This is a ceremony written for a wedding that was initially a pagan ritual marriage it was adapted for use in a Christian traditional wedding by Bradley Taylor and myself. I performed this ceremony. It was performed just prior to the more traditional exchanging of vows. It turned out to be a moving and tear-filled ceremony and quite lovely. I am offering it here for your review. I have tried to lay out the mechanics of the ceremony as it goes along. It involves the bride and groom, groomsmen, bridesmaids and parents of the couple. Each has a different colored "tie" it can be braided rope, or ribbon of different colors. The "binding" is made by laying the ribbon across the wrists of the couple as they hold hands during the ceremony while facing each other. The last act of the binding is to take the ribbons and tie them into a simple overhand knot around the wrists and clasped hands. It can then be removed by the brides father when he gives the bride away after they have carried it up to the preacher for the more traditional ceremony. And then given to the couple as a gift. When we did this ceremony, it was conducted about 5 steps in front of where the traditional ceremony was to happen.

I have denoted the participants before each of their parts. The "Conductor" is the individual conducting the ceremony. Each person laying a ribbon for a tie is also denoted.

(Conductor)
Know you now, before further act is breached that since your lives have crossed in this mortal state, you have formed ties one with the other. As you seek to enter into this state of holy matrimony, you should strive to make real the ideas which give meaning to both this ceremony and God's divine institution known as marriage.

With full awareness, know you now, that on this holy ground, in front of God the great protector, and in witness of these gentle-people, you are speaking of your intent. The promises made today and the ties that re bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years of your lives and the growth of your immortal souls forever more together.

Do you still seek to enter into this ceremony?

(Couple together) Yes, we seek to enter.

(Conductor) It is the belief of you, and of these gentle-people, your witnesses, that all people share characteristics that are known as divine. It is that belief that drives this ceremony, and through the symbols that represent these divinities that we bless the ceremony and all who witness it.

First among

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