As a wedding Officiant I have the joy of performing ceremonies for all religious backgrounds. As an Officiant I can create a ceremony to fill the spiritual needs of a couple, who are of different faiths, do not belong to a church, or do not practice a religion.

In our planning meeting we will talk about what traditions or customs that each of you would like to include in your ceremony. Today I am sharing wording for a wedding ceremony that includes the bride’s Greek heritage and the grooms Christian upbringing.

The Greek Orthodox /Christian wedding ceremony are quite easy to combine since both religions honor the Holy Trinity- The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit. In fact in the Greek Orthodox ceremony, many elements are done 3 times as a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Both ceremonies place God at the center of the marriage and remind the couple to seek the spiritual guidance of the Holy Spirit.

In a Greek Orthodox ceremony the couple is joined together in faith, and in oneness of mind, in truth, and in love. They acknowledging that their love is rooted in God, who is love itself.

In a Christian ceremony the couple makes a covenant (a solemn promise) to each other in the presence of God. This ceremony will include an invocation (beginning prayer to invite God to be present and bless this ceremony) as well as other elements. 

In the ceremony below I have combined some elements of both religious traditions.
There are other Greek Orthodox traditions that you can include such as the wine/common cup. The sharing of wine symbolizes that they now share with each other every joy and sorrow. The couple I made this ceremony for will be doing a wine toast at their reception so we left it out of the ceremony

Another Greek tradition is the bride and groom are given white lighted candles to hold. The
lighted candles symbolize the purity of their lives, which should shine with the light of virtue.
In the ceremony below I combined the Catholic unity candle lighting and The Greek Candle lighting.
Also in a Greek ceremony when the couple completes their walk around the table the Officiant will take the bible and use it to separate their hands saying “What God has joined together let man not out asunder (separate)”. This is traditionally said after the pronouncement in a Christian ceremony 

~Please note all my ceremonies can be tailored to reflect same-sex weddings and vow renewals~ 

The greeting:

Officiant: I address the couple & the guests:

We welcome each of you to this joyful occasion in the life of Groom and Bride. We are gathered here today to celebrate the coming together in love of this woman and this man. We remember that marriage is a time when growing love is made public, when two people share mutual promises before God and before us. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love, and their expectations.

On behalf of the bride and groom I would like to thank you all for sharing this happiest of days with them. They would also like to acknowledge loved ones who are no longer physically with us, but are here with us in spirit today as we celebrate this joyous occasion.

Invocation (this is the beginning prayer to “invoke” or ask god to be present and bless this service) 

Officiant:

Let us pray
Our Father, love has been your richest and greatest gift to the world. Love between two souls which matures into marriage is one of your most beautiful types of loves. Today we celebrate that love. May your blessing be on this wedding service. Protect, guide, and bless Groom and Bride in their marriage. Surround them and us with your love now and always. Amen.

Charge to Bride and Groom (the charge is addressed to the Bride and Groom. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take):

Officiant:

The union into which you are now about to enter is the closest and most tender into which human beings can come. It is a union founded on mutual experience and affection and to believers in the Lord Jesus Christ; it is a union in the Lord. Marriage is Gods institution, intended for the happiness and welfare of human kind.

Remember that love alone will avail as the foundation of a happy home. Let Christ be your example. Let the apostle Paul be your teacher, who wrote” Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” If you keep this steadfast love ever before you and remaining faithful to each other, resolutely endeavor to fulfill the vows you now make, God’s blessings will be upon you, and the home you establish will endure through life’s every change. 

Betrothal/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will):

Officiant:

To  Groom:  Groom, will you have Bride  to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, and love her as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness, as long as you both shall live?

 Groom Responds: I will

Officiant:

To Bride: Bride, will you have  Groom to be your husband, to live with him, respect him, and love him as God intends with the promise of faithfulness, tenderness, and helpfulness as long as you both shall live?

Bride Responds: I will.

Vows:

Officiant:
Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another.
Officiant:  Groom, repeat to Bride, after me, these words:

I, Groom, receive you, Bride as a gift of the Divine Grace of God,
(Groom says): I, Groom, receive you, Bride as a gift of the Divine Grace of God,

And I promise, to stand beside you and with you always;
(Groom says): And I promise, to stand beside you and with you always;

Through times of laughter and tears,
(Groom says): Through times of laughter and tears,

Health and sickness,
(Groom says): Health and sickness,

In plenty and in want,
(Groom says): In plenty and in want,

At work and at play
(Groom says): At work and at play

I promise to cherish you,
(Groom says): I promise to cherish you,

And to always hold you in highest regard.
(Groom says): And to always hold you in highest regard.

For as long as we both shall live
(Groom says): For as long as we both shall live

Officiant:  Bride repeat to Groom, after me, these words:

I, Bride, receive you, Groom as a gift of the Divine Grace of God,
(Bride says): I, Bride, receive you, Groom as a gift of the Divine Grace of God,

And I promise, to stand beside you and with you always;
(Bride says): And I promise, to stand beside you and with you always;

Through times of laughter and tears,
(Bride says): Through times of laughter and tears,

Health and sickness,
(Bride says): Health and sickness,

In plenty and in want,
(Bride says): In plenty and in want,

At work and at play
(Bride says): At work and at play

I promise to cherish you,
(Bride says): I promise to cherish you,

And to always hold you in highest regard.
(Bride says): And to always hold you in highest regard.

For as long as we both shall live
(Bride says): For as long as we both shall live 

Exchange of rings:

Officiant:  May we please have the rings

At this point the best man will give the rings to the Officiant.

