtml

NYC Clerk Office Locations:


Westchester Municipalities: http://www.ny.gov/counties/westchester#

Westchester County Clerk: City, Town, Village, Clerk Phone Numbers: http://www.westchesterclerk.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=186&Itemid=195

Email me at [email protected] or call me at 203-644-4815 and I will be happy to answer any question

you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!


https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/docs/marriage_certificate_sample


http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/license.shtml


http://www.ny.gov/counties/westchester

http://www.westchesterclerk.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=186&Itemid=195


Wedding Ceremony Add On Ideas www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 2

WEDDING CEREMONY ADD ON IDEAS

Because together we can create a customized wedding ceremony, below, is some information on some of the more popular ceremony elements. Brief descriptions of the rituals as well as any additional materials you would need to purchase are listed below. There are specific passages that will be coordinated into your Traditional Ceremony. In order to do any of the above Add-Ons, you MUST purchase the “Our Love Story” Ceremony and select vows from the Alternate Sections for Vows Pages. Note: you must purchase these add-ons yourself. Sand Ceremony–During this ceremony the couple each has an individual container of sand. They join together to pour into one larger container. It is symbolic of the fact that just as the grains of sand could never again be separated, so will the union be, forever entwined and forever inseparable. This ceremony can be done with just the couple, or with other family members and/or children. Materials: Sand, usually in two different colors. One container for each person participating filled with a little sand. One large empty container for the combined sand. Pre-made sets are available in stores, or couples can purchase a keepsake glass container and small bud vases for each individual. Unity Candle Lighting–Similarly symbolic to the sand ceremony. Two flames representing the individuals are joined to light a center candle. Each person lights a single taper candle. The couple then brings the flames together to light a larger middle candle. The tapers remain lit and are replaced in their holders to represent two coming together while maintaining individuality. Although this is frequently considered a Christian tradition, this is often chosen in interfaith ceremonies as well. Can be done with just the couple or including other family members. Materials: One center candle (and hurricane cover if it’s outside), two side taper candles in holders, lighter or small votive candle to be pre-lit for lighting tapers. Butterfly Release-No matter how you choose to release your butterflies, a butterfly release is a beautiful, unusual, and exciting way to celebrate the beginning of your new life together. Nature has given us many beautiful wonders. None are more spectacular and memorable than that of the butterfly in flight. Experience the extraordinary. Release a bouquet of butterflies at your celebration of Love. Materials-Butterflies Wine Ceremony– Partners share drinks from a single glass of wine. This symbolizes drinking from the cup of life and sharing all of its experiences together, both bitter and sweet. Materials: Glass of wine (a variety of the couple’s choosing) and table for it to sit on. Ceremonies Involving Children–Parents and children can make vows to one another (dependent on the children’s ages). Parents may also choose to give children gifts during the ceremony, or conduct a family Sand Ceremony. Materials: Gift of parents’ choosing. Sand Ceremony props from above if that option is chosen.

Wedding Ceremony Add On Ideas www.youregettingmarried.com Page 2 of 2

Mother Rose Ceremony–The couple exchanges two red roses to their moms. These Roses are a promise that no matter how far away you are that you are not forgotten and that you are always in their hearts. Materials: Two long stem red roses. Jumping the Broom–Comes from an African American tradition. At the end of the ceremony a broom is placed down on the floor of in front of the couple. They join hands and jump over together, their first act together in marriage. Materials: Broom. Breaking the Glass–A Jewish tradition that is now often seen in many interfaith ceremonies, as a non-denominational symbol. At the very end of the ceremony the groom breaks a glass. It symbolizes the shattering of the old and the bringing in of the new. Materials: Small drinking glass wrapped in a cloth napkin. Email me at [email protected] or call me at 203-644-4815 and I will be happy to answer any question you may have. I look forward to hearing from you!


Sand Ceremony Add On Detail www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 1

SAND CEREMONY (ADD ON)

(Usually placed after the ring exchange)

I like this ceremony. This can also be used as a family ceremony and have each child have their own color of sand.

GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and this is a pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives.

Today, this relationship is also symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand. One, representing you, GROOM/BRIDE and One Representing you GROOM/BRIDE and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be.

As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one.

Just as these grains of sand can never be separated, our prayer for you today is that your lives together would be blended like the seven seas and may your love swirl around each other like the changing tides.

You are responsible for getting the sand, glass jars etc.

When selecting a container for the sand choose one with a wide mouth, a top or a cork stopper so it can be kept as a keepsake.


https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjQlbKD-_vOAhUP3YMKHdiCDpQQjRwIBw&url=https://www.pinterest.com/pin/464222674063132991/&psig=AFQjCNGpMTNt4Wbj5jMqbrBb5t5ii6DqzQ&ust=1473293149783223

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjerd_4__vOAhVq54MKHeMPAgQQjRwIBw&url=http://weddinghigh.com/2014/04/the-sand-ceremony-a-significant-and-unique-touch-to-your-wedding-ceremony.html&psig=AFQjCNHwUsY8mMEjChbEfgHLzsh1yemqaw&ust=1473294502000069

Sand Ceremony for 2 Families Add On Detail www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 1

SAND CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE THE BLENDING OF

TWO FAMILIES (ADD ON)


PARENTS, TODAY YOU ARE MAKING A LIFE-LONG COMMITMENT TO SHARE THE REST OF YOUR LIVES WITH EACH OTHER AND

HONOR YOUR CHILDREN AS WELL. Your family relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these individual containers of sand; one, representing each one of you, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. There are children who will share in this marriage. The gathering

of this new family will have a deep influence upon them. We realize that in order for the home to be a happy one, it is essential that there be love and understanding between the children and the adults being married. As you each hold your sand the separate containers of sand represent your lives to this moment; individual and unique. As you now combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one family. You may now blend the sand together symbolizing the uniting of the children and groom/bride and groom/bride into one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage and your family be. With this marriage, these two families are joined. (To the kids:) Each of you is now a resource into which, as family members, you may come to, throughout your life times, for direction, meaning, and love. Your Parents strive to provide not only the basic needs, but a nurturing and loving environment in which each of you find the confidence to reach the highest goals of your hearts, minds, and spirits. This is part of their vision of what your family is. Do you each accept the responsibility of being an important part in the building of this family, and to forever contribute your best efforts to maintain the closeness and strength? If so, say, “We do.”

You are responsible for getting the sand, glass jars etc.

When selecting a container for the sand choose one with a wide mouth, a top or a cork stopper so it can be kept as a keepsake.


http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwim2_KRgPzOAhUB0oMKHf4FCegQjRwIBw&url=http://www.bridaldreamhawaii.com/kids/&psig=AFQjCNHwUsY8mMEjChbEfgHLzsh1yemqaw&ust=1473294502000069

Unity Candle Add On Detail www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 1

UNITY CANDLE (ADD ON)


Today you have decided to share the rest of your lives with each other.

This beautiful union is now symbolized by the lighting of the Unity Candle.

The candle you are about to light is a candle of Marriage.

The individual candles represent all that you are and all that you have been until this moment

It is a candle of Unity because both candles must come together to create the new light.

