The wedding ceremony script is an outline for what will be said and by who during the ceremony. Once you have an outline and decide on how the ceremony will be structured you can start to assign specific readings, vows, and other elements you would like to have. One of the most important things to remember when starting to create your wedding script is to pick out what parts are most important to you and your partner and then work around those areas until you have built out an entire script.
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How can the couple personalize their wedding ceremony script?
As The Paris Celebrants, we consistently send our couples comprehensive ceremony questionnaires, delving into their individualities, love story, dreams, and future aspirations. These responses serve as the foundation for crafting a highly personalized and meaningful ceremony script. The script not only encapsulates their unique love narrative but also incorporates their favorite readings, poems, prayers, and occasionally chosen ceremony rituals. We go the extra mile by inviting guest contributions, allowing couples to include a cherished loved one in their ceremony if they desire. It’s our commitment to ensuring each ceremony is a true reflection of their journey, fostering unforgettable and cherished moments.
Religious Wedding Ceremony Scripts
If the bride and groom are of the same faith, or of different faiths but want to honor their beliefs with a religious ceremony, they will follow the customs of those faiths. Each faith has different traditions and those guidelines will help the couple incorporate them into the ceremony.
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Catholic Wedding Ceremony Script
Marriage is considered a sacrament in the Catholic Church so the ceremony traditionally includes a full Mass and communion and can last about an hour.
Most Catholic weddings take place in a church, but if you want to hold a Catholic ceremony in another location you must then write to the bishop for permission.
While a Catholic ceremony follows many of the same rituals of any wedding, it includes scripture readings and a sermon by the priest. You can personalize the ceremony by asking family members or friends to perform the readings or participate in other aspects of the service.
Entrance rite
Everyone present rises as the entrance song comes on. The ministers, priests, and servers go in first, followed by the wedding party. The processional can be in two folds.
The vested priests and servers may choose to greet the bridal party at the door, then they all proceed. Or the presiding officiates will go in first, but the priest always leads the procession.
Greeting
The priest will greet the assembly and the audience will respond.
Opening prayer
The priest beckons the audience to pray. He offers prayers for the couple, after which they all sit for the liturgy of the word.
Liturgy of the word
The lector proclaims the first reading which is always from the Old Testament. And when the reading is over, the lector will say…
“The Word of the Lord,” and the assembly responds, “Thanks be to God.”
The lector again proclaims the second reading which is from the new testaments this time. And at the end of it, the lector repeats…
“The Word of the Lord,” and the assembly responds, “Thanks be to God.”
Homily
Everyone sits and the priest or deacon offers a homily taken from the scripture reading. Using the text, the priest talks about the sacredness of Christian marriage and the dignity of conjugal love. He reminds everyone of the grace of sacraments and the responsibilities of married people.
Celebration of matrimony
The couple flanked by witnesses come to the altar. Then the priest talks to the couple in similar words…
Dearly beloved, you have come together into the house of the Church so that in the presence of the Church’s minister and the community your intention to enter into Marriage may be strengthened by the Lord with a sacred seal. If both parties are Christian: Christ abundantly blesses the love that binds you. Through a special Sacrament, he enriches and strengthens those he has already consecrated by Holy Baptism, that you may be enriched with his blessing you, so that you may have the strength to be faithful to each other forever and assume all the responsibilities of married life. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions.
Address and statement of intentions
The couple, witnesses and everyone stands while the priest asks the couple a few questions to state their intentions. This will border on their freedom of choice, fidelity, and acceptance of bringing up children (if necessary).
(Name) and (Name), have you come here to enter into Marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?
The groom and bride each say: I have.
Are you prepared, as you follow the path of Marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?
The groom and bride each say: I am.
Exchange of consent
The couple will now declare their consent to be married by stating their vows. And if you’re writing your own vows, you’d have to prepare a wedding ceremony script with vows.
The groom says:
I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my wife. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.
The bride says:
I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my husband. I promise to be faithful to you, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love you and to honor you all the days of my life.
Blessing and giving of rings
The priest blesses the wedding bands by praying and sprinkling holy water. The groom places the ring on the bride’s finger first and she goes next. Both of them will say this vow…
I, (Name), take you, (Name), for my lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.
The prayer
The priest and the audience sing or say the Lord’s Prayer in unison.
Nuptial blessing
The priest asks the couple to kneel as he prays over them and also says a solemn blessing all that gathered.
Dismissal
At this point, the priest will dismiss the audience with words like “go in peace to glorify the Lord with your life.” Everyone present will respond with the words “thanks be to God.”