Officiant:

Heavenly Father we ask for your blessing on these rings that Groom and Bride are about to exchange. Grant that the love which they feel for one another on this day resides always in their hearts. May these rings forever remind them of the vows which they have pledged to one another today, and may their compassion and kindness for each other always be, as these rings, with no beginning and no end. Amen

To Groom:  Groom will you take this ring and place it upon Bride’s finger, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:

I give you this ring,
(Groom says) I give you this ring,

As a symbol of my vow
(Groom says) As a symbol of my vow

And with all that I am
(Groom says) And with all that I am

And all that I have
(Groom says)  And all that I have

And with it, I may you
(Groom says) And with it, I marry you

And join my life with yours
(Groom says) And join my life with yours

To Bride: Bride will you take this ring and place it upon Groom’s finger, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:

I give you this ring
(Bride says) I give you this ring,

As a symbol of my vow
(Bride says) As a symbol of my vow

And with all that I am
(Bride says) And with all that I am

And all that I have
(Bride says)  And all that I have

And with it, I may you
(Bride says) And with it, I marry you

And join my life with yours
(Bride says) And join my life with yours 

Crowning:

Officiant;
 
For thousands of years, people in Greece have been crowned with wreaths, signifying achievement. In Psalm (8:5) we read "For thou hast made them a little lower than the angels, and have crowned them with glory and honor."

At weddings the wreaths signify mastery of the couple’s home and give honor to the spark of divinity that resides within them both. This is a symbol of how in marriage it is our higher selves that the couple promises to one another and the very best that they have to give.

These wreaths, called "stephana", are bound by a single cord, a cord of love and commitment. The pearls represent romance and sweet blessings. As they are crowned, they are forever united as one.


Officiant to Couple- Please hold each others right hands (This is to symbolize that it is the right hand of God that blesses; it was to the right hand of the Father that Christ ascended)

Officiant to Best man: “Best man” will you exchange the stephana three times as is custom, as we offer a blessing in each exchange.

Best man holds the stephana above the couple's heads

Heavenly Father you have granted this couple a foretaste of your heavenly blessings on earth by giving them the gift of sacred union. We ask that you make their marriage strong in faith, truth and love, that they may be joined forevermore as one mind, one heart, one spirit.

Officiant makes the sign of the cross for the Bride and Groom
Best man exchanges stephana and continue to hold them above the couple's heads

May the Lord Jesus Christ grant this couple a lifetime of mutual love and understanding. May their love and care for one another be always in the foreground of their thoughts, granting them health, happiness and peace.

Officiant makes the sign of the cross for the Bride and Groom
Best man exchanges stephana for the third and final time and continue to hold them above the
couple's heads

Holy Spirit, Guardian of all that is seen and unseen, As the Father, Son and Holy spirit are joined in sacred and mystical union may the sacrament of marriage enrich the connection of these two souls that they may grow in depth of love and glory to God.

Bride and Groom are offered one another's stephana to kiss before placement. Officiant makes the sign of the cross for the Bride and Groom and the couple is crowned

Ceremonial walk:

With the crowns now on their heads, I lead them around the table 3 times. The couple still holding right hand-the Officiant reaches back and places her hand on top of theirs and leads them around the table. The maid of honor follows holding the ribbons from the crowns –On the table should be the bible and the cross (I can provide these if you need). This represents the word of God and our redemption by Jesus. The couple walking around the table symbolizes that Christian living is at the center of their married life and 3 times is for the holy trinity. During the walk a hymn is usually played.

The Removal of the Crowns
At the conclusion of the Ceremonial Walk, The Officiant removes the crowns saying:
Heavenly Father, grant that Bride and Groom enjoy a long, happy and fruitful life together. Amen 

Unity Candle Ceremony

Officiant:

Now we shall celebrate this union as it is symbolized through the lighting of the unity candle.

The lighting of the unity candle can be a very meaningful expression in a Christian wedding ceremony. It symbolizing your individual spirits, as well as your individual connections with God. In a Traditional Greek ceremony the lighted candles symbolize the purity of their lives, which should shine with the light of virtue.

Groom and Bride please light the two taper candles. These candles represent your individual spirits, your individual connections with God, all that you are and, all that you have been, and all that you will become.

The center candle represents your relationship. It is the symbol of your marriage, the symbol of the joining of 2 spirits, 2 lives, 2 souls. Now you will take the tapers and light the center candle. As you do so, keep in mind the pledge you made to each other today. It is the pledge of the truth and purity of your every breath. The constant friendship of your hearts, the passion and fire of your spirits and the deepest love your souls have to give. It is the pledge of all that is within you-The only true pledge that one heart can offer to another.

You are now as husband and wife offering yourselves, and all that has come to pass unto each other, towards the creation of your future, and to all that is yet to come. The candle of your marriage shall burn brightly, but the two tapers of yourselves are not diminished. You do not disappear in marriage. You remain you. But in joining, both lights are brighter, each supports the other and miracles can happen. True Love shines brightly and today is but a beautiful beginning of the miracles to come.

Prayer: Prayer of blessing upon your new marriage 

Officiant:  Let us say a prayer of blessing upon this marriage

We thank you O God for the joy and excitement of this blessed Occasion. It is you who has given us life and experience and you who has led us to this present moment. We ask that you bless Groom and Bride as they begin this new phase of their journey through life. Safeguard them from perils both seen and unseen. Give them such fulfillment of mutual affection that they may reach out in love and concern for others. Let the sun always rise on their good will and let it never set without it. Abide in their home as the one who imparts value to their relationship and meaning to all their efforts. Shelter them from the tragedies so common to human life, or support them that they may stand when visited by adversity. Grant that their wills may be knit together in your will, and their spirits in your spirit that they may grow in love and peace with you and one another all the days of their life. Amen 

Pronouncement:

Officiant:

Inasmuch as you, Groom, and you Bride, have thus consented in holy matrimony and have witnessed the same before God, family and friends, by virtue of the authority vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate.

You may kiss the Bride!

