Exchanging of the Rings

Tips for your christian wedding ceremony

Exchanging of the Rings
Eric Larrayadieu/Getty Images

The exchanging of the rings expresses the couple's promise of faithfulness to each other. The unending circle of the ring is a symbol of eternity. The wedding ring is the outward expression of the inward bond, as two hearts unite as one, promising to love each other with fidelity for all eternity. Wearing ​of the wedding bands throughout the couple's lifetime will tell all others of their commitment to be faithful.

Here are samples of the exchanging of the rings. You may use them just as they are, or you may wish to modify them and create your own together with the minister performing your ceremony.

Sample Exchanging of the Rings #1

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

Groom: "____, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. With this ring, I thee wed."

Bride: "____, I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. With this ring, I thee wed."

Sample Exchanging of the Rings #2

Minister: "The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you ___, may place a ring on the finger of your bride."

Groom: "____, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."

Minister: "By the same token ____, you may place a ring on the finger of your groom."

Bride: "____, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you."

Sample Exchanging of the Rings #3

Minister: "The ring is the symbol of the commitment which binds these two together. There are two rings because there are two people, each to make a contribution to the life of the other, and to their new life together. Let us pray: Bless, O Lord, the giving of these rings, that they who wear them may abide together in your peace and grow in one another's eyes."

(Each saying to the other) "I give you this ring, as I give you myself, with love and affection. Wear it in peace always."

Sample Exchanging of the Rings #4

Minister: "Father, bless these rings which ____ and ____ have set apart to be visible signs of the inward and spiritual bond which unites their hearts. As they give and receive these rings, may they testify to the world of the covenant made between them here."

Groom: "Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love for you."

Bride: "Receive and wear this ring as a symbol of my trust, my respect and my love for you."

Together: "This circle will now seal the vows of our marriage and will symbolize the purity and endlessness of our love."

Format
mla apa chicago
Your Citation
Fairchild, Mary. "Exchanging of the Rings." Learn Religions, Apr. 5, 2023, learnreligions.com/exchanging-of-the-rings-700413. Fairchild, Mary. (2023, April 5). Exchanging of the Rings. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/exchanging-of-the-rings-700413 Fairchild, Mary. "Exchanging of the Rings." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/exchanging-of-the-rings-700413 (accessed March 28, 2024).