In order for a marriage ceremony to be valid, the couple must obtain a valid marriage license form a county court judge or clerk of the circuit court and present it to the notary public at the time of the marriage ceremony.

The notary public performs the marriage ceremony. An example of a simple, civil ceremony is printed below. It may be personalized, and the bride and groom may even exchange their own vows. But, the couple’s vows must reflect their intentions to make a binding commitment to each other.

Notary states "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today (tonight) to join this man and this woman in (holy) matrimony.

Notary asks the man, "(his name)", do you take this woman to be your wife, to live together in (holy) matrimony, to love, honor, comfort her and keep her in sickness and health, and forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?" (Man answers "I do").

Notary asks the woman "(her name)", do you take this man to be your husband, to live together in (holy) matrimony, to love, honor, comfort him and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live?" (Woman answers "I do").

To the Man: "I, (his name), take you (her name), to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."

To the Woman: "I, (her name), take you (his name), to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part."

Notary asks the man to place the ring on the woman’s finger and to repeat the following, "I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love."