Below are some sample pronouncements that can be included in your ceremony.
The purpose of the pronouncement is to formally announce the union of
two people into a single entity. There are many ways to refer to this
new entity including, but not limited to:
- Life Partners
- Husband and Wife (for opposite sex partners)
- Husband and Husband or Wife and Wife
- Married
- Legally Married
- Wed
- Legally Wed
- Spouses for Life
In the examples below, this part of the pronouncement is referenced by
[preferred term]
, indicating that you should choose the term that best
suits you.
The pronouncement is often followed by a kiss which symbolizes a seal on
the union. The, like all parts of the ceremony, is optional.
1. Since [Name] and [Name] have grown in knowledge and love of one
another, and because they have agreed in their desire to go forward in
life together, seeking an even richer, deepening relationship, and
because they have pledged to meet sorrow and joy as one family, we
rejoice to recognize them as [preferred term].
2. You have publicly promised your commitment to each other for all
time. I call upon all gathered here to witness that according to the
laws of the state of Idaho, you are now [preferred term].
3. Forasmuch as [Name] and [Name] have thus pledged themselves to each
other in the presence of this company, I do now, by the virtue of the
authority vested in me by The American Humanist Association and the
Humanist Society, pronounce that they are [preferred term].
4. [Name] and [Name] have consented together in marriage, declaring
their love for one another, so according to the laws of the state of
Idaho, they are now [preferred term].
5. May all that has gone before you and the commitment you have made
today, now give you the promise of everlasting love. May you find
strength to meet life’s adversities; reverence for that which is
beautiful; and respect for all. In the presence of your family and
friends, you have joined yourselves in marriage. I declare your marriage
is valid and binding and rejoice to recognize you as [preferred term].
You may kiss.
6. [Name] and [Name] have promised each other, publicly, in front of
family and friends, that they want to be married. So they are!
7. Now, by your own actions and according to the laws of the state of
Idaho, you are [preferred term]. Congratulations to you both. You may
kiss each other.
8. Friends and family, it gives me great pleasure to declare [Name] and [Name] Porter to be [preferred term]. You may kiss.
9. As you have both accepted the vows of the other, you may now go forth
and fulfill your vows with the same love and devotion which now
blossoms between you. In accordance with the laws of the state of Idaho,
you are now [preferred term].
10. And so now, according to the laws of the state of Idaho, and with
the blessings of those around you, you are now [husband and wife/
married/life partners/legally married/etc].
11. May all that has gone before you and the commitment you have made
today, now give you the promise of everlasting love. May you find
strength to meet life’s adversities; reverence for that which is
beautiful; and respect for all. In the presence of your family and
friends, you have joined yourselves in marriage. I declare your marriage
is valid and binding under the laws of the state of Idaho, and I
rejoice to recognize you as [preferred term].
12. You have united two families and two sets of friends. I ask them now
to promise that they will support your marriage with joy, love and
optimism.
All those who wish to promise their support say “I do!” (Guests respond “I do!”)
With the blessing of everyone who is present here today and with the
authority vested in me by The American Humanist Association and the
Humanist Society, I now pronounce you [preferred term].
Congratulations!?
