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# Long Island Wedding Officiants

Crafting Beautiful Wedding Ceremonies for Long Island Couples

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Considering Using a Friend or Family Member as Your Wedding Officiant?](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/friends-and-family-members-as-wedding-officiants/) - Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Having someone you love lead your ceremony can be incredibly meaningful — and we totally get the appeal. It’s personal, heartfelt, and unforgettable. But it’s also a big responsibility. When a friend or family member officiates, they’re stepping into a key role on your vendor team — working alongside your
- [Are Online Ordinations Legal on Long Island? (And Should You Worry?)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/are-online-ordinations-legal-on-long-island/) - You’ve got the venue, the dress, the DJ… and your best friend is going to marry you. It’s going to be perfect, right? Maybe — but only if it’s legal. So let’s clear things up: Can someone with an online ordination legally marry you on Long Island? The Short Answer: Not without a special permit.
- [Say "I Do" to a Professional Wedding Photographer and Cherish Your Memories Forever](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/say-i-do-to-a-professional-wedding-photographer-and-cherish-your-memories-forever/) - A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and capturing those precious moments is crucial to preserving memories that will last a lifetime. While it may be tempting to cut costs and entrust photography duties to a friend or family member, hiring a professional wedding photographer is an essential investment that guarantees high-quality images and ensures a
- [Long Island Baby Blessings, Baptisms, Namings, Baptisms and Christenings with Church of Ancient Ways](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/long-island-baby-blessings-baptisms-namings-christenings/) - On Long Island, The Officiants at Church of Ancient Ways have always welcomed our babies in rich and diverse ways. Baby Blessings, Welcoming Ceremonies, Namings, Baptisms, and Christenings - whether religious, secular, interfaith, and performed by a minister, rabbi or with dual officiants honoring the traditions from both sides - we have always thrived in
- [Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Allowing Individuals to Become One-Day Marriage Officiants](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/governor-hochul-signs-legislation-allowing-individuals-to-become-one-day-marriage-officiants/) - Breaking News! Pastor April always said she would be as vocal when it became legal for online officiants to marry couples in New York, as she was about the court cases where couples were disenfranchised by illegal celebrants and the day has come.... or almost come... It looks like Gov. Hochul has signed bill (S.739A/A.6300A)
- [The Legality of Online Ordinations on Long Island](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/the-legality-of-online-ordinations-on-long-island/) - Online Ordinations, Are they Legal on Long Island? The short answer is no. If it were already legal, there wouldn’t be legislation before our state legislature in Albany trying to make it legal, or at least expand on who can legally perform marriage ceremonies in New York State. Here is a link to State Senate
- [Getting Out of the Way of Your Kiss](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/getting-out-of-the-way-of-your-kiss/) - A professional wedding officiant always knows to get out of the way of your kiss after you are pronounced legally married. Make sure that you're hiring a professional wedding officiant for your Long Island wedding ceremony
- [Mead - Sweet Yellow Honey Wine - And Your Wedding Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mead-sweet-yellow-honey-wine-and-your-wedding-ceremony/) - Since the beginning of recorded time, marriage and wine have gone hand in hand. Many of our couples who are fans of the Medieval and Renaissance periods already know the splendors of the honey wine known as mead that inspired the term Honeymoon. The drinking of this sweet wine for a cycle of the moon
- [Bagpipes and Irish Flute For Your Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/bagpipes-and-irish-flute-for-your-wedding/) - By Guest Contributor and Bagpipe Artist: Darius Kaufmann Bagpipes! For many, it is a sound they will never forget: The distant call of the pipes, the stirring notes of a joyful march or a lively dance tune…And who would not be impressed by the sight of a piper in full kilt! For centuries, bagpipes have
- [Wedding Rings: 2800 B.C. Egypt](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-rings-2800-b-c-egypt/) - by Charles Panati The origin and significance of the wedding ring is much disputed. One school of thought maintains that the modern ring is symbolic of the fetters used by barbarians to tether a bride to her captor’s home. If that be true, today’s double ring ceremonies fittingly express the newfound equality of the sexes.
- [Ring Finger: 3rd Century B.C. Greece](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/ring-finger-3rd-century-b-c-greece/) - by Charles Panati The early Hebrews placed the wedding ring on the index finger. In India, nuptial rings were worn on the thumb. The Western custom of placing a wedding ring on the “third” finger (not counting the thumb) began with the Greeks, through carelessness in cataloguing human anatomy. Greek physicians in the third century
- [The Honeymoon](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/the-honeymoon/) - by Charles Panati There is a vast difference between the original meaning of “honeymoon” and its present-day connotation – a blissful, much-sought seclusion as prelude to married life. The words antecedent, the ancient Norse hjunottsmanathr, is, we’ll see, cynical in meaning, and the seclusion is bespeaks was once anything but blissful. When a man from
- [Marriage Banns: 8th Century, Europe](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/marriage-banns-8th-century-europe/) - by Charles Panati During European feudal times, all public announcements concerning deaths, taxes, or births were called “banns”. Today we use the term exclusively for an announcement that two people propose to marry. That interpretation began as a result of an order by Charlemagne, king of the Franks, who on Christmas Day in A.D. 800
- [Throwing Shoes at the Bride](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/throwing-shoes-at-the-bride/) - Antiquity Asia and Europe by Charles Panati Today old shoes are tied to a newlyweds’ cars and no one asks why. Why, of all things, shoes? And why old shoes? Originally, shoes were only one of many objects tossed at a bride to wish her a bounty of children. In fact, shoes were preferred over
- [Wedding March: 19th Century England](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-march-19th-century-england/) - by Charles Panati Below is the history of the Wedding March. The traditional church wedding features two bridal marches, by two different classical composers, the precursor of the wedding march. The bride walks down the aisle to the majestic, moderately paced music, of the “Bridal Chorus” from Richard Wagner’s 1848 opera Lohengrin. The newlyweds exit
- [White Wedding Dress and Veil](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/white-wedding-dress-and-veil/) - 16th Century England and France by Charles Panati White has denoted purity and virginity for centuries. But in ancient Rome, yellow was the socially accepted color for a bride’s wedding attire, and a veil of flame-hued yellow, the flammeum, covered her face. The bridal veil, in fact, predates the wedding dress by centuries. And the
- [Your Bridal Party Processional](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/your-bridal-party-processional/) - When it comes to the wedding ceremony, one of the most beautiful things about being a 21st century Bride is that there are no rules anymore. This is also one of the most confusing aspects of being a bride these days. Many couples don’t know where to begin so let’s begin at the beginning with
- [Being on Time for The Time of Your Life](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/being-on-time-for-the-time-of-your-life/) - The benefits of being on time on your wedding day... Time is something that is going to fly by on your wedding day, and being on time is important to getting the most of your day. People say “the Bride is always late” or “weddings never start on time”. This is only true for those
- [What is “Convalidation” in the Roman Catholic Church?](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/what-is-convalidation-in-the-roman-catholic-church/) - by Rev. Cheryl D. Cavalconte, M.A. of Wedding Ministers RI According to the Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church, Canon 1161 states that the “radical sanation [healing] of an individual marriage is its convalidation without the renewal of consent, granted by competent authority and including a dispensation from impediment, if there was one, and
- [Handfasting](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/handfasting/) - (Photo by Anchor and Lace Photography) What is a handfasting? This is one of the most common questions couples who are planning one will hear. It is the symbolic binding of the hands at the end of the ceremony that inspired the terms the “Bonds of Holy Matrimony” and to “Tie the Knot”. Sometimes it
- [Diamond Engagement Ring: 15th Century Venice](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/diamond-engagement-ring-15th-century-venice/) - by Charles Panati Here is the history of the diamond engagement rings. A Venetian wedding document dated 1503 lists “one marrying ring having diamond.” The gold wedding ring of one Mary of Modina, it was among the early betrothal rings that featured a diamond setting. They began a tradition that probably is forever. The Venetians
- [A Civil Ceremony Before the Big Day?](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/a-civil-ceremony-before-the-big-day/) - Thinking of signing the license and having a civil ceremony before the big day? This has been a hot topic as of late and there are many reasons why a couple would want to be legally married before the public ceremony. Health insurance is a biggie! One of my couples signed their license 10 months
- [Empire State Building Valentines Day Weddings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/empire-state-building-valentines-day-weddings/) - Every year The Empire State Building holds a contest and 14 lucky couples from around the world, are chosen to get married at the top of the city. Lucky me, I was the officiant in 2008 & 2009! The beautiful winners from those years are here with excerpts from their ceremonies. Congratulations and many happy years
- [Submitting to The New York Times Wedding and Celebration Announcements](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/submitting-to-the-new-york-times-wedding-and-celebration-announcements/) - Perhaps having your wedding or commitment ceremony announced in the New York Times isn’t for everyone… But Wow! What a clipping to show your grandchildren some day! New York Times Love - Vows, Weddings and More - Section The New York Times is an Internationally distributed newspaper that was founded in 1851. As a native
- [Why We Love to Bring Our Own PA Systems](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/why-we-love-to-bring-our-own-pa-systems/) - I love bringing my own PA for several reasons…… First is that while I can project to the back, to do so, I am yelling in your ear. Including it for free means I almost pay for myself in what you save renting one from somewhere else. Because it’s all wireless and I can move

## Pages

- [Long Island Wedding Officiants](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/) - Licensed Long Island wedding officiants for custom, civil, and elopement ceremonies. Serving all couples across Nassau, Suffolk, and beyond. Book your officiant today!
- [New York State Town and City Hall Marriage License Locations](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/new-york-state-marriage-license-information/city-town-hall-locations/) - Find your nearest Town or City Hall to get a New York marriage license. Includes Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk) and all NYC boroughs. ID and document tips included.
- [About Long Island Wedding Officiants | Meet Our Team](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/about-us/) - Meet the experienced team behind Long Island Wedding Officiants—Ministers, Rabbis, and Celebrants serving all couples across Nassau and Suffolk County.
- [Parks & Other Ceremony Only Locations](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-ceremony-locations/parks-other-ceremony-only-locations/) - Parks, public space, and other good wedding ceremony locations. Cool places to have a wedding or elopement.
- [Long Island Wedding Officiant Packages & Ceremony Services](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/services/) - Explore custom wedding ceremony options from Long Island Wedding Officiants. Choose from fully personalized, build-your-own, or unscripted packages.
- [Changing Your Name and Marital Status After the Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/new-york-state-marriage-license-information/name-change-after-marriage/) - Just married? Here’s your step-by-step guide to legally changing your name and marital status in New York State, including tips for the DMV, Social Security, passports, and more.
- [Your New York Marriage License Guide (Everything You Need to Know)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/your-new-york-marriage-license-guide-ext/) - Your New York Marriage License Guide (Everything You Need to Know) Hello Future Newlyweds! Congratulations on your engagement and on all the excitement that comes with planning your big day! I’m Rev. Joe Iadanza, and I lead Long Island Wedding Officiants, a team of professional Reverends, Ministers and Rabbis recommended by your venue for their
- [Choosing a Legal Officiant in New York State](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/choosing-a-legal-officiant/) - Wondering who can legally marry you in New York? Learn about friend officiants, online ordinations, single-day permits, and how to choose a fully legal wedding officiant on Long Island.
- [Churches and Chapels](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-ceremony-locations/churches-and-chapels/) - Looking for a church or chapel for your wedding ceremony? Here's a list of non-denominational churches and chapels on Long Island for your big day.
- [Contact Long Island Wedding Officiants](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/contact/) - Get in touch with Long Island Wedding Officiants. Serving Nassau, Suffolk, and NYC with personalized wedding ceremonies. Call (917) 863-7865 or email us today.
- [Long Island Wedding Showcases | Meet Our Wedding Officiants](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/long-island-wedding-showcases/) - Meet our officiants at upcoming Long Island Wedding Showcases! Explore top venues, enjoy tastings, and get answers to all your ceremony questions in person.
- [New York State Marriage License Info](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/new-york-state-marriage-license-information/) - Learn how to get a New York State marriage license. ID requirements, fees, waiting period, NYC vs Long Island rules, name changes, and official links included.
- [Commitment Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample-wedding-ceremonies/commitment-ceremonies/) - Commitment Ceremonies For some couples, the legalities of marriage aren’t what matter most—it’s the deep, intentional commitment they make to one another in their hearts. Whether by choice or circumstance, these couples aren’t seeking a government-issued license. Instead, they seek a sacred moment to stand before each other, speak their vows, and celebrate their union
- [Vow Renewals](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample-wedding-ceremonies/renewal-of-vows/) - Vow Renewals Whether it’s been one year or seventy, there’s something truly special about saying “I do” all over again. A vow renewal is a beautiful way to honor the journey you’ve shared, reflect on how far you’ve come, and celebrate the love that continues to grow between you. From intimate backyard gatherings to grand
- [Bilingual & Spanish Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample-wedding-ceremonies/bilingual-ceremonies/) - Bilingual & Spanish Ceremonies | Ceremonias de Boda Bilingües y en Español At Long Island Wedding Officiants, we’re proud to have a bilingual Spanish-speaking officiant on our team. For ceremonies that include other languages, we’re also happy to learn a few special lines to honor your culture and make the moment more meaningful. More often,
- [Same Sex Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample-wedding-ceremonies/same-sex-ceremonies/) - Same Sex Ceremonies Love Is Love. Always. To borrow from the powerful words of Justice Kennedy: “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family… It offers the hope of companionship and understanding and assurance that while both still live there will be someone
- [Theme & Pop Culture Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample-wedding-ceremonies/theme-weddings/) - Theme & Pop Culture Ceremonies Not every couple dreams of a traditional wedding—and that’s perfectly okay. Your ceremony should reflect who you are, what you love, and what makes your connection one-of-a-kind. This is your moment to shine, and we’re here to help bring your wildest, most wonderful ideas to life. Whether you want to
- [Civil and Secular Wedding Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample-wedding-ceremonies/civil-and-secular-ceremonies/) - Civil and Secular Wedding Ceremonies Also known as “Justice of the Peace” style ceremonies, these weddings are heartfelt, meaningful, and completely non-religious. They often include beautiful readings or poetry, personal vows or reflections, thoughts on love and commitment, and sometimes cultural or family traditions—just without any reference to God or formal religious language. Civil and
- [Religious, Interfaith and Multi-Cultural Wedding Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample-wedding-ceremonies/religious-interfaith-and-multi-cultural-wedding-ceremonies/) - Religious, Interfaith and Multi-Cultural Wedding Ceremonies Honoring your faith—or blending multiple traditions—should feel meaningful, joyful, and completely true to who you are. Whether you’re celebrating a single religious tradition or planning a vibrant interfaith or multicultural ceremony, we’ll help you create something that feels deeply personal, spiritually rich, and full of heart. From timeless rituals
- [Wedding Ceremony Script Samples](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample-wedding-ceremonies/) - Explore sample wedding ceremonies by Long Island Wedding Officiants. Get inspired or build your own using our Ceremony Builder or custom writing services.
- [French Wedding Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/french-wedding-readings/) - Wedding readings translated into French. French marriage readings.
- [Chinese Wedding Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/chinese-wedding-readings/) - Wedding readings translated into Chinese. Chinese marriage readings.
- [Wedding Readings & Poems](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/) - Explore our curated collection of wedding readings and poems—traditional, modern, spiritual, romantic, and offbeat options to personalize your ceremony.
- [Ceremony Elements that Include Children](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample-wedding-ceremonies/ceremonies-that-include-children/) - Ceremony Elements that Include Children Ceremonies including children are very popular because many couples are already parents or are bringing each of their two sides together as one new family. How to include children in your wedding ceremony has much to do with the children themselves. Young Flower Girls and Ring Bearers are the most
- [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/frequently-asked-questions/) - Long Island Wedding Ceremony Frequently asked Questions and Answers, Marriage Details from a wedding officiant's perspective
- [Wedding Ceremony Articles & Tips | Long Island Wedding Officiants](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-ceremony-articles/) - Explore articles on wedding ceremony planning, officiant advice, vow writing, and more. From trends to timeless tips, we've got everything you need to plan a beautiful, meaningful ceremony.
- [Italian Wedding Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/italian-wedding-readings/) - Wedding readings translated into Italian. Italian marriage readings.
- [German Wedding Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/german-wedding-readings/) - Wedding readings translated into German. German marriage readings.
- [Spanish Wedding Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/spanish-wedding-readings/) - Wedding readings translated into Spanish. Spanish marriage readings.
- [Baby Blessing Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/baby-blessing-readings/) - Baby Blessing Readings, Baptismal Prayers, Baby naming, poems, scripture and prose. Bible readings for baptisms and blessings.
- [Meal Blessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/meal-blessings/) - Love poems, poetry and readings for wedding ceremonies and elopements.
- [Readings from Biblical and Sacred Texts](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/sacred-texts/) - Marriage readings from sacred texts. Biblical readings. Spiritual readings and words of wisdom for your wedding ceremony.
- [Offbeat and Unique Wedding Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/offbeat-and-unique-readings/) - Offbeat and unique wedding readings and poems.
- [Spiritual Love Poems and Blessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/spiritual-love-poems-and-blessings/) - Spiritual readings and love poems with a spiritual essence for your wedding ceremony.
- [Love Poems](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/love-poems/) - Love poems, poetry and readings for wedding ceremonies and elopements.
- [Marriage Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/marriage-readings/) - Marriage readings, poems, poetry and prose for wedding ceremonies and elopements.
- [Memorial Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/memorial-readings/) - Memorial readings, poems, poetry and prose. Funeral readings and for honoring our beloved deceased who have passed.
- [Wedding Ceremony Venues & Catering Halls](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-ceremony-locations/venues-catering-halls/) - A list of recommended Long Island wedding ceremony venues and catering halls.
- [Where to Get Married on Long Island | Recommended Wedding Ceremony Locations](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-ceremony-locations/) - Explore our recommended Long Island wedding venues, parks, and chapels. Whether you're planning a big celebration or a simple ceremony, these are the best places to say "I do."
- [Yes, We Are Legally Authorized to Marry You in New York](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/new-york-state-marriage-license-information/legal-officiant-ny/) - Yes, we can legally marry you in New York State and beyond. All of our officiants are ordained through Church of Ancient Ways and fully registered — no online ordinations here.
- [Long Island Baby Blessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/long-island-baby-blessings/) - Celebrate your child with a personalized baby blessing on Long Island. We offer christenings, baptisms, Jewish namings, interfaith, and non-religious ceremonies—crafted with love and meaning.
- [Long Island Memorial Services & Celebrations of Life](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/long-island-memorial-services/) - Long Island Memorial Services & Celebrations of Life Honor and Celebrate the Life of Your Loved One Honoring a Life with Meaning, Comfort, and Love Saying goodbye to someone we love is never easy. But in the midst of grief, there is also an opportunity: to gather, remember, and celebrate the life they lived and
- [Russian Wedding Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/russian-wedding-readings/) - Wedding readings translated into Russian. Russian marriage readings.
- [Polish Wedding Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-readings/polish-wedding-readings/) - Wedding readings translated into Polish. Polish marriage readings.
- [Client Dashboard](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/membership-login/client-dashboard/) - Ceremony Builder Client Profile Page Partner #1 Name: Erica Breiner Partner #2 Name: John Quinn Your Email Address: ericabreiner23@gmail.com Event Date / Time: June 25, 2027 6:30 PM Ceremony Location / Venue Name: West sayville mansion Your Officiant: Rev. Aviva Sala Officiant's Email Address (hidden): avivasala@gmail.com Preamble Options: Okay to Take a Few Photos Moment
- [Password Reset](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/membership-login/password-reset/) - Ceremony Builder Access Password Reset Lost or forgot your password? No worries at all. Use the form below to reset it and instructions will be sent to you. Email Address Processing password reset request...
- [Privacy Policy](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/privacy-policy/) - Long Island Wedding Officiants, LLC / DBA: The Officiants at Church of Ancient Ways - Privacy Policy. Last updated: Jan 22, 2025 This Privacy Policy describes how The Officiants at Church of Ancient Ways (the "Site", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and discloses your personal information when you visit, use our services, or make
- [COVID 19 Information & Protocols](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/covid/) - Covid 19 information and protocols for The Officiants at church of Ancient Ways.
- [Single Day Wedding Officiant Permit New York](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/new-york-state-marriage-license-information/one-day-officiant-permit-new-york/) - A Single Day Wedding Officiant Permit in New York State, NYS Law A.6300A, allows a friend or family member to apply for a one time use marriage officiant permit.
- [Video](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/video/) - The Officiants at Church of Ancient Ways are a professional, award-winning team legally empowered to perform marriages on Long Island, NYC and beyond.