Its fire is miraculous because it represents the light of two people in love.

This candle is also a candle of Commitment because it takes two people working together to keep it ablaze.

Love is like a flame; it has the heat of passion, it is constantly changing, its radiance is there for all to see and together you must protect it for being extinguished.

GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE please light the center candle to symbolize the union of your lives.

Today, as you have lit this candle, may the brightness of the flame shine throughout your lives together. May the twinkle of this one light be a testimony of your union. May this candle burn brightly as a symbol of your love and commitment to each other.

The life that each of you experienced now, individually, will hereafter be united, for the two shall become one.

You are responsible for getting the unity candles and lighter.

Confirm with the reception place they will allow an open flame


http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjr4e60-vvOAhVr6YMKHWC2Cs8QjRwIBw&url=http://amyfullerphd.com/3-ways-to-make-your-wedding-ceremony-meaningful/&bvm=bv.131783435,d.amc&psig=AFQjCNFqkzBjOT0-lffmggtywnPmqn-TWQ&ust=1473292940810353

Butterfly Release Add On Detail www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 1

BUTTERFLY RELEASE (ADD ON)

Today we Celebrate Love in a very special way with the release of butterflies to signify a new beginning for ________ and ________.

According to an American Indian Legend. . .

If anyone desires a wish to come true they must first capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.

Since a butterfly can make no sound, the butterfly cannot reveal the wish to anyone but the Great Spirit who hears and sees all.

In gratitude for giving the beautiful butterfly its freedom, the Great Spirit always grants the wish.

So, according to legend, by making a wish and giving the butterfly its freedom, the wish will be taken to the heavens and be granted.

The butterfly symbolizes new beginnings, freedom and happiness. For just a moment, think silently of what you would wish for ______________ and ______________.

We have gathered together to grant this couple all our best wishes and are about to set these butterflies free in trust that all these wishes will be granted.

The butterflies will now be released to carry forth the good news of your promise of love and commitment for each other.

NOTE: This ceremony can be edited as needed. You are responsible for getting the butterflies. ________________________________________________________________________________________________

CAUTION -When planning a butterfly release, with the exception of a few rules, you are limited only by your imagination. Butterflies should only be released outside during daylight hours on a sunny or overcast (not rainy) day with a temperature above 65 to 70 degrees. Please follow the guidelines of the people who offer the butterfly’s. If you don't you could have a butterfly release where only a few butterfly’s fly out and the rest didn't make it (they die).

The butterflies should be set free no later than two hours before sunset. This allows the butterflies time to eat and find a hiding place for the night.

Releases should be held in areas protected from the wind or the butterflies will quickly disappear. A warm, sunny flower filled area or garden is best.

No matter how you choose to release your butterflies, a butterfly release is a beautiful, unusual, and exciting way to celebrate the beginning of your new life together.

Nature has given us many beautiful wonders. None are more spectacular and memorable than that of the butterfly in flight. Experience the extraordinary. Release a bouquet of butterflies at your celebration of Love.


Mothers Rose Add On Detail www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 1

MOTHERS ROSE PRESENTATION (ADD ON)

(Usually placed before the vows)

Marriage is the celebration of coming together of two lives and it is a celebration of two people in love.

The love that Groom/Bride and Groom/Bride feel for one another is a seed that their parents planted in their hearts years ago and today it has blossomed.

Today, as they embrace each other in their love, they also embrace the families, which have come together on this happy occasion.

As a sign of their love for their families, GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE would like to offer these roses, to their mother(s) as symbols of their eternal love.

These Roses are a promise that no matter how far away you are that you are not forgotten and that you are always in their hearts.

You are responsible for getting roses.


Dove Release Add On Detail www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 1

DOVE RELEASE (ADD ON)

SIMPLE DOVE RELEASE

White doves are the symbol of Love, Peace and Hope.

They pair for life, and at the end of each day they return to the same home for the night.

As COUPLES NAMES release these doves, We ask you, their family and friends, To witness this very symbolic gesture, Which heralds the beginning of their new life together. COUPLES NAMES we

wish you love, That, like the doves, continues to soar. We wish you peace as you work together to develop a home and we join in your hope for a long and happy marriage.

DOVE RELEASE 2

Like a married couple, the doves are not obliged to be by each other’s side for every hour of every day. In the evening, however, whether their day’s journey has been together or apart, both doves return to the same home for the night. COUPLES NAMES, as the doves fly they will carry our wishes for peace, love and hope for your future life together.

DOVE RELEASE 3

For many centuries, the White Dove has been a symbol of Peace, Love and New Beginnings.

As a romantic gesture, COUPLES NAMES are now going to release these two white pigeons that are meant to represent doves. They will fly upwards, maybe circle above us a few times, and then fly home together, as a pair. This symbolizes our newlywed couple setting off on their journey in life together, in harmony.

_______ and ________, we wish for you, that your life together would be long, rich and rewarding. May your marriage carry with it all the wonderful qualities that the White Dove represents.

You are responsible for getting the doves & baskets


http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiworuugfzOAhVp34MKHR1VDRwQjRwIBw&url=http://mauiwedding.net/products/dove-release&psig=AFQjCNFwQ6vUNF86m6qSMXw70vPYYL5x5A&ust=1473294834051681

Poems Add On Detail www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 5

POEMS ADD ONS (Can be read by Friends or Family members at the Ceremony or added to the ceremony) How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being an Ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of every day's Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for Right; I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise. I love thee with the passion put to use In my old grief's, and with my childhood's faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints,--I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life!--and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death. by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Believe me, if all those endearing young charms, Which I gaze on so fondly to-day, Were to change by to-morrow, and fleet in my arms, Live fairy-gifts fading away, Thou wouldst still be adored, as this moment thou art, Let thy loveliness fade as it will, And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart Would entwine itself verdantly still. It is not while beauty and youth are thine own, And thy cheeks unprofaned by a tear, That the fervor and faith of a soul may be known, To which time will but make thee more dear! No, the heart that has truly loved never forgets, But as truly loves on to the close, As the sunflower turns on her god when he sets The same look which she turned when he rose! by Thomas Moore

May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitement marriage should bring, and may life grant you also patience, tolerance, and understanding. May you always need one another - not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness. A mountain needs a valley to be complete; the valley does not make the mountain less, but more; and the valley is more a valley because it has a mountain towering over it. May you need one another, but not out of weakness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you entice one another, but not compel one another. May you embrace one another, but not out encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces. May you look for things to praise, often say, "I love you!" and take no notice of small faults. If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you hope to have good sense enough to take the first step back. May you enter into the mystery which is the awareness of one another's presence - no more physical than spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in separate rooms or even distant cities. May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it loving one another. by James Dillet Freeman

“The love of God, unutterable and perfect, flows into a pure soul the way that light rushes into a transparent object. The more love that it finds, the more it gives itself; so that as we grow clear and open, the more complete the joy of loving is. And the more souls who resonate together, the greater the intensity of their love, for , mirror-like, each soul reflects the others. by Dante