Benediction (It brings ceremony to an end. It is another blessing):

Officiant:

The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Officiant will prompt maid of honor to hand the bride her bouquet. Bride and groom will face their guests.

It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs. _________ 

For more information on my packages, prices, sample ceremonies and more
See For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services

Peace, Love and Be Married,
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant 

One of the aspects that I enjoy the most about being a Wedding Officiant in NJ is all the places I get to go. I have had the joy to perform weddings at beautiful, elegant venues, amazing chapels, vintage barns and vineyards. I have been to some of the most beautiful beaches at the Jersey Shore (from Cape May, LBI, Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Asbury Park, Sandy Hook and more) I especially love the fabulous and fun back yard BBQ’s, as well as historical sites, parks and gardens, museums and aquariums.  

Recently I had the pleasure to officiate a wedding at a White Castle in South Amboy! This was first for me and what a great experience it was. The couple was so sweet and fun. I enjoyed meeting their family and friends. The District Manager for White Castle, Haskell Wallace was on hand to make sure everything went smooth.  

The ceremony was also attended by the local newspaper and media outlets!
The restaurant was closed to other customers, however the drive thru stayed open which made it more fun and unique.

I customized their ceremony with special wording about this iconic restaurant that they enjoy coming to.
I left the ceremony with a slider in one hand and fries in the other!

The news video was picked up by many outlets; WATCH HERE: USA Today

So remember I am game for anything- from traditional weddings to weddings at White Castle and anything in-between! For information on my services,  Packages and Pricing,  Sample Ceremonies see my Website. To check availability fill out my Contact Form 

Peace, Love and Be Married,
Andrea Purtell Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant

 It is very common for couples to ask me to personalize their ceremony with something that reflects them. For example I have had a couple who met at a concert and share a love of music, or a couple who shares a love of travel, or making their own wine.

Every so often I will get a request for a themed wedding such as a Steam Punk theme or Halloween.

I recently had a couple request a Disney themed wedding ceremony. They wanted me to use as many Disney Quotes as I could. I really like the way it came out so I thought I would share it. Enjoy!

*I made a notation- just for reference of what Disney movie/song etc.. the wording came from; I do not actually read that part.. This ceremony is non-religious but can easily be changed to include prayers. 

The greeting:

Officiant: I address the couple & the guests:

Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale:

It is a tale as old as time, a tale true as can be (Beauty and the Beast). Groom and Bride  started out as high school  friends, They embarked on many adventures together, as time went by it became crystal clear, they had fallen in love, This love opened up a whole new world for them with new horizons to pursue. (Aladdin) Today Groom and Bride begin this new chapter in their storybook. Today they give recognition to the worth and beauty of this love as they become husband and wife. 

We celebrate the coming together in love of this woman and this man. We join in our support of them as they offer themselves to each other. We celebrate their joy, their love and their expectations. 

Invocation/opening blessing (this is the beginning prayer to “invoke” or ask god to be present and bless this service-or for non-religious it is an opening blessing or poem)

Officiant:

I would like to share a reading : Winnie the Pooh, by A. A. Milne

“Pooh” whispered Piglet.
“Yes, Piglet” replied Pooh.
“Nothing,” answered Piglet,
“I just wanted to be sure of you.”
“If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.”
“It’s so much more friendly with two.”
“Pooh, promise me you won’t forget about me, ever. Not even when I am a hundred.”
Pooh thought for a little.
“How old shall I be then?”
“Ninety-nine.”
Pooh nodded. “I promise,” he said.
“Some people care too much, I think it’s called love.”

Charge & Pledge combined (the charge is addressed to the Bride and Groom. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take, the pledge is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will):

Officiant

Groom and Bride; as you continue on your journey together, I ask you to remember this advice:

When you believe a thing, believe it all the way, implicitly and unquestionably: (Walt Disney) --- ……Believe in this union without reservations.

Make the Best of Every Situation (Cinderella):
…..Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. A good marriage must be created.

Accept Your Differences (Pocahontas):
……Know that your interests and desires will not always be the same.

Achieving Goals Is Hard Work: (The Princess & the Frog)
…..Celebrate in the accomplishments of one another.

Go after what you want (The Little Mermaid)
…..Have a mutual sense of values and common objectives:  Stand together facing the world.

Listen with your heart: you will understand (Pocahontas):
……Accept one another as an equal and as a unique individual.

Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever (Walt Disney)

Marriage is telling the person you love that you’re not going anywhere and that’s a powerful commitment for two people to make to one another. And so this is love. This is what makes life divine. (Cinderella)

 (To Groom):  With this understanding, do you Groom, take Bride to be your wife; to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live?

Groom says:  I do.

(To Bride):  With this understanding do you Bride, do you take Groom to be your husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for as long as you both shall live?

Bride says: I do.

Officiant:  Now that you have declared your intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another. 

Groom, repeat to Bride, after me, these words:

I, Groom take you Bride to be my wife
(Groom says): I, Groom take you Bride to be my wife

I vow to you from this day forward
(Groom says): I vow to you from this day forward

Whatever we may do
(Groom says): Whatever we may do,

You are here for me
(Groom says): You are here for me

And I’ll be there for you
(Groom says): And I’ll be there for you (Aladdin)

From this day on
(Groom says): From this day on

Now and forever more
(Groom says): Now and forever more,

You’ll be in my heart
(Groom says): You'll be in my heart. (Tarzan)


Officiant:  Bride, repeat to Groom, after me, these words:

I Bride, take you Groom to be my husband
(Bride says): I, Bride, take you Groom to be my husband

You are the best thing
(Bride says): You are the best thing,

I never knew I needed
(Bride says): I never knew I needed (Princess and the frog)

With you here,
(Bride says): With you here,

I know that life is much more fun
(Bride says): I know that life is much more fun (Winnie the Pooh)

I vow to you
(Bride says): I vow to you

From this day on
(Bride says): From this day on

Now and forevermore
(Bride says): Now and forever more,

You’ll be in my heart.
(Bride says): You'll be in my heart. (Tarzan)

With this love begins a new circle of life (Lion King), and to symbolize this new circle Groom and Bride will exchange rings.

