SAMPLE READINGS

Opening Reading 1
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered this day to join this man and this woman in marriage, an estate which embodies all the warm and precious values which grow from human companionship and love. It is therefore not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly, but reverently, thoughtfully, and in the knowledge that love is both our highest achievement and life's most precious gift. Into this estate and now come to join themselves in front of this community.
It is one of life's richest surprises when the accidental meeting of two life paths leads them to proceed together along the common path of husband and wife, and it is one of life's finest experiences when a casual relationship grows into a permanent bond of love. This meeting and this growth bring us together, here, today.
Opening Reading 2
Love is possible only if two persons communicate with each other from the center of their existence, hence if each one of them experiences him/herself from the centre of his/her existence. Only in this "central experience" is human reality, only here is aliveness, only here is the basis for love. Love experienced thus is a constant challenge; it is not a resting place, but a moving, growing, working together; even whether there is harmony or conflict, joy or sadness, is secondary to the fundamental fact that two people experience themselves from the essence of their existence, that they are one with each other by being one with themselves, rather than by fleeing from themselves. There is only one proof for the presence of love: the depth of the relationship, and the aliveness and strength in each person concerned: this is the fruit by which love is recognized.
Opening Reading 3
Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join _____ and _____ in Holy Matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore,  is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly - but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together - let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
Opening Reading 4
Friends, we have been invited here today to share with _____ and _____ a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.
Opening Reading 5
Marriage is a promise of companionship, of having someone to share all of life's experiences.
Marriage does not promise that there will not be any rough times, just the assurance that their will always be someone who cares and will help you through to better times.
Marriage does not promise eternal romance, just eternal love and commitment.
Marriage can't prevent disappointment, disillusionment, or grief, but it can offer hope, acceptance and comfort.
Marriage can't protect you from making individual choices or shelter you from the world but it will help to reassure you that there is someone by your side who truly cares.
When the world hurts you and makes you few feel vulnerable, marriage offers the promise that there will be someone waiting to listen, to console, to inspire.
Marriage is the joining of two people who share the promise that only marriage can make - to share the sunshine and the shadows, and to experience a richer, more filling life because of it.
Opening Reading 6
We are here today to celebrate the marriage of ______ and _____. They ask for your blessing, encouragement, and life long support for their decision to become husband, wife and family. Without family and friends beside them in joy as well as sorrow, this new family will miss the greatest joys of life outside their own home. And that is to give and to receive love. To help and to be helped. To teach as well as to learn. They are delighted that you have chosen to witness this special time in their lives. __________ and __________ not only want their relation ship with each to continue as individuals but take on an even more important dimension as a family as well.