Exchange of Rings

Rings are given for two reasons. First, it is a constant reminder of the love and devotion given by the other. It is meant to remind each other that even during the darkest days of life and even the darkest days of marriage, that they still have a partner in love and life that will be there forever. Second, the rings are meant to be a sign to all that that person has already pledged their heart and soul to another.

The minister usually explains the rings by saying something similar to:
The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love.  The ring is a circle that has no end and symbolizes the never-ending love that exists between you.  The precious metal of which the ring is composed is a symbol of the value that each of you hold for the other.  May these rings always reflect the light of your love throughout your life together.

Exchange of the Rings #1: Minister: “May I have the rings. Let us pray. Bless, O Lord, the giving and receiving of these rings. May ___ and ___ abide in Thy peace and grow in their knowledge of Your presence through their loving union. May the seamless circle of these rings become the symbol of their endless love and serve to remind them of the holy covenant they have entered into today to be faithful, loving, and kind to each other. Dear God, may they live in Your grace and be forever true to this union. Amen.”
Groom: “____, 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.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. With this ring, I thee wed.”
Bride: “____, 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. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Exchange of the Rings #2:
Minister: “The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you ___, may place a ring on the finger of your bride.”
Groom: “____, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.”
Minister: “By the same token ____, you may place a ring on the finger of your groom.”
Bride: “____, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.”

Exchange of the Rings #3:
Minister: “The ring is the symbol of the commitment which binds these two together. There are two rings because there are two people, each to make a contribution to the life of the other, and to their new life together. Let us pray: Bless, O Lord, the giving of these rings, that they who wear them may abide together in your peace and grow in one another’s eyes.”
(Each saying to the other) “I give you this ring, as I give you myself, with love and affection. Wear it in peace always.”

Exchange of the Rings #4
Minister: “Father, bless these rings which ____ and ____ have set apart to be visible signs of the inward and spiritual bond which unites their hearts. As they give and receive these rings, may they testify to the world of the covenant made between them here.”
Groom: “Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love for you.”
Bride: “Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love for you.”
Together: “This circle will now seal the vows of our marriage and will symbolize the purity and endlessness of our love.”