May I please have the rings:

(At this point best man hands Officiant the rings)

The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It has no beginning and no end-and so it is with love, love is a song that never ends. Let this ring be a symbol of your never ending love song.

Officiant to Groom:  And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you Groom, may place a ring on the finger of your bride, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words:

I give you this ring
(Groom says): I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love
(Groom says): As a symbol of my love

Wear it as a reminder
(Groom says): Wear it as a reminder

That my love is a song
(Groom says): That my love is a song

That never ends
(Groom says): That never ends

Officiant to Bride:  And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you Bride, may place a ring on the finger of your groom, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words:

I give you this ring
(Bride says): I give you this ring

As a symbol of my love
(Bride says): As a symbol of my love

Wear it as a reminder
(Bride says): Wear it as a reminder

That my love is a song
(Bride says): That my love is a song

That never ends
(Bride says): That never ends

(*note “that my love is a song that never ends” from Bambi)

Prayer: closing prayer or blessing upon your new marriage 

Officiant:  

Bride and Groom may the love that you have expressed here today grow in time, in song and rhyme into a legendary tale full of happiness and joy. May the inward aspirations of your hearts be the outward reality of you home. May your home always be a magic kingdom, of light and truth, of beauty, of joy and happiness all the days of your lives.

(Note; some wording adapted from Walt Disney Poem : Magical Kingdom)

Pronouncement:

Officiant:

Groom and Bride, Your two hopeful hearts, once worlds apart;
Together there is no end to what your dreams can start.
Like two eagles soar as one, upon the river of the wind
With the promise of forever, you will take the past and learn to begin. May your lives together be filled with love and laughter, and may you live happily ever after! ..(Pocahontas)

By the power vested in me as an Officiant and the laws of this state, I now pronounce you husband and wife! 

Officiant to Groom: Go on and kiss the girl! (Little Mermaid)

 “It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs.___________

For more information on my services or to read more sample ceremonies see me at For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services.

Peace, Love and Be Married!

Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant
call/text 848-333-9948
thisjoyous@gmail.com

A man should be the first to congratulate the bride. It's bad luck if a woman gets there first.

It's good luck to rise with to the song of birds on your wedding day.

It is good luck if it rains on your wedding.

It's bad luck to put on your own veil; have a well-married woman do the honors.

The bride should never take both feet off the floor when dancing with her new husband. It gives the fairies an edge!

Marry in white, everything's right
Marry in blue, lover be true
Marry in pink, spirits will sink
Marry in grey, live far away
Marry in brown, live out of town
Marry in green, ashamed to be seen
Marry in yellow, ashamed of your fellow
Marry in black, wish you were back
Marry in red, wish you were dead
Marry in tan, he'll be a loved man
Marry in pearl, you'll live in a whirl

The chime of bells reminds a couple of their wedding vows. That's why giving a bell as a gift has become an Irish tradition.

Many Irish brides carry a small porcelain horseshoe in their wedding bouquets for good luck

The wearing of Claddaugh rings are probably the most popular Irish wedding rituals. When worn on the right hand, the ring indicates that love is "being considered." When the ring is placed on the left hand the wearer is married or has been handfasted. 

Irish Blessing, Version #1

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 see your children’s children.
May you be poor in misfortune,
Rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

Irish Blessing, Version #2

May the raindrops fall lightly on your brow
May the soft winds freshen your spirit
May the sunshine brighten your heart
May the burdens of the day rest lightly upon you
And may God enfold you in the mantle of His love.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
and the rain fall soft upon your fields
And until we meet again my friend
May God hold you in the hollow (palm) of his hand
May God be with you and bless you
May you see your children’s children
May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in Blessings
May you know nothing but happiness
from this day forward
But rich or poor, quick or slow,
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the joys of today
Be those of tomorrow.

Irish Wedding Blessing, Version #3

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace.
May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase.
May the saddest day of your future
Be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
May your hands be forever clasped in friendship
And your hearts joined forever in love.
Your lives are very special,
God has touched you in many ways.
May his blessings rest upon you
And fill all your coming days.

Irish Wedding Blessing, Version #4  short version

May your mornings bring joy and your evenings bring peace. May your troubles grow few as your blessings increase. May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.

Irish Wedding Blessing option 5

May you always have enough happiness to keep you sweet, trials to keep you strong, success to make you eager, friends to give you comfort, wealth to meet your needs, enthusiasm to look for tomorrow, and a growing love to make each day better than the day before.

Irish Wedding Blessing, #6- said after pronouncement as a benediction, end ceremony the kiss

May God give you...
For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.

 Option 1

Officiant:
_____ and ___ will conclude their ceremony with a traditional handfasting. This is a symbolic binding of the hands that inspired the terms "Bonds of Holy Matrimony" and to "Tie the knot" Throughout history in many different ways and in many different parts of the world, the hands of the bride and groom were bound as a sign of their commitment to one another. In many times rings were only for the very rich, while love knows no such bound. The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is eternal.
Please join your right hands.
May you know nothing but happiness
From this day forward.
May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home
And may the hand of a friend always be near.
May green be the grass you walk on,
May blue be the skies above you,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.