Love is a friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad. It settles for less than perfection, and makes allowances for human weakness. Love is content with the present. It hopes for the future and it doesn't brood over the past. It's the day-in and day-out chronicle of irritations, problems, compromises, small disappointments, big victories, and working toward common goals. If you have love in your life, it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don't have it, no matter what else there is, it is not enough, so search for it, ask God for it, and share it! Anonymous

Let your love be stronger than your hate and anger. Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break. Believe the best rather than the worst. People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them. Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends. Please hand this down to your children and your children's children Anonymous

Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic. And there may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent or child. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, commitment is stronger, even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly. Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life. When two people pledge their love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and takes a lifetime to fulfill. by Edmund O'Neill

Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person, With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body... Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me, Who won't hold them against me, Who loves me when I'm unlikable, Who sees the small child in me, and Who looks for the divine potential of me... Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night With someone who thanks God for me, With someone I feel blessed to hold... Because marriage means opportunity



To grow in love in friendship... Because marriage is a discipline To be added to a list of achievements... Because marriages do not fail, people fail When they enter into marriage Expecting another to make them whole... Because, knowing this, I promise myself to take full responsibility For my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness I create me, I take half of the responsibility for my marriage Together we create our marriage... Because of this understanding The possibilities are limitless.

“Some say I can fly on the wind, yet I haven’t any wings. Some have found me floating on the open sea, yet I cannot swim. Some have felt my warmth on cold nights, yet I have no flame. And though you cannot see me, I lay between two lovers at the hearth of fireplaces. I am the twinkle in your child’s eyes. I am hidden in the lines of your mother's face. I am your father's shield as he guards your home. And yet… Some say I am stronger than steel, yet I am as fragile as a tear. Some have never searched for me, yet I am around them always. Some say I die with loss, yet I am endless. And though you cannot hear me, I dance on the laughter of children. I am woven into the whispers of passion. I am in the blessings of Grandmothers. I embrace the cries of newborn babies. And yet… Some say I am a flower, yet I am also the seed. Some have little faith in me, yet I will always believe in them. Some say I cannot cure the ill, yet I nourish the soul. And though you cannot touch me, I am the gentle hand of the kind. I am the fingertips that caress your cheek at night. I am the hug of a child. I am love.”

"Ultimately there comes a time when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take. It is indeed a fearful gamble. Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created. To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take. If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation. It takes a lifetime to learn another person. When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling."

I promise to give you the best of myself and ask of you no more than I can give. I promise to respect you as your own person and to realize that your interests, desires and needs are no less important than my own. I promise to share with you my time and attention and to bring you joy, strength and imagination to our relationship. I promise to keep myself open to you, to let you see through the window of my world into my innermost fears and feelings, secrets and dreams. I promise to grow along with you, to be willing to face changes in order to keep our relationship alive and exciting. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, with all I have to give and all I feel inside the only way I know how. Completely and forever . by Dorothy R. Colgan



“If I could save time in a bottle, the first thing that I'd like to do, is to save every day ‘till eternity passes away, just to spend them with you. If I could make days last forever; if words could make wishes come true; I'd save every day like a treasure and then, again, I would spend them with you. If I had a box just for wishes, and dreams that had never come true; the box would be empty, except for the memory of how they were answered by you. But there never seems to be enough time to do the things you want to do, once you find them. I've looked around enough to know that you're the one I want to go through time with.” by Jim Croce

On your wedding day, as you trade vows, No ordinary moment hurries by. You partake, as far as time allows, Of something more than time and Earth and sky: Unknowable, invisible, yet there; Resplendent to the heart if not the face; More than both of you, yet less than air; A transcendental act conferring grace. Reason might say, How can this be true? Return then to the heart, for this is love. In making vows, you make one out of two, A mystery beyond what words can prove. Go then as one flesh, one home, one heart: Each still a whole, yet also now a part. by Nicholas Gordon

A Little Something Love is the greatest gift that we can offer to one another. That is what makes marriage so very special, and a cause for joy and celebration for all of us who have come here today to share in this event. It is my personal hope and prayer that those of you who have already taken the vows of marriage will witness the love of these two people, and as you listen to them share their vows, perhaps it will strengthen for you the memory of your happy day, and remind you of the meaning of the vows you yourselves once took. Perhaps it will even strengthen just a little bit the bond of love that has been growing between you, and if any of this should happen, it would certainly be the greatest gift that _____ and ______ could offer all of us on their wedding day. Anonymous

Why Marriage? (Author Unknown) Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person, With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body... Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me, Who won't hold them against me, Who loves me when I'm unlikable, Who sees the small child in me, and Who looks for the divine potential of me... Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night With someone who thanks God for me, With someone I feel blessed to hold.



The Key to Love

The key to love is understanding ... The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word, but those unspoken gestures, the little things that say so much by themselves.

The key to love is forgiveness .... to accept each others faults and pardon mistakes, without forgetting, but with remembering what you learn from them.

The key to love is sharing ... Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together; both conquering problems, forever searching for ways to intensify your happiness.

The key to love is giving ... without thought of return, but with the hope of just a simple smile, and by giving in but never giving up.

The key to love is respect ... realising that you are two separate people, with different ideas; that you don't belong to each other, that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.

The key to love is inside us all ... It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients that will take you to its threshold; it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work ... but the rewards are more than worth the effort ... and that is the key to love.

Anon


Your NY Wedding License www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 14

YOUR NEW YORK WEDDING LICENSE

Getting Married in New York State (PDF)

NY Marriage Code: Marriage in New York State is governed by Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law.

Where do you get a marriage license?

A couple who intends to be married in New York State must apply in person for a marriage license to any town or city clerk in the state. The application for a license must be signed by both applicants in the presence of the town or city clerk. A representative cannot apply for the license on behalf of the applicants. This applies even if the representative has been given a Power of Attorney. Notarized marriage license affidavits signed by the applicants cannot be substituted for their personal appearance.

Is there a waiting period?

Yes. Although the marriage license is issued immediately, the marriage ceremony may not take place within 24 hours from the exact time that the license was issued. When both applicants are 16 years of age or older, the 24-hour waiting period may be waived by an order of a justice of the Supreme Court or a judge of the County Court of the county in which either of the applicants resides. If either person is under 16 years of age, the order must be from the Family Court judge of the county in which the person under 16 years of age resides.

How long is the license valid?

A marriage license is valid for 60 calendar days, beginning the day after it is issued.

How much does the license cost?

If the marriage license is issued by a town or city clerk in New York State outside of New York City, it costs $40. This fee includes the issuance of a Certificate of Marriage Registration. This certificate is automatically sent by the issuing clerk to the applicants within 15 calendar days after the completed license is returned by the Officiant (person who performs the marriage ceremony). It serves as notice that a record of the marriage is on file. Couples who do not receive a Certificate of Marriage Registration within four weeks of the wedding should contact the town or city clerk who issued the license.

If the license is to be issued by the City Clerk of the City of New York, please contact the New York City Clerk's Office for current fees and requirements. The City Clerk's Office can be reached at (212) NEW-YORK or via its web site at New York City Marriage Bureau.


http://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/



OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY

If you are getting married in Westchester County, you must obtain a marriage license from the local clerks office in the village, town or city in which the marriage will take place. Each town has different rules, fees and requirements so contact them directly. For the telephone numbers of local clerks throughout Westchester County, please review our List of Phone Numbers for City, Town and Village Clerks.

