New Jersey Elopements by For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services
~ Intimate Wedding Elopements ~
Elopement Ceremony Option 1 - Religious
Opening/greeting:
Officiant:
Dearly beloved today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, as you joins together in vows of marriage.
Officiant:
Let us pray,
God, for the joy of this occasion we thank you. For the meaning of this wedding day we thank you. For this important moment in an ever growing relationship we thank you. For your presence here and now and for your presence at all times, we thank you.
Charge to the couple (the charge is addressed to the couple. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take):
Officiant:
_____ and ___, the covenant which you are about to make with each other is meant to be a beautiful and sacred expression of your love for each other. As you pledge your vows to each other, and as you commit your lives to each other, we ask that you do so in all seriousness, and yet with a deep sense of joy, with deep conviction that you are committing yourselves to a dynamic growing relationship of trust, mutual support and caring love.
Officiant:
_____ and ___, the covenant which you are about to make with each other is meant to be a beautiful and sacred expression of your love for each other. As you pledge your vows to each other, and as you commit your lives to each other, we ask that you do so in all seriousness, and yet with a deep sense of joy, with deep conviction that you are committing yourselves to a dynamic growing relationship of trust, mutual support and caring love.
Pledge/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will):
Officiant:
To _____: Do you _____ take ___ to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?
_____ Responds: I do
Officiant:
To ___: Do you ___ take _____ to be your husband, to live with him, respect him, and love him as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness as long as you both shall live?
___ Responds: I do
Vows:
Officiant:
Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another.
Officiant:
_____, repeat to ___, after me, these words:
___, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
(_____ says) ___, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
To have and to hold from this day forward,
(_____ says) to have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse,
(_____ says) for better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
(_____ says) for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
(_____ says) in sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
(_____ says) to love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
Officiant: ___, repeat to _____, after me, these words:
_____, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded Husband,
(___ says) _____, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded husband,
To have and to hold from this day forward,
(___ says) to have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse,
(___ says) for better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
(___ says) for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
(___ says) in sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
(___ says) to love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
Exchange of rings:
(Ring exchange is optional. Let me know if you are leaving it out)
Officiant:
May I please have the rings
Heavenly Father, Bless these rings. Grant that _____ and ___ may wear them with deep faith in each other. May they always live together in peace, love and abiding joy. Amen
To _____: _____ will you take this ring and place it upon ___’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(_____ says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(_____ says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection.
(_____ says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always
(_____ says) Wear it in peace always.
To ___: ___ will you take this ring and place it upon _____’s finger, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(___ says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(___ says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection.
(___ says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always.
(___ says) Wear it in peace always.
Blessing or prayer:
Officiant:
Let us say a prayer of blessing upon this marriage.
Most gracious God, you have kindled in these hearts the fire of a divine love. Wilt you keep it aflame upon the alter of their souls. Will you make the inward aspirations of their hearts the outward reality of their home. Will you make that home a place of light and truth, a place of beauty, a place of joy and happiness all the days of their lives. Amen.
Pronouncement:
Officiant:
Inasmuch as you _____ and you ___ have promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your hands and the giving of these rings, by virtue of the authority vested in me as an Officiant, and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife
You may kiss the bride
Officiant:
To _____: Do you _____ take ___ to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?
_____ Responds: I do
Officiant:
To ___: Do you ___ take _____ to be your husband, to live with him, respect him, and love him as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness as long as you both shall live?
___ Responds: I do
Vows:
Officiant:
Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another.
Officiant:
_____, repeat to ___, after me, these words:
___, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
(_____ says) ___, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
To have and to hold from this day forward,
(_____ says) to have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse,
(_____ says) for better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
(_____ says) for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
(_____ says) in sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
(_____ says) to love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
Officiant: ___, repeat to _____, after me, these words:
_____, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded Husband,
(___ says) _____, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded husband,
To have and to hold from this day forward,
(___ says) to have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse,
(___ says) for better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
(___ says) for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
(___ says) in sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
(___ says) to love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
Exchange of rings:
(Ring exchange is optional. Let me know if you are leaving it out)
Officiant:
May I please have the rings
Heavenly Father, Bless these rings. Grant that _____ and ___ may wear them with deep faith in each other. May they always live together in peace, love and abiding joy. Amen
To _____: _____ will you take this ring and place it upon ___’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(_____ says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(_____ says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection.
(_____ says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always
(_____ says) Wear it in peace always.
To ___: ___ will you take this ring and place it upon _____’s finger, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(___ says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(___ says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection.
(___ says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always.
(___ says) Wear it in peace always.
Blessing or prayer:
Officiant:
Let us say a prayer of blessing upon this marriage.
Most gracious God, you have kindled in these hearts the fire of a divine love. Wilt you keep it aflame upon the alter of their souls. Will you make the inward aspirations of their hearts the outward reality of their home. Will you make that home a place of light and truth, a place of beauty, a place of joy and happiness all the days of their lives. Amen.