******************************************************************************
Option 2

Officiant:
_____ and ___ have will conclude their ceremony with a traditional handfasting. This is a symbolic binding of the hands that inspired the terms "Bonds of Holy Matrimony" and to "Tie the knot" Throughout history in many different ways and in many different parts of the world, the hands of the bride and groom were bound as a sign of their commitment to one another. In many times rings were only for the very rich, while love knows no such bound. The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is eternal
Please join your right hands.
Officiant:
_____ and ___ this cord is a symbol of the lives you have chosen to lead together. Up until this moment, you have been separate in thought, word and action. As your hands are bound together by this cord, so too, shall your lives be bound as one. May you be forever be one, sharing in all things, in love and loyalty for all time to come.
****************************************************************************

Option 3

Officiant:
_____ and ___ will conclude their ceremony with a traditional handfasting. This is a symbolic binding of the hands that inspired the terms "Bonds of Holy Matrimony" and to "Tie the knot" Throughout history in many different ways and in many different parts of the world, the hands of the bride and groom were bound as a sign of their commitment to one another. In many times rings were only for the very rich, while love knows no such bound. The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is everlasting
Please join your right hands.
Officiant:
This cord represents the marital bond. It is strong enough to hold you together during times of struggle yet flexible enough to allow for individuality and personal growth. As your hands are now bound together, so shall your lives be bound as one. May you enjoy a lifetime of love and peace, happiness and prosperity.

******************************************************************************
Option 4

Officiant:

_____ and ___ will conclude their ceremony with a traditional handfasting. This is a symbolic binding of the hands that inspired the terms "Bonds of Holy Matrimony" and to "Tie the knot" Throughout history in many different ways and in many different parts of the world, the hands of the bride and groom were bound as a sign of their commitment to one another. In many times rings were only for the very rich, while love knows no such bound. The cords are not permanent but perishable as a reminder that all things of the material eventually return to the earth, unlike the bond and the connection that is love which is everlasting

Please join your right hands.

Officiant:

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief racks your mind.
These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times.
These are the hands that will give you support and encourage you to chase your dreams.
Together, everything you wish for can be realized.

I am always happy to customize your wedding ceremony with the traditions of your heritage. For more information on my services see For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services.

Email me thisjoyous@gmail.com
call/text 848-333-9948

Peace, Love and Be Married!
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant 

Here is a list of my favorite local gazebos perfect for your ceremony. Some are free and are on a first come first serve basis and some you may rent for your special day 

​Hold your ceremony at this beautiful park and then head over to the fabulousSpring Lake Manor located 
less than a mile away (.8 to be exact) for an amazing reception.

My Lakeside/Park Package is just $395: This Package it is meant to be an intimate and carefree ceremony.
​Think Micro Wedding!

This special package includes a virtual consultation using the video app of your choice such as: FaceTime or Zoom.
If you prefer, all arraignments can be made through telephone 848-333-9948 and e-mail contact. 

These ceremonies takes place at the beautiful Spring Lake Park. Spring Lake is a picturesque community nestled along the Atlantic Ocean and maintains a beautiful lake in the center of town.

The park is a beautiful location for an intimate wedding ceremony. There are  open meadows and small almost hidden alcoves with built in rock seats for your guest. Two bridges called the bridal bridges because they are known for their popularity for wedding pictures.

The two most popular places for a ceremony in the park are the beautiful gazebo or the large patio overlooking the lake.
​ 
The gazebo is located diagonally across the street from The Chateau Inn Bed and Breakfast at 500 Warren Ave Spring Lake. This is a beautiful hotel for you and your guests to stay! The Gazebo has some very nice large benches inside of it and seats approx. 25 people

The patio is located on East Lake Ave between Warren and Mercer. It has a platform with 3 large benches plenty of room for guests to stand. It has a larger area for the bride, groom and wedding party
 
These locations are free for us to use, there are no permits required or additional fees charged. So, you may not reserve them, they are on a first come first serve basis. I have never had a problem since the park is large enough, with many nice places to hold a small intimate ceremony. A quick check of the town website will let you know the dates of any community events that may be scheduled. 

​A quick look at Spring Lake Park Rules: Wedding ceremonies are permitted at Spring Lake Park, no permit needed. Their use is on a first come first serve basis. The following items are not permitted: Tents, Arches, Chairs, Tables, Alcoholic Beverage, DJ's/loud music. You may not nail up any decorations. You must clean up after yourselves immediately following your ceremony. Questions? Call Spring Lake Borough Hall at 732-449-0800

 Lavallette gazebo: This beautiful gazebo overlooking the bay is located at 1306 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette, NJ 08735 and is rented out for 2 hour blocks. This location is gorgeous any time of day and beautifully maintained. It has awesome sunsets too!

Huisman Gazebo Belmar The Huisman Gazebo is located at the east side of Silver Lake, 500 Ocean Avenue, Belmar. As of 2017 there is no charge for the use of the gazebo however, you must fill out a form to reserve it. Please contact Mary Brabazon 732-681-3700 x214

Bradley Beach, Ocean Front Gazebo. So beautiful and just re-built since super storm sandy. Permit is required 

Lake Como Gazebo, Permit required Borough of Lake Como P.O. Box 569 - 1740 Main Street Lake Como, NJ 07719 732-681-3232 ext. 203 This peaceful gazebo over looking the lake is beautiful anytime of day, and has amazing sunsets.  

Mayo Park Gazebo in Beachwood. This beautiful gazebo is popular for weddings as well as photos. Its a beautiful location overlooking the water. 

Of Course you are going to need an officiant for your ceremony! See my site
For This Joyous Occasion for more information on my services, packages and prices as well as sample ceremonies.
Email me thisjoyous@gmail.com
Fill out a contact form
Or call/text me at 848-333-9948

Peace, Love and Be Married,
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant 

Below are some of my most favorite elegant traditional venues in New Jersey.  

