You're getting married! Now, which ceremony is right for you?

Continued from page 7

A BEACH WEDDING

Here is a non-traditional ceremony popular with surfers on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii. The barefoot presiding official stands at the water’s edge with the couple so that their bare feet are washed by incoming waves. It is smart to watch the waves a bit at first and gauge just where to stand – since it would be unfortunate to have the ceremony disrupted by a large wave.

The official says: 

We meet today by the sea to have Groom and Bride become one by the border of this constant and unlimited force.

And as these waters, Bride and Groom, may your love be limitless, flowing and ever-changing . May your love forever redefine itself. May your love hold within it the essence of life.

In pledging your lives and love to one another for all the days that remain to you, Groom and Bride, we acknowledge the changes in your existence and celebrate your commitment to a strong, loving relationship. May your love touch and enrich all those with whom you come in contact, as these waters touch and nourish the many shores of the earth.

Love came softly upon your hearts, Bride and Groom, just as the foam comes softly upon the sand and just as there will never be a morning without the ocean’s flow, so there will never be a day without your love for each other.

Groom, in placing this ring on Bride’s finger, repeat after me:

Bride, this ring I give you, my personal gift and my personal promise, of love and trust for all the days of our lives.

Bride, in placing this ring on Groom’s finger, repeat after me:

Groom, this ring I give you, my personal gift and my personal promise of love and trust for all the days of our lives.

As we stand here in the ocean tide, may your love always be as constant and unchanging as these never ending waves that pour beneath our feet, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea.

Since Groom  and Bride have pledged their love and commitment to each other before these witnesses, I declare that they are husband and wife.

As these waters nourish the earth and sustain life, may your constant love nourish and sustain you both until the end of time.

Congratulations! You may kiss each other, Bride and Groom!

Continued on page 9: An Inter-Faith Ceremony »