Pronouncement:
Officiant:
Inasmuch as you _____ and you ___ have promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your hands and the giving of these rings, by virtue of the authority vested in me as an Officiant, and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife
You may kiss the bride
Elopement Ceremony To Reflect Same-Sex couple
This example is for 2 brides-of course we just change the wording for 2 grooms.
Opening/greeting:
Officiant:
Dearly beloved today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, as you join together in vows of marriage.
Officiant: Let us pray
God, for the joy of this occasion we thank you. For the meaning of this wedding day we thank you. For this important moment in an ever growing relationship we thank you. For your presence here and now and for your presence at all times, we thank you.
Pledge/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will):
Officiant: To _____: Do you _____ take ___ to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?
_____ Responds: I do
Officiant:
To ___: Do you ___ take _____ to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness as long as you both shall live?
___ Responds: I do
Vows:
Officiant:
Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another.
Officiant: _____, repeat to ___, after me, these words:
___, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
(_____ says) ___, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
To have and to hold from this day forward,
(_____ says) to have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse,
(_____ says) for better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
(_____ says) for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
(_____ says) in sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
(_____ says) to love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
Officiant: ___, repeat to _____, after me, these words:
_____, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded Wife,
(___ says) _____, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
To have and to hold from this day forward,
(___ says) to have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse,
(___ says) for better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
(___ says) for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
(___ says) in sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
(___ says) to love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
Exchange of rings:
Officiant: “May I please have the rings”
Heavenly Father, Bless these rings. Grant that _____ and ___ may wear them with deep faith in each other. May they always live together in peace, love and abiding joy. Amen
To _____: _____ will you take this ring and place it upon ___’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(_____ says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(_____ says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection.
(_____ says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always
(_____ says) Wear it in peace always.
To ___: ___ will you take this ring and place it upon _____’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(___ says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(___ says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection.
(___ says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always.
(___ says) Wear it in peace always.
Blessing or prayer:
Officiant: Let us say a prayer of blessing upon this marriage
Most gracious God, you have kindled in these hearts the fire of a divine love. Will you keep it aflame upon the alter of their souls. Will you make the inward aspirations of their hearts the outward reality of their home. Will you make that home a place of light and truth, a place of beauty, a place of joy and happiness all the days of their lives. Amen.
Pronouncement:
Officiant:
Inasmuch as you _____ and you ___ have promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your hands and the giving of these rings, by virtue of the authority vested in me as an Officiant, and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you married!
You may seal your marriage with a kiss!
Opening/greeting:
Officiant:
Dearly beloved today you celebrate one of life's greatest moments to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, as you join together in vows of marriage.
Officiant: Let us pray
God, for the joy of this occasion we thank you. For the meaning of this wedding day we thank you. For this important moment in an ever growing relationship we thank you. For your presence here and now and for your presence at all times, we thank you.
Pledge/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will):
Officiant: To _____: Do you _____ take ___ to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?
_____ Responds: I do
Officiant:
To ___: Do you ___ take _____ to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness as long as you both shall live?
___ Responds: I do
Vows:
Officiant:
Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another.
Officiant: _____, repeat to ___, after me, these words:
___, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
(_____ says) ___, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
To have and to hold from this day forward,
(_____ says) to have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse,
(_____ says) for better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
(_____ says) for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
(_____ says) in sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
(_____ says) to love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
Officiant: ___, repeat to _____, after me, these words:
_____, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded Wife,
(___ says) _____, I have chosen you alone from all the world to be my wedded wife,
To have and to hold from this day forward,
(___ says) to have and to hold from this day forward,
For better, for worse,
(___ says) for better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
(___ says) for richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
(___ says) in sickness and in health,
To love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
(___ says) to love and to cherish 'til death do us part.
Exchange of rings:
Officiant: “May I please have the rings”
Heavenly Father, Bless these rings. Grant that _____ and ___ may wear them with deep faith in each other. May they always live together in peace, love and abiding joy. Amen
To _____: _____ will you take this ring and place it upon ___’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(_____ says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(_____ says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection.
(_____ says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always
(_____ says) Wear it in peace always.
To ___: ___ will you take this ring and place it upon _____’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:
I give you this ring,
(___ says) I give you this ring,
As I give you myself,
(___ says) as I give you myself,
With love and affection.
(___ says) with love and affection.
Wear it in peace always.
(___ says) Wear it in peace always.
Blessing or prayer:
Officiant: Let us say a prayer of blessing upon this marriage
Most gracious God, you have kindled in these hearts the fire of a divine love. Will you keep it aflame upon the alter of their souls. Will you make the inward aspirations of their hearts the outward reality of their home. Will you make that home a place of light and truth, a place of beauty, a place of joy and happiness all the days of their lives. Amen.
Pronouncement:
Officiant:
Inasmuch as you _____ and you ___ have promised your love for each other by these vows, the joining of your hands and the giving of these rings, by virtue of the authority vested in me as an Officiant, and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you married!
You may seal your marriage with a kiss!
