"We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of (N) and (N).  There are many things to say about marriage.  Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures.  With each union, more  knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered.  Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time."  

"The law of life is love unto all beings.  Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption.  Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection.  As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs.  With full understanding of this, (N) and (N) have come here today to be joined as one in the bond of marriage."  

"Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but  Woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken.  We ask simply if she comes of her own will."  

The Minister shall turn to the bride, and say:  
 "(N), is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?"  

And the bride shall respond:  
 "Yes, it is true."  

And the Minister shall then say:  
 "Please join hands and listen to that which I am about to say. . . . .Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time passes, remember. . .like a stone, your love should be firm; like a star, your love should be constant.  Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage,  let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy,  and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable.  Be close, but not too close.  Possess one another, yet be understanding.  Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly.  Be free in giving affection and warmth.  Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for Goddess is with you always."  

The Unity Candle -  
Minister :  
  "Marriage brings two people into a unique relationship.  While each is separate,  we arrive here with a past full of love and remembrance.  In this union you will share many experiences as if you were one yet each of you retain your identity.  I invite you now to light this candle as a symbol of the union of your lives.  May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you."  

  (remind the Bride to give her bouquet to her Maids of Honor)  
The bride holds the candle while the groom lights it.  

The Exchange of Rings-  

The Minister shall then say:  
  "The circle of the ring speaks of the continual nature of love for it has no beginning and it has no end.  May this circle of love declare your unity and oneness of your life together.  And may these rings represent a love glowing with increasing luster through the years before you."  

The Minister shall then say to the Groom:  

  "N, I have not the right to bind you to N; only you have this right.  If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand."  

And the groom shall respond:  
  "It is my wish."  

The Minister shall then say to the Bride:  
  "(N), if it be your wish for (N) to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger."  

And the bride shall place the ring on the groom's left ring finger.  

The Minister shall then say to the Bride:  
  "(N), I have not the right to bind you to (N); only you have this right.  If it be your wish, say so at this time, and place your ring in his hand."  

And the bride shall answer:  

  "It is my wish."  

The Minister shall then say to the Groom:  
  "(N), if it be your wish for (N) to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger."  

And the groom shall place the ring on the bride's left ring finger.  

The Minister shall then say to the Groom:  
  "I, (grooms full name), in the name of the spirit of God and Goddess that resides within us all,  and the love that resides within my heart, I take thee (bride's full name) to be my chosen one.   I promise to love thee wholly and completely, in sickness and in health, through good times and bad, in life and beyond."  

The Minister shall then say to the Bride:  
  "I, (bride's full name), in the name of the spirit of Goddess that resides within us all,  and the love that resides within my heart, take thee, (Groom's full name) to be my chosen one. I promise to love thee wholly and completely, in sickness and in health, through good times and bad, in life and beyond."  

The Minister shall then say:  
  "May the sacred curve of Her arm enfold you.  May the stars of Her dark veil cover you."  

The Binding-  
  (Best person explains briefly the symbolism behind the ribbon binding, while (N) and (N) join left hands and Minister begins the binding.  Ribbon is tied so that couple can remove their hands without untying the ribbon.)  

Best Person :  
  "Tying the knot did not start out being an abstract term; the lovers' knot that binds two hands together represents an indissoluble union, and the tying of a knot is still practiced in various ways by different peoples as a symbol of love, affection, faith, friendship, and duty."  

Minister :  
 "Love made fast by tying together."   (Removes the ribbon, still tied.)  

Best Person : [ Apache Wedding Prayer ]  
"Now you will feel no rain,  
            For each of you will be shelter to the other.  
 Now you will feel no cold,  
            For each of you will be warmth to the other.  
 Now there is no more loneliness,  
            For each of you will be companion to the other.  
 Now you are two bodies,  
            But there is only one life before you.  
 Go now to your dwelling place  
           To enter into the days of your togetherness  
 And may your days be good and long upon the earth."  

Minister :  
  Go in Peace, and in Joy.  
  Go together as partners in life, sealing your union with a kiss.  
  Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to present for the first time . . .  
  Mr. and Mrs. (N)!