Recessional
The ceremony is at an end. The couple, bridal party, officiates and the priest will proceed out of the church. This is accompanied by music.
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Christian Wedding Ceremony Script
With many different denominations of the Christain faith practices in the United States, there are many variations in the traditions of the marriage ceremony.
At Christain wedding guests sit for the duration of the ceremony, only standing when the bride enters and when the officiant announces that the couple is married.
There are many places where a couple can make the ceremony more personal, they can suggest specific biblical readings as well as secular poems and have friends and family read the selected passages.
Welcome and introduction
This is very similar to a Traditional wedding script but, for the most part, is worded a little more lightly:
Marriage is a gift from God, given to us so that we might experience the joys of unconditional love with a lifelong partner. God designed marriage to be an intimate relationship between a man and a woman.
Reading
A reading from the Bible is also quite prominent in the Christian wedding ceremony. A passage from Corinthians isn’t mandatory. But, due to poetic and inspiring nature, it’s a wildly popular choice:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.1 Corinthians:13
Declaration of intent
Again, the is similar to the traditional declaration of intent wedding script, but has the addition of including the father and/or mother of the bride as the ones who are willingly passing the union of the family on to the new husband:
Who gives (Name) to be married to (Name)?
Sharing Of Vows
Wedding vows have been updated over the past few centuries. Back then, a wedding ceremony was a legal process that transferred ownership of a woman from her family to her new husband. The vows had a fairly pronounced emphasis on the “obey” side of “love and obey”. Today wedding vows have a focus on love and commitment.
I, (Name), take thee, (Name), / to be my wedded 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. / This is my solemn vow.
Ring Exchange
Historically any exchange of an item of value was an acceptable part of the wedding ceremony. Over time, a ring became an overwhelming item of choice. Why? Because a ring has no beginning and has no end; just like a healthy the love you have for your future husband or wife.
May I have the token of Groom’s/Bride’s love for (Name)?
This ring I give in token and pledge / as a sign of my love and devotion. / With this ring, I thee wed.
Prayers and Blessings
Another distinction with the Christian wedding ceremony is blessing the union. Since marriage is the strongest sacrament of the faith it’s customary to ask God to protect it:
Lord, You guided them to each other, now guide them in this new journey as husband and wife. As they walk down this path, light their way so they may keep their eyes focused on Your will, their hands holding fast to Your truth, their feet firmly planted in Your Word, and their hearts bound together by Your love. This we pray in Your name. Amen.
Pronouncement and kiss
The officiant will quickly review the steps you’ve taken, and ask you to seal your contract with a kiss:
(Name) and (Name), since you have consented together in holy matrimony, and have pledged yourselves to each other by your solemn vows and by the giving of rings, and have declared your commitment of love before God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God hath joined together, let no man separate.
(Name), you may kiss your Bride.
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Jewish Wedding Ceremony Samples
Most Jewish weddings feature a ketubah, which is a marriage contract signed by the couple and two witnesses.
There is also a chuppah, a wedding canopy which the couple and the family stand under during the service and finally the breaking of a glass.
To personalize the service you can select an honored guest to be called up individually to recite one of the seven blessings. This is considered a special honor.
The Tish
The husband’s resolve is tested as he attempts to recite a lecture based on this week’s Torah section and his male friends and family members attempt to distract him.
Modern (conservative and reform) couples are including the bride and female guests at “the table”.
The Ketubah Signing
The groom signs the marriage contract in front of the Rabbi and at least 2 male witnesses.
At first glance, this seems as though the husband is ‘acquiring’ the bride, but it’s quite the opposite! Once the contract is signed it remains in the bride’s possession indefinitely.
The B’deken
The is the ‘veiling of the bride’ in which the groom sees the bride for the first time and proceeds to cover her face indicating that he is purely interested in her inner beauty.
Legend states that this is the result of Jacob being tricked into marrying his true bride’s sister. After a moment of verification that she is indeed his one-and-only, the ceremony proceeds.
The Huppah
The ‘canopy’ has evolved over the years, but it remains the place where the marriage is officially consecrated once the couple has been left alone for a short while.
Historically the canopy was adorned with rich colors and plush furniture. This is your best opportunity to customize the wedding and make it uniquely ‘you’.
Circling
When the couple first enters the huppah, the bride circles the groom seven times, representing the seven wedding blessings and seven days of creation, and demonstrating that the groom is the center of her world.
Conservative and reform couples repeat this process so that the bride is the center of the groom’s world as well.
Kiddushin
The betrothal ceremony begins with greetings, a blessing over the wine, and a sip taken by the bride and groom.