 Lobster Shanty Sunset Ballroom in Point Pleasant Beach.  Jack Bakers Lobster Shanty is an elegant venue with fantastic views of the Manasquan inlet. Nancy and her staff do a fabulous job, you will be pleased! Located blocks from the beach it is also convenient for beach wedding party photos.

Spring Lake Manor in Spring Lake Heights. Beautiful venue with excellent food and a lovely indoor area for your ceremony (they also do off site catering) John and his staff are professional and friendly. 

Atlantis Ballroom in Toms River.  This is a beautiful elegant, traditional ballroom. Samantha and her staff are excellent and experienced. 

Versailles Ballroom in Toms River. This is a beautiful, elegant traditional ballroom. I love working with Angel and Heidi and their staff and you will too.
 

Windsor Ballroom in East Windsor.This is a very beautiful elegant ballroom. 

 

Sterling Ballroom in Eatontown/Tinton Falls. This is a beautiful elegant ballroom. They do a fantastic job here and have a lovely ceremony space.

Crystal Ballroom in Freehold.  This is a beautiful elegant ballroom. They do a fantastic job here and have a lovely indoor ceremony space and a nice patio with fire pits. 

Doolan's Shore Club in Spring Lake Heights, The Mill lakeside Manor in Spring Lake Heights,
Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant, Addison Park in Aberdeen, Clarks Landing in Point Pleasant Beach and Eagle Oaks Golf Club in Lakewood were all listed in my blog about venues with beautiful gardens for your ceremony but they also have magnificent indoor ceremony spaces as well!

Of Course you are going to need an officiant for your ceremony!
See my siteFor This Joyous Occasion for more information on my services, packages and prices
as well assample ceremonies.
Email me thisjoyous@gmail.com  Or call/text me at 848-333-9948 
Fill out my Contact Form

Peace, Love and Be Married,
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant

ForThisJoyousOccasion.com
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Below are some of my favorite venues that offer beautiful gardens for your ceremony as well as elegant ballrooms and banquet rooms for indoor ceremony. Venues with both are a huge plus in case of inclement weather. 

 The Mill Lakeside Manor in Spring Lake Heights. I love the Mill! They have a beautiful garden area for your ceremony. The upstairs cocktail hour room and reception room are beautiful and have an amazing view of the lake.

Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury. A Favorite of mine! Shadowbrook has the most beautiful garden for your ceremony and cocktail hour. The inside banquet rooms are beautiful with the feel of elegant old world charm. 

Doolan’s Shore Club Spring Lake Heights.This venue tops my list! I love Doolan’s. Susan Doolan and her staff are excellent. They offer ceremonies in their beautiful garden or inside the atrium room and they even offer beach ceremonies! 

Eagle Ridge Golf Club located in Lakewood. Another favorite of mine! Jennifer and her staff are excellent. Have your ceremony on their patio overlooking the beautiful golf course or inside their ceremony room in front of their fireplace.

Eagle Oaks located in Farmingdale. This beautiful venue had an amazing outdoor patio garden area as well as elegant banquet rooms. 

Lakewood Country Club in Lakewood.This location has a gazebo overlooking the beautiful goof course as well as lovely indoor banquet rooms. The golf course is so beautiful you will love taking wedding photo on it 

Addison Park in Aberdeen. This is the most elegant venue! I love Addison Park it is so beautiful and the staff is amazing. Have your ceremony in their beautiful garden or in the banquet room.
 

Sea Oaks Country Club in Little Egg Harbor. This venue has a beautiful outdoor space as well as elegant indoor banquet rooms 

Stateroom in Long Beach Island. Beautiful and elegant! A unique venue with beautiful decor. The Stateroom has a lovely garden/patio area for your ceremony. They also offer beach ceremonies or if you prefer they have a beautiful indoor area for your ceremony. 

Smithville Inn in Smithville.This Historic Inn is elegant and so beautiful. It has a private patio overlooking the water that is perfect for your ceremony. They also have a beautiful indoor banquet room for indoor ceremonies 

 

Salt Creek Grill in Rumson.This charming venue has a beautiful lawn overlooking the water for your ceremony. They also have a beautiful banquet room for indoor ceremonies

Battleground Country Club ~  Beautiful golf course venue with a gazebo on the great lawn as well as a lovely banquet room for indoor ceremonies 

Of Course you are going to need an officiant for your ceremony!
See my siteFor This Joyous Occasion for more information on my services, packages and prices as well assample ceremonies.
Email me thisjoyous@gmail.com
Fill out a contact form  Or call/text me at 848-333-9948 

 Want the beach view without getting sandy? Here are some of my favorite venues with outdoor ceremony spaces that do just that!

Crystal Point Yacht Club located in Point Pleasant, they are a popular venue because not only is their staff professional and so friendly, they have beautiful indoor spaces and a new outside ceremony space overlooking the Marina. 

Brielle River House located in Brielle– A favorite of mine, Maureen does a fabulous job of helping you to create the wedding of your dreams. Their patio overlooking the inlet is perfect for your outdoor ceremony. The reception rooms have fantastic views of the water.

 Clarks Landing Located in Point Pleasant Beach-Beautiful upscale elegant! Amazing indoor space is elegant and upscale. They have an outdoor ceremony space overlooking the river.

The Breakers, located in Spring Lake. Another favorite of mine! Of course they have beautiful ballrooms and event space. They also have a upstairs patio/veranda overlooking the pristine Spring Lake Beach and the vast Atlantic ocean.

Channel Club Located in Monmouth Beach. They have an upstairs banquet room with amazing views of the water. Outside is a ceremony space overlooking the marina 

Molly Pitcher Located in Red Bank Beautiful indoor banquet spaces and large beautiful patio with amazing views of the marina and Red Bank 

Water’s Edge  located in Berkley, You can have your ceremony right at the water’s edge in their beautiful ceremony space! Inside is a fantastic banquet room. 

