Statement from Minister:

Marriage is an institution of divine appointment and is commended as honorable among all men. It is the most important step in life and should not therefore be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but discreetly and soberly.

In this estate these two persons come now to be joined. If any person present can show cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak or else hereafter forever hold his peace.

(Addressing the couple the minister continues)

I, solemnly require and charge you both, as you hope for joy and peace in the marriage state, if either of you know any just cause why you may not be lawfully joined together in matrimony, you do now confess it.

(minister waits for response, then continues)

It is then your will to proceed?

(The parties must now join right hands)

To the man:

Do you sir, take this woman to be your lawful wife and do you promise before God and these witnesses, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto her so long as you both shall live?

The man shall answer, I do.

To the woman:

Do you take this man to be your lawful husband; and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses that you will love, honor, and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep thee only unto him so long as you both shall live?

The woman shall answer, I do.

RING:

(If the parties wish to use the ring, the minister shall instruct the man to place the ring on the third finger of the woman’s left hand and hold as he repeats after the minister):

"With this ring I thee wed and with all my worldly goods I thee endow, in God’s name. Amen." (or according to the creed of the parties contracting.)

Inasmuch as this man and this woman have in the presence of God and these witnesses consented together to be joined in the lawful bonds of matrimony and thereto have given and pledged their troth each to the other (and if a ring is used: have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring),

I now according to the ordinances of God and in the name of the State of Texas, pronounce them husband and wife.

"What therefore God hath joined together let not man put asunder."

And now may the God of peace prosper and bless you in this new relation, and may the grace of Jesus Christ abound unto you now and always. Amen........you may kiss the bride.