Q: Can I get a marriage certificate from the County Clerk? A: The Office of the Westchester County Clerk does not issue or record marriage certificates. In

Westchester County, marriage records for marriages which took place between 1908 and 1936 can be obtained from the Westchester County Archives. Other marriage records must be obtained from the local clerk in the village, town or city in which the marriage took place.

OBTAINING A MARRIAGE LICENSE IN NEW YORK CITY

Introduction All persons who intend to get married in New York State must obtain a Marriage License. This page explains the procedure for obtaining a Marriage License from the Office of the New York City Clerk.

Fee The fee for a Marriage License is $35 by credit card or money order payable to the City Clerk.

Duration of the Marriage License A New York State Marriage License is valid for 60 days (except for active military personnel, for whom the validity runs for 180 days). A Marriage License issued in New York can be used anywhere within New York State but may not be used outside New York State.

Application Procedure Listed below are the general steps and rules of the application process.

• You can begin the application process to receive a Marriage License online via "City Clerk Online". This will speed up the process which then must be completed in person at the Office of the City Clerk.

• Regardless of whether you started the application process online, or will be filling out a paper form for a Marriage License, you and your prospective spouse must complete the process by appearing at the Office of the City Clerk in person, together and at the same time.

• Proxy marriage is not permitted in New York, so no other party may apply on behalf of either spouse.

• You will receive the application from the information desk and you must complete the application in our office.

• Your Marriage License will be processed while you wait. • You should carefully read your Marriage License to make sure there are no mistakes. • You will take the Marriage License with you when you leave our office. • You must wait a full 24 hours before your Marriage Ceremony can be performed unless you

obtain a Judicial Waiver






https://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/cityclerkformsonline

https://www.nyc.gov/portal/site/cityclerkformsonline

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/license.shtml#judicial


Required Information Listed below is the information you will need to fill out the Marriage License Application:

• The application is an affidavit where you and your prospective spouse must list your name; current address; city, state, ZIP code and country; country of birth; date of birth; name and country of birth of your parents; Social Security number; and marital history.

• When you sign the affidavit, you are making a sworn statement that there are no legal impediments to the marriage.

• If you were married before, you must list all prior marriages. You must include your previous spouse's full name; the date the divorce decree was granted; and the city, state, and country where the divorce was issued.

• All divorces, annulments, and dissolutions must be finalized before you apply for a new Marriage License.

• You may be asked to produce the final divorce decree. • If your spouse is deceased, you must provide such spouse's full name and date of death.

Proper Identification You and your prospective spouse must have one form of proper identification in order to apply for a Marriage License.

They accept the following forms of identification for most of the services we provide. Expired identification is not accepted.

• IDNYC • Driver License with photograph (from the United States of America or any of its territories) • Non-Driver Identification Card with photograph (from the United States of America or any of its

territories) • Learner Permit with photograph (from the United States of America or any of its territories) • Active United States Military Identification Card • Passport • United States Certificate of Naturalization (good for 10 years after date of issue) • United States Permanent Resident Card • United States Employment Authorization Card

If you do not possess any of the above forms of identification, you may contact the Legal Bureau of the Office of the City Clerk in person or by writing to:

Office of the City Clerk Legal Bureau 141 Worth Street New York, NY 10013

Blood Test Not Required A blood test is not required to obtain a Marriage License in the State of New York.


http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/about/identification.shtml


Under the Age of Eighteen If either you or your prospective spouse is under the age of 18 years, you are required to have written parental consent to obtain a Marriage License.

• Please be prepared to show proof of your date of birth. You may show one of the following forms of identification to prove your age:

o original or certified copy of birth certificate, o baptismal record, o passport, o driver license, o naturalization record, or o court records.

• Both of your parents must be present to consent and have proper identification at the time of application for the Marriage License and at the Marriage Ceremony if the ceremony is performed in our offices.

• If one parent is deceased, the surviving parent must appear and a death certificate for the deceased parent must be produced.

• If both parents are deceased, the legal guardian must appear instead. • If either prospective spouse is under the age of sixteen years, in addition to parental consent,

the written approval of a Judge of the Supreme Court or Family Court is needed. • A person under the age of fourteen years cannot be married.

Judicial Waiver

• A 24 hour waiting period after you and your prospective spouse obtain your license is required by New York State Law.

• In the event that you and your prospective spouse must marry before the 24 hour waiting period is over, you can request permission from a Judge to waive this requirement.

• You can request a Judicial Waiver from the County Clerk in the county (borough) where you obtained your Marriage License. Learn more about County Clerks.

• There is no fee to obtain a Judicial Waiver. • Give the Judicial Waiver to your Marriage Officiant to enable them to perform the ceremony

within the 24 hour waiting period. • The Marriage Officiant must attach the Judicial Waiver when returning the Marriage License to

our office.

Same Sex Marriage Information

On June 24, 2011, the New York State Legislature passed the Marriage Equality Act which was signed into law by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo the same day. This new law took effect on July 24, 2011. Since that date the New York City Clerk has been issuing marriage licenses and providing civil marriage ceremonies to same-sex couples. State law generally requires couples to wait 24 hours after receiving a license before they can be married.

View our new FAQ page for same-sex couples.



http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/county-clerk.shtml

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/same_sex_couples_faq.shtml


The following is a list of all domestic and international jurisdictions that perform same sex marriages as of June 26, 2015:

Same-sex marriage is now legal in all the states and territories of the United States including the District of Columbia as per the Supreme Court's decision in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges.

Other Nations:

• Argentina • Belgium • Brazil • Canada • Denmark • Finland • France • French Guiana • Greenland • Iceland • Ireland • Luxembourg • Netherlands • Mexico • New Zealand • Norway • Portugal • South Africa • Spain • Sweden • United Kingdom (England,

Scotland, and Wales) • Uruguay

Lawfully married individuals, including individuals in same-sex marriages, are entitled to more New York State rights and benefits than those registered as domestic partners here in New York City. If an individual lawfully enters into a same-sex marriage in a jurisdiction outside New York, they are entitled to most of the New York State rights and benefits available to people lawfully married in New York. If you are considering entering into a marriage in one of the jurisdictions listed above, it is recommended that you contact that jurisdiction beforehand in order to learn about any applicable marriage requirements or restrictions.