Aramaic is the language of law according to the Jewish faith, and this is what’s used to recite the biblical Song of Songs as the groom – and quite often repeated by the bride in some form – places the wedding ring on the bride’s right index finger.
Sheva B’rachot
Seven blessings are recited including praise to God and a prayer for peace in Jerusalem.
This is a great opportunity to allow the guests to participate by asking select friends or family to take their turn reciting.
The Breaking of the Glass
Almost everyone is familiar with this portion of the Jewish wedding ceremony, but even the devout have trouble pinpointing the exact symbolism here.
Is it:
- a symbol of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem?
- a representation of the fragility of human relationships?
- a reminder that marriage changes the lives of individuals forever?
Regardless of your opinion, one thing’s for sure, it’s time to shout “Mazel Tov!”
The Yihud
After the whirlwind day, the couple is whisked off to their ‘tent of seclusion’. For 15 minutes the newlyweds enjoy their first moments of intimacy, their first meal together, or maybe just some peace and quiet and husband and wife before the big party start.
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Protestant Wedding Script And Vows
Protestantism is the largest grouping of Christians in the United States; with its combined denominations collectively comprising 141 million people.
Each Protestant group has its ceremony. Some are more liberal than others and more open to non-traditional components. Many of its ceremonies can be traced back to the 16th-century Church of England.
The Introductory Prayer
The Protestant wedding ceremony script begins with the officiant – known as the Celebrant in this case – faces the audience and offers the introduction that Hollywood has made so familiar:
Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage were established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life with His presence and first miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and His Church, and the Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
The union of husband and wife is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given each other in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and by the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
Although this is a very common introduction, check with your church to see how their version differs. Different churches have been known to add their flavor to the wedding script.
The Interrogation
This is the unique part that we mentioned earlier. This is quite nice because instead of the audience being strictly spectators, they are active participants:
Into this union (Name) and (Name) now come to be joined. If any of you can show just cause why they may not be lawfully wed, speak now, or else forever hold your peace.
To the bride and groom: I charge you both, here in the presence of God and the witness of this company, that if either of you know any reason why you may not be married lawfully and in accordance with God’s Word, do now confess it.
One at a time, to the bride/groom: (Name), will you have this woman/man to be your wife/husband; to live together with her/him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her/him, comfort her/him, honor and keep her/him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto her/him as long as you both shall live?
Individually they reply: I will.
To the congregation: Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?
The congregation replies: We will.
The Presentation
The presentation combines the “giving away” of the bride followed by a hymn. Modern Protestants sometimes opt for romantic quotes from poetry in place of the hymn, and follow this updated script:
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
She gives herself, with the blessing of her mother and father.
The Vows
Many modern Protestant couples are choosing to write their own wedding vow scripts but for those of you wanting to keep things traditional, here are the time-tested words:
In the name of God, I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my wife/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, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
The Blessing and Exchange of Rings
The Celebrant starts by asking God to bless the rings:
Bless, O Lord, these rings as a symbol of the vows by which this man and this woman have bound themselves to each other; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
The Bride and Groom place the rings on each other’s fingers and say:
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you, in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
The Celebrant joins the right hands of the bride and groom and says:
Now that (Name) and (Name) have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit
And finally:
Those whom God has joined together, let no one put asunder.
Amen
Concluding Prayers
The congregation is directed to stand and recite the Lord’s Prayer, which is something committed to memory by most Protestant churchgoers:
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name. Thy kingdom comes, they will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
In many cases, the couple is directed to kneel while further blessings, prayers, and songs are offered. To end the ceremony the Celebrant recited one final script:
(Name) and (Name), having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as husband and wife. You may kiss the bride
Baptist Wedding Ceremony Script
When planning the wedding ceremony, incorporate the most important Baptist elements. Although there are many established traditions in a Baptist ceremony; you can still personalize the service. Add your own words and thoughts into the vows and including family and friends.
With this ring I thee wed, and all my worldly goods I thee endow. In sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, ’til death do us part.
If your unsure as to what the defining difference is, Baptists believe in salvation in God alone – as opposed to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Baptists also do not follow the Holy sacraments as the way to salvation. Since marriage is one of the Holiest sacraments, there will be a fairly significant difference here.
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Pagan Wedding Ceremony Script
Pagan is a legally recognized faith with three main religions. There are many traditions that fall under the Pagan title.
- Wicca: This is a nature-oriented faith which uses the seasons as the focus of their beliefs.
- Druidry: Based on the Celtic heritage of storytelling and poetry.
- Asatru: Based on Northern European beliefs drawing on the virtues of the Vikings, three of which are courage, truth, and honor.
