C: Celebrant B: Bride G: Groom C: (to all) We are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! We do not create this handfasting, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with _____, _____, and their families and friends this wondrous and joyful event. And what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness, to be one with each other in the silent unspeakable memories? The miracle of love is like the miracle of a flower, it thrives upon the sunshine of a smile...it entwines itself around the heart. Its roots are secured in the memories of yesterday and its petals breathe the promise of joy-filled tomorrows. To be loved is to know happiness and contentment. To give love is to know the joy of sharing oneself. It is through the miracle of love that we discover the fullness of life. C: Who stands here for the bride? Maid of Honor: I do. C: Who stands here for the groom? Best Man: I do. C: Do you, (bride's name), join us here of your own free will, to acknowledge before those gathered here the bond that is shared between yourself and (groom's name)? B: I do. C: Do you, (groom's name), join us here of your own free will, to acknowledge before those gathered here the bond that is shared between yourself and (bride's name)? G: I do. C: (to both) Love one another, but do not make a bond of love; let it be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup, but drink not of the same cup. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be yourself, even as the strings of a harp are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping, but for each other's joy. And stand together, yet not too near together; let there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. IF USING HANDFASTING CORD C: (groom), I have not the right to bind thee to (bride), only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time. G: It is my wish. C: (bride), I have not the right to bind thee to (groom), only you have this right. If it be your wish,say so at this time. B: It is my wish. VOWS (to Groom) Repeat after me: I, _______________, take you, ________________, in marriage, To be my life partner, To walk, run, and dance this new path together, To love, care and share, To let the winds dance between us, Let the fires burn within us, And the waters flow through us, On our sacred journey together. On this day may a new consciousness begin, On this day I thee wed, With my hearts' faithful affections, And my love to you forever. (same w/bride) HANDFASTING Couple turn to face each other and join their left hands. C: (taking the joined left hands, and wrapping the rope around their wrists and tying it loosely) Here before witnesses, and have sworn vows to each other. With this cord, I bind them to the vows that they each have made. Both:     (turning to face each other, in unison)     Heart to thee,     Soul to thee,     Body to thee,     Forever and always. B: As we are bound, I am your wife. G: As we are bound, I am your husband. (couple stays bound together until the end of the ceremony) C: (hands chalice to both, saying:) May you drink your fill from the cup of love. (Bride sips as they both hold the chalice and kisses groom. Groom sips as they both hold the chalice and kisses bride. Then the chalice is either handed back to the celebrant or passed around the circle.) C: (to all) Let the sun and the moon and the stars, and these our brothers and sisters, bear witness that (bride) and (groom) have been joined together. Apache Wedding Prayer C: (to both) Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place to enter into the days of your togetherness and may your days be good and long upon the earth.