List of all Borough Offices

Manhattan Office Marriage Bureau Hours: 8:30 am to 3:45 pm, Monday through Friday (Walk-in hours until 3:45pm) 141 Worth Street New York, NY 10013 Subway: Brooklyn Bridge Station on the 4, 5, & 6 lines; Park Place Station on the 2 & 3 lines; City Hall Station on the N & R lines; Chambers Street Station on the A & C lines Buses: M1, M6, M15, M22, M103, B51, & express buses serving City Hall area Get a map of the Manhattan office

Bronx Office Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday Supreme Court Building 851 Grand Concourse, Room B131 Bronx, NY 10451 Subway: 161st Street-Yankee Stadium Station on the 4, B, & D lines Buses: Bx1, Bx6, Bx13 Get a map of the Bronx office


http://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/obergefell-v-hodges/

http://gis.nyc.gov/doitt/nycitymap/?searchType=AddressSearch&addressNumber=141&street=Worth%20Street&borough=Manhattan

http://gis.nyc.gov/doitt/nycitymap/?searchType=AddressSearch&addressNumber=851&street=Grand%20Concourse&borough=Bronx


Brooklyn Office Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday Brooklyn Municipal Building 210 Joralemon Street, Room 205 Brooklyn, NY 11201 Subway: Borough Hall (Court Street) Station on the 2, 3, 4, 5, M, & R lines Buses: B25, B26, B37, B38, B41, B45, B51, B52, B54, B57, B61, B65, B67, B75, B103 Get a map of the Brooklyn office

Queens Office Hours: 8:30 am to 3:45pm, Monday through Friday Borough Hall Building 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Ground Floor, Room G-100 Kew Gardens, NY 11424 Subway: Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike Station on the E & F lines Buses: Q10, Q37, Q46, Q60, Q74 Get a map of the Queens office

Staten Island Office Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday Borough Hall Building 10 Richmond Terrace, Room 311, (please enter at the entrance located at the intersection of Hyatt Street and Stuyvesant Place). Staten Island, NY 10301 Subway: St. George Station on the Staten Island Railway Buses: Across from the Staten Island Ferry & served by all buses serving the ferry Get a map of the Staten Island office

MARRIAGE CEREMONY

Active Military Personnel

• If either you or your prospective spouse is an active member of the armed forces, your Marriage License expires in 180 days after the time of purchase.

• Please indicate that you are an active member of the United States Military when you apply for your Marriage License by showing your Active United States Military Identification Card.

Marriage Ceremony in the City Clerk's Office

• You may have a civil Marriage Ceremony in the City Clerk's Office. • Marriage Ceremonies are held during our regular business hours. • No reservations or appointments for a Marriage Ceremony are accepted. • You and your prospective spouse must arrive together with the same proper identification you

brought when you obtained your Marriage License. • You and your prospective spouse must have at least one witness, who must be 18 years of age

or over. • The witness or witnesses must bring proper identification.


http://gis.nyc.gov/doitt/nycitymap/?searchType=AddressSearch&addressNumber=210&street=Joralemon%20Street&borough=Brooklyn

http://gis.nyc.gov/doitt/nycitymap/?searchType=AddressSearch&addressNumber=120-55&street=Queens%20Boulevard&borough=Queens

http://gis.nyc.gov/doitt/nycitymap/?searchType=AddressSearch&addressNumber=10&street=Richmond%20Terrace&borough=Staten%20Island




• We will not perform your Marriage Ceremony if you have not satisfied these requirements before the closing time of our office.

Marriage Ceremony Outside of the City Clerk's Office

• You may arrange a civil or religious Marriage Ceremony outside of our offices in any location you wish within the State of New York.

• Your private Ceremony must be conducted by a Marriage Officiant who is eligible to perform Marriage Ceremonies under New York State Law.

• If your private Marriage Ceremony will be performed in the City of New York, the Marriage Officiant must be registered with the Office of the City Clerk before the wedding. Learn more about Marriage Officiant Registration

• You can verify whether the Marriage Officiant is registered with the Office of the City Clerk in person, by calling 311, or by inquiring by mail to: Office of the City Clerk Marriage Officiant Registration Clerk 141 Worth Street New York, NY 10013

• At the conclusion of the Marriage Ceremony, the Marriage Officiant, the couple, and the witness or witnesses are required to sign the Marriage License.

• The Marriage Officiant must return the Marriage License to the office where the Marriage License was obtained within five business days. We will provide you with a return mailing envelope for that purpose when you obtain your Marriage License.

Certificate of Marriage Registration

• A Certificate of Marriage Registration is the official documentation of your wedding that lists the date, time, location, Marriage Officiant's name and title, and any changes in surname.

• If you get married in the City Clerk's office, you will receive your Certificate of Marriage Registration at the conclusion of the ceremony.

• If you have a Marriage Ceremony outside of the City Clerk's office, you will receive your Certificate of Marriage Registration in the mail within approximately 20 days from the date when we receive and process the Marriage License from your Marriage Officiant and process it.

• If you have not received your Certificate of Marriage Registration within a month of your Marriage Ceremony, you should contact the Office of the City Clerk where you obtained your Marriage License. Get a list of our office locations

Corrections to Certificates of Marriage Registration

• When you receive your Certificate of Marriage Registration please review it carefully to see if there are any errors.

• If there are any mistakes on your Certificate, you may correct the Certificate free of charge within a limited time period. Learn more



http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/officiant_reg.shtml

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/officiant_reg.shtml


http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/amendments.shtml


Special Requirement for Minors Needing Parental Consent

• If you needed parental consent to obtain your Marriage License, all of the person(s) who consented must be present at the Marriage Ceremony if performed in the Office of the City Clerk.

If any of these people cannot be present at the Office of the City Clerk for the Marriage Ceremony, then you must arrange to be married at a Marriage Ceremony outside the Office of the City Clerk. Learn more about the application process if you or your prospective spouse are under the age of 18

Information for Non-U.S. Citizens

If you are not a U.S. citizen, here is the information you might need in order for your New York Marriage to be recognized in your home country:

City Clerk's Office - Marriage Records

Make sure your home country accepts the regular New York City license, or whether you will also need to apply for an apostille (special internal license stamp). Just phone your consulate and ask if you need an apostille, or extended license. A majority of countries, including the United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries, simply accept a New York Marriage License; so do Canadians, and many Europeans.

If you do need the Apostille Stamp, it is possible to return early the next business day to the Manhattan City Clerk's office after your Marriage Ceremony, get your finished Marriage Certificate, and get the special stamp for a small charge. It's fairly painless, and you can ask about the process when you apply for your Marriage License. This is only possible if get your License at the Manhattan Office at 141 Worth Street, however.

You need an apostille for: Switzerland, Germany, (and maybe Norway?).

You do not need an apostille for: the UK, Commonwealth Realm (Australia, New Zealand, Canada, etc.), or Sweden.

After obtaining your completed Marriage Certificate at the Manhattan Office, you must then take that certificate to The Department of State at 123 William Street, 19th Floor, for the authentication of the County Clerk's signature and the attachment of an "Apostille," for a fee of $10.00.

The fee for a Marriage Record for domestic use (short certificate) is $15.00 for the first copy. The fee for a Marriage Record for foreign use (extended certificate) is $35.00 for the first copy.

Learn about the purpose of the Apostille via the Web site of the Department of State of the State of New York.


http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/license.shtml#under18

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/records.shtml

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corps/apostille.html

http://www.dos.state.ny.us/corps/apostille.html


MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES

• Getting married in New York State • Information on the recently enacted Marriage Equality Act • View a sample Marriage License (PDF, 314KB, 1pg.). These forms must be filled out in person.

Where do I obtain a marriage certificate copy for someone who obtained the marriage license in New York City?

