Affirmation of Love

This is what The ULC says about Affirmation of Love Services
An alternative to the traditional marriage is a couple living together in a free relationship, sanctioned by neither the State nor the Church (meaning the traditional Church). Such a relationship was once regarded as "living in sin" by the established church, and there are still many Christians who will not recognize any alternative to the traditional marriage blessed by a minister. We only believe in that which is right for the individual. Each individual has the privilege and responsibility to determine what is right for him and her - as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others.
This is why the Universal Life Church offers a certificate of Affirmation of Love. This is a contract that binds two lives together, and the couple agrees to share one another's life materially, physically or spiritually. This is a personal commitment between the two, not registered anywhere. The couple take the vow in the presence of the ULC minister who signs the certificate as a witness

Sample Affirmation of Love Ceremony
If it were possible to begin this ceremony by gathering together all the wishes of happiness for and from all present here . . .
if we could gather together those precious wishes of affection and our very fondest hopes and turn them into music, we would be listening now to a most inspiring anthem, composed of the most harmonious notes possible to produce.
Even though this is not possible, just speaking of it should assure_________ and_________that our hearts are attuned to theirs in these moments so meaningful to all of us. For what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together to strengthen each other in all labor, to minister to each other in all sorrow, to share with each other in all gladness.

This Affirmation of Love is a personal commitment between these two souls. It is an Affirmation of an important relationship that exists between two human beings; the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy. It is a commitment that requires and deserves daily attention as well as a life-long consecration to the ideal of loving kindness, backed with the will to make it last.

True love gives nothing but itself and takes nothing from itself.
Love does not possess, nor would it be possessed.
For love is sufficient unto love.
Love has no other desire but to fulfill itself.
To awake at dawn with a winged heart and
Give thanks for another day of loving.
To rest at noon and meditate love's ecstasy;
To return home at eventide with gratitude,
And then to sleep with a prayer for the beloved in your heart
And a song of praise upon your lips.

(Special Readings or thoughts may be added here.)

Please hold hands and __________ repeat after me:
(This is done one line at a time.)
I commit my life to our partnership.
I promise to comfort you,
To encourage you in all walks of life.
I promise to express my thoughts and emotions to you,
And to listen to you in times of joy and in times of sorrow.
I love you, and you are my closest friend.
Will you let me share my life and all that I am with you?

(Partner answers "I will".)

And __________ repeat after me:
(This is done one line at a time.)
I commit my life to our partnership.
I promise to comfort you,
To encourage you in all walks of life.
I promise to express my thoughts and emotions to you,
And to listen to you in times of joy and in times of sorrow.
I love you, and you are my closest friend.
Will you let me share my life and all that I am with you?

(Partner answers "I will".)

What token of your devotion do you offer your beloved?
(rings are handed to minister).

May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their togetherness. May these two find in each other the love for which they yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place of sanctuary that many will find there a friend. May these rings, on their fingers, symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in the heart.

(Minister hands ring to one)

________, in placing this ring on _______'s finger, repeat after me:
(This is also done one line at a time.)
I give you this ring as the pledge of my love
And as the symbol of our unity." (ring is placed on finger)

(Minister hands second ring to the other)

________, in placing this ring on _______'s finger, repeat after me:
(This is also done one line at a time.)
I give you this ring as the pledge of my love
And as the symbol of our unity." (ring is placed on finger)

Inasmuch as _______ and ________ have affirmed their love together before this company; have pledged their faith and declared their unity by each giving and receiving a ring -- and are now joined in mutual esteem and devotion, I, as an ordained Minister of the Universal Life Church, proclaim this Affirmation of Love.

Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness for you.
Now there is no more loneliness.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place,
To enter into the days of your togetherness.
And may your days be good and long upon the earth.