Page 32 - The Essential Wedding Ceremony Idea Book

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The Sailor’s True Lover’s Knot
The sailor’s true lover’s knot is an ancient maritime ritual. The knot, like the wedding ring, symbolizes perfect

love with no beginning and no end. According to legend, a sailor works on the knot while at sea and upon return

gives it to his true love. When she receives it, the woman could take two actions: a) untie it, meaning she was
not interested in his proposal; or b)

tighten the knot, meaning she accepts
his proposal of marriage. It is a simple

gift with a sweet intention of
everlasting love and fidelity. To

continue, <Groom> will present his

true love with a Sailor’s Knot, and
<Bride> will indicate her decision by

taking one of those two actions – untie

it or tighten it.

Officiant: <Groom>, to declare your

intent and proposal to wed <Bride>
will you tie the knot to signify your intentions? Credit: Peary Photography Austin TX

Groom ties the knot and hands the rope to Bride.

Officiant: <Bride>, what will your reply be? Will you tighten the knot to represent how you will hold his heart
tight to yours from this day and forevermore?

<Bride> tightens knot and hands rope to Officiant, who holds the knot up for all to see.
Officiant: I see by this knot before me that you both declare your intentions to be wed to each other this day!

Celebrating the Lord’s Supper (Meant just for the Couple to share)

This is the joyful feast of the people of God. Through Christ we know the joy and hope of loving hearts, for he
offers the power of unconditional love to human relationships.
(Linda, to the Couple) We remember that on the night of betrayal, Jesus took bread, gave thanks to God, broke it

and gave it to his Disciples saying, “Take and eat, this is my body broken for you.” (Linda offers the bread to
Groom first, Groom then offers it to the Bride)

In like manner, Jesus took the cup of blessing and said, “Drink of this cup. It is the new covenant poured out for
you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.”
(Linda offers the cup to Groom first, Groom then offers the cup to the Bride)

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