The New York State Department of Health does not file and cannot issue copies of marriage certificates for persons who obtained the marriage license in New York City. For marriage licenses issued in one of the five (5) boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Kings, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island), please visit the New York City Marriage Bureau web page. Please note that the borough of Kings is also referred to as Brooklyn and the borough of Staten Island is also referred to as Richmond.

Where do I obtain a marriage certificate copy for a person who obtained the marriage license in New York State outside of New York City?

• For genealogy or family history copies, please visit our Genealogy web page. • For certified marriage certificate copies, please continue.

Who is eligible to obtain a marriage certificate copy?

• The spouses • Other persons who have a:

o documented judicial or other proper purpose o New York State Court Order

What is a judicial or other proper purpose?

If the applicant is not a spouse, a judicial or other proper purpose must be documented. An example of a judicial or other proper purpose would be a marriage record needed by the applicant to claim a benefit. Documentation would consist of an official letter from the agency verifying that to process the claim they require from the applicant a copy of the requested marriage record.




https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/marriage_equality_frequently_asked_questions.htm



https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/genealogy.htm


MARRIAGE BUREAU

Marriage License

• The fee for a Marriage License is $35. • The fee for a duplicate Marriage License is $25.

Marriage Ceremony

• The fee for a Marriage Ceremony is $25.

Domestic Partnership

• The fee for a Domestic Partnership Registration is $35. • The fee to terminate a Domestic Partnership Registration is $27. • The fee for a duplicate Domestic Partnership Registration certificate is $9.

Marriage Records

• The fee for a Marriage Record for domestic use (short certificate) is $15 for the first record and $10 for each additional record.

• The fee for a Marriage Record for foreign use (Extended Certificate for Foreign Use) is $35 for the first record and $30 for each additional record.

• The fee to search for a Marriage Record is $5 for the first year. • The fee to search for a Marriage Record for a second year is $1 and the fee to search for any

additional year is $.50 per year. • The fee for a Certification affixed on any record is $10. • The fee for a Hand Signature with Raised Seal affixed on a Marriage Record is $10.

Amendments • The fee for an Amendment of a Marriage Record is $10.

Appeal Procedure for a Denial of a Marriage License Application

• The fee to file to Appeal a Denial of a Marriage License Application is $25.

How long will it take?

• Internet or telephone requests receive priority handling and are processed within five (5) to ten (10) business days of receipt. The cost is $45.00 per copy ordered plus $8.00 (per transaction) vendor processing fee. If you chose to have the copy returned to you by UPS overnight delivery, there is an additional UPS fee of $15.50.

• Mail requests ordered with priority handling ($45.00 per copy ordered) are currently processed within two (2) to four (4) weeks from when they are received. Submitting the application to the Vital Records Processing Center by overnight delivery is recommended. Completed requests will be returned by first class mail unless a prepaid return mailer for overnight delivery is provided with the request.


http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/about/fees.shtml

https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/vitalchek.htm

https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/mailrequests.htm


• Mail requests ordered with regular handling ($30.00 per copy ordered) are currently processed within ten (10) to twelve (12) weeks from when they are received.

Identification Requirements - application must be submitted with copies of either A or B:

A. One (1) of the following forms of valid photo-ID: • Driver license • State issued non-driver photo-ID card • Passport • U.S. Military issued photo-ID

B. Two (2) of the following showing the applicant's name and address: • Utility or telephone bills • Letter from a government agency dated within the last six (6) months

Important Notes:

• Failure to include necessary identification will result in rejection of your application. • Copy of Passport required in addition to the above ID if request is made from a foreign country

that requires a U.S. Passport for travel.

Ordering a marriage certificate copy

Choose a method of ordering and follow the appropriate link below. You will find ordering information and forms to download.

• Order over the Internet • Order by telephone • Order by mail

https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/marriage.htm

OTHER:

Name Change Options We ask you to carefully consider whether to change your surname. Learn more about Name Change Options Learn more about Domestic Relations Law

• Various surname options are listed on the back of the application. • You must state your choice of surname on the application. If you elect to make a surname

change on your application, the surname change takes legal effect at the conclusion of the Marriage Ceremony.

• The name change option does not apply to your first name or middle name. • If you wish to change your surname through this office after your Marriage Ceremony, you must

remarry.






https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/marriage.htm

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/name_change.shtml

http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/domestic_relations.shtml


• Although you may correct mistakes in your Certificate of Marriage Registration, a surname choice is not considered a mistake and cannot be changed through our Amendment process.

Duplicate Marriage License

• If the Marriage License is lost, stolen, or mutilated, you must obtain a Duplicate Marriage License in order to get married.

• The fee for a Duplicate Marriage License is $25 by credit card or money order payable to the City Clerk.

• Either prospective spouse may apply for a Duplicate Marriage License by returning to the office that issued the original Marriage License and completing a Duplicate Marriage License affidavit.

Familial Restrictions

A marriage may not take place in New York State between an ancestor and descendant, siblings (full or half blood), an uncle and niece or nephew or an aunt and niece or nephew, regardless of whether or not these persons are legitimate or illegitimate offspring.

Previous Marriages

Information regarding previous marriages must be furnished in the application for a marriage license. This includes whether the former spouse or spouses are living, and whether the applicants are divorced and, if so, when, where and against whom the divorce or divorces were granted. A certified copy of the Decree of Divorce or a Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage may be required by the clerk issuing the marriage license.

Surname Options

Every person has the right to adopt any name by which he or she wishes to be known simply by using that name consistently and without intent to defraud. A person's last name (surname) does not automatically change upon marriage, and neither party to the marriage is required to change his or her last name. Parties to a marriage need not take the same last name.

One or both parties to a marriage may elect to change the surname by which he or she wishes to be known after the marriage by entering the new name in the appropriate space provided on the marriage license. The new name must consist of one of the following options:

• the surname of the other spouse; • any former surname of either spouse; • a name combining into a single surname all or a segment of the premarriage surname or any

former surname of each spouse; • a combination name separated by a hyphen, provided that each part of such combination

surname is the premarriage surname, or any former surname, of each of the spouses.

The use of this option will provide a record of your change of name. The marriage certificate, containing the new name, if any, is proof that the use of the new name, or the retention of the former name, is


http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/amendments.shtml


lawful. The local Social Security Administration office should be contacted so that its records and your social security identification card reflect the name change. There is no charge for this service.

Whether you decide to use or not use this option at the time of your marriage license application, you still have the right to adopt a different name through usage at some future date. However, your marriage license cannot be changed to record a surname you decide to use after your marriage.

If you plan to use your married name at work, be sure to have your name changed in Social Security records. This way, you will get credit for all your earnings. It's easy and it's absolutely free. Contact any Social Security office. You can find the address and phone number of your local Social Security Office at http://www.ssa.gov. You will need documentary evidence showing both your old name and your new name.

Where can a marriage take place?

A New York State marriage license may be used within New York State only. Please note that if you go out of New York State to be married, your New York State marriage license will not be filed in New York State.

What about the ceremony?

