Labyrinth Wedding Ceremony

BY REVEREND EVE HOGANBless your path together by beginning your journey on this ancient sacred path!Eve Hogan is the only wedding officiant on Maui who performs labyrinth weddings.The symbolism of the labyrinth lends itself beautifully to the marriage ceremony. Metaphorical of a pilgrimage to a sacred place, the journey into the center is a time for letting go of the past and preparation for what is to come. The bride and groom walk into the labyrinth individually, affording them time to become self-observant, to release any past obstacles that may be in their way and to become fully present by the time they reach the sacred space of the labyrinth's center.Met there by Eve, the center represents the sacred ground of the heart. Here, the ceremony takes place as the two join their lives through the ritual celebration of vows.Once the ceremony is complete, the couple join hands and either follow the same path back out or together create a new path that spirals them back out of the labyrinth. This part of the experience represents the Union, where they emerge from the labyrinth, beginning a new aspect of their journey together as husband and wife. They carry with them the blessings of the Divine to guide them on their way.Labyrinth Ceremony/Vows (Substitute "Bride" and "Groom" with your names):

Before entering the Labyrinth:

(Bride) and (Groom), may this ___ day of _______, in the year ____, be a moment in time to be remembered and cherished. Today, we celebrate your love.There is significance to getting married on the labyrinth. It is an ancient symbol, as is marriage, and in walking it today, we honor all of those who have walked ahead of us and all those that are yet to enter.The labyrinth represents the sacred journey, a pilgrimage of devotion-which, of course, marriage is also.The labyrinth offers an arena for letting go of the past as you walk in,embracing the present and each other as you meet in the center andboldly venturing into the future, together-body, mind and spirit-in union with God as you walk back out.The very process of walking the labyrinth is that of engagement in life, the making of one's commitment to God and today, the choice to walk your path together from this day forward.The labyrinth walk is a three-fold journey.The walk into the labyrinth is a time of preparation.You will walk into the labyrinth individually, emphasizing the knowledge that while you are on this path together, you are each individuals as well. As you walk into the labyrinth, as in life, you will find that there are times when you are walking close together going the same direction. Other times you may find that you are far apart, seemingly on different paths, going different ways. Remember that you are on the same path. Trust the labyrinth, trust life, and trust in God that the path will once again deliver you to each other.

As you walk in, observe yourself to see what thoughts emerge, what memories come to you, remember the times you have had-both the easy and the difficult, the joyful and the sad. Consider where you each are personally in your life right now, and where you intend to go. Simply observe each thought and feeling, release it and let it go, as if releasing a dove, and allow it to fly away.The center represents receptivity and illumination. It is here that you will be showered with the blessings of God as you receive each other. The center is the heart of the labyrinth, so it is fitting that we will meet in the heart and share your vows there. Once you reach the center, I will invite your friends to join us there, surrounding your union with their love.When the time comes to journey back out, you will make your way together. The walk out represents union with God and union with each other. You are welcome to follow the path or create a new path, all your own, as you find your way.May the journey begin...(Bride and Groom walk separately into the labyrinth)

In the Center:We stand in the heart of the sacred circle.The labyrinth is divided into five parts -the four quarters and the sacred center.The four directions are honored here, North, East, South and West,offering you blessings no matter where you go.The four seasons are honored here, Winter, Spring, Summer and Falloffering you blessings all year round.The four elements are honored here, Earth, Air, Water and Fire blessing you with the ground that we stand on, the air that we breath, the ocean before us and the fire that burns brightly in the setting sun.The center, the heart, honors Spirit in the form of love that flows in abundance between you, within you and all around you.Aloha ika ho'o manawanui, Aloha ika loko maika'i, Aloha ike kahi, ike kahiLove is patient. Love is kind. Love begets love.(Groom) and (Bride), you are here today to declare and to strengthen your love, and to pledge to each other the beginning of a new life together.(Groom), do you receive (Bride) as your wedded wife to love, comfort, respect, and to share your life with from this day forward?And, (Bride), do you receive (Groom) as your wedded husband to love, comfort, respect, and to share your life with from this day forward?We will now seal this promise of marriage with these wedding rings. These rings are symbols of the unbroken unity of love, now to be continued in your married life. The circle has no beginning and no end, it is eternal and everlasting. We stand now, on the circle of the labyrinth, which sits on the circle of this planet and offer a ring, a circle, as a symbol of the love and commitment that the two of you share, as the circle of the sun shines upon you, blessing this sacred event.Made in the form of the circle, this ring represents the truth of the law of life:'As we give to each other, we receive from each other.'As you place the ring on your beloved's hand and (Bride), as you receive the ring from the hand of your beloved, remember that this will be the first hand extended to pick you up when you have fallen down and it will be the first hand raised to toast all of your joys and all of your successes from this day forward and forevermore.Bless this ring, O God, bless (Groom) who gives it and (Bride) who receives it. Bless their union with patience, understanding and eternal joy.With this ring, I marry you,and promise my faithful love.I have chosen you above all othersfor my partner and companion.I shall love you,and honor you,and share with you life's joys and life's difficulties.In sorrow, I shall comfort you,In times of need, I shall be there for you,In good times, I shall rejoice with you,From this day forward and forevermore.Bless this ring, O God, bless (Bride) who gives it and (Groom) who receives it. Bless their union with kindness, friendship and unconditional love.With this ring, I marry you,and commit my faithful love.I have chosen you above all othersfor my partner and companion.I shall love you,and honor you,and share with you life's joys and life's difficulties.In sorrow, I shall comfort you,In times of need, I shall be there for you,In good times, I shall rejoice with you,From this day forward and forevermore.May you, (Groom) and (Bride), remain true to this winding path, no matter which way it turns, knowing that you have chosen to walk it together. May you always come back to the center of the circle where you stand now, together. in love.May we all pause in prayer and bless this marriage:Dear Lord, May (Groom) and (Bride)'s pathway of happiness be recognized through the light of love, causing their lives to unfold in harmony, abundance, health and self-satisfaction. May their home always radiate an environment of love, well-being, happiness and unity. And whoever enters their home, may they be blessed and inspired by the harmony and love that dwells there. May they realize that true marriage is a symbol of infinite oneness that will enable them to live joyfully together, and to perform and keep the covenant and vows made now so sincerely between them. We, here now, believe they live in the midst of love, peace, health and security and shall abide accordingly.By the power vested in me by the State of Hawaii, I now pronounce you husband and wife!Those whom Spirit has joined together let no one separate.You may seal this blessing with a holy kiss!May the blessings of God rest upon youMay God's peace abide in youMay God's presence illuminate your heartsNow and forevermore.May your love grow and bring you peace and joy on life's path. From each other, may you always find communication, compassion, tolerance, understanding, and forgiveness. And, to each other, may you always be best friends, companions, lovers, partners, and teachers.

Now, go forth as husband and wife through the labyrinth of life, strengthened in your love, and know that your union is blessed.