## Sample Ceremonies

- [Kate and James](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/kate-and-james/) - A traditional Roman Catholic-inspired ceremony. And while this ceremony is not officially recognized by the R.C. Church, it is perfect for Catholics choosing to marry outside of one.
- [Montana Sloane: Christian Inspired Baptism and Jewish B'rit Bat](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/montana-sloane-blessing-and-naming/) - Combining Catholic and Jewish traditions, this single officiant interfaith ceremony welcomes the child into both faiths with a baptism, candle lighting, anointing, blessing and baby naming ceremony.
- [Lorelai's Interfaith Blessing Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/lorelais-interfaith-blessing-ceremony/) - Opening Words Welcome everyone! Today we are here to bless Lorelai Rose. What you are about to witness here today is truly a celebration of love, and of life! As Lorelai is here today, she is new and perfect, with no need of fixing or cleansing. Lorelai entered this world on January xxth at 3:00am,
- [Yosleiny y Brian](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/yosleiny-y-brian/) - A more comprehensive Spanish ceremony that honors those who have passed, invites blessings from God, and joins the couple as one light with a unity candle element.
- [Matrimonio Rosmery & Junior](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/matrimonio-rosmery-junior/) - Another take on a religious Spanish ceremony which includes a reading and unity candle element.
- [Ana Maria y Josian](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/ana-maria-y-josian/) - Short and sweet, with a touch of religion and fully in Spanish.
- [Stephanie & Jonathan: English & Chinese Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/stephanie-jonathan-english-chinese-wedding/) - An English and Chinese non religious, bilingual, ceremony with full translation.
- [Charlotte & Chris: French & English Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/charlotte-chris-french-english-wedding/) - Charlotte & Chris were married at the Alger house in Manhattan in a French and English civil ceremony. Charlotte’s sister graciously translated the ceremony below, section by section and co-officiated with Pastor April.
- [Lyn and Richard](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/lyn-and-richard/) - A Catholic and Jewish ceremony featuring two officiants, a Minister and a Rabbi. Traditional elements include a Unity Candle, the Seven Blessings and Breaking of the Glass.
- [Samantha and Martin](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/samantha-and-martin/) - A single-officiant Jewish and Christian ceremony, including traditional prayers & blessings from both faiths, personal vows and a breaking of the glass.
- [Ashley & Aaron Interfaith Renewal](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/ashley-aaron-interfaith-renewal/) - A single-officiant Catholic and Jewish interfaith renewal ceremony that incorporates traditions from both, including the lighting of the bride's original baptismal candle, a secular reading from The Velveteen Rabbit, a personal section, seven blessings over wine, and a breaking of the glass. Our couple were musicians, so there are elements that speak to their musical connection as well.
- [Rachel & Mickey’s Renewal of Vows](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/rachel-mickeys-renewal-of-vows/) - A beautifully concise vow renewal ceremony from Dr. Jerry Schwehm of New Orleans LA, Founder and President of the American Association of Wedding Officiants.
- [Marie and Anthony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/marie-and-anthony/) - A second marriage, Roman Catholic couple, who married outside of the church. Different in style than 'Kate and James', this is another wonderful option for those who still want a religious ceremony.
- [Chun and Matthew](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/chun-and-matthew/) - Our most popular civil ceremony, it is short and sweet, yet meaningful. Warm opening words and welcome are followed by a reading, "From Union" by Robert Fulghum, that equates marriage to a journey not a destination. There are contemporary vows for the Ring Exchange and closing words that can be shortened, changed or given to a reader. This ceremony runs about 12 minutes.
- [Lisa and Asad](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/lisa-and-asad/) - A Christian and Islamic Interfaith Ceremony with quotes celebrating both faiths, a lovely secular reading about marriage, and a unity sand ceremony.
- [Lauren & Joseph's Vow Renewal](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/lauren-josephs-vow-renewal/) - A classic, non-religious, affirmation and renewal of vows one year after a private marriage ceremony.
- [Erin & Brendan's Commitment Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/erin-brendans-commitment-ceremony/) - A take on one of our classic civil ceremonies, only with the language changed to remove the legalese, turning it into a now-classic commitment ceremony.
- [Brian & John's Commitment Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/brian-johns-commitment-ceremony/) - Opening Words “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love that Brian and John share and the promise that it will be a strong and lasting love. A sacred union consists of entrusting our deepest selves into the loving care of another. It is an emotional and spiritual act. The realest most
- [Jennifer & Elaina](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/jennifer-elaina/) - A deeply moving same sex wedding ceremony for two women who fell in love as teenagers. Includes words by Tim Keller, a religious blessing, a personal section and personal vows.
- [Jim and Russell](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/jim-and-russell/) - Jim and Russel were legally married in a same sex ceremony on stage at Broadway’s Palace Theatre, with the cast of Priscilla Queen of the Desert in attendance. It was their first ever onstage wedding and a magical night for these avid theatre goers and newly weds.
- [Alicia and Verushka](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/alicia-and-verushka/) - A short and sweet civil ceremony on the beach for two beautiful women who pledged their lives together and became legally married.
- [Yianni and Steven](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/yianni-and-steven/) - A richly symbolic Greek Orthodox ceremony including a Service of Betrothal, Crowning, Candle Lighting and Drinking from a Common Cup. Written for a gay couple, this ceremony is easily adapted to any orientation.
- [Nicole & Jose: Spanish & English](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/nicole-jose-spanish-english/) - A simple, elegant and non-religious bilingual (English and Spanish) wedding ceremony, adapted by our own Minister Brenda Santana
- [Elizabeth & Jack's Nautical Themed Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/elizabeth-and-jack/) - A short yet meaningful nautical inspired wedding, including an hourglass sand ceremony, a nautical version of a traditional Irish blessings, modern vows and a 'beach and sea worthy' pronouncement.
- [Athena & Christopher on Halloween with Game of Thrones](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/athena-christopher/) - A Halloween ceremony written by our own Rev. Aviva Sala. You'll find musings about the time of year, lots of Game of Thrones referencesm and a little Star Wars thrown in too, in addition to a remembrance, handfasting, some really lovely vows. There's room for a personal section here too should you wish to add some bits of your own story.
- [Yitza & Anthony's Princess Bride Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/yitza-anthony-the-princess-bride-ceremony/) - "Mawage is wot bwings us together today!" This adventurous couple gave Pastor April free reign to craft a full-blown homage to The Princess Bride. What can I say? You just have to read it to believe it!
- [George and Gracie](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/george-gracie/) - Titled after Pastor April's beloved Basset Hounds... Beginning with a gentle "Unplugged Ceremony" announcement that has become popular, this non religious ceremony includes a moment of remembrance, a "we do" joint-declaration of intent, reading by Neil Gaiman, personal statements, and Traditional "I do" vows and ring exchange. This wedding ceremony comes in at close to 20 minutes.
- [Joseph Michael's Secular Baby Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/joseph-michaels-baby-blessing/) - A non-religious baby blessing complete with Parent and Godparent vows, naming and a special reading to inspire the spirit of youth and newness in us all.
- [Shannon & Dale Game of Thrones "Lite"](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/shannon-dale-game-of-thrones-lite/) - A beautiful civil ceremony with a touch of Tyrion! A nice approach for couples that want a touch of pop-culture while still being accessible to all.
- [Bulgarian Bread and Honey Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/bulgarian-bread-and-honey-ceremony/) - “From within every religion and culture, we have learned to incorporate elements from everyday life into our ceremonies as symbols of love and oneness. We light candles, we share wine, and in our case today, we are fed by those who love and have nurtured us; our mothers. It’s our ability to find joy and
- [Polish Bread, Salt & Wine Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/polish-bread-salt-wine-blessing/) - "This is a long cherished Polish tradition, which has been passed down through the centuries. It symbolizes the union of the bride and groom and their families. The bride and groom are being greeted by their parents with bread and salt as well as a glass of wine. The parents sprinkle the bread with salt
- [We gather in this place (Religious)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/we-gather-in-this-place-religious/) - "Heavenly Father, we gather in this place in a spirit of celebration and gratitude. Thank you for the blessing of bringing our Bride and Groom together in marriage today. We again ask you to bless their marriage, their beautiful family, and all of those who love and care for them. Help them to stay strong
- [Bless, Father, this food that we are about to receive with grateful hearts (Religious)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/bless-father-this-food-that-we-are-about-to-receive-with-grateful-hearts-religious/) - "Lord God, Creator of the universe, Father of us all, we have gathered here around this dinner table to celebrate the love and commitment that have united this couple in a wonderful bond of marriage. Bless, Father, this food that we are about to receive with grateful hearts as a sign of your continuous bounty
- [Thank you for the food we share this afternoon (Religious)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/thank-you-for-the-food-we-share-this-afternoon-religious/) - "Dear God: Thank you for the food we share this afternoon in celebration of this marriage. We thank you for the love, guidance and support of all the important people in their lives, their parents, family and friends We offer our gratitude for this joyful and abundant day. Please bless those that have worked hard
- [We come to the table (Religious)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/we-come-to-the-table-religious/) - "We come to the table not merely to refresh our bodies but to renew our hearts. We are thankful for food in a world where many walk in hunger, for friends in a world where many walk alone, and for faith in a world where many walk in fear. O Lord, Thou Sustainer of our
- [You have placed the earth and it's fruit under our care (Religous)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/you-have-placed-the-earth-and-its-fruit-under-our-care-religous/) - "Let us pray, Heavenly father, you have placed the earth and it's fruit under our care so that by our efforts we may insure that all will share in the benefits of your creation. We ask that you bless this food and all those that are present here today, the families and friends and also
- [As we sit at Your table (Religious)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/as-we-sit-at-your-table-religious/) - "Lord God, as we sit at Your table, the table that You have filled with the earths bounty for our celebration, bless us all and the food that we are about to share with the Bride and Groom in their first meal together as Husband and Wife. As food nourishes the Body, so does love
- [This Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/this-marriage/) - Poem by Mawlawi Rumi “May these vows and this marriage be blessed. May it be sweet milk, this marriage, like wine and halvah. May this marriage offer fruit and shade like the date palm. May this marriage be full of laughter, every day a day in paradise. May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
- [May your marriage be as sweet as the fruit of the vine](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/may-your-marriage-be-as-sweet-as-the-fruit-of-the-vine/) - "May your marriage be as sweet as the fruit of the vine. May you work together to build a relationship of substance and quality. May the honesty of your communication build a foundation of understanding, connection and trust. May you respect each other’s individual personality and philosophy, give each other room to grow and fulfill
- [We Have The Gift](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/we-have-the-gift/) - "We have the gift of living in this beautiful world that sustains and nourishes us. As the food and drink we partake of tonight enthralls our senses, so does this beautiful love that Bride and Groom share lift our spirits. It gives us faith in the ongoing goodness of the future ahead, knowing that their
- [A Secular Grace](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/a-secular-grace/) - "For what we are about to receive let us be truly thankful …to those who planted the crops …to those who cultivated the fields …to those who gathered the harvest. For what we are about to receive let us be truly thankful to those who prepared it and those who served it. In this festivity
- [The Wedding Prayer](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/the-wedding-prayer/) - by Robert Lewis Stevenson "Lord, behold our family here assembled. We thank you for this place in which we dwell, for the love that unites us, for the peace accorded us this day, for the hope with which we expect the morrow, for the health, the work, the food, and the bright skies that make
- [MaryEllen and William](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/maryellen-and-william/) - A Catholic ceremony written for a couple just past their 50s. We do get requests from folks who say, "I never thought I'd be married at this age". Which often inspires a different tone than the when love comes at a younger age. This wedding ceremony celebrates new beginnings and includes traditional vows, The Lord's Prayer, and a blessings.
- [Monica & Gary's Beach Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/monica-garys-beach-wedding/) - With sand and water symbolism throughout and readings from St. Francis and Anne Morrow, this is a lovely ceremony with room for personal vows and a unity sand element.
- [Jenn and Jess](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/jenn-and-jess/) - An elegant, minimalistic civil ceremony with a spot light on personal vows and room to grow should you wish to add some of your own touches.
- [Linda and Greg](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/linda-and-greg/) - This is the bare bones needed to make you legally married. Some call it the "Spaceballs" ceremony! If you are interested in a Signature Service or quick elopement, reach out to us. These are the five sentences it takes to legally marry you.
- [Barbara and Robert](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/barbara-and-robert/) - This was written for an at-home wedding, contemporary in most aspects, but with "The Art of Marriage" by Wilfred Arlan Peterson as the reading which reaches to the heart center of love, marriage and relationships. It's a lovely ceremony that sings the praises of keeping our favorite memories in the place where we live.
- [Nicole and Tom](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/nicole-and-tom/) - This ceremony begins with a few details as to why their location and date were special, followed by a welcoming their guests and personal vows. This shows another example of contemporary style vows during the Ring Exchange. And before we let them kiss, the groom places the bride's engagement ring back on her finger with the mention that the stone once belonged to his grandmother.
- [Diane and Charles](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/diane-and-charles/) - Beginning with a Moment of Remembrance and filled with quotes from George Elliot, Mark Twain and The Dali Lama, this ceremony is an example of the kind of writing we do at the meeting. The personal section here can be replaced with a reading or with a friend writing and delivering this section, or with personal vows; whatever you like. If you think you want to switch levels of service and have us write your story... here's what we can do. We adore a good story! Let's set a meeting!
- [Maguy and Rizkallah](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/maguy-and-rizkallah/) - This is a secular, yet spiritual ceremony. The opening words have language celebrating the sacred connection love provides a couple, their family and even the world at large. It includes a personal section that can be replaced with a reading, or mirrored, written over by you or skipped. The vows are contemporary and this ceremony is about 10 minutes in length, with room to grow with readings and a Unity Ceremony if desired.
- [Marisleidis and Richard](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/marisleidis-and-richard/) - Lovers of language, this couple wanted to hear the classic,"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...". The traditional Declaration of Intent stating they were 'here to make a lifetime commitment' was important too. After welcoming the guests, a reading, "The Key to Love", is followed by an interactive pledge of support where the guest get to cheer the couple on with a rousing "We Do!". Rings are exchanged with more contemporary vows with a short closing pronouncement before the Kiss! This ceremony is about 14 minutes in length.
- [Kimberly and Ross](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/kimberly-and-ross/) - An earthy couple who saw speaking to each other as the heart of their ceremony. Their chosen reading, a quote from the writings of Bob Marley, is on the longer side, so it replaces the opening words and the welcome, then it's onto the their personal vows and a ring exchange with contemporary vows. The pronouncement words are lines from the Apache Wedding Blessing. This ceremony also runs about 12 minutes if your personal vows are of average length.
- [Food and Drink for The Soul of A Family](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/food-and-drink-for-the-soul-of-a-family/) - This unity ceremony element is an nice option for including children where the entire family shares some bread and a drink together.
- [Thumbprint Tree Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/thumbprint-tree-ceremony/) - This ceremony works in baby blessings too! Just bring some paper towels because all of your fingers are gonna get dirty making fingerprints with this one! Everyone can get in on the action with this family unity ceremony.
- [Clay Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/clay-ceremony/) - Originally written for a baby blessing, it can be adapted for a wedding and offers a sweet way to include siblings and create a keepsake. Notice the tone. Kids should be spoken with in words they can connect with.
- [Love Locks with Tree of Life](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/love-locks-with-tree-of-life/) - Our own Rev. Aviva Sala crafted this simple script to honor the roots formed as a new family comes together in marriage. The locks, representing the love of each family member, are linked to, and set upon, a tree of life sculpture.
- [Family Vows](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/family-vows/) - An opportunity for parents and children alike to make their vows and promises as they come together as a new and beautiful family.
- [Adrianna's Necklace](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/adriannas-necklace/) - All this little angel wanted was a family. Our couple celebrates the coming together of their new family with a gift for the bride's daughter from the groom, who loves her as his own.
- [Family Sand Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/family-sand-ceremony/) - The family sand ceremony makes it fun for kids to participate and gives them a visual to see that, as the grains of sand are all together in a single vessel, so are families joined in marriage.
- [Family Unity Candle](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/family-unity-candle/) - Ceremonies including children, show them they are a part of the marriage. This ceremony tells the whole family that each of their unique lights is important and should be shined, and yet is also part of the one light they all share.
- [New Sibling Vows](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/new-sibling-vows/) - A heart melting moment where two young children, one from the groom and one from the bride, come together and take vows that 'officially' make them brothers.
- [Unity Puzzle](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/unity-puzzle/) - Coming together as a new family is very much like a puzzle! When you come together with love in the all the right places, it just fits!
- [Victoria & Daniel's Vow Renewal](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/victoria-and-daniel-vow-renewal/) - One of our classic marriage ceremonies personalized and adapted for a vow renewal. Feel free to mix and match from different samples to create the ceremony that fits as perfectly as the dress!
- [Maureen & Michael's Renewal of Vows](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/maureen-michael-renewal-of-vows/) - Elegant and traditionally Christian with a reading from Paul to the Corinthians and a special rose ceremony to honor the couple's mothers.
- [Chloe Kristine's Blessing Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/chloe-kristines-blessing-ceremony/) - A short and sweet, yet traditional Catholic-inspired ceremony with a water blessing.
- [Blessing Ceremony of Marcus James](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/blessing-ceremony-of-marcus-james/) - An interfaith celebration with an interfaith addrewss, Jewish blessing, a naming and a water ceremony.
- [Seong-Jin’s Blessing Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/seong-jins-blessing-ceremony/) - International adoption has become more and more common. For those who do not belong to a traditional church or for those who want a celebration that reflects their child’s journey and their gratitude to be parents, perhaps this ceremony will be of interest.
- [Brooke Moon’s Birth Celebration](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/brooke-moons-birth-celebration/) - Brooke’s Welcoming took place in Forrest Park, Brooklyn, which is the home of a fully restored turn of the century carousel. Includes Ancestral and Elemental blessing elements and closes with a rose petal shower.
- [Madelyn’s Baby Blessing Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/madelyns-baby-blessing-ceremony/) - A religious baby blessing including a reading from Kahlil Gibran and a traditional Irish Baby Blessing prayer to close.
- [The Blessing & Baptism Of Raelynn Shea](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/the-blessing-baptism-of-raelynn-shea/) - A traditional Catholic-inspired baptismal ceremony with a modern take on the Parent and Godparent vows.
- [Marie and Leslie](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/marie-and-leslie/) - A beautiful ceremony for two women who met in 1974. The couple shares personal reflections to mark the significance of the moment. Features a unique vow exchange, honoring the rings they've worn for thirty years.
- [Katelyn and Colleen](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/katelyn-colleen/) - A personalized same sex wedding ceremony for two women who were friends in high school before they ever became lovers. Words by Bob Marley deepen the sentiment this couple feels for each other.
- [Marie and Barbara](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/marie-and-barbara/) - After three decades of loving, caring and committed relationship, Barbara and Marie were legally married in a same sex ceremony at the Westbury Manor!
- [Kellie & David’s Baseball Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/kellie-davids-baseball-ceremony/) - As Yogi Berra once said, "“Yogi Berra once said; “Love is the most important thing in the world. But baseball is pretty good too.” A baseball loving couple knocked it out of the park with this one!
- [Rebecca & Brad's Pirate Nuptuals](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/rebecca-brads-pirate-nuptuals/) - Short and sweet! For those Pirates at heart looking to steal kisses from each other and sail off into the sunset.
- [Andie & John - The Sky Dive Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/andie-john-the-sky-dive-wedding/) - They say that a picture paints a thousand words. "Wow! is all we can say. Here's a ceremony for anyone thinking of literally 'jumping' into marriage.
- [The Santa Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/the-santa-ceremony/) - Christina and Ray wanted to be married by Santa just before Christmas 2011. At 6 foot 3 inches tall and 300 pounds, one of our alumni officiants, Thomas Dikeman, fit the bill to a tee!
- [Lori & Bob's Handfasting Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/lori-bob-handfasting-ceremony/) - This elegant ceremony concludes with a handfasting and honors the Lord and Lady of the manor with pomp and class; drawing down the God and Goddess and celebrating the joys and challenges to come.
- [Lilli & Kevin’s Victorian Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/lilli-kevins-victorian-wedding/) - Married at the Merchant’s House Museum in a ceremony with an 1880’s flair to it… Yet as timeless as love itself.
- [Element for a Lighthouse Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/lighthouse-ceremony/) - Opening words for a Lighthouse destination wedding, which could be used as part of a larger ceremony.
- [Janine & Bob's Vineyard Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/janine-bob-vineyard-wedding/) - A vineyard destination wedding. Short and sweet and ripe with symbolism, a reading from Thomas Merton, and vows sealed with the sharing of wine from a chalice.
- [Element for a Central Park Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/element-for-a-central-park-ceremony/) - New York City’s Central Park is a popular place for elopements. This is a nice opening for weddings in this iconic park.
- [Rachel and Adam](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/rachel-and-adam/) - A Jewish wedding ceremony performed by a Rabbi honoring the traditional elements and including a uniquely symbolic ring exchange.
- [Double Happiness Unity Candle](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/double-happiness-unity-candle/) - A Chinese unity ceremony element that can be incorporated into a larger ceremony.
- [South African Presentation of the Gifts](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/south-african-presentation-of-the-gifts/) - An African inspired ceremony element. Bride and Groom are presented with gifts of wheat, wine, water, and honey, to prepare them and ask for blessings in the years ahead.
- [Fatma and Eugene](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/fatma-and-eugene/) - Christian and Muslim; a beach wedding, including an address to the Groom’s son and traditionally inspired vows that honor both religious belief systems.
- [Erica and Greg](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/sample_ceremonies/erica-and-greg/) - A blend of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Spirituality, including readings from the Bhagavad Gita & Lost Sutras of Jesus.