There is no particular form or ceremony required except that the parties must state in the presence of an authorized public official or authorized member of the clergy and at least one other witness that each takes the other as his or her spouse. There is no minimum age for a witness. However, in selecting a witness, choose at least one person who you feel would be competent to testify in a court proceeding as to what he or she witnessed.

Who can perform a marriage ceremony?

To be valid, a marriage ceremony must be performed by any of the individuals specified in Section 11 of the New York State Domestic Relations Law. These include:

• the mayor of a city or village; • the former mayor, the city clerk or one of the deputy city clerks of a city of more than one

million inhabitants; • a marriage officer appointed by the town or village board or the city common council; • a justice or judge of the following courts: the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, the

U.S. District Courts for the Northern, Southern, Eastern or Western Districts of New York, the New York State Court of Appeals, the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, the New York State Supreme Court, the Court of Claims, the Family Court, a Surrogates Court, the Civil and Criminal Courts of New York City (including Housing judges of the Civil Court) and other courts of record;

• a village, town or county justice; • a member of the clergy or minister who has been officially ordained and granted authority to

perform marriage ceremonies from a governing church body in accordance with the rules and regulations of the church body;


http://www.ssa.gov/


• a member of the clergy or minister who is not authorized by a governing church body but who has been chosen by a spiritual group to preside over their spiritual affairs;

• other Officiants as specified by Section 11 of the Domestic Relations Law.

The person performing the ceremony must be registered with the City of New York in order to perform a ceremony within the New York City limits. The Officiant does not have to be a resident of New York State. Ship captains are not authorized to perform marriage ceremonies in New York State.

Sources:



MISCELLANEOUS Copy of Certificate of Marriage:

Vital Records Section New York State Department of Health Empire State Plaza Albany, New York 12237-0023

Other helpful links on Getting Married in New York State: https://www.health.ny.gov/publications/4210/

Sample Marriage License:

https://www.health.ny.gov/vital_records/docs/marriage_certificate_sample Marriage Bureau:


Marriage Licensee & Application in the City of NY: http://www.cityclerk.nyc.gov/html/marriage/license.shtml

NYC Locations:


Westchester Municipalities: http://www.ny.gov/counties/westchester#

City Town Village clerk phone Numbers: http://www.westchesterclerk.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=186&Ite

mid=195










http://www.ny.gov/counties/westchester




NY Witness www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 2

YOUR NEW YORK WEDDING WITNESS

Witness Requirement

For a Legal Marriage there must be a Witness to the Ceremony who will then sign the Marriage License affirming that this Wedding did take place.

Some of the laws pertaining to this provision are that only one witness is required, and that person must be of age — eighteen or over.

Family Members

So, if you have several friends or family members present, the only real consideration is to whom you will give this special honor. A sweet custom is to invite one Member of each Family to sign, if this is possible. This can even constitute a first act of loving and tactful conciliatory Family relations for the newly married Couple!

Your Photographer Can Be a Help

Another consideration is with a Couple who are "going it alone," sometimes as an Elopement, where friends and Family don't even know yet, that you are taking this important step. Photographers are great for doing double duty, making beautiful photos of your wedding to take home, and also signing your license at no extra charge.

Minor Children

Other considerations have to do with the honor of being a signatory, but unfortunately, being under age, as with a very special Family member who is a Wedding participant. This is especially important when new Families are being formed by this special Wedding. It's okay for one minor to sign, just as long as the other required one signature is by an adult. Happily, there is another remedy for this situation if there are several Children; the non-legal Certificate from the Humanist Society.

Non-Legal Ceremony

Also, in the case of a non-legal Ceremony, such as a Wedding Renewal, or a Pre-Wedding or Post-Wedding Ceremony, that's performed to accommodate the availability of Family and Friends, where no license is involved, there is a lovely Honorary Ceremony Certificate document that can serve as a focal point for signing, even allowing the whole Party to sign as participants to the Event, even penning their good wishes for the Couple's happiness.

Proof of Marriage

The extra benefit with this "Certificate from the Humanist Society" is that for most legal Weddings, the Officiant, unfortunately, leaves the Wedding with the Marriage License in hand, for the purpose of getting the Marriage registered with the Bureau. This would otherwise leave the newly Married Couple


NY Witness www.youregettingmarried.com Page 2 of 2

without any proof of their marriage until their printed Marriage Certificate comes in the mail, many weeks later.

Obtaining Your Printed Marriage Certificate

If scheduling allows, the Couple may return together to the Marriage License Bureau, after the Wedding, with their completed License in hand, to ask for their Marriage Certificate on-the-spot. A charge of $15.00 is well worth this convenience. This also prevents mishaps, such as the mysterious "Lost in the Mail," pronouncement that generates much grief.

There have been on many occasions in which a couple, completely alone in the City, without even a photographer, needs to call upon a "Happenstance Witness." This can even be great fun, because New Yorkers and Visitors to New York are amazingly congenial and adventuresome, not to mention romantic!

Honor a Spontaneous Witness!

In any public place where a Wedding is being performed, passersby will be delighted; they will stop respectfully and become onlookers and then, even participants when the Couple kiss and the Officiant announces to the world…"I present to you these newly minted Partners Forever!" There is always enthusiastic applause! Folks are always eager to sign as witnesses, when asked. If you are in a hotel or a restaurant, there is always a Concierge or a maître d’ to assist with the signing.




WEDDING CEREMONY REHEARSAL GUIDE www.youregettingmarried.com Page 1 of 4

WEDDING CEREMONY REHEARSAL GUIDE

The Free Guide to Running Your Own Wedding Rehearsal

I have created this free wedding ceremony rehearsal guide as a way to help couples run their own wedding ceremony rehearsal, saving you time and money, as well as helping the ceremony run more smoothly on your wedding day. It’s important to note that there are many possible variations to the ceremony order, and this guide was created focusing on a straight, non-denominational wedding ceremony. Please see the “Variations” section of the guide for options for our LGBT couples, as well as common cultural, religious, and regional variations.

Who Should Be In Charge?

At the rehearsal, you are not practicing the ceremony itself – you are only practicing walking in and walking out, and making sure everyone knows where to stand. Since the Officiant is one of the first people to enter at the beginning of the ceremony, it’s not possible for the Officiant to “cue” each group and tell them when to start walking. This is normally the responsibility of the coordinator at your ceremony site, or your wedding planner, if you have one. Many of our couples will also ask a friend or family member to help run the rehearsal and cue everyone for their entrance to the ceremony, which is a great option. You want the same person who is running the rehearsal to be in charge of the ceremony on your wedding day as well – that continuity will really help ensure that there isn’t any confusion on your big day.

Your wedding rehearsal should be a quick, easy, and straightforward process. If your ceremony venue doesn’t provide a coordinator, you should choose a friend or family member to help you. The best person for this job is, quite frankly, someone who is a little bossy. They will need to be assertive enough to get your group to pay attention, but not be so overbearing that it’s off-putting to your families and wedding party. Teachers are almost always the perfect choice for this because they are used to corralling large groups of unruly children. Give them this guide before you arrive, and also give them a copy of your ceremony draft that you have finalized with your Officiant. They’ll have all the information they need to run your rehearsal quickly and efficiently.

