Demian

Introduction

Welcome.

We are gathered to witness the formal joining in the legal state of matrimony of these two people, under the authority given by the State of Washington.

We understand matrimony as a status ennobled and enriched by a long and honorable tradition of devotion, set in the basis of the law of the land, assuring each participant’s equality before the law, and supporting the common rights of each partner.

We assume there to be a desire for a life-long companionship, and a generous sharing of help and comfort, through whatever circumstances of sickness or health, joy or sorrow, prosperity or adversity, the lives of these partners may experience.

Marriage is therefore not to be entered upon thoughtlessly or irresponsibly, but with a due and serious understanding and appreciation of the ends for which it is undertaken, and of the material, intellectual and emotional factors which will govern its fulfillment.

It is, by its nature, a state of giving rather than taking, of offering rather than receiving. Marriage requires the giving of one’s self to support the marriage and the home in which it may flourish. It is into this high and serious state that these two persons desire to unite.

Therefore, if any person can show just and sufficient reason why these two persons may not be joined together in matrimony let them now declare their reasons.

[pause for response, if any]

If there is any legal impediment to this marriage, it must now be revealed.

[pause]

[Person A], please repeat after me:

I solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, [Person A], may not be joined in matrimony to [Person B].

[Person B], please repeat after me:

I solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, [Person B], may not be joined in matrimony to [Person A].

No reason has been given why this couple may not be married. Please respond to these questions:

Do you, [Person A], strive to offer your partner your love, companionship, and understanding?
Do you strive to share equally the necessities of life, as they may be earned or enjoyed by you?
Do you respect your partner’s dignity, and inalienable personal rights?
Do you recognize the right to counsel and consultation upon all matters relating to the present and future of the household established by this marriage?

[Person A answers]:
I do.

Do you, [Person B], strive to offer your partner your love, companionship, and understanding?
Do you strive to share equally the necessities of life, as they may be earned or enjoyed by you?
Do you respect your partner’s dignity, and inalienable personal rights?
Do you recognize the right to counsel and consultation upon all matters relating to the present and future of the household established by this marriage?

[Person B answers]:
I do.

The Marriage Vows

Let the couple join their right hands.

[Person A], please repeat after me:

I call on those present to witness that I, [Person A] take [Person B] to be my lawful wedded spouse, from this day forward, in whatever circumstance or experience life may hold for us.

[Person A responds]

[Person B], please repeat after me:

I call on those present to witness that I, [Person B] take [Person A] to be my lawful wedded spouse, from this day forward, in whatever circumstance or experience life may hold for us.

[Person B responds]

The Rings

Having made this declaration of vows to each other, I ask that these rings be used as a seal, and a confirmation, and acceptance of the vows you have made.

[Person A], please place a ring on the third finger of your partner’s left hand, and repeat after me:

With this ring, as the token and pledge of the vow and covenant of my word, I call upon those present to witness that I, [Person A] do take [Person B] to be my lawful wedded spouse. With this ring I promise and give to you the truth and faithfulness of my life in marriage.

[Person A responds]

[Person B], please repeat after me:

In receiving this ring, being the token and pledge of the covenant of your word, I call upon those persons present to witness that I, [Person B] do take [Person A] to be my lawful wedded spouse. In receiving this ring I promise and give to you the truth and faithfulness of my life in marriage.

[Person B responds]

[Person B], please place a ring on the third finger of your partner’s left hand, repeat after me:

With this ring, as the token and pledge of the vow and covenant of my word, I call upon those persons present to witness that I, [Person B] do take [Person A] to be my lawful wedded spouse. With this ring I promise and give to you the truth and faithfulness of my life in marriage.

[Person B responds]

[Person A], please repeat after me:

In receiving this ring, being the token and pledge of the covenant of your word, I call upon those persons present to witness that I, [Person A] do take [Person B] to be my lawful wedded spouse. In receiving this ring I promise and give to you the truth and faithfulness of my life in marriage.

[Person A responds]

The Declaration

As you both have consented to legal marriage, and have declared your solemn intention in this company, before these witnesses, and in my presence, and have exchanged these rings as the pledge of your vows to each other; now upon the authority given me by the State of Washington, I pronounce you legally married.

May you enjoy a long life, fulfillment of hopes and peace, and contentment of mind, as you live and fulfill the terms of this covenant you have made with one another.