## Readings

- [Taylor Swift Lover Inspired Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/taylor-swift-lover-inspired-reading/) - Some loves arrive like a soft pink sunrise, washing everything in new color. Yours felt like that—gentle, bright, and full of possibility, as if the world slipped into its own golden hour. You have found a home in each other’s hearts, where laughter lifts the room, late-night talks stretch like summer, and even small moments—holding
- [The Day of Your Wedding](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-day-of-your-wedding/) - Author Unknown Together you share the joy of a deep commitment and the sacred trust. You have given each other the most precious gift of love. Treasure it, nurture it, and encourage it with all the honesty you used in creating it. You are sharing something rare and beautiful. Always speak the truth, and listen
- [From “The Chaos of Stars”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-chaos-of-stars/) - By Kiersten White I didn’t fall in love with you. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way. I do believe in fate and destiny, but I also believe we are only fated to do the things that we’d choose anyway. And I’d choose
- [Love is Simple](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/love-is-simple/) - By Whitney Hanson They say that love is complicated, but it’s not complicated. People are complicated, love is simple. It is making two cups of coffee in the morning instead of one. It is “text me when you get home,” “call me when you need to,” listening without saying a word. It is “this song
- [Love is Like a River](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/love-is-like-a-river/) - By Whitney Hanson They say that sometimes love starts with a spark. And that might be true, but if I were to wish you a love, I wouldn’t wish fire for you. You see, fire is powerful. It burns bright and then it’s gone. It’s beautiful and warm, but it doesn’t last long. So instead
- [A Blessing by Reverend J. Lynn James](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-blessing-by-reverend-j-lynn-james/) - May the love that you share give you strength May the life that you share bring you joy May the dreams that you share bring you hope May the faith that you share bring you peace. And wherever you are in your journey through life, May your hearts always find their way home. Amen.
- [Wisdom From a Loving Father](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/wisdom-from-a-loving-father/) - There will be more ups than downs - more smiles than tears. Learn the word “compromise”. It doesn’t mean you’re wrong, just means you’re willing to listen. Bad days will happen. Good days will come. Just keep moving. No matter what you’ve heard, it’s okay to go to bed mad. Just don’t wake up mad.
- [Inspired by the Words of Bob Marley](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-writings-of-bob-marley/) - Note: This popular reading is widely attributed to Bob Marley, though there’s no confirmed source linking it to him directly. Its true origins are unknown, but the words continue to resonate with couples around the world. “Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You
- [Rumi: In Your Light](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/rumi-in-your-light/) - In your light I learn how to love. In your beauty, how to make poems. You dance inside my chest where no-one sees you, But sometimes I do, and that sight becomes this art.
- [Regarding Love - From “The Prophet”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/regarding-love-from-the-prophet/) - by Kahlil Gibran “Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself. But if you love and must needs have desires, let these be your desires: To melt and be like a running brook that sings its melody to the night. To know the pain of too much tenderness. To be wounded by your own
- [Regarding Children - From “The Prophet”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/regarding-children-from-the-prophet/) - By Kahlil Gibran “And a woman who held a babe against her bosom said, ‘Speak to us of Children.’ And he said: ‘Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, And though they are with you, yet they
- [From “Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-anam-cara-a-book-of-celtic-wisdom/) - by John O’Donohue “When love awakens in your life, in the night of your heart, it is like the dawn breaking within you. Where before there was anonymity, now there is intimacy; where before there was fear, now there is courage; where before in your life there was awkwardness, now there is a rhythm of
- [Excerpt from “Captain Corelli's Mandolin” by Louis de Bernières](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-corellis-mandolin/) - by Louise De Bernieres Love is a temporary madness; it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is
- [Marriage is Like Owning a Dog](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/marriage-is-like-owning-a-dog/) - by Joe Iadanza It's been said that falling in love is like owning a dog... But marriage? Marriage is like living with that dog forever. It’s not all belly rubs and tail wags. You don’t just fall in love with it—you adopt it for life. You’ve got to feed it, train it, clean up after
- [Marriage is Like Football](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/marriage-is-like-football/) - Marriage is a lot like football. It starts with a kickoff—full of excitement, hope, and maybe a few butterflies. You huddle often to make sure you're on the same page, you call audibles when life throws you the unexpected, and you trust that your teammate has your back, even when you're blitzed from all sides.
- [True Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/true-love/) - by Helen Steiner Rice “True love is a sacred flame That burns eternally, And none can dim its special glow Or change its destiny. True love speaks in tender tones And hears with gentle ear, True love gives with open heart And true love conquers fear. True love makes no harsh demands It neither rules
- [Declaration of Principles from Babylon 5](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/declaration-of-principles-from-babylon-5/) - The Universe speaks in many languages, but only one voice. The language is not English, Korean, or Greek. It speaks in the language of hope. It speaks in the language of trust. It speaks in the language of strength, and the language of compassion. It is the language of the heart and the language of
- [What is a Family?](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/what-is-a-family/) - By Marin McKay A family is… The sweetest feelings The warmest hugs Trust and togetherness Unconditional love The stories of our lives written on the same page The nicest memories anyone has ever made Treasured photos Thankful tears Hearts overflowing with all the years Being there for one another Supporting and caring Understanding Helping Sharing
- [Be In Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/be-in-love/) - by Donna Ashworth Be in love with your life Every minute Its your trail. Blaze it and blaze it brightly. Be in love with yourself. Think of how you'd like to be loved And make it happen. Show the way. Be in love with your partner. Really love them. As if there were no tomorrow,
- [From ‘Still Life with Woodpecker’](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-still-life-with-woodpecker/) - by Tom Robbins Love is the ultimate outlaw. It just won't adhere to any rules. The most any of us can do is to sign on as its accomplice. Instead of vowing to honour and obey, maybe we should swear to aid and abet. That would mean that security is out of the question. The
- [From An Awesome Book of Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-an-awesome-book-of-love/) - By Dallas Clayton If he was a dinosaur and you were a jet There’s a chance, a good chance, That you’d both never have met. If she was a river and you were the sky If he was down low and you were up high Or if she was an apple and you were a
- [The Future](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-future/) - by Emma Salomon In my future I see you and me, And a house and garden filled with trees. I see dinner parties surrounded by friends, And a vegetable patch we love to tend. I see cosy nights in front of the fire, And a four-poster bed for when we tire. I see our kitchen
- [A Playful Poem to Death](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-playful-poem-to-death-gina-puorro/) - by Gina Puorro www.ginapuorro.com Death asked me to join him for dinner so I slipped into my favorite black dress that I had been saving for a special occasion and let him walk me to our candlelit tryst. He ordered a ribeye, extra rare I ordered two desserts and red wine and then I sipped
- [I Belong In Your Arms - by Deborah Brideau](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/i-belong-in-your-arms-by-deborah-brideau/) - Finally I have found a place Into which I fit perfectly, safely and securely With no doubts, no fears, no sadness, no tears. This place is filled with happiness and laughter, Yet it is spacious enough to allow me the freedom to move around, To live my life and be myself. This wonderful place, which
- [The Giraffe and the Monkey](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-giraffe-and-the-monkey/) - by Daniel Thompson Wherever we go Whatever we do Whenever there’s me I hope that there’s you. Now Money is Funny, it can make people odd. You forget to be happy, and you live for your job And fashion, is a passion, beset with a flaw You can dress to excess, but you’ll always need
- [Song of the Open Road by Walt Whitman](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/song-of-the-open-road-by-walt-whitman/) - By Walt Whitman (excerpt) Listen, I will be honest with you… I do not offer the old smooth prizes But offer rough new prizes These are the days that must happen to you: You shall not heap up what is called riches, You shall scatter with lavish hand all that you earn or achieve. However
- [Plant, So that your own heart will grow](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/plant-so-that-your-own-heart-will-grow/) - From Hafiz Plant, So that your own heart will grow. Love, so God will think, ‘Ahhhhhh, I got kin in that body! I should start inviting those souls over for coffee and rolls.’ Sing, because this is a food our starving world needs. Laugh, because that is the purest sound.
- [Colossians 3:12-17 (In Spanish)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/colossians-312-17-spanish/) - Por cuanto Dios los escogió y son santos y amados, practiquen con sinceridad la compasión y la bondad. Sean humildes, amables y buenos. Sopórtense unos a otros y perdonen a quienes se quejen de ustedes. Si el Señor los perdonó, ustedes están obligados a perdonar. Y sobre todo, vístanse de amor, que es lo que
- [Married Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/married-love/) - by Kuan Tao-Sheng You and I Have so much love That it Burns like a fire, In which we bake a lump of clay Molded into a figure of you And a figure of me. Then we take both of them, And break them into pieces, And mix the pieces with water, And mold again
- [Colossians 3:12-17](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/colossians-312-19/) - "Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond
- [What I learned about love, I learned from my dog….](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/what-i-learned-about-love-i-learned-from-my-dog/) - What I learned about love, I learned from my dog…. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride together. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When loved ones come home always run to greet them. When you want treats, practice obedience. Let
- [From: An Open Life: Joseph Campbell in Conversation with Michael Toms](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-an-open-life-joseph-campbell-in-conversation-with-michael-toms/) - "A love affair has to do with immediate personal satisfaction. But marriage is an ordeal; it means yielding, time and again. That’s why it’s a sacrament: you give up your personal simplicity to participate in a relationship. And when you’re giving, you’re not giving to the other person: you’re giving to the relationship. And if
- [Buddhist Prayer: “A Blessing for The Journey”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/buddhist-prayer-a-blessing-for-the-journey/) - by Sensei Wendy Egyoku Nakao “Let us vow to bear witness to the wholeness of life, realizing the completeness of each and every thing. Embracing our differences, I shall know myself as you, and you as myself. May we serve each other for all our days, here, there, and everywhere. Let us vow to open
- [This is Always](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/this-is-always/) - Music and Lyrics by Charlie Parker This isn't sometimes, this is always This isn't maybe, this is always This is love The real beginning of forever This isn't just mid summer madness A passing glow, a moment's gladness Yes it's love I knew it on the night we met You tied a string around my
- [When you begin to touch your heart](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/when-you-begin-to-touch-your-heart/) - Pema Chödrön: “When you begin to touch your heart or let your heart be touched, you begin to discover that it’s bottomless, that it doesn’t have any resolution, that this heart is huge, vast, and limitless. You begin to discover how much warmth and gentleness is there, as well as how much space.”
- [When You Love Someone](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/when-you-love-someone/) - Thich Nhat Hanh offers this wisdom: When you love someone, you have to have trust and confidence. Love without trust is not yet love. Of course, first you have to have trust, respect, and confidence in yourself. Trust that you have a good and compassionate nature. You are part of the universe; you are made
- [A Motorcycle Riders Wedding Wish](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-motorcycle-riders-wedding-wish/) - Poem by John Meissner May the roads you travel be trouble free, clear of pitfalls, obstacles, and debris. May love fuel your engines, and your tank never run dry, so remember to show it often; or at least always try. May kindness and compassion be the lubricant for any friction that comes along, let forgiveness
- [Let Us Fall in Love Again](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/let-us-fall-in-love-again/) - by Rumi Let us fall in love again, and scatter gold dust all over the world. Let us become a new spring And feel the breeze drift in the heavens’ scent Let us dress the earth in green, And like the sap of a young tree let the grace from within sustain us. Let us
- [Marriage is Like Golf](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/marriage-is-like-golf/) - When times get hard, just remember that marriage is like golf. It’s expensive. It can be thrilling and glorious... It can be difficult and frustrating, all in the same afternoon. But if you practice, don’t get upset over the little things, avoid the hazards, and be responsible with your balls... It will be the best
- [Blessing of the Hands](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/blessing-of-the-hands/) - By Rev. Daniel L. Harris “These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your
- [Thoughts In a Garden](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/thoughts-in-a-garden/) - By R. Gerhardt This is a special place, a place where people have brought beautiful living plants, here to establish them, to nurture and care for them, that they may forever surround us with the beauty we now see. And into this place where we stand, you have brought something beautiful — the relationship that
- [Maybe](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/maybe/) - Author Unknown Maybe we are supposed to meet the wrong people before we meet the right one so when they finally arrive we are truly grateful for the gift we have been given. Maybe it's true that we don’t know what we have lost until we lose it but it is also true that
- [Stardust](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/stardust/) - by Lang Leav If you came to me with a face I have not seen, with a voice I have never heard, I would still know you. Even if centuries separated us, I would still feel you. Somewhere between the sand and the stardust, through every collapse and creation, there is a pulse that echoes
- [Ephesians 4:1-3](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ephesians-41-3/) - I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace.”
- [From "The Alchemist"](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-alchemist/) - By Paulo Coelho When he looked into her eyes, he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke — the language that everyone on Earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love. Something older than humanity, more ancient than the desert. What the boy felt at that
- [Possibilities](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/possibilities/) - by Darshana Suresh I want you to remember how old this world is. I want you to think of all the times you could have been born. In the caves. Moss and dirt and spears. Amidst the gods and the demigods. The time of planets rotating around the earth. During the building of the pyramids.
- [1 Corinthians 7:14](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/1-corinthians-714/) - For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
- [Mark 10:13-16](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/mark-1013-16/) - And they brought children to Him, so that He should touch them. And His disciples rebuked those bringing them. But when Jesus saw, He was much displeased and said to them, Allow the little children to come to Me and do not hinder them. For of such is the kingdom of God. Truly I say
- [Matthew 19:13-15](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/matthew-1913-15/) - Then little children were brought to Him, that He should put His hands on them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. And He laid His hands on them, and departed
- [Genesis 48:8-16](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/genesis-488-16/) - And Israel beheld Joseph’s sons, and said, Who are these? And Joseph said to his father, They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place. And he said, Please bring them to me, and I will bless them. And the eyes of Israel were dim for age; he could not see. And
- [2 Timothy 1:3-6](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/2-timothy-13-6/) - I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, taking recollection of the unfeigned faith that is in you, which first dwelt
- [1 Timothy 5:21-22](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/1-timothy-521-22/) - I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that you guard these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. Do not lay hands quickly on anyone, neither be partaker of the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
- [1 Timothy 4:14-16](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/1-timothy-414-16/) - Do not neglect the gift in you, which was given you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the body of elders. Meditate on these things; be in these things in order that your improvement may appear to all. Hold on to yourself and to the doctrine; continue in them, for doing
- [Acts 6:3-6](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/acts-63-6/) - Therefore, brothers, look out among you seven men being witnessed to, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this duty. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the Word. And the saying pleased all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of
- [Numbers 8:11](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/numbers-811/) - And you shall bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation. And you shall gather the whole assembly of the sons of Israel together. And you shall bring the Levites before Jehovah. And the sons of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites. And Aaron shall offer the Levites before Jehovah for an
- [Finnian Asher’s Grandmother’s Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/finnian-ashers-grandmothers-reading/) - Untitled, Author Unknown “What shall we call you, one who comes across a vast distance bearing secrets of the future, your father’s hidden wishing, and the remembrance of beauty that hung diffusely in the air all those long years without you? We call you the awaited one, the dreamt of one, the sung one, for
- [From the Tao Te Ching](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-tao-te-ching/) - Giving birth and nourishing, having without possessing, acting with no expectations, leading and not trying to control: this is the supreme virtue.
- [An Adoption Poem](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/an-adoption-poem/) - Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone but very remarkably, all my own. And never forget, for a single minute, that you weren’t born under my heart, but in it.
- [Irish Baby Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/irish-baby-blessing/) - May all the blessings of our Lord touch your life today. May He send His little angels to protect you on your way. Such a miraculous gift, sent from above. Someone so precious to cherish and love. May sunshine and moonbeams dance over your head. As you quietly slumber in your bed. May good luck
- [Jewish Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/jewish-blessing/) - In every birth, blessed is the wonder. In every creation, blessed is the new beginning. In every child, blessed is life. In every hope, blessed is the potential. In every transition, blessed is the beginning. In every existence, blessed are the possibilities. In every love, blessed are the tears. In every life, blessed is the
- [The Greatest Song of All](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-greatest-song-of-all/) - by Spike Milligan There is a song in man There is a song in woman And that is the child’s song. When that song comes There will be no words. Do not ask where they are. Just listen to the song. Listen to it- Learn it- It is the greatest song of all
- [Omaha Native American Children’s Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/omaha-native-american-childrens-blessing/) - Sun, Moon, Stars, all you that move in the heavens, hear us! Into your midst has come a new life. Make his path smooth, that he may reach the brow of the first hill! Winds, Clouds, Rain, Mist, all you that move in the air, hear us! Into your midst has come a new life.
- [Know you what it is to be a child?](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/know-you-what-it-is-to-be-a-child/) - Excerpts from Francis Thompson and William Blake Know you what it is to be a child? … It is to have a spirit yet streaming from the waters of baptism; it is to believe in love, to believe in loveliness, to believe in belief; it is to be so little that the elves can reach
- [Every Person Born into This World](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/every-person-born-into-this-world/) - From a passage by Martin Buber (adaptation) Every person born into this world represents something new, something that never existed before, something original and unique. It is the duty of every person in Israel to know and consider that he is unique in the world in his particular character, and that there has never been
- [This Bridge](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/this-bridge/) - by Shel Silverstein “This bridge will only take you halfway there To those mysterious lands you long to see: Through gypsy camps and swirling Arab fairs And moonlit woods where unicorns run free. So come and stay awhile with me and share The twisting trails and wondrous worlds I’ve known. But this bridge will only
- [Adapted From Quotes by Thich Nhat Hanh](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/adapted-from-quotes-by-thich-nhat-hanh/) - Our Beautiful Child, we are grateful that you have chosen us to be your parents. To be beautiful means to be yourself. May you accept yourself and see the beauty inherent within you. May you lead a life of reverence and walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet. May your joy
- [Ithaka](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ithaka/) - (translation/adaptation by Sarah Ban Breathnach) “Pray that your journey be long, full of many summer mornings when with much pleasure and much joy you anchor in harbors never seen before; Browse through Phoenician markets, to purchase exquisite treasures- mother-of-pearl and coral, ebony and amber and sensual perfumes of all kinds- as much as you desire.
- [I Am Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/i-am-love/) - Author Unknown “Some say I can fly on the wind, yet I haven’t any wings. Some have found me floating on the open sea, yet I cannot swim. Some have felt my warmth on cold nights, yet I have no flame. And though you cannot see me, I lay between two lovers at the hearth
- [Apache Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/apache-blessing/) - “May the sun bring you new energy by day, May the moon softly restore you by night, May the rain wash away your worries And the breeze blow new strength into your being, And all of the days of your life may you walk Gently through the world and know its beauty.”
- [From 'Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting'](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-everyday-blessings-the-inner-work-of-mindful-parenting/) - by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn “When we become parents, whether intentionally or by happenstance, our whole life is immediately different, although it may take some time to realize just how much. Being a parent compounds stress by orders of magnitude. It makes us vulnerable in ways we weren’t before. It calls us to be responsible
- [“If” – by Rudyard Kipling](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/if-by-rudyard-kipling/) - (‘Brother Square-Toes’—Rewards and Fairies) If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about, don’t deal
- [Baby’s Way](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/babys-way/) - by Rabindranath Tagore (Hindu Poet) If Baby only wanted to, he could fly up to heaven this moment. It is not for nothing that he does not leave us. He loves to rest his head on mother’s bosom, and cannot ever bare to lose sight of her. Baby knows all manner of wise words, though
- [Life Must Go On](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/life-must-go-on/) - Navaho Prayer Grieve for me, for I would grieve for you. Then brush away the sorrow and the tears Life is not over, but begins anew, with courage you must greet the coming years. To live forever in the past is wrong; can only cause you misery and pain. Dwell not on memories overlong, with
- [On Joy and Sorrow](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/on-joy-and-sorrow/) - by Kahlil Gibran Your joy is your sorrow unmasked. And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears. And how else can it be? The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain. Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup
- [Beannacht (“Blessing”)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/beannacht-blessing/) - From Echoes of Memory by John O’Donohue On the day when the weight deadens on your shoulders and you stumble, may the clay dance to balance you. And when your eyes freeze behind the grey window and the ghost of loss gets in to you, may a flock of colours, indigo, red, green, and azure
