Sample BASIC Ceremony 

(Approximately 10-15 mins)

Introduction

Welcome family and friends. 

We are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Andrew Tennant and Vivian Wong. 

This commitment is between two people who love each other and wish to share in each other's lives. They will grow and change together in the years to come, welcoming each other's developments with mutual love and respect. 

My name is Jak Nguyen and I have the privilege and the authority by law to officiate at your marriage today. I take this opportunity to wish you both much happiness in your future together. 

Declaration

Andrew Tennant and Vivian Wong, do you declare before me and before these witnesses here present, that you are here voluntary and without reservation. That you are free by law to be married to each other today?

Bride and Groom Respond:
Yes, I do. 

Monitum from the Marriage Act

I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law. 

Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. 

Marriage, according to the law in Australia, is the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life. 

Having said this, the couple and I would like to acknowledge that we believe that any loving relationship deserves to be equal under the law.

Reading (Optional)

...

Vows

Andrew's vow:
I call upon the persons here present 
to witness that I, Andrew Tennant, 
take thee, Vivian Wong, 
to be my lawful wedded wife.
I promise to love you, 
to care for you 
and to respect you 
for all my life. 

Vivian's vow:
I call upon the persons here present 
to witness that I, Vivian Wong, 
take thee, Andrew Tennant, 
to be my lawful wedded husband.
I promise to love you, 
to care for you 
and to respect you 
for all my life. 

Ring Ceremony

Andrew and Vivian have chosen to exchange rings as a symbol of commitment to one another. The band of the wedding ring represents everlasting love, the ring symbolising a never ending circle with no beginning and no end. 

Groom:
Vivian, accept this ring with all my love. 

Bride:
Andrew, accept this ring with all my love. 

Conclusion

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, Vivian and Andrew have declared before all here today their love for one another, and have taken their first step towards a lifelong commitment in marriage. Support them in their journey. Let this day be a milestone in your lives, one that you will look back upon with much joy and happiness. By the authority vested in me by Australian law, I now have the great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. 

You may now kiss as husband and wife. 

Signing of Marriage Certificates

Bride and Groom sign first, then Witnesses, then celebrant. 

Presentation of Marriage Certificate

Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, on behalf of the Bride and Groom, thank you all for coming here today to celebrate with Andrew and Vivian on their wedding day and for making their day so special. 
Congratulations again to Andrew and Vivian. 
Ladies and gentlemen, the bride and groom. 

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