Running the Rehearsal

Follow these easy steps to rehearse the wedding ceremony quickly and easily, your friends and families will thank you and you can get on to your rehearsal dinner!

1. Start in the middle. Instead of starting with the processional (entrance), start by getting everyone into place where they will be standing during the ceremony. Remember that you are practicing walking in and out, so knowing where to stand is the first step. See the diagram below for the standard positions for your Officiant, parents, and attendants. It’s important to have your wedding party evenly spaced and standing at a slight angle in relation to your wedding guests, with the attendants at each end a little more forward than the Maid of Honor and Best Man. This looks better for pictures, and helps the guests see each person in your wedding party better. Bridesmaids should hold their bouquets in front of them with both hands, and groomsmen should decide on clasping their hands in the front or the back of their body. It’s important that everyone do the same thing, if everyone is doing something different it looks awful in your wedding photos.

2. Speak through the ceremony headings. Take a look at the ceremony draft and read through the headings aloud, so everyone knows roughly the order of the ceremony. Don’t read through the entire ceremony word-for-word or say the vows, save that excitement for your big day. Make a note of any wedding ceremony readings, candle lighting or sand ceremonies, and when the rings will need to be presented. Double check that any items needed during the ceremony like candles or a table will be there that day. No matter what, make sure that everyone (including the couple) knows that they shouldn’t stand with their backs to the wedding guests at any point in the



ceremony. Even if people need to move around during the ceremony, for example to do a candle lighting ceremony, make sure that they always end up standing in a position where they still face the guests (and the photographer). The last item on the list will be the kiss and, if the couple has chosen to do so, the presentation of the couple.

3. Practice walking out (the recessional). Since you have everyone in place already, practice the recessional as if the ceremony has just ended and you are walking out. Start with the kiss and/or the presentation of the couple, and exit in the proper order. The Bride will take her bouquet from the Maid of Honor and exit with the Groom. Typically, the wedding party will exit in pairs even if they enter separately, followed by the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer and then the parents and grandparents. It’s important to make sure that each couple that exits the ceremony leaves enough room between themselves and the couple in front of them. To do this, everyone should agree on a set distance they will wait for before walking. Most people choose to start walking when the couple in front of them is halfway back up the aisle. In general, it’s best to leave at least 20 feet between each couple for the sake of pictures, but not much more than that. Once everyone has successfully exited the ceremony, it’s finally time to practice walking in.

4. Practice the processional last. Now that everyone knows where to stand when they enter the ceremony, practicing the entrance should be a piece of cake. Line everyone up in the order they will enter, for our clients this information is at the top of the ceremony draft. The Officiant, Groom, Best Man, and Groomsmen enter first, typically from the side of the ceremony site but sometimes up the aisle depending on preference. Following them are the grandparents, the parents of the Groom, and the Mother of the Bride. Finally, the Bridesmaids, Maid of Honor, and Flower Girl enter. While the Officiant, Groom, and Groomsmen normally enter together as a group in a straight line, everyone else needs to be spaced evenly. As with the recessional, it’s important to agree upon how much space to leave between people entering the ceremony – normally about 20-30 feet. The Bride and her escort (typically the Father of the Bride) should not enter until the entire wedding party has entered and is in place. Normally there is a separate piece of music for the Bride’s processional, and the Officiant will usually say “If everyone will please rise,” in order to invite your guests to stand.

5. The hand-off. The last item to practice is what happens when the Bride and her escort make it to the front of the ceremony and are standing in front of the Officiant and the Groom. If the escort is a parent of the Bride they should give her a kiss and congratulate her. The escort then typically shakes the Groom’s hand, the Bride hands her bouquet to the Maid of Honor and steps forward next to the groom, and the escort moves to where he/she will be seated. The Bride and Groom should then be standing facing one another, holding hands in front of the Officiant. At this point, the Maid of Honor can hand off both sets of flowers to one of the Bridesmaids and fix the Bride’s train, if necessary.

6. Do it again. Now that everyone is in place, practice walking back out and back in one more time to make sure everyone knows what to do, then you’re done! The rehearsal should not last more than 20-30 minutes at most.



Following these steps will ensure that everyone knows exactly what to do on the wedding day, and that you aren’t wasting a lot of time practicing unnecessary parts of the ceremony itself. Below is a helpful diagram of where everyone should be standing:

Many couples choose

Variations to forego the traditional wedding ceremony order and include cultural, religious, or regional variations in their ceremony. These are some of the more common variations of a “standard” ceremony.


http://ceremonyofficiants.com/wedding-ceremony-rehearsal-guide/


LGBT Ceremonies – The only rule for gay weddings is that there are no rules. Our LGBT couples tend to break the mold entirely, creating a custom ceremony that reflects their relationship while still incorporating a few elements seen at most wedding ceremonies. The order for the processional and recessional may be completely different than the diagram we’ve provided, sometimes with the wedding party and couple entering together, or having no wedding party at all. We encourage all of our LGBT clients to be creative and work with their Officiant to create something truly unique!

The Midwest Processional – Couples from the Midwest are sometimes surprised to see the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen entering the wedding ceremony separately. Regional differences in wedding traditions are pretty common, and in the “Midwest Processional” the Maid of Honor, Best Man, and all of the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen enter the ceremony in pairs. The Officiant and the Groom still enter first from the side, and then the rest of the wedding party enters in reverse order, with the Maid of Honor and Best Man the last to enter before the Flower Girl and Ring Bearer.

Multi-Parent Escort – Many couples choose to be escorted into the ceremony by multiple parents, instead of just by one. While the Father of the Bride traditionally escorts the Bride down the aisle, many couples who have their mother and father, or father and step-father, walk them down the aisle together. This isn’t just limited to the Bride; we also have plenty of weddings where the Groom is also escorted into the ceremony by his parents. This is often seen in many Jewish and interfaith weddings as well.

Jewish Traditional Entrance – For our Jewish and half-Jewish weddings, couples sometimes opt for a traditional Jewish entrance to the wedding ceremony. In this variation, the Officiant enters first, followed by the Groom who is escorted by his parents. When the Groom and his parents reach the wedding canopy, or Chuppah, the Groom stands in the “standard” position but his parents stand under the Chuppah on the opposite side, so behind the Officiant’s right shoulder across from the Groom so they can see him. Next, the Bride enters, escorted by her parents, and they take the opposite positions, behind the Officiant’s left shoulder. Both sets of parents remain standing at the Chuppah for the entire ceremony.

Breaking With Tradition

I always tell couples that there is no “right” way to do a wedding ceremony, and encourage them to work with me to create something that is a unique expression of their love. Traditions are wonderful, and many of couples choose to perform a traditional ceremony – others choose to break with tradition and do something entirely different. I encourage you to listen to your heart and do what feels right for the two of you, whatever that may be.




Download - WEDDING CEREMONY PACKAGESstorage.googleapis.com/wzukusers/user-24281974/documents... · Wedding Ceremony Packages Page 1 of 3 WEDDING CEREMONY PACKAGES You and your fiancé are encouraged

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