- [Mourner’s Kaddish](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/mourners-kaddish/) - May His great Name grow exalted and sanctified in the world that He created as He willed. May He give reign to His kingship in your lifetimes and in your days, and in the lifetimes of the entire Family of Israel, swiftly and soon. Now say: Amen. May His great Name be blessed forever and
- [Do Not Go Gently Into That Good Night](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/do-not-go-gently-into-that-good-night/) - by Dylan Thomas Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. Though wise men at their end know dark is right, Because their words had forked no lightning they Do not go gentle into that good night.
- [We are such stuff as dreams are made on](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/we-are-such-stuff-as-dreams-are-made-on/) - William Shakespeare, The Tempest, III, iv Our revels are now ended. These our actors, As I foretold you, were all spirits and Are melted into air, into thin air; And like the baseless fabric of this vision, The cloud-capp’d towers, the gorgeous palaces, The solemn temples, the great globe itself, Yea all which it inherit,
- [Dirge Without Music](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/dirge-without-music/) - By Edna St. Vincent Millay I am not resigned to the shutting away of loving hearts in the hard ground. So it is, and so it will be, for so it has been, time out of mind: Into the darkness they go, the wise and the lovely. Crowned With lilies and with laurel they go
- [Psalm 23](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/psalm-23/) - Almost 3000 years ago, The Psalmist wrote a few lines of poetry that have endured through the ages. It is perhaps the best loved and most often repeated poem in the Western World. It is used most often at a time like this for our comfort and stability. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall
- [Ecclesiastes](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ecclesiastes/) - For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; A time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time
- [The Traveler](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-traveler/) - James Dillet Freeman She has put on invisibility. Dear Lord, I cannot see – – But this I know, although the road ascends And passes from my sight, That there will be no night; That You will take her gently by the hand And lead her on Along the road of life that never ends,
- [From Rabindranath Tagore](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-rabindranath-tagore/) - “Peace my heart… Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet. Let it not be a death but completeness. Let love melt into memory and pain into songs. Let the flight through the sky end in the folding of the wings over the nest. Let the last touch of your hands be
- [From “Life Prayers”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-life-prayers/) - by Elias Amidon “Friend, you lie quiet, watching the dawn light color your heart, dreaming of healing for your hurt body laying there unanswerable to your will. You breathe deep and your breath has two sides: inside and outside. You are on both, being breathed. The future approaches. You will heal or you will go
- [To Live in Hearts We Leave Behind Is Not To Die](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/to-live-in-hearts-we-leave-behind-is-not-to-die/) - Author Unkown Remember me on quiet days, While rain drops whisper on your pane. But in your memories have no grief. Let just the joy we knew remain. Remember me when evening stars Smile down on you with quiet eyes. Remember me if once you awake To catch a glimpse of red sunrise. Remember me
- [From Silver Birch](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-silver-birch/) - “Death is not a tragedy for those who die; it is only to those who are left behind. Should you be sad because your loved one is freed of pain, has escaped from darkness into light? Should you be sad because your loved one now unfolds the talents with which she has been endowed. Should
- [The Dragonfly](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-dragonfly/) - From: “Waterbugs and Dragonflies” by Doris Stickney Once, in a little pond, in the muddy water under the lily pads, there lived a little water beetle in a community of water beetles. They lived a simple and comfortable life in the pond with few disturbances and interruptions. Once in a while, sadness would come to
- [What Will Matter](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/what-will-matter/) - © 2003 Michael Josephson at CharacterCounts Reprinted with permission. “Ready or not, some day it will all come to an end. There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days. All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else. Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
- [Kahlil Gibran](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/kahlil-gibran/) - “Life and death are one, even as the sea and river are one In the depth of your hopes and desires lies your silent knowledge of the beyond, And like seeds dreaming beneath the snow your heart dreams of spring Trust the dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity. For what is
- [Hated me?](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/hated-me/) - Welcome. Make sure I’m gone. At my funeral, platitudes and panaceas are banned. I am dead. There is no silver lining. Except for those I leave money to. Surround me with purple and yellow flowers. Greens in exotic baskets. But just a few spectacular pieces. Then feed the hungry or cure a disease. In my
- [Rules For My Funeral](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/rules-for-my-funeral/) - by Susan Stutzky “At my funeral there will be plenty of wastebaskets. For people will cry and noses will run. And hands full of gooey tissues are disgusting. At my funeral, laughter should reign, And chuckles comfort. There’s humor in my flaws, So tell amusing tales with gusto. People may wear jeans to my funeral.
- [i carry you in my heart](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/i-carry-you-in-my-heart/) - by ee cummings “I carry your heart with me; I carry it in my heart I am never without it Anywhere I go, you go my dear And whatever is done by only me, is your doing, my darling I fear no fate, for you are my fate, my sweet I want no world, for;
- [Henry Scott Holland](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/henry-scott-holland/) - “Death is nothing at all I have only slipped away into the next room, I am I and you are you. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by my old familiar name. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Put no differences into your tone.
- [From Victor Hugo](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-victor-hugo/) - “I am standing upon that foreshore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength and I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and
- [From The Jewish Reform Prayer Book](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-jewish-reform-prayer-book/) - “In the rising of the sun and in its going down We remember her In the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter We remember her In the opening of buds and in the warmth of summer we remember her In the rustling of leaves and in the beauty of the autumn
- [Do Not Stand at My Grave](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/do-not-stand-at-my-grave/) - by Anon, 1st century China “Do not stand at my grave and weep; I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush
- [I Am There](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/i-am-there/) - by Iris Hesselden “Look for me when the tide is high And the gulls are wheeling overhead When the autumn wind sweeps the cloudy sky And one by one the leaves are shed Look for me when the trees are bare And the stars are bright in the frosty sky When the morning mist hangs
- [A Song Of Living](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-song-of-living/) - Amelia Josephine Barr Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die. I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky. I have run and leaped with the rain, I have taken the wind to my breast. My cheek like a drowsy child to
- [“El Arte de la Unión](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/el-arte-de-la-union/) - By Wilfred Arlan Peterson En el amor y la unión, las pequeñas cosas son las cosas grandes. Nunca eres demasiado viejo para tomarse de las manos. Recuerda decir “te amo” por lo menos una vez al día. Nunca vayas a dormir enojado. Está tomando nunca el otro para concedido. Tener los mismos valores y objectivos.
- [Spanish Wedding Poem](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/spanish-wedding-poem/) - “Tus manos son mi caricia mis acordes cotidianos te quiero porque tus manos trabajan por la justicia si te quiero es porque sos mi amor mi cómplice y todo y en la calle codo a codo somos mucho más que dos tus ojos son mi conjuro contra la mala jornada te quiero por tu mirada
- [Busco a Alguien](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/busco-a-alguien/) - by Mario Benedetti “Busco a alguien que me quiera, que me sepa comprender que me conozca realmente y, como soy, me llegue a querer. Alguien que me acompañe en la risa y en el llorar Alguien que me haga sentir lo que valgo, lo que es amar. Alguien que llegue a conocerme debajo de este
- [Two Happy Lovers…](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/two-happy-lovers-2/) - “Two happy lovers make one bread, a single moon drop in the grass. Walking, they cast two shadows that flow together; waking, they leave one sun empty in their bed. Of all the possible truths, they chose the day; they held it, not with ropes but with an aroma. They did not shred the peace;
- [Tener amor es saber soportar](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/tener-amor-es-saber-soportar/) - Tener amor es saber soportar; es ser bondadoso; es no tener envidia, ni ser presumido, ni orgulloso, ni grosero, ni egoísta; es no enojarse, ni guardar rencor; es no alegrarse de las injusticias, sino de la verdad. Tener amor es sufrirlo todo creerlo todo, esperarlo todo, soportarlo todo. El amor jamas dejara de existir.
- [El Día de Su Boda](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/el-dia-de-su-boda/) - “Son dichosos por compartir la felicidad de un compromiso tan sagrado, y por haber creado una hermosa relación, basada en la amistad y la confianza. En el día de su boda, el regalo mas precioso que se pueden entregar es el amor incondicional. Cuiden de ese amor, ya que es un gran tesoro, y ayúdenlo
- [Cuando Por Fin Se Encuentran Dos Almas](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/cuando-por-fin-se-encuentran-dos-almas/) - By Victor Hugo “Cuando por fin se encuentran dos almas, Que durante tanto tiempo se han buscado una a otra entre el gentío, Cuando advierten que son parejas, Que se comprenden y corresponden, En una palabra, que son semejantes, surge entonces para siempre una unión vehemente y pura como ellas mismas, una unión que comienza
- [Love’s Philosophy](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/loves-philosophy-2/) - by Shelly The fountains mingle with river And the rivers with the ocean The winds of Heaven mix forever With a sweet emotion. Nothing in the world is single All things by a Law divine In one spirit meet and mingle Why not I with thine? See the mountains kiss high heaven And the waves
- [Shall I Compare Thee - Sonnet XVIII](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/shall-i-compare-thee-sonnet-xviii/) - by William Shakespeare Shall I compare thee to a Summer’s day? Thou are more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And Summer’s lease hath all too short a date: Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimm’d; And every fair from
- [Sonnet 116](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/sonnet-116-2/) - by William Shakespeare Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds, Or bends with the remover to remove: O no! it is an ever-fixed mark That looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, Whose
- [God Gave Me](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/god-gave-me/) - by Mick Jagger You can see it in a clear blue sky You can see it in a woman’s eyes You can hear it in your baby’s cries You can hear it in your lover’s sighs You can touch it in a grain of sand Yeah hold it right there In the palm of your
- [I love you because it is the natural order of things](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/i-love-you-because-it-is-the-natural-order-of-things/) - by Nikki Giovanni “I love you Because the Earth turns Round the sun Because the North wind Blows north sometimes Because the Pope is Catholic And most Rabbis Jewish Because winters flow into springs And the air clears after a storm Because only my love for you Despite the charms of gravity Keeps me from
- [How Do I Love Thee?](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/how-do-i-love-thee/) - by Elizabeth Barrett Browning “How Do I Love Thee? How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of every day’s
- [Love resembles a great song](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/love-resembles-a-great-song/) - “Learn how to treasure love Treasure it twice as much as years pass by Love is not relaxing on a park bench Or a stroll under the moon Everything will happen: sleet and rain But you have to live through it together Love resembles a great song But a great song is not easy to
- [Always There Where You Are](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/always-there-where-you-are/) - I’ll change each breath into a wild wind So it’ll take me back – into your world I’ll put together all the whispers into one tender yell For it to find you in the place, where you have hidden your dreams Now I know that days just exist for one purpose So I can come
- [Due Amanti Felici](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/due-amanti-felici/) - Pablo Neruda Due amanti felici fanno un solo pane, una sola goccia di luna nell’erba, lascian camminando due ombre che s’unisco, lasciano un solo sole vuoto in un letto. Di tutte le verità scelsero il giorno: non s’uccisero con fili, ma con un aroma e non spezzarono la pace né le parole. E’ la felicità
- [Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/francesco-petrarca-petrarch/) - In qual parte del cielo, in quale idea era l’esempio, onde natura tolse quel bel viso leggiadro, in ch’ ella volse mostrar qua giù quanto lassù potea ? qual ninfa in fonti, in selve mai qual dea chiome d’ oro si fino a l’ aura sciolse ? quando un cor tante in se vertuti accolse
- [Di Kahlil Gibran](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/di-kahlil-gibran/) - Allora Almitra disse: parlaci dell’Amore. E lui sollevò la stessa e scrutò il popolo e su di esso calò una grande quiete. E con voce ferma disse: Quando l’ amore vi chiama, seguitelo. Anche se le sue vie sono dure e scoscese. e quando le sue ali vi avvolgeranno, affidatevi a lui. Anche se la
- [Di Rabindranath Tagore](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/di-rabindranath-tagore/) - “Non nascondere il segreto del tuo cuore, amico mio! Dillo a me, solo a me, in confidenza. Tu che sorridi così gentilmente, dimmelo piano, il mio cuore lo ascolterà, non le mie orecchie. La notte è profonda, la casa silenziosa, i nidi degli uccelli tacciono nel sonno. Rivelami tra le lacrime esitanti, tra sorrisi tremanti,
- [A Tiny Collection of German Love, Marriage, and Happiness Quotes](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-tiny-collection-of-german-love-marriage-and-happiness-quotes/) - Denk daran, dass eine gute Ehe von zwei Dingen abhängt: erstens den richtigen Menschen zu finden und zweitens der richtige Mensch zu sein. Jackson H. Brown Always remember that a good marriage contains two things: firstly to find the right person and secondly to be the right person. Jackson H. Brown Eine Ehe eingehen heißt:
- [Die Uhr zeigt heute keine Zeit](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/die-uhr-zeigt-heute-keine-zeit/) - Max Dauthendey Ich bin so glücklich von deinen Küssen, Dass alle Dinge es spüren müssen. Mein Herz in wogender Brust mir liegt, Wie sich ein Kahn im Schilfe wiegt. Und fällt auch Regen heut ohne Ende, Es regnet Blumen in meine Hände. Die Stund’, die so durchs Zimmer geht, Auf keiner Uhr als Ziffer steht;
- [Du und ich](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/du-und-ich/) - Max Dauthendey Du und ich! Wunschlose Seligkeit Strömt deine Nähe über mich. Der Alltag wird zur Sonntagszeit, Unsterblich schlingt das Leben sich Um uns. Und Menschengöttlichkeit Fühl’ ich bei dir durch dich. Was einst gewesen, weiß ich kaum. Die enge Welt wird weiter Raum. Und Holz wird Eisen, Eisen Holz Und Stolz wird Demut, Demut
- [Wir fuhren allein im dunkeln](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/wir-fuhren-allein-im-dunkeln/) - Heinrich Heine (1797-1856) Wir fuhren allein im dunkeln Postwagen die ganze Nacht; Wir ruhten einander am Herzen, Wir haben gescherzt und gelacht. Doch als es morgens tagte, Mein Kind, wie staunten wir! Denn zwischen uns sass Amor, Der blinde Passagier. Heinrich Heine (1797-1856) ~ English Translation ~ Heinrich Heine (1797-1856) We rode alone in the
- [Liebe ist](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/liebe-ist/) - Annette Andersen Die Liebe ist ein Heimatlied, das leise in mir singt das mit harfengleichen Tönen Halt gebend mich durchdringt. Die Liebe ist ein Himmelshauch, der mich ganz tief berührt und in angstbeschwerten Tagen helfend durchs Leben führt. Die Liebe ist ein weiches Nest, Ort der Geborgenheit, das hält und trägt, das wärmt und schützt,
- [Ich liebe dich, weil ich dich lieben muss](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ich-liebe-dich-weil-ich-dich-lieben-muss/) - Friedrich Rückert 1788-1866 Ich liebe dich, weil ich dich lieben muss; Ich liebe dich, weil ich nichts anders kann; Ich liebe dich nach einem Himmelsschluß; Ich liebe dich durch einen Zauberbann. Dich lieb’ ich, wie die Rose ihren Strauch; Dich lieb’ ich, wie die Sonne ihren Schein; Dich lieb’ ich, weil du bist mein Lebenshauch;
- [Ich bin wie Leib dem Geist](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ich-bin-wie-leib-dem-geist/) - August von Platen (1796-1835) Ich bin wie Leib dem Geist, wie Geist dem Leibe dir; Ich bin wie Weib dem Mann, wie Mann dem Weibe dir, Wen darfst du lieben sonst, da von der Lippe weg Mit ew’gen Küssen ich den Tod vertreibe dir? Ich bin dir Rosenduft, dir Nachtigallgesang, Ich bin der Sonne Pfeil,
- [O glücklich, wer ein Herz gefunden](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/o-glucklich-wer-ein-herz-gefunden/) - August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben, 1798-1874 O glücklich, wer ein Herz gefunden, das nur in Liebe denkt und sinnt und, mit der Liebe treu verbunden, sein schön’res Leben erst beginnt. Wo liebend sich zwei Herzen einen, nur eins zu sein in Freud und Leid, da muss des Himmels Sonne scheinen und heiter lächeln jede Zeit.
- [Ihr seid nun eins ihr beide](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ihr-seid-nun-eins-ihr-beide/) - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Ihr seid nun eins, ihr beide, und wir sind mit euch eins. Trinkt auf der Freude Dauer ein Glas des guten Weins! Und bleibt zu allen Zeiten einander zugekehrt durch Streit und Zwietracht werde nie euer Bund zerstört. ~ English Translation ~ You Two Are One Now By Johann Wolfgang von
- [Dem Brautpaar](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/dem-brautpaar/) - Aus dem 19 Jahrhundert Edler Bräutigam! Schöne Braut! Heute wurdet ihr getraut. Drum ihr Hochbeglückten beide überlasst euch ganz der Freude. Das Gefühl, an dem Ziel sich zu sehen, gibt Seligkeit. Wandelt dann mit frohem Sinn durch die Welt auf Rosen hin. Macht den Himmel eurer Liebe je ein kleines Wölkchen trübe, seht euch an,
- [Liebeslied](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/liebeslied/) - By Rainer Maria Rilke Wie soll ich meine Seele halten, daß sie nicht an deine rührt? Wie soll ich sie hinheben über dich zu andern Dingen? Ach gerne möcht ich sie bei irgendwas Verlorenem im Dunkel unterbringen an einer fremden stillen Stelle, die nicht weiterschwingt, wenn deine Tiefen schwingen. Doch alles, was uns anrührt, dich
- [Sonnet XVII](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/sonnet-xvii-2/) - by Pablo Neruda Je ne t’aime pas comme rose de sel, ni topaze Ni comme flèche d’oeillets propageant le feu: Je t’aime comme l’on aime certaines choses obscures, De façon secrète, entre l’ombre et l’âme. Je t’aime comme la plante qui ne fleurit pas Et porte en soi, cachée, la lumière de ces fleurs, Et
- [1 Corinthiens](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/1-corinthiens/) - 1.- Quand je parlerais les langues des hommes et des anges, si je n’ai pas l’amour, je suis un airain qui résonne, ou une cymbale qui retentit. 2.- Et quand j’aurais le don de prophétie, la science de tous les mystères et toute la connaissance, quand j’aurais même toute le foi jusqu’à transporter les montagnes,
- [The Art of Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-art-of-marriage/) - By Wilfred Arlan Peterson “In love and marriage, the little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I love you.” at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is at no time taking the other for granted. It
- [Fairy of the Magpie Bridge](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/fairy-of-the-magpie-bridge/) - Qin Guan of in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Yonder clouds weaving together Amidst the flaming stars Drifting along the heavenlies Bringing two Lovers from afar The Lovers’ rendezvous tonight Adorned the autumn sky No joy on earth e’en a hundred thousand times May compare to the Lovers’ meeting eyes Precious and tender, the Lovers’ love
- [On Beauty](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/on-beauty/) - by Kahlil Gibran Where shall you seek beauty, and how shall you find her unless she herself be your way and your guide? And how shall you speak of her except she be the weaver of your speech? The aggrieved and the injured say, “Beauty is kind and gentle. Like a young mother half-shy of
- [LOVE ME](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/love-me/) - Love me because I try to touch life within the framework of uncertainty. Love in me the shadows of my indecision as I strive to gain knowledge. Love in me the silence of my hurts and the noise of my confusions. Love me for the feeling of my heart not the fears of my mind.
- [Navajo Prayer](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/navajo-prayer/) - “When you were children, you talked like children, But now that you’ve grown, you should be done with childish things and put them away. When you were children, you looked into a mirror that gave only a blurred reflection of reality. But with love and maturity, you shouldn’t be afraid to look into that mirror
- [From “The Divine Comedy”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-divine-comedy-2/) - by Dante Alighieri “The love of God, unutterable and perfect, Flows into a pure soul the way that light Rushes into a transparent object. The more love that it finds, the more it gives Itself; so that, as we grow clear and open, The more complete the joy of loving is. And the more souls
- [Sonnet XVII](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/sonnet-xvii/) - By Pablo Neruda “I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz, or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off. I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul. I love you as the plant that never blooms but carries in
- [This Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/this-marriage/) - Poem by Mawlawi Rumi “May these vows and this marriage be blessed. May it be sweet milk, this marriage, like wine and halvah. May this marriage offer fruit and shade like the date palm. May this marriage be full of laughter, every day a day in paradise. May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
- [Commitment Poem of the Pueblo Indian](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/commitment-poem-of-the-pueblo-indian/) - author unknown “Before we met, you and I were halves unjoined except in the wide rivers of our minds. We were each other’s distant shore, the opposite wings of a bird, the other half of a seashell. We did not know the other then, did not know our determination to keep alive the cry of
- [Looking For Your Face](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/looking-for-your-face/) - by The 13th century Sufi Poet, Jelaludden Rumi “From the beginning of my life I have been looking for your face, but today I have seen it. Today I have seen the charm, the beauty, the unfathomable grace of the face that I was looking for. Today I have found you, and those who laughed
- [Aztec Wedding Prayer](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/aztec-wedding-prayer/) - “I know not whether thou has been absent: I lie down with thee, I rise up with thee, In my dreams thou art with me. When sweet sounds tremble in my ears, I know it is thou moving within my heart”
- [Two Happy Lovers…](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/two-happy-lovers/) - by Pablo Neruda “Two happy lovers make one bread, a single moon drop in the grass. Walking, they cast two shadows that flow together; waking, they leave one sun empty in their bed. Of all the possible truths, they chose the day; they held it, not with ropes but with an aroma. They did not
- [Namaste](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/namaste/) - by Rajender Krishan This simple word uttered with a gesture of folded hands is among the finest salutations, mankind has ever been able to vocalize. It simply means: I honor the place in you In which the entire Universe dwells That place of Love and Light And of Truth and of Peace When you are
- [Your Love is Eternal](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/your-love-is-eternal/) - Author Unknown (Note: This is also wonderful for people with children. There is a spot left blank for you to fill in how many children you might have) “Your love for each other is bright and full of life- Like a beacon in the darkest of nights- Always there to guide you never losing your
- [From Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-love/) - by Leo Buscaglia “In discussing love, it would be well to consider the following premises: One cannot give what he does not possess. To give love you must possess love. One cannot teach what he does not understand. To teach love you must comprehend love. One cannot know what he does not study.. To study
- [Cherokee Prayer](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/cherokee-prayer/) - “God in heaven above please protect the ones we love. We honour all you created as we pledge our hearts and lives together. We honour mother-earth – and ask for our marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons; We honour fire – and ask that our union be warm and glowing with
- [Traditional Shoshone Love Poem](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/traditional-shoshone-love-poem/) - “Fair is the white star of twilight, and the sky clearer at the day’s end; But she is fairer, and she is dearer, She, my heart’s friend Fair is the white star of twilight, and the moon roving to the sky’s end. But she is fairer, better worth loving, She, my heart’s friend.”
