Spiritual Vows
By
Rev. Philip Chalker

We are joyfully assembled with the harmony of nature before us, the land, the sky and all the wonders it holds, the magnificent Caribbean Sea, aqua blue shallows to the cobalt blue of the deep, and beneath the largest living thing on planet earth, the coral reefs. We have gathered together before God and these witnesses to share in the joining of two lives in marriage.

Marriage is a journey of two lives based on love.  Love is patience and kindness and envies no one.  There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance.  No other human ties are more tender, no other vows are more sacred.

The Gathering
Groom and bride have asked us to be with them in the making of this most important commitment.  The essence of this commitment is two lives intertwined together as lover, companion and friend.  But yet free in ones own mind and spirit, so they can both be happy as one.

The Pledge
Groom, as you take bride to be your lawful wedded wife, do you vow to love and care for her as long as you both shall live?  Taking her with all her faults and strengths, as you offer yourself with all your faults and strengths.  Help her when she needs help, and turn to her when you need help.  Do you choose her as the person with whom you will spend the rest of your life and forever more, and promise to be true to her in all things?  (I do)

Bride, as you take groom to be your lawful wedded husband, do you vow to love and care for him as long as you both shall live?  Taking him with all his faults and strengths, as you offer yourself with all your faults and strengths.  Help him when he needs help, and turn to him when you need help.  Do you choose him as the person with whom you will spend the rest of your life and forever more, and promise to be true to him in all things?  (I do)

Exchange of rings and vows
The ring is a symbol of the love you have for each other.  Its unending circle represents the eternal quality of your love, and the gold represents the purity of that love.  These rings are the outward and visible signs of an inward and spiritual grace.  The rings are a reminder of this hour, and represent a circle of trust.

Groom do you give this ring to bride as a symbol of your love?  (I do)

Repeat after me:
I groom take you bride to be my wedded wife, to love and to cherish from this day forward, in sickness and health, for richer and poorer, and therefore I pledge thee my love.

Bride, do you give this ring to groom as a symbol of your love?  (I do)

Repeat after me:
I bride take you groom to be my wedded husband, to love and to cherish from this day forward, in sickness and health, for richer and poorer, and therefore I pledge thee my love.

These Hands
(Hold grooms hands palm up)
These are the hands of your best friend, strong and vibrant with love as he promises to love you all the days of his life.
These are the hands that will work along side yours, as together you will build your future, as you laugh and cry, as you share your inner most secrets and dreams.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind.
These are the hands that will patiently love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

(Hold brides hands palm up)
These are the hands of your best friend, smooth young and carefree, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together as a team, everything you wish for can be realized.
These are the hands that will passionately love you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.

Native American Blessings
Now you will feel no rain, for each of you is shelter to the other.  Now you will feel no cold, for each of you is warmth to the other.  Now there is no more loneliness, for each of you will be a companion to the other.  Now you are two persons, but there is one life before you.  Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness.  And may your days together be good, and long upon the earth.

Declaration of Marriage
Now that you have given yourselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving of rings: By the authority vested in me by the Territorial Court of the United States Virgin Islands, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.

Groom, you may now kiss your bride.

©Rev. Philip Chalker

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