Wedding Ceremony

Ladies and Gentlemen, my name is Christopher Steele, and I am duly authorized by law to solemnize marriages according to law. Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people, to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life

Into this state of marriage John and Jenny, do you come now to be united, formally and in the presence of these witnesses?

John and Jenny: We do

John and Jenny, would you now please hold hands. Remember that holding hands is important, as you now go hand in hand into a new life together.

Groom repeats after celebrant

I ask the people here present to witness that I, John Smith, take you, Jenny Jones, to be my lawful wedded wife. (Vows might continue here if you like)

Bride repeats after celebrant

I ask the people here present to witness that I, Jenny Jones, take you, John Smith, to be my lawful wedded husband. (Vows might continue here if you like)

The custom of giving and receiving rings reminds us that love itself is an act of giving and receiving. It represents a belief and trust in togetherness and a commitment signifying, to all, the bond of marriage the two of you share.

Groom places ring on Bride's ring finger and holds, repeating after celebrant:

With this ring I take you as my wife.

Bride places ring on Groom's ring finger and holds, repeating after celebrant:

With this ring I take you as my husband.

John and Jenny, on behalf of us all here today I wish you a lifetime of joy and happiness and it is with pleasure that I now pronounce you to be husband and wife.

John, you may now kiss your lovely bride Jenny.

Ladies and gentlemen, John and Jenny will now sign the Marriage Register.

It is with much delight that I now present John and Jenny with their marriage certificate. On behalf of all present, let me congratulate you both and wish you every happiness for the future.

Ladies and Gentlemen please welcome the new Mr and Mrs Smith