Baha'i Wedding

A Baha'i Wedding Ceremony.

In Wales the Baha'i marriage ceremony is not yet legally recognised. However, the Baha'i marriage, like all Baha'i activities, needs to conform with the laws of the land. So when Keith and Theresa got married they first took part in a civil ceremony at Conwy Register Office and then held a Baha'i marriage ceremony. The Baha'i part of the wedding was carried out in Conwy Castle and was conducted as follows

Alan Jones opened with:
Blessed is the spot, and the house, and the place, and the city, and the heart, and the mountain, and the refuge, and the cave, and the valley, and the land, and the sea, and the island, and the meadow where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified.

Joan Birch then quoted Abdu'l-Baha:
Baha'i marriage is a union and cordial affection between the two parties. They must, however, exercise the utmost care and become acquainted with each other's character. This eternal bond should be made secure by a firm covenant, and the intention should be to foster harmony, fellowship and unity and to attain everlasting life.

Keith:
We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God.

Theresa:
We will all, verily, abide by the Will of God.

Joan Birch:
Glory be unto Thee, O my God! Verily, this Thy servant and the Thy maidservant have gathered under the shadow of Thy mercy and they are united through Thy favour and generosity. O Lord! Assist them in this Thy world and Thy kingdom and destine for them every good through Thy bounty and grace. O Lord! Confirm them in Thy servitude and assist them in Thy service. Suffer them to become the signs of Thy Name in Thy world and protect them through Thy bestowal's which are inexhaustible in this world and the world to come. O Lord! They are supplicating the kingdom of Thy mercifulness and invoking the realm of Thy singleness. Verily, they are married in obedience to Thy command. Cause them to become the signs of harmony and unity until the end of time. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent, the Omnipresent and the Almighty!

As you can see a Baha'i wedding is a simple and beautiful affair. The only stipulated wording is "We will all verily abide by the Will of God" This is spoken by the bride and groom and the rest of the service is decided on by the happy couple.