<Name> and <Name> , know now before you go further,
that since your lives have crossed in this life,
you have formed eternal and sacred bonds.
As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive
to make real the ideals that to you, give meaning this ceremony
and to the institution of marriage.
Australian law has given me the power to legalise this union of two loving souls.
With full awareness, know that within this circle
you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and family,
but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers.
The promises made today and the ties that are bound here
greatly strengthen your union
and will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.
Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?
Yes.
In many cultures it is believed that the human soul
shares characteristics with all things divine.
It is this belief which assigned virtues to the four cardinal directions;
East, South, West and North.
It is according to this belief that we align ourselves with these elements.
Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes
those things which will help you build a happy and successful union.
[Guests are invited to stand and face the four directions]
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East and the element of Air,
for openness and breath, communication of the heart,
and purity of the mind and body.
From the east you receive the gift of a new beginning
with the rising of each Sun, and the understanding
that each day is a new opportunity for growth.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South and the element of fire,
for energy, passion, creativity and the warmth of a loving home.
From the fire within you generate light, which you will share
with one another in even the darkest of times.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West, the element of water,
for your capacity to feel emotion.
In marriage you offer absolute trust to one another,
and vow to keep your hearts open in sorrow as well as joy.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North, the element of earth,
which provides sustenance, fertility and security.
The earth will feed and enrich you, and help you to build a stable home
to which you may always return.
[guests are seated]
<Name> and <Name> , I bid you look into each others eyes.
Will you honor and respect one another,
and seek to never break that honor?
We will [the first cord is draped over the couples' hands]
And so the first binding is made.
Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?
We will [Second cord is draped over the hands]
And so the binding is made
Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?
We will [third cord is draped over the couples' hands]
And so the binding is made.
Will you share each other's laughter, and look for the brightness in life
and the positive in each other?
We will. [forth cord is draped over the couples' hands]
And so the binding is made.
[Tie cords together]
<Name> and <Name>, as your hands are bound together now,
so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust.
Above you are the stars and below you is the earth.
Like the stars you love should be a constant source of light,
and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.
Celebrant: Can you now repeat your vows to one another:
I, (grooms full name), in the name of the spirit that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take thee (bride's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself.
(to Bride) I (bride's full name), in the name of the spirit that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood, and the love that resides within my heart, take thee, (Groom's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit to be my chosen one. To desire and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect myself.
May I have the rings:-
The constant circle of love you share is symbolized in these rings. Let them be a token of your friendship and the partnership you have come to celebrate on this day. When the waters are rough, let these rings remind you of the ebb and flow of life. Let them remind you of the happiness you feel at this moment, and let your memory soothe your spirit.
Celebrant: It is with great joy that I declare this couple handfasted and thence Married. Please kiss now and remember this loving kiss forever.
I now give you <Name> and <Name> who are now joyful husband and wife.
Signing of the Register.
