Native American Vows 

 

We are gathered her today to witness the coming together of two people, (Bride’s name ________)  and (Groom’s name _____________) whose hearts and spirits are entwined as one.  They now desire to profess before all the world their intention henceforth to walk the road of life together.

 

This marriage is an event in the lifetime of a love.  Love is always patient and kind, it is never jealous, love is never boastful or conceited, it is never rude or selfish, it does not take offense, and is not resentful.  Love takes no pleasure in other people’s sins but delights in the truth, it is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.  Love does not come to an end.

 

The happiness of the one person, in all the world, whom you love best is vital.  You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship and blessing of a deep trust as well.  You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities, and to share love.  What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined for life, to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain?

 

Neither I, nor all society, can join these two lovers today.  Only they can do what they have chosen.  They are joining themselves, each to the other.  As they find union with one another, they proclaim that union today and pledge its future.  We, by our participation in this celebration, do but recognize and honor their intention to live together as husband and wife.

 

Please repeat after me……

GROOM:  “I promise you (Bride’s name ________) that I will be your loving and loyal husband from now on.  That I will share with you all of life’s joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, from this day forward.”

 

BRIDE:  “I promise you (Groom’s name _____________) that I will be your loving and loyal wife from now on.  That I will share with you all of life’s joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, from this day forward.”

 

The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love.  It is a seal of the vows (Bride’s name ______)  and (Groom’s name _____________) have made to one another.  Bless O God these rings that (Bride’s name ______) and (Groom’s name ____________) who give them, and who wear them, may ever abide in thy peace.  Living together in unity, love and happiness for the rest of their lives.

 

Please repeat after me……

GROOM: “(Bride’s name ________), I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.  With this ring I thee wed”

 

BRIDE: “(Groom’s name ________), I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you.  With this ring I thee wed”

 

I would like now, to add at this moment, a blessing from our native Indians, who named this very special place, Tahoe, lake of the sky: 

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 each other.

Now you will feel no loneliness, for you will be a 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 the days of your life together. 

And may your days be good, and long upon the earth.

 

Because they have so affirmed, in love and knowledge of the other, and with the power invested in me from the state of California, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife.

 

(Groom’s name __________)  You may now kiss your wife.