Mallard Island Located in Long Beach Island. Famous for their boat house ceremony space. Mallard Island is Beautiful charming and elegant.  

Of Course you are going to need an officiant for your ceremony! See my site
For This Joyous Occasion for more information on my services, packages and prices as well as sample ceremonies.
Email me thisjoyous@gmail.com
Fill out a contact form
Or call/text me at 848-333-9948

Peace, Love and Be Married,
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant

Want to get married barefoot on the beach at the Jersey Shore! Below is a list of my favorite beach front venues. These are venues that include wedding arch, chairs and you can also have your reception at. 

Jenkinson’s located in Point Pleasant Beach. Have your wedding on the beach right off the famous Jenkinson’s Boardwalk.This is a great beach ceremony venue!! I love Jenks and you will too. It has the Jersey Shore vibe. Casey the Banquet Manager and her staff are great. 

 
Doolan’s Shore Club located in Spring Lake Heights is also listed in my beautiful gardens list. I Love Doolan’s. They offer beach front weddings just blocks away from their venue on Sea Girt Beach. Susan and her staff are top notch! 

Martells Tiki Bar located in Point Pleasant Beach. Here is another traditional Jersey Shore Boardwalk venue! Marissa and her staff are fabulous. I love Martell’s!

McLoone’s Asbury Park I love Asbury Park!! This is a great beach venue located just steps off the famous Asbury Park Boardwalk. They have a very unique upstairs reception room too with a fantastic patio overlooking the boardwalk and beach that perfect for cocktail hour.
Also Check out Mcloone"s in Long Branch!

The White Sands Resort Located in Point Pleasant Beach is a perfect location for a beach ceremony and ballroom reception!
 

Ocean Place  located in Long Branch. You can have your entire reception on the beach if you like! End the evening with a beach bonfire, smores and sparklers! 

Course you are going to need an officiant for your ceremony! See my siteFor This Joyous Occasion
for more information on my services, packages and prices as well as sample ceremonies.
Email me thisjoyous@gmail.com
Fill out a contact form
Or call/text me at 848-333-9948
Peace, Love and Be Married,
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant

Allaire Chapel; https://allairevillage.org/weddings/
This beautiful Chapel is located in the Historic Village of Allaire State Park, Wall NJ and has become one of the most popular wedding spots at the Jersey shore.  Dating back to the early 19th century it is nearly 200 years old. The chapel and the beautiful grounds it is on make it popular for photographs
*Great ceremony location then you may want to hold your reception at a local venue such as 709, Sunset Ballroom or Shipwreck Point 

 Edel Haus Farm;  Where country meets shore! This beautiful Alpaca Farm is located in Wall New Jersey and serves double duty as a fantastic outdoors, country inspired wedding venue. They have a beautiful new barn for weddings!
Check out these photos from amazing local photographer Jen Rutherford  (I have had the pleasure to work with her on many occasions and highly recommend her)

 Pine Grove Day Camp in Wall NJ; is perfect for family weddings! The focus here is on family celebration, so if you have children or love activities, this is a great fun place. They offer everything from a relaxing BBQ to a formal event. You can even include swimming for the kids, rides, carnival games!

Robbins House at Hill Crest Farms    This charming and quaint brick farmhouse located in Windsor NJ  dates back to the early 19th century. It sits on 23 acres of beautiful preserved open space. 

Sayen House and Gardens; Located in historic Hamilton Square, Hamilton NJ. This is a perfect location for nature and garden lovers! The breathtaking scenery is the perfect background for your wedding. 

Unionville Vineyards;This scenic vineyard is located in Ringo’s NJ. You may choose to hold your wedding in the Winery building, the Tasting Room, the Cave, on the patio or the lawn under a tent. 

Rutgers Gardens;Have your wedding at one of the enchanted gardens tucked away the campus of Rutgers university. You may have your reception on the covered patio. There is also a “house” with kitchen for your caterers to work out of, or to use as a back-up indoor location in case of inclement weather *Bring in your own event catering service 

 Sandy Hook Chapel;This historic lovely restored Chapel dates back to 1940 and is located within Gateway National Recreational  Park, Sandy Hook, NJ. It is most popular to have your wedding ceremony on the great lawn that the Chapel sits on overlooking the water. Many couples have tents set up on the large lawn for their reception as well.

The Herbary at Bear Creek Farm, Howell Township NJ. This is truly a rustic back to nature setting that I just love!
You can hold small 50 people or less events indoors or up to 150 outdoors.
​Check out this post from local caterer Falco's Catering for some fabulous photos of The Herbary!  

This photo below from the Herbary at Bear Creek Website taken by the
amazing photographer Ashley Mac Photography

Bayonet Farms Holmdel- Beautiful park with a couple of barns. You can use one of the barns for your event or hold the ceremony outdoors, reception in the barn or everything outdoors! The town website does not do this beautiful rustic venue justice. I suggest going on Pintrest to search for photos of weddings at Bayonet Farms to get a true feel of this location.

​Also check out Falco's Catering blog for photos from their work at Bayonet Farms!  
​See this photo on their website and more! 

The Estate at Eagle Lake In Chesterfield NJ. This venue has absolutely beautiful grounds for your photos! I love their outdoor ceremony space overlooking Eagle Lake. This venue is a mix of elegance and rustic out doors. It is truly a favorite of mine. 
Check out their photo gallery to get the real feel of this venue!

Andrea Purtell, Your local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant!

If traditional ballrooms are just not your thing-you looking for something with a little different vibe, here are some of my favorite venues:

Asbury Park tops my list for unique and cool venues for your wedding ceremony and reception.

