Wedding Ceremony

To start the ceremony the bride and groom's guards enter the temple to go and stand at each side of the altar facing the door, as a signal for those inside that everything will begin. Traditional music is played at this point. The original wedding song was titled "Long And Strong Is My Line," but whatever is preferred by the couple, (such as "The Wedding March") may be used at this point, as this original song has been forgotten. The two groups march down the aisle led by their symbol bearers, stopping before The Speaker who stands before the altar. The guards join the others at the ceremony, and the symbol bearers go with them. The families are seated in their places in The Temple.
 

Speaker-- (Raises his arms and makes the symbol of blessing. Calls out in a loud voice--) "Oh Holy Spirit, Divine Light Of Love And Truth, we are gathered here to bear witness as these two people make contract, one with the other. We call you forth also, Blessed Ones, that you may witness and give approval and bestow your blessings on these two people." (Speaker brings down his hands.) "Let the contract be brought forward."
 

(A young man comes from the side of the Temple carrying a paper mounted on a board. From the other side of the Temple comes a young woman bearing a tray on which sit an ink well and two pens. Just two pens, if you prefer. They go to stand on either side of The Speaker.)
 

Speaker-- (Calls out.) "Are there any here who know of any reason why either of these people can not make contract?"

(If there is no answer, he continues to the groom.)

Speaker-- "Do you (name of groom) give your word to abide by the conditions set forth in this contract? Have you read it and approved of what is written therein?"
 

Groom--"I have, and do."
 

Speaker-- "Then take pen and ink and put your name to the right side of this contract in its appropriate place."
 

GROOM signs then THE SPEAKER turns to the Bride and repeats ceremony from "Do you" etc. BRIDE signs on the left side of contract.)
 

Speaker-- (to Church) "What man bears witness for this man?"
 

(The kinsman or friend comes forward and signs the contract under groom's name and goes back to seat.)
 

Speaker-- (To Church) "What man bears witness for this woman?"
 

(Kinsman or friend of bride comes forth and signs under her name, and returns to place.)
 

Speaker-- "What woman bears witness for this man?"
 

(Groom's kinswoman or female friend comes and signs under his name and the man's who has signed before as witness and returns to seat.)
 

Speaker-- "What woman bears witness for this woman?
 

(Bride's kinswoman or female friend comes and signs under the man's signature under the bride's name, then goes back to her seat.)
 

(SPEAKER holds up contract for all to see, then gives it back to its bearer. He then turns to couple.)
 

Speaker-- "You have signed contract and made promise before this company, and The Lords'. You now have the blessings of both. You go forth from this Temple to your mating feast, and then to your home. Let you enter it this evening two, but emerge in the morning, one. Remember the promises you have made to one another. Do not defile yourselves before mankind and The Lords. In Their Holy Names go you forth. May your children be strong and wise. Blessed be."

(SPEAKER reaches out to put his hands on their shoulders..)

Speaker--"Embrace your mate."
 

(The BRIDE and GROOM embrace. The crowd cheers as they run from the temple, followed by their guards who stop them and take them to the wedding feast. After the feast and merry-making, the guards escort the couple to their home.)

Go To The Next Page

Return To Guidebook Contents