- [Navajo Wedding Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/navajo-wedding-blessing/) - “Now you have lit a fire and that fire should not go out. The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding, and a philosophy of life. It will give you heat, food, warmth and happiness. The new fire represents a new beginning – a new life and a new family. The
- [Marriage Joins Two People In The Circle Of Its Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/marriage-joins-two-people-in-the-circle-of-its-love/) - by Edmund O’Neill (b.1929) “Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a physical and an emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime. Within the circle of its
- [Eskimo Love Song](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/eskimo-love-song/) - “You are my [husband] / [wife] My feet shall run because of you My feet dance because of you My heart shall beat because of you My eyes see because of you My mind thinks because of you And I shall love because of you.”
- [The Blessing of the Apache - Long Version](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-blessing-of-the-apache-long-version/) - "Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two persons, but there
- [The Blessing Of The Apache - Short Format](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-blessing-of-the-apaches-short-format/) - “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 the other. Now there is no more loneliness for you, For each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies,
- [Traditional Irish Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/traditional-irish-blessing/) - “May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand. May God be with you and bless you; May you
- [Traditional Pagan Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/traditional-pagan-blessing/) - by Ed Fitch “Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. As time passes, remember… Like a star should your love be constant, Like the earth should your love be firm. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with each other, For storms will come, and they will go quickly. Be free
- [From “Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABC’s of Faith”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-beyond-words-daily-readings-in-the-abcs-of-faith-2/) - by Frederick Buechner “They say they will love, comfort, honor each other to the end of their days. They say they will cherish each other and be faithful to each other always. They say they will do these things not just when they feel like it, but even — for better for worse, for richer
- [To Be One With Each Other](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/to-be-one-with-each-other/) - by George Eliot (1819-1880) “What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labour, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness, to be one with each other in the silent unspoken memories?”
- [The Prayer of St. Francis](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-prayer-of-st-francis-2/) - by St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) “Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is discord, union; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; Where there is sadness, joy; O Divine Master, Grant
- [Blessing For A Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/blessing-for-a-marriage/) - by James Dillet Freeman “May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring, and may life grant you also patience, tolerance, and understanding. May you always need one another – not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness. A mountain needs a valley to
- [On Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/on-marriage/) - by Kahlil Gibran (1883-1931) “Then Almitra spoke again and said, “And what of Marriage, master?” And he answered saying: You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when white wings of death scatter your days. Aye, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God. But let
- [Foundations Of A Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/foundations-of-a-marriage/) - by Regina Hill “Love, Trust, and Forgiveness are the foundations of marriage. In marriage, many days will bring happiness, while other days may be sad. But together, two hearts can overcome everything… In marriage, all of the moments won’t be exciting or romantic, and sometimes worries and anxiety will be overwhelming. But together, two hearts
- [What We Would Wish For You](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/what-we-would-wish-for-you/) - by Marie April Gismondi “I cannot say what we would wish for you and your marriage. All of your dreams in life are your own and shall be fluid, ebbing and flowing from shore to shore as you discover the nature of each success and disappointment. We cannot wish for you to know no sorrows
- [Love’s Philosophy](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/loves-philosophy/) - by Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792-1822) “The fountains mingle with the rivers And the rivers with the oceans, The winds of heaven mix forever With a sweet emotion; Nothing in the world is single; All things by a law divine In one spirit meet and mingle. Why not I with thine? See the mountains kiss high
- [Prayer of Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/prayer-of-love/) - Author Unknown “Our prayer for you is this: That you will always remember the qualities that attracted you to each other when you first met and how you felt as your feelings of attraction turned into respect, admiration and finally love. That you will work hard to turn your feelings of love into acts of
- [Today I Married My Best Friend](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/today-i-married-my-best-friend/) - by Rachel Elizabeth Cooper (b.1977) “Today I married my best friend, Our bond complete, it hath no end, We share one soul, we share one heart, A perfect time – a perfect start. With these rings we share together, Love so close to last forever, This special day – two special hearts, Let nothing keep
- [This Day I Married My Best Friend](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/this-day-i-married-my-best-friend/) - Author Unknown “This day I married my best friend …the one I laugh with as we share life’s wondrous zest, as we find new enjoyments and experience all that’s best. …the one I live for because the world seems brighter as our happy times are better and our burdens feel much lighter. …the one I
- [Sonnet From The Portuguese XLIII](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/sonnet-from-the-portuguese-xliii/) - by Elizabeth Barrett Browing (1806-1861) “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by
- [The Wedding Vow](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-wedding-vow/) - by Rebecca W. You are not the air that I breathe, You are the sweet scent that drifts upon it You are not the sounds that I hear, You are the music of my life You are not the food that I need, You are the nourishment of my soul You are not my will
- [A Littany Based on “The Prayer of St. Francis"](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-littany-based-on-the-prayer-of-st-francis/) - Leader: “With all our heart and all our mind we pray to you O Lord:” People: “Make us instruments of your peace.” Leader: “For the peace of the world, that a spirit of respect and forbearance may grow among nations and peoples, we pray to you O Lord:” People: “Where there is hatred, let us sow
- [The Prayer of St. Francis](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-prayer-of-st-francis/) - Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled
- [The Couple’s Tao Te Ching: Always Return](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-couples-tao-te-ching-always-return/) - Lao Tzu, sixth century B.C.E. “It is good to know your strength But always return to your flexibility If you cradle your beloved in your arms In nurturing gentleness, Love will flow through you. It is good to achieve things But always return to anonymity. Your beloved does not need your achievements But needs your
- [From "The Lost Sutras of Jesus"](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-lost-sutras-of-jesus/) - Christian monks who lived and worked in China from the 6th century on: “Love leads to truth; perfect love to perfect truth. Truth is like the moon reflected in the water; when the water is stirred up and muddy, the image is blurred and indistinct, so it is with human beings when our spirit is
- [Based on the Hindu 7 steps](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/based-on-the-hindu-7-steps/) - “Marriage has in it the power to form a circle of family that includes all who are touched by the warmth of the love shared by a loving husband and wife, creating a common ground of uncommon richness. May your marriage bring your souls an abundance of spiritual and physical nourishment. May you be strong
- [Adapted From The “Tao Te Ching”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/adapted-from-the-tao-te-ching/) - by Lao Tzu “Explore and discover that which is within. When we find ourselves, we are more easily found by others. Without words, without even understanding, lovers find each other. The moment of finding is always a surprise, like meeting an old friend never before known. Life and marriage are a wondrous journey, ever unfolding
- [The Qur’an: 30:21](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-quran-3021/) - “Among His signs is [the fact] that He has created spouses for you among yourselves so that you may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has planted love and mercy between you; In that are signs for people who reflect.”
- [The Qur’an: 9:71-72](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-quran-971-72/) - “It requires that a husband and wife should be as garments for each other. Just as garments are for protection, comfort, show and concealment for human beings, Allah expects husbands and wives to be for one another. And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends of one another; they enjoin the right and forbid
- [The Koran: Chapter, The Women](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-koran-chapter-the-women/) - “O ye mankind! Reverence your Lord Who made you from a single being, and from that being He made its mate, And from the twain He caused to spread Many men and many women; And reverence God By Whom you question one another And (pay respect to) the ties of relationship. Surely, God watches over
- [The Koran](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-koran/) - “O believers, be in awe of God, and believe in His Messenger, and He will give you a twofold portion of His mercy, and He will appoint for you a light whereby you shall walk, and forgive you; God is All-Forgiving, All-Compassionate; that the People of the Book may know that they have no power
- [Song of Solomon 2:10-13](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/song-of-solomon-210-13-2/) - “My lover spoke and said to me, “Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me. See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come. The cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig tree forms its early fruit;
- [Song of Solomon 7:10-12 “Growing in Love”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/song-of-solomon-710-12-growing-in-love/) - “I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me. Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field; let us lodge in the villages. Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish, whether the tender grape appear, and the pomegranates bud forth: there will I give
- [Bhagavad Gita](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/bhagavad-gita/) - “Look to this day, For it is life, The very life of life. In its brief course lie all the varieties And realities of your existence; The bliss of growths The glory of action, The splendor of beauty; For yesterday is but a dream And tomorrow is only a vision, But today well lived makes
- [I Ching](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/i-ching/) - “When two people are at one in their inmost hearts, they shatter even the strength of iron or bronze. And when two people understand each other in their inmost hearts, their words are sweet and strong, like the fragrance of orchids.”
- [Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ephesians-51-2-21-33/) - “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God…Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of
- [1 Corinthians 13:1-13](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/1-corinthians-131-13/) - “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.
- [John 15:9-12](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/john-159-12/) - “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that
- [John 2:1-1](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/john-21-1/) - “On the third day there was a marriage at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; Jesus also was invited to the marriage, with his disciples. When the wine failed, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “O woman, what have you to
- [Mark 10:6-9, 13-16](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/mark-106-9-13-16/) - “But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put
- [Matthew 19:4-6](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/matthew-194-6/) - “He answered, “Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female and said, for this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore
- [Song Of Solomon 8:6-7](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/song-of-solomon-86-7/) - “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, jealousy is cruel as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a most vehement flame. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a man offered for love all the wealth
- [Song Of Solomon 2:10-13](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/song-of-solomon-210-13/) - “My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away; for lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts
- [Ecclesiastes 4:9-12](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ecclesiastes-49-12/) - “Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how
- [Proverbs 18:22](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/proverbs-1822/) - “Who so findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord.”
- [Ruth 1:16-17](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ruth-116-17/) - “But Ruth said, “Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God; where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD
- [Genesis 2:15-24](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/genesis-215-24/) - “The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in
- [From Pope John Paul II](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-pope-john-paul-ii/) - “You will reciprocally promise love, loyalty, and matrimonial honesty. We only want for you this day that these words constitute the principle of your entire life; and that with the help of the divine grace you will observe these solemn vows that today, before God, you formulate.”
- [The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad; Selected Verses](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-brihadaranyaka-upanishad-selected-verses/) - “A wife loves her husband not for his own sake, dear one, but because the Divine Beloved lives in him. A Husband loves his wife not for her own sake, dear one, but because the Divine Beloved lives in her. Children are loved not for their own sake, dear one, but because the Divine Beloved
- [Druidic Vow](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/druidic-vow/) - “We swear by peace and love to stand Heart to heart, and hand in hand. Mark, O Spirit, and hear us now, Confirming this our Sacred Vow.”
- [The Buddha’s Sermon At Rajagaha; Verses 19-22](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-buddhas-sermon-at-rajagaha-verses-19-22/) - From The Buddhist Scriptures “Do not deceive, do not despise each other anywhere. Do not be angry nor bear secret resentments; for as a mother will risk her life and watches over her child, so boundless be your love to all, so tender, kind and mild. Cherish good will right and left, early and late,
- [1 Corinthians Adapted for Two Readers](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/1-corinthians-adapted-for-two-readers/) - This is a beautiful and unique version of 1st Corinthians that is perfect for 2 readers. “GOD IS LOVE. May you have His kind of love for each other. LOVE IS PATIENT AND KIND. May you be able to lovingly overlook each other’s faults and weaknesses. LOVE IS NOT JEALOUS OR BOASTFUL. May you seek
- [From “Beyond Words: Daily Readings in the ABC’s of Faith”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-beyond-words-daily-readings-in-the-abcs-of-faith/) - by Frederick Buechner “They say they will love, comfort, honor each other to the end of their days. They say they will cherish each other and be faithful to each other always. They say they will do these things not just when they feel like it, but even — for better for worse, for richer
- [Walt Whitman wrote...](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/walt-whitman-wrote-2/) - “All truths wait in all things… The insignificant is as big to me as any, What is less or more than a touch?” Today, in the midst of Autumn, we celebrate the Spring of your lives. As you journey through the seasons, shared moments will knit together the passing months and years. We hope for
- [From the writings of Carl Sandburg](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-writings-of-carl-sandburg/) - I love you for what you are, but I love you yet more for what you are going to be. I love you not so much for your realities as for your ideals. I pray for your desires that they may be great, rather than for your satisfactions, which may be so hazardously little. A
- [From the Icelandic Sagas](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-icelandic-sagas/) - “This comes from a retelling of the Sagas that was written in 1909. It is the ending to the story of Ingebjorg and Frithiof. They were lovers who, in the true romantic style, had to overcome the crosses of birth right and station in life, the objections and concerns of family, and the trials of
- [From “The Divine Comedy”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-divine-comedy/) - by Dante Alighieri “The love of God, unutterable and perfect, Flows into a pure soul the way that light Rushes into a transparent object. The more love that it finds, the more it gives Itself; so that, as we grow clear and open, The more complete the joy of loving is. And the more souls
- [Excerpt from “A Gift From The Sea”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/excerpt-from-a-gift-from-the-sea/) - by Ann Morrow Lindbergh “A good relationship has a pattern like dance. The partners do not need to hold on tightly, because they move confidently in the same pattern, intricate, but swift and free. There is no place here for the possessive clutch, the clinging arm, the heavy hand. Because they know they are partners,
- [From “To Know Yourself”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-to-know-yourself/) - by Swami Satchidananda “A wedding is between two reflections of God. Two pairs of eyes see one vision. They are dedicated to serve one another and the humanity at large. Two minds come together to help each other realize their true nature. Going side by side with the right partner is a good way to
- [From “Jazz”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-jazz/) - by Toni Morrison “It’s nice when grown people whisper to each other under the covers. Their ecstasy is more leaf-sigh than bray and the body is the vehicle, not the point. They reach, grown people, for something beyond, way beyond and way, way down underneath tissue. They are remembering while they whisper the carnival doll
- [From “The Little Prince”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-little-prince/) - by Antoine de Saint Exupery “One only understands the things that one tames,” said the fox. So the little prince tamed the fox. And the fox said, “And now here is my secret. a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the
- [From “Maktub”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-maktub/) - by Palo Coelho “In this world there is always one person waiting for another, be it in the middle of a desert or in the middle of a big city. And when those people pass each other and their eyes meet, past and future lose all importance, and the only thing that exists is that
- [From “The Irrational Season”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-irrational-season/) - by Madeleine L’Engle “But ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take… It is indeed a fearful gamble…Because it is the nature
- [Adapted from “To My Wife”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/adapted-from-to-my-wife/) - by T.S. Eliot “Be to whom each owes the leaping delight That quickens the senses in your waking time And the rhythm that governs the repose of sleeping time, The breathing in unison Of lives whose bodies smell of each other Who think the same thoughts without need of speech And babble the same speech
- [Adapted from “Plato’s Symposium”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/adapted-from-platos-symposium/) - “Humans have never understood the power of Love, for if they had they would surely have built noble temples and altars and offered solemn sacrifices; but this is not done, and most certainly ought to be done, since Love is our best friend, our helper, and the healer of ills. Once upon a time, human
- [Excerpt from “The Bridge Across Forever”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/excerpt-from-the-bridge-across-forever/) - by Richard Bach “A soul mate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not
- [From “The Red Tent”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-red-tent/) - by Anita Diamant “Isaac my father, told me that he had never taken any woman to his bed but my mother. Rebecca had welcomed him with tenderness and passion when they were first married because as her groom, he treated her as though she were the Queen of Heaven and he her Consort. Their joining
- [From “Instructions For Life In The New Millennium”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-instructions-for-life-in-the-new-millennium/) - by His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama “Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. And that a loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life. Be gentle with the earth, be gentle with one another. When disagreements come remember always to protect the spirit of your union.
- [From “Letters To A Young Poet”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-letters-to-a-young-poet/) - by Rainer Maria Rilke Marriage is in many ways a simplification of life, and it naturally combines the strengths and wills of two young people so that, together, they seem to reach farther into the future than they did before. Above all, marriage is a new task and a new seriousness, – a new demand
- [“Oh the Places You’ll Go”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/oh-the-places-youll-go/) - by Dr Seuss “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the couple who’ll decide where
- [From “Everything is Illumanated”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-everything-is-illumanated/) - by Jonathan Safran Foer The 120 Marriages of Joseph and Sarah L. The young couple first married on August 5, 1744, when Joseph was eight and Sarah six, and first ended their marriage six days later when Joseph refused to believe, to Sarah’s frustration, that the stars were silver nails in the sky, pinning up
- [From “Union”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-union/) - by Robert Fulghum “You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding
- [From “The Last Temptation of Christ”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-last-temptation-of-christ/) - By Nikos Kazantzakis “When the kings had died, a pauper, barefoot and hungry, came and sat on the throne. ‘God’ he whispered, ‘the eyes of man cannot bear to look directly at the sun, for they are blinded. How then, Omnipotent, can they look directly at you? Have pity, Lord; temper your strength, turn down
- [From “The Velveteen Rabbit”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-velveteen-rabbit/) - by Marjory Williams “What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. “Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?” “Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing
- [From “A Song for Hyawatha”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-a-song-for-hyawatha/) - “Come join us in celebration, those who love sunshine on meadow, who love shadow of the forest, love the wind among the branches and the palisades of pine trees, and the thunder in the mountains whose innumerable echoes flap like eagles in their eries. Listen to this song of marriage. How, from another tribe and
- [From “Know Thyself, Know Thyself More Deeply”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-know-thyself-know-thyself-more-deeply/) - by D.H. Lawrence “Go deeper than love, for the soul has greater depths, love is like the grass, but the heart is deep wild rock molten, yet dense and permanent. Go down to your deep old heart, and lose sight of yourself. And lose sight of me, the me whom you turbulently loved. Let us
- [From “The Strength To Love”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-strength-to-love/) - by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “The meaning of love is not to be confused with some sentimental outpouring. Love is something much more than emotional bosh… An overflowing love which seeks nothing in return,[agape] is the love of God operating in the human heart… Love is the most durable power in the world. This
- [From “All I Really Need To Know, I Learned In Kindergarten”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-all-i-really-need-to-know-i-learned-in-kindergarten/) - by Robert Fulghum All I Really Need To Know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate-school mountain, but there in the sandpile at Sunday School. These are the things I learned: Share everything. Play fair. Don’t hit
- [From “A Natural History Of Love”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-a-natural-history-of-love/) - by Diane Ackerman “Love. What a small word we use for an idea so immense and powerful. It has altered the flow of history, calmed monsters, kindled works of art, cheered the forlorn, turned tough guys to mush, consoled the enslaved, driven strong women mad, glorified the humble, fueled national scandals, bankrupted robber barons, and
- [From “The Inner Game of Tennis: The Classic Guide to the Mental Side of Peak Performance”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-inner-game-of-tennis-the-classic-guide-to-the-mental-side-of-peak-performance/) - by W. Timothy Gallwey “When we plant a rose seed in the earth, we notice that it is small, but we do not criticize it as “rootless and stemless.” We treat it as a seed, giving it the water and nourishment required of a seed. When it first shoots up out of the earth, we
- [From “Gift From The Sea”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-gift-from-the-sea/) - by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (b.1906) “When you love someone, you do not love them all the time, in exactly the same way, from moment to moment. It is an impossibility. It is even a lie to pretend to. And yet this is exactly what most of us demand. We have so little faith in the
- [Excerpts From “Only Love is Real”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/excerpts-from-only-love-is-real/) - by Dr. Brian Weiss “There is someone special for everyone. They travel across oceans of times and the depths of heavenly dimensions to be with you again. They look different but your heart knows them. You are bonded together throughout eternity and you will never be without one another. Your head may interfere and say
- [Walt Whitman Wrote...](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/walt-whitman-wrote/) - “All truths wait in all things… The insignificant is as big to me as any, What is less or more than a touch?” Today, in the midst of Autumn, we celebrate the Spring of your lives. As you journey through the seasons, shared moments will knit together the passing months and years. We hope for
- [Untitled](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/untitled/) - by Carl Sandburg: I love you for what you are, but I love you yet more for what you are going to be. I love you not so much for your realities as for your ideals. I pray for your desires that they may be great, rather than for your satisfactions, which may be so
- [Why Marriage?](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/why-marriage/) - by Mari Nichols-Haining Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person, With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body… Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me, Who won’t hold them against me, Who loves me when I’m unlikable, Who sees the small child
- [Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/falling-in-love-is-like-owning-a-dog-2/) - by Taylor Mali “First of all, it’s a big responsibility, So think long and hard before deciding on love. On the other hand, love gives you a sense of security: when you’re walking down the street late at night and you have a leash on love ain’t no one going to mess with you. Because
- [Love Is The Most Incredible Of All The Experiences That Touch Our Lives](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/love-is-the-most-incredible-of-all-the-experiences-that-touch-our-lives/) - Author Unknown “It creates for us the world that we want to live in. From the beginning of our lives, we know that love is the power that comforts and protects us; It is the one feeling that we can depend upon to help us through life’s ups and downs. Love is the understanding and
- [A Marriage…](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-marriage/) - by Mark Twain “Makes of two fractional lives a whole; It gives to two purposeless lives a work And doubles the strength of each to perform it It gives to two questioning natures a reason for living, And something to live for; It will give a new gladness to the sunshine, A new fragrance to
- [Possibility](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/possibility/) - by Ralph Masrton “In the seed, there is a forest waiting to grow. On the artist’s canvas, a masterpiece is waiting to be painted. In the engineer’s workstation, a technical breakthrough is waiting to be developed. Everywhere there is possibility. Every moment of every life is filled with possibilities, and the next moment as well.
- [Desiderata](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/desiderata/) - by Max Erhmann “As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexation to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may
- [A Lifetime of Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-lifetime-of-love/) - Author Unknown “The most ideal expression of love is the joining in spirit of two people whose hearts are as one. ‘Love’ A word that promises so many happy tomorrows, That gives meaning to everyday moments of sharing .. That strengthens and supports in difficult time.. That makes a commitment that never ends. Today is
- [If You Can Always Be As Close](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/if-you-can-always-be-as-close/) - by Larry S. Chengges “And as happy as today, Yet be secure enough to grow And change along the way. If you can keep for you alone Your love as man and wife, Yet find the time to share your joy With others in your life. If you can be as one And walk through
- [Marriage is ….](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/marriage-is/) - by Anon, 1st century China ” Marriage is a dynamic process of discovery Marriage is a journey, not an arrival. In marriage, being the right person is as important as finding the right person. Marriage is starting to love, over and over again. Marriage is a life’s work. Marriage is an art… and like any
- [The Magic Of Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-magic-of-love/) - by Helen Steiner Rice “Love is like magic And it always will be, For love still remains Life’s sweet mystery! Love works in ways That are wondrous and strange And there’s nothing in life That love cannot change! Love can transform The most commonplace Into beauty and splendour And sweetness and grace! Love is unselfish,
- [Beyond the Reflection](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/beyond-the-reflection/) - by Thomas Merton “The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we see in them.”
- [Best Friends](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/best-friends/) - by Katie Fuller You brighten up my day, You help me make it through the night, You hold my hand when I begin to slip, You’re never mad when I make a mistake, You cry when I cry, You laugh when I laugh, Without you in my life I would have many regrets, Today I
- [Fidelity](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/fidelity/) - by D.H. Lawrence Man and woman are like the earth, that brings forth flowers in summer, and love, but underneath is rock. Older than flowers, older than ferns, older than foraminiferae, older than plasm altogether is the soul underneath. And when, throughout all the wild chaos of love slowly a gem forms, in the ancient,
- [Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/love-2/) - Author Unknown Love is a friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad. It settles for less than perfection, and makes allowances for human weakness. Love is content with the present. It hopes for the future and it doesn’t brood over the
- [On Your Wedding Day](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/on-your-wedding-day/) - Author Unknown “Today is a day you will always remember The greatest in anyone’s life You’ll start off the day just two people in love And end it as Husband and Wife It’s a brand new beginning the start of a journey With moments to cherish and treasure And although there’ll be times when you
- [The Promise](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-promise/) - by Eileen Rafter - Published with the author's permission “The sun danced on the snow with a glittering smile, As two lovers sat quietly, alone for a while. Then he turned and said, with a casual air, (Though he blushed from his toes to the tips of his hair) “I think I’d quite like to
- [Marriage Means Being In Love for the Rest of Your Life](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/marriage-means-being-in-love-for-the-rest-of-your-life/) - by Chris Ardis Marriage is love walking hand in hand together. It’s laughing with each other about silly little things, and learning to discuss big things with care and tenderness. In marriage, love is trusting each other when you’re apart. It’s getting over disappointments and hurts, knowing that these are present in all relationships. It’s
- [May Our Friendship Last Forever](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/may-our-friendship-last-forever/) - Author Unknown May our friendship last forever; May I sail upon your sea. May we go through life together; May there always be a “we.” May I be your endless sky; May you breathe my gentle air. May you never wonder why Each time you look for me, I’m there. May we be for each
- [My True Love Hath My Heart](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/my-true-love-hath-my-heart/) - by Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586) “My true-love hath my heart, and I have his, By just exchange one for another given: I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss, There never was a better bargain driven: My true-love hath my heart, and I have his, My heart in me keeps him and me in
- [Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/love/) - by Roy Croft “I love you, Not only for what you are, But for what I am when I am with you. I love you, Not only for what you have made of yourself, But for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out; I
- [Friendship](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/friendship/) - by Hartley Coleridge (1726-1849) “When we were idlers with the loitering rills, The need of human love we little noted: Our love was nature; and the peace that floated On the white mist, And dwelt upon the hills, To sweet accord subdued our wayward wills: One soul was ours, one mind, one heart devoted, That,
- [Somewhere](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/somewhere/) - by Sir Edwin Arnold (1832-1904) “Somewhere there waiteth in this world of ours for one lone soul, another lonely soul – Each chasing each through all the weary hours, And meeting strangely at one sudden goal; Then blend they – like green leaves with golden flowers, Into one beautiful and perfect whole – And life’s
- [Sonnet 18](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/sonnet-18/) - by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate: Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date: Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimm’d; And every fair
- [All I Want](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/all-i-want/) - Author Unknown All I want is to love you For the rest of my life…. To wake up every morning With you by my side, Knowing that no matter what happens I’ll be able to come home To your loving arms. All I want is to share everything with you…. To talk to you about
- [Love Is](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/love-is-2/) - by Laura Philips “Love is Knowing my imperfection yet having the grace to accept them Love is The undying belief that I will be better Love is The kind heart that treats me as though I were already better Love summarily is The perfection I feel when you are with an imperfect me “
- [Sonnet 116](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/sonnet-116/) - by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) “Let me not to the marriage of true minds Admit impediments. Love is not love Which alters when it alteration finds. Or bends with the remover to remove: O, no! it is an ever-fixed mark, That looks on tempests and is not shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark,
- [From This Day Forward](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-this-day-forward/) - Author Unknown “From this day forward, You shall not walk alone. My heart will be your shelter, And my arms will be your home”.
- [The Colour Of My Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-colour-of-my-love/) - by David Foster and Arthur Janov “I’ll paint a sun to warm your heart Knowing that we’ll never part. I’ll draw the years all passing by So much to learn, so much to try. I’ll paint my mood in shadow blue, Paint my soul to be with you. I’ll sketch your lips in shaded tones,
- [Love is…](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/love-is/) - by Andrea Hill “More beautiful than roses Much deeper than the seas Stronger than a hurricane But timid like a breeze Real as in a picture But yet it can’t be seen More beautiful than anything As vivid as a dream Precious as rare jewels A bond between two hearts A symphony of feelings When
- [I Ask The Impossible](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/i-ask-the-impossible/) - by Anna Castillo “I ask the impossible: love me forever. Love me when all desire is gone. Love me with the single-mindedness of a monk. When the world and all its entirety, and all that you hold sacred, advise you against it: love me still more. When rage fills you and has no name: love
- [All Things Are Ours](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/all-things-are-ours/) - “All things are ours because we love The earth below, the sky above, The mountains, meadow, sand, and sea. All things surrounding you and me Are but a sweet reflection of The gentle wonder of our love.”
- [In An Instant](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/in-an-instant/) - by Rev. Melissa L Straub “Our soulmates exist In this well charted life When we find them we know In an instant it’s right And although to some It seems far too fast Who are we to judge When their hearts meet at last For they have known all along To whom they belong Their
- [Reprise](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/reprise/) - by Ogden Nash (1902-1971) “Geniuses of countless nations Have told their love for generations Till all their memorable phrases Are common as goldenrod or daisies. Their girls have glimmered like the moon, Or shimmered like a summer moon, Stood like a lily, fled like a fawn, Now the sunset, now the dawn, Here the princess
- [I Wanna Grow Old With You](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/i-wanna-grow-old-with-you/) - by Adam Sandler “I wanna make you smile, Whenever you’re sad. Carry you around when your arthritis is bad. All I wanna do, Is grow old with you. I’ll get you medicine, When your tummy aches. Build you a fire if the furnace breaks. Oh it could be so nice, Growin’ old with you. I’ll
- [The Promises of Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-promises-of-marriage/) - by Bettie Meeks “Marriage is a promise of companionship, Of having someone to share All of life’s experiences. Marriage does not promise that there will Not be any rough times, Just the assurance that there will Always be someone Who cares and will help you through To better times. Marriage does not promise eternal romance,
- [I Will Be Here](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/i-will-be-here/) - by Steven Curtis Chapman “If in the morning when you wake, If the sun does not appear, I will be here. If in the dark we lose sight of love, Hold my hand and have no fear, I will be here. I will be here, When you feel like being quiet, When you need to
- [If Thou Must Love Me](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/if-thou-must-love-me/) - Elizabeth Barrett Browing (1806-1861) “If thou must love me, let it be for naught Except for love’s sake only. Do not say, ‘I love her for her smile – her look – her way Of speaking gently, for a trick of thought That falls in well with mine, and certes brought A sense of pleasant
- [Sooner or Later](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/sooner-or-later/) - Author unknown “Sooner or later we begin to understand that love is more than verses on valentines, and romance in the movies. We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true, the most important thing in our lives. For love is the creator of our favourite memories and the foundation of
- [The Key to Love](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-key-to-love/) - by Anon, 1st century China “The key to love is understanding … The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word, but those unspoken gestures, the little things that say so much by themselves. The key to love is forgiveness …. to accept each others faults and pardon mistakes, without forgetting, but with remembering what
- [The Art of a Good Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-art-of-a-good-marriage/) - by Wilferd Arlan Peterson “The little things are the big things. It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is never taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the
- [Adaptation of a Passage from George R.R. Martin](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/adaptation-of-george-r-r-martin/) - “The best love stories are written in the language of dreams. It is alive as dreams are alive, more real than real ... for a moment at least ... that long magic moment before we wake. Love is silver and scarlet, indigo and azure, obsidian veined with gold and lapis lazuli. Reality is plywood and
- [A Little Rumi with some Game of Thrones to Boot](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-little-rumi-with-some-game-of-thrones-to-boot/) - Finally I offer this selection of old and new, used in Bunny & Greg’s wedding ceremony It begins and ends with the 13th century Persian Poet Rumi and has 2 helpings from George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones in the middle. "The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you, not
- [William Shakespeare - Sonnet 116 in Klingon](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/william-shakespeare-sonnet-116-in-klingon/) - wej teH yab tihogh impediments chID villeghjaj. muSHa ghach 'oHbe muSHa ghach ej QuQ 'oH HeghDI choH OH alteration vltu, wanHa' ghaH teq remover pagh qar! reH tl' pablu'DI legh HuStaHbogh 'ej not shaken. Hov Hoch wander bark, worth Sovbe'lu'bogh Qoylu', naH jajmeymaj tlhap ab qoH, pagn rosy wusS wej poH musHa'ghach 'ej Ha' qevpob
- [Albus Dumbledore Once Said](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/albus-dumbledore-once-said/) - A few words of wisdom from Albus Dumbledore about love ... “Of course it is happening inside your head… but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” When in fact: “You are protected, in short, by your ability to love!” The: “Differences of habit and language are nothing at all, if our aims
- [Marriage is Like Hockey](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/marriage-is-like-hockey/) - by Rev. Marie April Gismondi “Marriage is like hockey. The two really do have a lot in common. The game of life can be seen as two people Facing Off into the world with your All Star Team behind you. Both take Teamwork, Letting others Assist, to score Goal after Goal. But marriage is always
- [Reflections From Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/reflections-from-neil-degrasse-tyson/) - “Recognize that the very molecules that make up your body, the atoms that construct the molecules, are traceable to the crucibles that were once the centers of high mass stars that exploded their chemically rich guts into the galaxy, enriching pristine gas clouds with the chemistry of life. So that we are all connected to
- [From Alice in Wonderland](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-alice-in-wonderland/) - by Lewis Carol, adapted by Marie April Gismondi “Over 150 years ago Lewis Carol wrote the words that have inspired generations to think in different ways and take a different path to the goal that all humanity shares… that of being our truest and happiest selves. Today’s reading reflects this whimsical wisdom." “Who are YOU?”
- [A Lovely Love Story](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-lovely-love-story/) - by Edward Monkton “The fierce Dinosaur was trapped inside his cage of ice. Although it was cold he was happy in there. It was, after all, his cage. Then along came the Lovely Other Dinosaur. The Lovely Other Dinosaur melted the Dinosaur’s cage with kind words and loving thoughts. I like this Dinosaur thought the Lovely
- [The Damsel and the Knight](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/the-damsel-and-the-knight/) - “Once there was a damsel in distress. She had become a bit of a dragon and it was consuming her. A knight in shining armour confronted the damsel, And seeing her reflection in his shiny breastplate, she realised what a dragon she had become, and she didn’t like it. In earnest she set about getting
- [Firefly, Serenity - by Joss Whedon](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/firefly-serenity-by-joss-whedon/) - “You know what the first rule of flying is? … Love. You can learn all the math in the ‘verse, but you take a boat in the air you don’t love, she’ll shake you off just as sure as the turning of the worlds. Love keeps her in the air when she oughta fall down,
- [Gravitation by Albert Einstein](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/gravitation-by-albert-einstein/) - “Gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love. How on earth can you explain in terms of chemistry and physics so important a biological phenomenon as first love? Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it seems like an hour. Sit with that special girl for an hour and it
- [This is Love Monkey](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/this-is-love-monkey/) - by Edward Monkton “It was once custom that every monkey would carve for himself a wooden heart. And the heart that love monkey carved was the most beautiful of all. Its contours were soft and rounded, like an ancient pebble sculpted by the oceans. Its surface was smooth and shiny like liquid silk, and it
- [Marriage is Like My Old Car](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/marriage-is-like-my-old-car/) - by Marie April Gismondi “The way I see it, marriage is like my old car. When I bought it new from the dealership, everyone around me was saying; “Wow that’s a nice car!” It was all bright and shiny and worthy of admiration. And then as the years went by… there were places where the
- [Favorite Disney Quotes (With Movie Titles)](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/favorite-disney-quotes-with-movie-titles/) - “So this is love, so this is what makes life divine.” – Cinderella “All at once everything is different.” – Tangled “Love is an open door.” – Frozen “Love is a song that never ends.” – Bambi “You mean more to me than anyone in this whole wide world.” – Peter Pan “You’re the best
- [Sagan & Galileo](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/sagan-galileo/) - Carl Sagan wrote, “Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people.” Yet on this little dust mote floating in the eternity of space and time,
- [Us Two](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/us-two/) - by A A Milne Wherever I am, there’s always Pooh, There’s always Pooh and Me. Whatever I do, he wants to do, “Where are you going today?” says Pooh: “Well, that’s very odd ‘cos I was too. Let’s go together,” says Pooh, says he. “Let’s go together,” says Pooh. “What’s twice eleven?” I said to
- [Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/falling-in-love-is-like-owning-a-dog/) - by Taylor Mali “First of all, it’s a big responsibility, So think long and hard before deciding on love. On the other hand, love gives you a sense of security: when you’re walking down the street late at night and you have a leash on love ain’t no one going to mess with you. Because
- [From a Letter by the Late George Carlin](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-a-letter-by-the-late-george-carlin/) - “The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but
- [A Marriage Made For Two](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/a-marriage-made-for-two/) - Author Unknown “A successful marriage can learn a lot from bicycle riding. You should promise each other that you will not be fair weather riders, but venture out together in the wind and the rain. Only by braving the storms as a team will you reap the rewards when the sunshine arrives. Look after each
- [Neil Gaiman’s Poem for a Friends Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/neil-gaimans-poem-for-a-friends-marriage/) - “This is everything I have to tell you about love: nothing. This is everything I’ve learned about marriage: nothing. Only that the world out there is complicated, and there are beasts in the night, and delight and pain, and the only thing that makes it okay, sometimes, is to reach out a hand in the darkness and
- [Insights From Marksmanship](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/insights-from-marksmanship/) - by Rev Aviva Sala “Heather and Steve, while there aren’t many Civil War references that make for good advice as you begin your marriage, there are some principles of competitive shooting that *can* apply as sage words of wisdom. We know that Marksmanship is mental even more than it is physical, and there are some
- [From The X-Files](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-x-files/) - “It seems to me that the best relationships, the ones that last, are frequently the ones that are rooted in friendship. You know, one day you look at the person and you see something more than you did the night before. Like a switch has been flicked somewhere. And the person who was just a
- [From “Stardust”, by Neil Gaiman](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-stardust-by-neil-gaiman/) - “You know when I said I knew little about love? That wasn’t true. I know a lot about love. I’ve seen it, centuries and centuries of it, and it was the only thing that made watching your world bearable. All those wars — pain, lies, hate… It made me want to turn away and never
- [Dr. Who](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/dr-who/) - “Do you wanna come with me? ‘Cause if you do, then I should warn you — you’re gonna see all sorts of things. Ghosts from the past. Aliens from the future. The day the Earth died in a ball of flame. It won’t be quiet, it won’t be safe, and it won’t be calm. But
- [Excerpts From Traditional Irish Toasts](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/excerpts-from-traditional-irish-toasts/) - "May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live. And may you be in heaven a full half hour before the devil knows your dead. May your heart be light and happy, May your smile be big and wide, And may your pockets always have a coin or
- [From: “The Princess Bride”](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/from-the-princess-bride/) - By William Goldman “Do I love you? My God, if your love were a grain of sand, mine would be a universe of beaches… I have stayed these years in my hovel because of you. I have taught myself languages because of you. I have made my body strong because I thought you might be
- [Charles Darwin on the Prospect of Marriage](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/charles-darwin-on-the-prospect-of-marriage/) - The following notes record Charles Darwin’s speculations about the prospect of marriage. The comments are excerpted directly from his notebook where he composed a short-hand list of pros and cons on whether to propose. This is the Question Not Marry? Freedom to go where one likes Conversation of clever men at clubs Not forced to
- [Based on Dante Alighieri](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/based-on-dante-alighieri/) - Remember tonight, for it is the beginning of always. A promise, like a reward for persisting through life so long alone. A belief in each other and the possibility of love. A decision to ignore, simply rise above the pain in the past. An agreement, which binds two souls and severs prior ties. The celebration
- [Ultimate Geek Mashup](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/reading/ultimate-geek-mashup/) - Compiler Unknown We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love. Love is the moment before you’re frozen in carbonite, when the girl you’ve had your eye on

## Wedding Venues

- [The Old Grace Church - Massapequa](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-old-grace-church-massapequa/) - For couples dreaming of an intimate wedding ceremony filled with history and character, Old Grace Church in Massapequa offers a truly special setting. Built in 1844 and part of the historic Grace Church Complex, this beautifully preserved Long Island landmark provides the warmth and charm of a traditional church wedding while welcoming couples from all
- [Islip Grange – Sayville](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/islip-grange-sayville/) - Please note: We do not represent this venue. We advertise it here on our website for people looking for a church to rent for small ceremonies. You must contact them directly. Booking is done through the Cultural Affairs Office of the Islip Department of Parks and Recreation. This historic scale model of an 1867 Dutch
- [Swan Lake](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/swan-lake/) - Swan Lake is a beautiful and unique destination on Long Island's East End. They are located on the award winning Swan Lake Golf Course, which allows them to offer a truly gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photos. They're owner operated and the folks there really go out of their way to make you feel at
- [Spring Lake Caterers](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/spring-lake-caterers/) - Welcome to the newest dining and event destination on Long Island. Now managed by the same team that makes Swan Lake in Manorville so magical, and nestled on the Spring Lake Golf Course, Spring Lake Caterers in Middle Island is the perfect destination for your next unforgettable event. With breathtaking views of lush greens and
- [The Piermont](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-piermont/) - The amazing Piermont in Babylon Village features an exciting menu of locally sourced seasonal creations prepared by award winning Executive Chef Joseph Vigliotti. The Piermont embodies the best of Long Island’s South Shore waterfront culture. The wedding event spaces sport open floor plans which complement the glass walls looking out onto the Great South Bay.
- [Cedarmere – Roslyn Harbor](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/cedarmere-roslyn-harbor/)
- [Central Park & NYC Ceremony Spots](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/central-park-nyc-ceremony-spots/) - Thinking about a Central Park wedding? You’re in luck—this iconic backdrop is perfect for romantic elopements, intimate ceremonies, and unforgettable photo ops. Here's the latest on how to make it happen: Central Park Highlights You don’t need a permit if you’re planning a ceremony with fewer than 20 people, but securing one early is smart,
- [The Vineyards at Aquebogue](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-vineyards-at-aquebogue/) - The Vineyards at Aquebogue, a Lessing’s Hospitality Group venue, offers a captivating blend of rustic charm and refined elegance in Long Island’s North Fork wine country. This eight-acre estate boasts lush vineyards, manicured gardens, a pond with a waterfall, and a nature trail lined with bistro lights, creating a picturesque setting for weddings year-round. Couples
- [Argyle Gazebo - Babylon](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/argyle-gazebo-babylon/) - This is a Babylon Village location so contact the Village Hall, not Town Hall, to get the permit that they require. On the bright side it is a small fee to get the permit and there is lots of bench seating. You can find the permit application for Argyle Park Gazebo here: https://www.villageofbabylonny.gov/permits-and-applications
- [The Estate at Three Village Inn: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-estate-at-three-village-inn-lessings/) - Built in 1751, The Three Village Inn is a beautiful example of Colonial Long Island. From its wide plank floors and antiques lovingly placed at every turn, to the cozy fireplaces and period-correct fabrics, there is a sense of peace and beauty upon entering. World renowned Executive Chef Guy Reuge’s passion for food, and skill
- [The Barn at Old Bethpage: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-barn-at-old-bethpage-lessings/) - The Barn at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, offers the unique combination of a rustic yet elegant barn setting with the personalized attention to detail and service that Lessing’s is known for. With over 8,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, The Barn is fitting for a guest list of up to 300 for
- [Frank Brush Barn – Smithtown](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/frank-brush-barn-smithtown/) - Part of the Smithtown Historical Society, this barn with space for about 100 guests, usually hosts concerts and such but is for rent for weddings ceremonies. Note: this venue will not host wedding receptions. website
- [Mirabelle at Three Village Inn - Stony Brook](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/mirabelle-at-three-village-inn-lessings/) - Known as the Old Homestead, the original structure of Mirabelle at Three Village Inn was built in 1751 by Richard Hallock. In 1835, Jonas Smith, one of the country’s most prominent ship owners, purchased Hallock Homestead for use as a summer house. After his death in 1867, the house had a series of owners until
- [Bayberry - Islip](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/bayberry/) - Experience the best of Islip's local seafood and seasonal cuisine by hosting your private event at Bayberry in Islip! Whether you're planning an intimate dinner, corporate event, or festive celebration, Bayberry offers an exceptional experience tailor-made for unforgettable occasions. As part of the Lessing's family of venues, you can rest assured that you will be
- [Westbury Manor](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/westbury-manor/) - This Victorian Era Mansion has been meticulously restored to recapture its original charm. Set on six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, and enhanced by ponds, waterfalls and gazebos, Westbury Manor offers a stately setting for an outdoor cocktail hour or garden Wedding Ceremony in their chapel. Colorful peacocks, ducks, and perched parrots adorn the expansive
- [Post Office Café - Babylon](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/post-office-cafe-babylon/) - Want to go with something super-casual? Lessing’s Hospitality Group opened the Post Office Café on Main Street in Babylon in 1978. It is rare for any restaurant to celebrate over 40 years in business, but the Post Office Café is still going strong. Jack Lessing bought the old Post Office, built in the 1930s, from
- [Library Café - Farmingdale](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/library-cafe-farmingdale/) - Just up the road from the gazebo at Five Corners Park lives a true gem of a restaurant that is perfect for a small elopement lunch or minimony of 5-20 people! Library Café, formerly the Farmingdale Public Library, entices guests to enjoy "storybooks" of American fare and endless cocktails. Enjoy the sophisticated yet casual atmosphere
- [Volpe Ristorante at Fox Hollow](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/volpe-ristorante/) - Marrying old-world recipes with the culinary expertise of the award-winning Scotto brothers, Volpe Ristorante delivers fine dining like no other. Italian for fox—a nod to our location on Long Island’s elegant Fox Hollow estate—Volpe uses only the freshest local produce, seafood and livestock in both traditional Italian dishes and those with a twist. Located inside
- [Oheka Castle](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/oheka-castle/) - OHEKA has been celebrating the art of entertaining since 1919, when OHEKA's first bride, Maud Kahn, hosted her wedding in the Grand Ballroom. Today, OHEKA CASTLE celebrates in 21st century style and enjoys the reputation as one of the most coveted and prestigious wedding venues in the world, voted #1 Most Unforgettable Wedding Venue by
- [The Mansion at Timber Point: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-mansion-at-timber-point-lessings/) - Create memories for a lifetime at this picturesque Long Island estate. Mansion at Timber Point is conveniently located between Great River and the Great South Bay, yet seemingly worlds away. Gently rolling hills give way to panoramic views of Fire Island on this 300-acre property, while the grand colonial architecture of this historic country mansion
- [Five Corners Park Farmingdale](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/five-corners-park-farmingdale/) - The 5 Corners Park, located at the intersection of Melville Road, Main Street, and Fairview Road in Farmingdale boasts a recent $150,000 renovation including a new gazebo and landscaping. It's a lovely place for an elopement!
- [Jedediah Hawkins Inn](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/jedediah-hawkins-inn/) - Surrounded by 22 acres of fragrant gardens and farmland, Jedediah Hawkins Inn is a luxurious boutique hotel on the North Fork of Long Island, celebrated for its history, genuine hospitality and delicious food and wine. Here you will want to stroll the gardens, savor a glass of local wine in the gazebo and explore the
- [Halls Pond Park Gazebo - West Hempstead](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/halls-pond-park-gazebo/) - Nestled in just off of Nassau Blvd., this adorable public park has a gazebo set right next to a small pond. It's perfect for an intimate elopement. 671 Nassau Blvd #635, West Hempstead, NY 11552
- [Old Field Club](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/old-field-club/) - Situated in East Setauket, NY, The Old Field Club is a seafront wedding venue in Long Island’s North Shore region. This stunning destination was established by the Melville family in 1929 and today it hosts private members and luxury public events. Here, rustic charm meets traditional refinement from the wraparound white porch to the beautifully
- [The Fox Hollow](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-fox-hollow/) - Nestled upon eight private acres of Long Island’s Gold Coast, The Fox Hollow features beautiful gardens, great food, and world class hotel accommodations all in one place. With 3 separate and distinct locations, each stunning in their own right, the choice is all up to persona taste. The Wintergarden, with it’s stone and ivy walled
- [Giorgio's Baiting Hollow](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/giorgios-baiting-hollow/) - Giorgio's is a spectacular venue! Located in Baiting Hollow, near Riverhead, this boutique, family-owned and operated wedding venue and catering company prides themselves on their delicious cuisine, detailed approach to planning, and superb service. What truly sets this venue apart is their welcoming atmosphere and caring attitude towards each of their couples. Their experienced staff
- [Flowerfield](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/flowerfield/) - Flowerfield is an absolutely amazing location! Not only is it physically beautiful - the cocktail hour space is so vast - but the food is among the best on Long Island... and nobody, anywhere, is better than Andy - the maitre-d - for keeping all your ducks in a row. As one of their recommended
- [Mill Neck Manor Chapel](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/mill-neck-manor-chapel/) - Mill Neck Manor, located on the prestigious North Shore of Long Island, is a majestic Tudor Revival mansion set on an 86-acre scenic estate overlooking the Long Island Sound. The mansion, once called Sefton Manor, was owned by Robert Leftwich Dodge and his wife, the cosmetics heiress Lillian Sefton Dodge. The chapel within, dedicated in
- [The View: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-view-lessings/) - It doesn’t get more on the water than this! The panoramic water views of the Connetquot River and Great South Bay are inescapably beautiful. This unique wedding venue attracts a fun loving and laid back type of couple. The dining room is marked by fireplaces on each end, and VIEW’s raw sushi bar is always
- [Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock - Manhasset](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/unitarian-universalist-congregation-at-shelter-rock-manhasset/) - UU’s are always warm and welcoming to all faiths and genders so if you’re looking for something “church” like without the dogma these may be the folks you want to meet! UUs also have a great Religious Education program for children. website
- [Scarsdale Community Baptist Church - Westchester](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/scarsdale-community-baptist-church/) - An absolutely beautiful church. Wooden pews, stained glass windows, oriental rug runner, are just some of the attributes of this location. If a “church” is what you are looking for in Westchester this one is well worth a look see. website
- [Huntington Unitarian Universalist Fellowship](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/huntington-unitarian-universalist-fellowship/) - This looks like a castle from the outside but inside is modern. There are UUF’s all over Long Island and, to the best of my knowledge, all will rent space. website
- [Old Whaler’s Church - Sag Harbor](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/old-whalers-church-sag-harbor/) - What a great old church! 44 Union Street, Sag Harbor. It holds 600 guests, the fee is reasonable, and if you were not thinking of a big reception they have a room downstairs that can also be rented. website
- [Bating Hollow Congregational Church](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/bating-hollow-congregational-church/) - This church is now one of Georgio’s house vendors. It’s a great little building that comes with or without a minister. I have found “Congregational” Churches more willing to rent space to couples as they are self supporting. website
- [St. Johnland Chapel – Kings Park](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/st-johnland-chapel-kings-park/) - St. Johnland Chapel sits on the property of St. Johnland Rehabilitation Center – This is a Great Church Building in a park like setting. If you are having a problem finding a location and you want a church – go see this venue. They don’t host too many weddings and it is sometimes hard to find
- [CW Post Interfaith Chapel](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/cw-post-interfaith-chapel/) - The Chapel at Long Island University, CW Post is stunningly beautiful and the staff there is eager to help you book your wedding date. All of the photos that come out of there are fantastic! website
- [Historical Chapel – Woodbury](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/historical-chapel-woodbury/) - This is a lovely old building with a tin ceiling, stained glass windows and oak pews. It comes with an officiant and organist if needed, but you can bring your own too. website
- [Unity Church of Healing Light - Huntington Station](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/unity-church-of-healing-light-huntington-station/) - Located in Huntington Station, it holds 140, comes with or without clergy, they boast an organ, bride’s dressing room, ample parking, “extremely beautiful space at an affordable price. website
- [Bayard Cutting Arboretum - Oakdale](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/bayard-cutting-arboretum-oakdale/) - There's a little cafe in the mansion when the museum is open and the lawn behind it has a spectacular water view. Website
- [Bay Walk Park - Port Washington](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/bay-walk-park-port-washington/) - Set along the busy Shore Road in Port Washington, Bay Walk park features an outdoor museum, gazebo, picnic tables, dinghy dock, and a close walk to restaurants. The gazebo is right across the street from the super-yummy Diwan Indian Restaurant. website
- [Hempstead Harbor Shoreline Trail - Port Washington/Roslyn](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/hempstead-harbor-shoreline-trail/) - Dotted with amazing waterviews and several gazebos, it's a wonder to behold this 2 mile hike along Hempstead Harbor. Definitely scout it out first as it's tricky to find the entrance and the parking just south of Bar Beach.
- [Westhampton Beach Village Green and Gazebo](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/westhampton-beach-village-green-and-gazebo/) - At Main Street and the Roads of Mill and Beach. website
- [Wantagh Park Gazebo](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/wantagh-park-gazebo/) - When you enter the park you will go all the way down to where the parking area ends and look past the pool area to the left. There it sits, with a great view of the water and reeds. This isn’t much in the way of shelter for more than 6 people, but if you
- [Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park Gazebo - Oyster Bay](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/theodore-roosevelt-memorial-park-gazebo-oyster-bay/) - On Audrey Avenue, right by Town Hall. Very nice and well maintained structure. It's not huge, but it's not small either. It is used by the Town of Oyster Bay for events and speeches. website
- [Northport Harbor Gazebo or Band Shell](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/northport-harbor-gazebo-or-band-shell/) - Located in the beautiful and historic town of Northport is a park on the harbor. There is more than one structure here to choose from and there's even a little dock that goes out into the water. On the weekends, or if you plan on setting up seating and an aisle to walk down, you
- [Nesconcet Gazebo](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/nesconcet-gazebo/) - I found this one through the Chamber of Commerce’s summer concert series. It is located at Nesconset Plaza – 127 Smithtown Blvd. Nesconset, NY 11767. It looked like a great place to have a quick ceremony! website
- [Morgan Park Gazebo - Glen Cove](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/morgan-park-gazebo-glen-cove/) - Residents only... But in the off season it's usually unattended. Located at the mouth of Hempstead Harbor, it’s large and beautiful. There's both a gazebo and an uncovered band shell with a panoramic view of the harbor behind. websitehttps://glencoveny.gov/beaches-parks/
- [Garden City Gazebo](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/garden-city-gazebo/) - Right by the Garden City Hotel and Garden City Fire House, this structure is fairly large with good landscaping but bring some chairs for the older folks.
- [Babylon Town Hall Park Gazebo and Lake - Lindenhurst](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/babylon-town-hall-park-gazebo-and-lake-lindenhurst/) - This is the little gazebo or the lake next to Town Hall on Sunrise Highway in Lindenhurst. It’s always nicely landscaped and it’s free!
- [Old Westbury Gardens](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/old-westbury-gardens/) - They have a special spot which they offer to tent to protect from rain and sun. I don’t believe there is an indoor option here without a larger commitment. website
- [Wereholme at The Weekes Estate - Seatuck](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/wereholme-at-the-weekes-estate-seatuck/) - This Town of Islip property is another beautiful old mansion. It is available for ceremony only and for smaller weddings. information
- [Gerry Pond Park Gazebo - Roslyn](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/gerry-pond-park-gazebo-roslyn/) - Featured in the park are a gazebo and a working mill. Walking though the park, you will also be able to get a view of the historical buildings that line the park. Visiting during the fall, you will be able to see the phenomenal beauty of the trees. website
- [Vanderbilt Mansion – Centerport](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/vanderbilt-mansion-centerport/) - One of many Vanderbilt mansions, Eagles Nest, can be found right in Centerport. It's also the home of the Vanderbilt Planetarium. The courtyard is great and so romantic with a great view and stunning architecture. website
- [The Setauket Neighborhood House](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-setauket-neighborhood-house/) - Alongside a quiet lake where swans glide, rests an historic jewel; a special gift to our community. It’s a charming spot where folks gather, it’s also the perfect place to celebrate those memorable moments in our lives. website
- [Queens Botanical Garden – Flushing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/queens-botanical-garden-flushing/) - There's a beautiful Rose Garden here. One of our couples was so enamored with this place, they went to visit it weekend after weekend, just watching the other couples and waiting for it to be their turn. website
- [Prospect Park Boathouse - Brooklyn](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/prospect-park-boathouse-brooklyn/) - They do wedding ceremonies before they open and full wedding receptions after they close. There’s also a beautiful wooden boat that tours the park’s waterways. Having a small ceremony on the boat itself is an option! All you have to do is reserve the seats on the boat for your guests at a particular time
- [Peconic River Herb Farm – Calverton](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/peconic-river-herb-farm-calverton/) - Lots and lots of options here! Free for you when you have just a couple of witnesses. Or, fully tented receptions that won’t break the bank... All in the beautiful, natural environment they are known for. website
- [Nassau County Museum of Art – Roslyn](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/nassau-county-museum-of-art-roslyn/) - A great site, with formal gardens including one with a huge Victorian iron work to frame the ceremony. Well worth a look. website
- [Long Island Museum – Stony Brook](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/long-island-museum-stony-brook/) - This is where the Carriage Museum is. They have many different buildings and gardens for indoor and outdoor options. website
- [Long Island Maritime Museum – West Sayville](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/long-island-maritime-museum-west-sayville/) - The south shore of Long Island has such a rich nautical history. Being on the water is, for many people, as part of LI culture as Nathan's was for Brooklynites. Does this sound like you? Then this may just be your venue! website
- [Hallockville Musuem Farm – Riverhead](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/hallock-museum-farm-riverhead/) - This is another big open space for rent. The Naugles Barn at Hallock Homestead is similar to the Frank Brush Barn with its rural and rustic feel. Perfect to those who want to rebel against the crystal and marble of a traditional catering hall. website
- [Planting Fields Arboretum & Coe Hall – Oyster Bay](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/coe-hall-the-planting-fields-arboretum-oyster-bay/) - They have special Ceremony Only Locations in the gardens as well as opportunities inside the mansion. website
- [Fire Island Lighthouse](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/fire-island-lighthouse/) - Great for that beach feel but while still allowing grandma to walk on solid ground! Most couples choose either the front or rear patio to accommodate guests, but there’s also a building next door for events. website
- [Brooklyn Botanical Gardens](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/brooklyn-botanical-gardens/) - Many options for ceremonies here! The Palm House is a Victorian Green House and Cherry Blossom season is always popular outdoors website
- [Brecknock Hall – Greenport](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/brecknock-hall-greenport/) - What a fabulous mansion! Lovingly restored and available for the entire event or ceremony only. website
- [The Bates House - Setauket](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-bates-house/) - Formerly a private residence, the Bates House in Setauket is nestled within the Frank Melville Park. It is available for private functions year round. Parking is available on site with a separate entrance along the east side of the park. The Bates House interior has a foyer, terrace room, the Jennie Melville room, a kitchen,
- [Bailey Arboretum - Lattingtown](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/bailey-arboretum/) - Bailey Arboretum sits on the former estate of Frank and Marie Louise Bailey. The property was donated to Nassau County in 1968 after Marie Louise Bailey passed away and has been under the care of the Friends of Bailey Arboretum since 2006. Located in Lattingtown, they have a great outdoor setting, but for smaller indoor
- [Water's Edge](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/waters-edge/) - Water’s Edge in Centerport, formerly the Thatched Cottage, has a rich history and a place in the memory of many Long Islanders as the location where many wonderful marriages began. It has been rebuilt from the ground up as a completely modern Gold Coast property. Water’s Edge caters to one wedding at a time with
- [Sand Castle](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/sand-castle/) - Choosing a photo for this venue was really difficult. It is the kind of place that really needs to be seen in person. With a beautiful atrium featuring a flower garden with flowing water elements and gorgeous stonework, Sand Castle has many indoor options for ceremony and cocktail hour. The ballrooms and indoor spaces are
- [The Royalton Mansion at the Roslyn Country Club](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-royalton-mansion-at-the-roslyn-country-club/) - The Royalton at Roslyn Country Club is a colonial mansion from the early 1900s set on 10 acres of wooded arbor and English Garden, it’s been completely restored to its timelessness and glory, combining tradition of perfection and modern sophistication. Upon entrance a mahogany doorway opens to a two story lobby, adorned by a crystal
- [Riviera Waterfront Mansion](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/riviera-waterfront-mansion/) - The Riviera is located in Massapequa on the beautiful Great South Bay. Inside the space you'll find a rich and warm atmosphere with glowing wood, hanging tapestries, a sweeping staircase, baby grand piano, a balcony, and two fireplaces in the main room. It has a “great hall” kind of feel, and yet with the windows
- [Raphael Vineyards](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/raphael-vineyards/) - Long Island’s “Wine Country” is the sexy alternative to a traditional catering hall wedding ceremony and reception site. The vineyards themselves are ripe with marriage metaphors. And that same devotion and attention to detail shows in every event that Raphael hosts. This is without exception, the best of the best when it comes to Long
- [The Mansion at Oyster Bay: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-mansion-at-oyster-bay-lessings/) - The Mansion at Oyster Bay is an absolutely beautiful location with all of the hallmarks of a true Gold Coast Mansion. The Mansion is very much as it was, back when the renowned architectural firm of Delano and Aldrich completed its construction in 1918. The magnificent entrance door, with its patterned grillwork frame, opens into the
- [The Heritage Club at Bethpage: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-heritage-club-at-bethpage-lessings/) - Famous for the Bethpage Black Course that Pro-golfers dream of, this amazing location is steeped in Long Island history! Their 'English Manor' Style Mansion is located on the prestigious grounds of Bethpage State Park; home to events such as The US Open, Barclays Tournament, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup. Amid all this grandeur and opulence,
- [The Mansion at West Sayville: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-mansion-at-west-sayville-lessings/) - Walking into the West Sayville Country Club is like entering the great house of a country estate. It is warm and welcoming, charming and inviting. The mansion was originally built in 1909 by Commodore Frederick G. Bourne, as a wedding present for his daughter, Florence, upon her marriage to Anson Hard. So, the building holds
- [The Pavilion at Sunken Meadow: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/the-pavilion-at-sunken-meadow-lessings/) - Are you looking for that laid back and relaxed, 'toes in the sand beach wedding' without going all the way out to the Hamptons? If so, the Pavilion at Sunken Meadow State Park is a must see. Wedding ceremonies can be performed either on the beach itself or on their deck that extends over the
- [Stonebridge Country Club: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/stonebridge-country-club-lessings/) - Since taking over Stonebridge in 2013 the Lessings family has set a new standard in the wedding industry. Stonebridge features clean lines, open floor spaces and huge floor to ceiling windows that bring together their indoor spaces with the natural beauty of the golf course grounds surrounding them. The graceful, modern, look is paired with
- [Essex Club: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/essex-club-lessings/) - With resplendent garden views, a picturesque gazebo and a magnificent ballroom, Essex Club sets the scene for an extraordinary wedding or special event. Set amidst 50-acres of rolling greens and perennial gardens, the quaint country club can be customized to the setting of your dreams no matter the occasion. Be it an al fresco cocktail
- [Chateau at Coindre Hall: Lessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/chateau-at-coindre-hall-lessings/) - This 1912 mansion is a National Historic Landmark that fulfills every dream of what a fairy tale castle should look like. Graceful and elegant, the building's amenities lends themselves to everything from Medieval, to Gatsby, or to the Modern era. With stunning views of the Long Island Sound and Huntington Harbor, Coindre Hall offers a
- [Larkfield](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/larkfield/) - Always a leader in the industry, the Larkfield’s food and standards of excellence have been head and shoulders above even the most famous of Long Island’s Catering Halls. Now they are going above and beyond with “Ground Breaking” Renovations that must be seen to be believed! Larkfield is the perfect place to make your dreams
- [East Wind](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/east-wind/) - East Wind is the most unique location on Long Island. With four completely distinct locations, it has all the benefits of a single event venue with the buying power and experience of a multi-event location. The Inn and Spa offer luxurious accommodations and welcome you and your guests to stay as long as you like.
- [de Seversky Mansion at NYIT](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/wedding-venues/de-seversky-mansion-at-nyit/) - The de Seversky Center is a Grand Old Gold Coast Mansion in every respect. White marble greets you in the exquisite entrance way, with the grand staircase staged for the perfect descent. The walls are of rich wood. Corinthian columns line the mansions exterior, looking out on over 100 acres of Old Westbury’s finest landscapes.

## Events

- [East Wind Fall Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/east-wind-fall-2026/) - Join us for East Wind Long Island's Fall Wedding Showcase on Sunday, October 4 from 12pm to 3pm! East Wind Long Island, where every wedding feels like a fairytale! From the stunning gardens to the elegant ballrooms, this place is all about making dream weddings come true. With endless photo ops and that classic Long
- [Opus Steakhouse / Scotto Restaurants Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/opus-steakhouse-scotto-restaurants-wedding-showcase/) - We’re excited to be joining the wedding professionals at Opus Steakhouse for their upcoming Wedding Showcase! If you’re planning your wedding at Opus, or still exploring possibilities for your big day, come spend the afternoon meeting some of the talented professionals who can help bring it all together. Opus is part of the Anthony Scotto
- [Larkfield Fall Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/larkfield-fall-wedding-showcase-2026/) - We’re thrilled to once again be part of Larkfield’s Fall Wedding Showcase! Join us on Tuesday, October 6, from 6–9 PM at the stunning Larkfield in East Northport. Known for its Tuscan-inspired architecture, lush gardens, and elegant ballrooms, Larkfield offers the perfect blend of romance and sophistication for your big day. Rev. Joe Iadanza from
- [Essex Club Fall Open House](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/essex-club-fall-open-house-2026/) - Save the date for a cozy and charming open house at Essex Club! Not your traditional showcase! For this open house, I'll be staged out at the gazebo performing mock weddings so that you can get a taste of the whole Essex Club ceremony experience! There won't be a flurry of vendors there. Instead, Essex
- [Mansion at Oyster Bay Fall Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/mob-fall-showcase-2026/) - Join us on Wednesday, September 30th, from 6-8pm at the Mansion at Oyster Bay! The Mansion at Oyster Bay, with its stately architecture, rich history, and beautifully appointed spaces, offers timeless elegance in every detail. The Lessing’s team is exceptional—warm, attentive, and deeply committed to making each celebration unforgettable. Come and see a venue that
- [Chateau at Coindre Hall Spring Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/coindre-hall-2026/) - Come say hello at The Chateau at Coindre Hall’s Fall Wedding Showcase! We’re thrilled to be part of this special evening on Thursday, September 10, from 6–8 PM at the breathtaking Chateau at Coindre Hall in Huntington, NY. With its French-style architecture, grand staircase, and sweeping views of Huntington Harbor, this historic mansion offers a
- [Fox Hollow Fall Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/fox-hollow-fall-2026/) - We’re so excited to be returning to The Fox Hollow for their Fall Wedding Showcase! Join us on Wednesday, October 21st, 2025, from 6–9 PM at the stunning Fox Hollow in Woodbury. This all-in-one estate is known for its elegant ballrooms, enchanting gardens, and on-site accommodations—perfect for couples dreaming of a seamless, unforgettable wedding day.
- [Westbury Manor Fall Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/westbury-manor-showcase-fall-2026/) - We’re headed back to the always-elegant Westbury Manor for their Fall Wedding Showcase! Join us on Wednesday, September 16, from 6:30–9:00 PM for a magical evening at one of Long Island’s most timeless venues. With its stunning gardens, graceful fountains, and classic manor house charm, Westbury Manor offers a picture-perfect setting for your wedding day.
- [Timber Point Winter Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/timber-point-winter-showcase-2026/) - We're so excited to be part of The Mansion at Timber Point’s Winter Wedding Showcase! Join Rev. Joe Iadanza on Wednesday, Wed, March 11, from 6–8 PM at one of our favorite venues—The Mansion at Timber Point in Great River, NY. Nestled along the Great South Bay, this stunning Lessing’s Hospitality Group estate blends historic
- [Giorgio's Baiting Hollow - Spring Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-events/giorgios-spring-showcase-2026/) - We’re so excited to return to one of our favorite venues—Giorgio’s Baiting Hollow—for their Spring Wedding Showcase! Join us on Sunday, March 8th, 2026, at 1:00 PM for an afternoon of inspiration at this stunning North Fork destination. From its elegant ballroom to its vineyard views and impeccable service, Giorgio’s offers a truly romantic setting

## Categories

- [Uncategorized](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/uncategorized/)
- [Civil Wedding Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/civil-ceremonies/)
- [Religious Interfaith & Multi Cultural Wedding Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/religious-interfaith-and-multi-cultural-ceremonies/)
- [Wedding Articles](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-articles/)
- [Informational](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/informational/)
- [Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/)
- [Offbeat Humorous and Unique](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-poems-and-readings/offbeat-humorous-unique/)
- [Wedding Poems and Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-poems-and-readings/)
- [Love Poems](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-poems-and-readings/love-poems/)
- [Marriage Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-poems-and-readings/marriage-readings/)
- [Sacred Text Wedding Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-poems-and-readings/sacred-text-wedding-readings/)
- [Spiritual Marriage Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-poems-and-readings/spiritual-marriage-readings/)
- [Readings in Other Languages](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-poems-and-readings/other-languages/)
- [Baby Blessing Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/baby-blessing-readings/)
- [Memorial Readings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/memorial-readings/)
- [Meal Blessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-poems-and-readings/meal-blessings/)
- [Same Sex Weddings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/same-sex-weddings/)
- [Theme & Pop Culture Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/theme-and-pop-culture-ceremonies/)
- [Bilingual Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/bilingual-ceremonies/)
- [Spanish Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/spanish-ceremonies/)
- [Baby Blessings](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/baby-blessings/)
- [Vow Renewal Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/vow-renewal-ceremonies/)
- [Commitment Ceremonies](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/commitment-ceremonies/)
- [Ceremonies Including Children](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/ceremonies-including-children/)
- [Wedding Venues and Locations](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-venues-locations/)
- [Catering Halls](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-venues-locations/catering-halls/)
- [Parks and Ceremony Only Spots](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-venues-locations/parks-and-ceremony-only-spots/)
- [Churches & Chapels](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-venues-locations/churches-chapels/)
- [Micro Wedding & Elopement Venues](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/wedding-venues-locations/micro-wedding-elopement-venues/)
- [Curated Ceremony Samples](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/category/ceremonies/curated-ceremony-samples/)

## Tags

- [Civil Wedding Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/civil-wedding-ceremony/)
- [Religious Wedding Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/religious-wedding-ceremony/)
- [Informational](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/informational/)
- [Wedding Article](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/wedding-article/)
- [Offbeat](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/offbeat/)
- [Love Poem](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/love-poem/)
- [Marriage Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/marriage-reading/)
- [Sacred Text](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/sacred-text/)
- [Spiritual Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/spiritual-reading/)
- [Other Language Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/other-language-reading/)
- [Chinese Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/chinese-reading/)
- [French Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/french-reading/)
- [German Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/german-reading/)
- [Italian Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/italian-reading/)
- [Polish Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/polish-reading/)
- [Russian Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/russian-reading/)
- [Spanish Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/spanish-reading/)
- [Baby Blessing Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/baby-blessing-reading/)
- [Memorial Reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/memorial-reading/)
- [Meal Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/meal-blessing/)
- [Same Sex Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/same-sex-ceremony/)
- [Theme](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/theme/)
- [Bilingual Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/bilingual-ceremony/)
- [Spanish Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/spanish-ceremony/)
- [Baby Blessing](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/baby-blessing/)
- [Vow Renewal](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/vow-renewal/)
- [Commitment Ceremony](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/commitment-ceremony/)
- [Children Centered](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/children-centered/)
- [Venue](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/venue/)
- [Park or Other Location](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/other-location/)
- [venues](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/venues/)
- [Church or Chapel](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/church/)
- [reading](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/reading/)
- [Micro Wedding and Elopement Venues](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/tag/micro-wedding/)

## Categories

- [Wedding Showcase](https://longislandweddingofficiants.org/mec-category/wedding-showcase/)