The Asbury Hotel has just opened (May 2016) I love this new location! It is cool, unique and fabulous. They have thought of everything. I can not wait to begin performing weddings here! You must check out their website to see it! For more information call Banquet Manager Julia Harvey at 732-774-7100

I love The Grand Arcade! - This grand historic building is a beautiful space with it's amazing architecture sits at the end of the boardwalk overlooking the beach. Fantastic unique one of a kind building. 


The Historic Carousel building! This historical ornate building is charming and like no other venue. Rent it and make your vision come alive! You may decorate it as you like. So unique and extraordinary!

The Beach Bar in Asbury Park Located within the Grand Arcade building; this venue has a covered patio jetting out over the beach with amazing expansive views of the ocean. 

Choose to have your ceremony in the venue or right out on the beach.

Here is a complete list of unique historical Jersey Shore Landmark facility rentals in Asbury Park and information on how to rent them:
Asbury Park Facility Rentals

Watermark;  This beautiful beach front venue is also located on the Asbury Park Boardwalk. Watermark is elegant, cool, distinctly sophisticated. Its upscale yet comfortable and cool decor makes it one of my favorite unique venues for your wedding. The atmosphere at Watermark works well for a wedding during any season. I have had the honor of officiating weddings there before; the management does a fantastic job. Oh and the best is their one of a kind patio lounge overlooking the ocean!

709, Located in the downtown shopping district of Point Pleasant Beach. Their private “Living room” with their veranda overlooking the main street with its mix of charming antique stores, coffee houses and eclectic stores, makes it another unique favorite of mine. 709 is located just blocks from the beach. It is beautiful during the summer, yet the warm decor and fire place make a great venue year round. When it starts to get chilly out they put heaters on the balcony so you can still enjoy that view. 

Buona Sera Wine Cellar or upstairs-located in the heart of the dynamic shopping and dining district of Red Bank, Buena Sera has a lovely upstairs ballroom. It's beautiful Italian, decor and architecture make this a unique venue, but the real gem is the wine cellar! While it is only suited for smaller weddings due to its size (maybe 50 guests give or take) it is beautiful.

The Downtown in Red Bank. Like its name this venue is located in the vibrant downtown area of Red Bank, their upstairs private party room is an amazing event space with a very cool urban loft atmosphere 

 
The Majestic Hotel in Ocean Grove This venue can also be listed under beach ceremonies, however because it is located in the charming historic Victorian beach front village of Ocean Grove with its porches and ocean views it is a one of a kind

Of Course you are going to need an officiant for your ceremony! See my site
For This Joyous Occasion Officiating Services
for more information on my services, packages and prices as well as sample ceremonies.
Email me thisjoyous@gmail.com
Fill out a contact form
Or call/text me at 848-333-9948

Peace, Love and Be Married,
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant 

 I love my job so much! It brings me so much joy. One really fun aspect of this job is all the amazing and beautiful locations I have the pleasure of Officiating Wedding Ceremonies at. I live in Point Pleasant Beach NJ and there are so many great venues in Ocean and Monmouth County that I would like to share with you.

First, I would like to start with small venues. Many people prefer a smaller more intimate wedding and are looking for a venue that doesn't have a 100 person minimum-or even a 65 person. They would also like a venue that offers a private room to accommodate both the ceremony and reception-or perhaps you would like to have your ceremony at a local beach or park and use your venue as a back up.

We have some excellent local venues to choose from! Below are a few of my favorites.
Tell them Andrea sent you!

 TheWharfside , Point Pleasant Beach NJ
You will enjoy beautiful views of the inlet and the boats. The Wharfside has excellent food. Nancy and her staff do a fantastic job with events of all sizes.

The Grenville Inn in Bay Head is a beautiful location for a small wedding ceremony. Have your ceremony inside by the fire place or on the beach located just a few blocks away, its an easy walk. They have fabulous food and newly renovated rooms, as well as a beautiful porch. 

The Poached Pear, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 
Excellent food! This elegant restaurant has private party room that fits up to 50 guests and is located in the shopping district of Point Pleasant Beach. There is plenty of parking 

La Dolce Vita, Belmar, NJ. Excellent food and located across the street from the beach. La Dolce Vita has a beautiful front room with views of the beach. Have your wedding on 4th street beach and walk across the street for your celebration.  

Europa South, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 
Excellent food!!! Excellent staff and a beautiful private room located in the heart of the downtown shopping district of Point Pleasant Beach. 

Bareli’s By the Sea 732-769-5700
Excellent food! Their private front room is perfect for small parties of 15-20 people. It has beautiful views of the ocean. They can also host larger gathering!

Porta is a personal favorite of mine. It is a unique restaurant in Asbury Park , walking distance from the beach which makes it a perfect location for after your beach ceremony as well as a venue to hold your ceremony in. It can accommodate 30 to 175 guests 

Pascal and Sabine is a beautiful French Restaurant in Asbury Park and can accommodate 15-70 guests 

Waves on Main in Belmar has a private party room that can accommodate up to 30 guests. It's less than a mile from the beach, so this is the perfect location after your beach ceremony! 

Aqua Blu in Toms River Is a fantastic location for a small ceremony. Have your ceremony there or at The Lavallette Gazebo over looking the bay (perfect for sunset or anytime of day/evening) located just a few miles away over the bridge. Good food and great service! 

Rella’s Italian Tavern in Brielle NJ
Rella’s has 3 private rooms to choose from, depending on the size of your party.

Raven and the Peach in Fair Haven NJ
The beauty and luxury of The Casablanca Room is perfect for a gathering of 20 up to 200

Of course you will need an Officiant to perform your ceremony!  For more information about my Officiating services, packages, pricing and examples of ceremonies see my website
For This Joyous Occasion
Contact me at thisjoyous@gmail.com
Call/Text 848-333-9948
Peace, Love and Be Married!
Andrea Purtell, Your Local Jersey Shore Wedding Officiant