The officiant directs the charge specifically to the bride and groom.
The charge is a reminder to the couple that the vows are of a profound and serious nature.
The bride and groom are reminded of the significance of their commitments and the effort that will be required to maintain and strengthen their marriage in order that they will remain united until the end of their lives.
Here's part 1 of a list of 12 examples of The Charge. You may want to use them in your ceremonies or adapt them to suit your needs.
The charge is a reminder to the couple that the vows are of a profound and serious nature.
The bride and groom are reminded of the significance of their commitments and the effort that will be required to maintain and strengthen their marriage in order that they will remain united until the end of their lives.
Here's part 1 of a list of 12 examples of The Charge. You may want to use them in your ceremonies or adapt them to suit your needs.
Examples of the Charge to the Bride and Groom:
1.
Officiant:
And now I must advise you, ____________ and ____________ to recognize and appreciate that marriage is a sacrament to be honored with the full understanding of the gravity of its meaning. It is with a deep sense of seriousness that this union should be entered into, as you are here to pledge your love and loyalty to one another for your entire lives.
Officiant:
And now I must advise you, ____________ and ____________ to recognize and appreciate that marriage is a sacrament to be honored with the full understanding of the gravity of its meaning. It is with a deep sense of seriousness that this union should be entered into, as you are here to pledge your love and loyalty to one another for your entire lives.
2.
Officiant:
I charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, to take into profound consideration and thoughtfulness your mutual commitment to each other. The estate of wedlock should not be taken lightly and must be given prayerful consideration. It is indeed a time for joy and celebration harmonized with proper reverence, respect and wisdom.
Officiant:
I charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, to take into profound consideration and thoughtfulness your mutual commitment to each other. The estate of wedlock should not be taken lightly and must be given prayerful consideration. It is indeed a time for joy and celebration harmonized with proper reverence, respect and wisdom.
3.
Officiant:
____________ and ____________, the estate of wedlock is a sacred one and should not to be entered into lightly, but only under the guidance of Infinite Wisdom and the inspiration of Divine Love. Dear Ones, you are entering into the relationship of marriage which is an expression of the harmonizing power of divine love. When there is a true bond such as this, it is proper that public acknowledgement of it be made. We are here to bear witness to your entering into this closer relationship of husband and wife as you pledge your vows to one another.
Officiant:
____________ and ____________, the estate of wedlock is a sacred one and should not to be entered into lightly, but only under the guidance of Infinite Wisdom and the inspiration of Divine Love. Dear Ones, you are entering into the relationship of marriage which is an expression of the harmonizing power of divine love. When there is a true bond such as this, it is proper that public acknowledgement of it be made. We are here to bear witness to your entering into this closer relationship of husband and wife as you pledge your vows to one another.
4.
Officiant:
____________ and ____________, I charge you with the following in order that you may keep your solemn vows that you make here today; you must always respect one another in all facets of your life together and each of you are required to listen carefully to one another and commit to being helpful to one another. It is only through mutual respect and sharing of each other’s inner selves that a strong and vibrant marriage continues to thrive for a lifetime.
Officiant:
____________ and ____________, I charge you with the following in order that you may keep your solemn vows that you make here today; you must always respect one another in all facets of your life together and each of you are required to listen carefully to one another and commit to being helpful to one another. It is only through mutual respect and sharing of each other’s inner selves that a strong and vibrant marriage continues to thrive for a lifetime.
5.
Officiant:
Let me charge you, ____________ and ____________ , to remember, that your continued happiness is to be found in mutual respect, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and affection; to remember as you pledge your vows to one another, in the presence of God and these witnesses, on this your wedding day, that you are giving your impeccable word to be forever-after as one and you shall remain undivided.
Officiant:
Let me charge you, ____________ and ____________ , to remember, that your continued happiness is to be found in mutual respect, patience, kindness, forgiveness, and affection; to remember as you pledge your vows to one another, in the presence of God and these witnesses, on this your wedding day, that you are giving your impeccable word to be forever-after as one and you shall remain undivided.
6.
Officiant:
Dear ones, I remind you both that you are declaring before God and those assembled here today that you recognize the importance of the pledges you are about to make on this joyful day, and that it is tempered with the seriousness and commitment to honor your vows for the rest of your lives.
Officiant:
Dear ones, I remind you both that you are declaring before God and those assembled here today that you recognize the importance of the pledges you are about to make on this joyful day, and that it is tempered with the seriousness and commitment to honor your vows for the rest of your lives.
7.
Officiant:
I require and charge you both, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully that you do now confess it.
Officiant:
I require and charge you both, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be united in marriage lawfully that you do now confess it.
To see the remainder of the list, numbers 8-12, please see Charge To The Bride And Groom - Examples of the Wedding Charge Part 2
For more examples of various wedding ceremony elements, please visit the Elements page. You can also view complete prewritten ceremonies in the Ceremonies section.
