Thoughts on Equality

and the Marriage Ceremony

Since I believe a marriage partnership is built on the principle that equality forms the foundation, word choice is important in every day life and especially your wedding.

Here are some examples of what I mean:

• When the bride comes down the aisle I say “Who presents this woman...” not, “Who gives this woman away?” Partners in marriage are equal; you “give away” things NOT partners!

• In repeating your vows, say “I take you to be the mother of our children”, NOT my children. In a marriage of equal partners, the children that may bless the partnership belong equally to both partners; to husband and wife.

• When it comes time for the pronouncement, I believe the officiate should pronounce each couple “husband and wife,” an equal partnership, NOT “man and wife” an unequal one.

In a marriage partnership as in all partnerships I say

“Let’s respect and honor the equality of both parties.”

Excerpt from:

The Minister’s Message, which is part of each ceremony.

Marriage is a commitment

Marriage is a partnership

When you enter into a partnership, you agree and

commit to bringing a profound respect to that agreement;

to that partner...to you (groom)...to you, (bride)...

So I urge you both, here at the altar where in just a few

minutes you will begin that journey through life as committed

partners, to live out that profound respect for one another by

being fair, doing your share, and always taking care of yourselves,

each other, and most of all, your precious partnership.

We call that LOVE!

SAN DIEGO WEDDING MINISTER :: SAN DIEGO WEDDING CEREMONIES :: SAN DIEGO WEDDINGS :: MINISTER JERRY BRYANT :: SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA