1. Song, Chant, or Music

2. When people have gathered:
Blessing with sage, or offering of incense.

In gratitude, we offer this incense
to all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas throughout space and time.
May it be fragrant as Earth herself,
reflecting our careful efforts, our wholehearted awareness,
and the fruit of understanding, slowly ripening.
May we and all beings be companions of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
May we awaken from forgetfulness and realize our true home.

3. Introductory words, 3-5 minutes from person officiating and/or others

4. Reading/s. (If it is appropriate the Heart Sutra can be recited, or the Metta Sutta, or any other reading that has meaning for the couple/family/guests.

5. The Five Awarenesses
You understand that happiness is not just an individual matter. By living with awareness, we bring joy, love, and understanding to our lives and the lives of those we come into contact with. The Five Awarenesses are an expression of this. Please repeat each of these Five Awarenesses after me, and say yes, firmly, if you intend to make the vow to practice them. After each awareness, when you hear the sound of the bell we will all take three breaths in mindful awareness together of the power and capacity we all have for understanding and love.

1 We are aware that all generations of our human plant and animal ancestors and all future generations are present in us.

This is the first of the Five Awarenesses.
Do you make the vow to receive, study and practice it? (Bell)

2 We are aware of the responsibility that we have towards our ancestors and to future generations to sustain life and care for each other and the earth.

This is the second of the Five Awarenesses.
Do you make the vow to receive, study and practice it? (Bell)

3 We are aware that our peace, joy, freedom and harmony are the peace, joy, freedom and harmony of all forms of life who have come before us and all forms of life who will follow us.

This is the third of the Five Awarenesses.
Do you make the vow to receive, study and practice it? (Bell)

4 We are aware that understanding is the very foundation of love.

This is the fourth of the Five Awarenesses.
Do you make the vow to receive, study and practice it? (Bell)

5 We are aware that only understanding, trust, love and communication can transform obstacles and can help us change and grow on our path together.

This is the fifth of the Five Awarenesses.
Do you make the vow to receive, study and practice it? (Bell)

6. Wedding vows

"Do you -----, commit your love and understanding to this union with -----?
"Do you -----, commit your love and understanding to this union with -----?

"It is time for you to face each other and exchange rings and promises."

Read your statements/vows and exchange rings

“In the presence of this community of family and friends, with the support of everyone here, you have become united in marriage. You have our continuing support. Each full-moon day recite together these Five Awarenesses to remind you that your commitment to each other involves more than just the two of you, and helps you re-affirm your connection to all living beings, your ancestors, and the future generations.