Be aware before you proceed, that the day your paths crossed in life, you formed a tie.
As you prepare to join in matrimony, endeavor to uphold all the ideals that make this ceremony and the institution of marriage sacred.Be notified that, within this circle, you declare your intent to willingly take a hand-fast before your guests and your creative higher powers.
All the promises you make here and the hand-fast will greatly strengthen your marriage. They will grow with your soul through the years.
Do you still intend to go ahead into matrimony?
The couple will say they do.
Be aware before you proceed, that the day your paths crossed in life, you formed a tie.
As you prepare to join in matrimony, endeavor to uphold all the ideals that make this ceremony and the institution of marriage sacred.Be notified that, within this circle, you declare your intent to willingly take a hand-fast before your guests and your creative higher powers.
All the promises you make here and the hand-fast will greatly strengthen your marriage. They will grow with your soul through the years.
Do you still intend to go ahead into matrimony?
The couple will say they do.
Handfasting Wedding Ceremony Wording
Handfastings celebrates the coming together of two people in a formal and equal partnership. Handfastings can have many variations, but it is based on an ancient Celtic ritual in which the couple’s hands are tied together to symbolize the binding of their two lives. It is often a part of Wiccan or Pagan ceremonies; but it is also becoming popular in more mainstream ceremonies.
Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other.
As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals that give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage.With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers.
The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul’s growth.
Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?
Bride and Groom say, “Yes, We Seek to Enter.”
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Sand Wedding Ceremony Script
The wedding sand ceremony illustrates the coming together of two families. It is a powerful yet very simple idea. Each family has different color sand that they pour into a clear jar forming the layers of the family. It represents the harmony of the family, coming together. It is similar to the Unity Candle which a couple lights together, but the great thing about the sand ceremony is that you can keep it and cherish it forever. A great idea for an outside wedding since candles can be a concern in the wind.
(Name) and (Name), these two bottles of sand represent your individual life and all that you are. Your friends, families, and children; if any before today. Today we will blend this sand and you will not exist anymore.
You will become one in love and married. And as the sand cannot be quite separated, so also you both cannot be well separated.
Simple Wedding Ceremony Scripts
Remember, your wedding can be as simple as you want it to be. Do you want to choose to go the non-traditional route? You can be married by a friend or family member or crafting your own wedding ceremony and vows.
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Simple Wedding Ceremony Script Non-Religious
There is no standard wedding ceremony order for a nice simple wedding; but think about including some readings, poetry, or religious scripture. Your witnesses will sign the wedding certificate. Also, it is customary to have some symbol of the couple uniting like lighting a candle together.
I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, (Name) do take you, (Name), to be my lawful wedded (wife/husband/spouse/partner). And I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad. I give you my hand, my heart and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.
Vows and rings are exchanged, and the pronouncement is made:
(Name) and (Name) in as much as you have pledged yourself, one to the other, by the exchanging of vows and rings I, [Name of Officiant] , by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Marriage Act, do hereby pronounce you (Name) and (Name) to be married.
You may exchange a kiss as a token of your joy.
Short Wedding Ceremony Script
- [Opening words]
Officiant: Friends and family, we are gathered here today to celebrate the love and commitment between [Name] and [Name]. - [Exchange of vows]
Officiant: [Name], do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?
[Name]: I do.
Officiant: [Name], do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to love and cherish, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?
[Name]: I do. - [Exchange of rings]
Officiant: May I have the rings, please? These rings are a symbol of the love and commitment that [Name] and [Name] share. Please repeat after me: “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you.”
[Name]: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you. - [Declaration of marriage]
Officiant: [Name] and [Name], you have exchanged vows and rings, and have pledged your love and commitment to one another in front of your friends and family. It is my great pleasure to pronounce you husband and wife. - [Closing words]
Officiant: [Name] and [Name], may your love continue to grow and thrive in the years to come. You may now seal your vows with a kiss.
Wedding Ceremony Script For A Virtual Wedding
A virtual wedding ceremony is a wonderful alternative given the issues with Covid-19. It may just be a placeholder until you can celebrate in person with family and friends. Also, you can share this day with family members who can not be with you physically. Zoom can help you set the stage for a magical event.
The wedding ceremony script will be as a standard ceremony script, but without a few details. Also, you can personalize it depends on your religion and preferences.
- Opening and welcome
- Expression of intent (“I do…”)
- Readings, hymns, music, prayers (in a virtual wedding, it’s better to focus on readings, and skip musical offerings)
- An address or a sermon (skip this in a virtual wedding)
- Vows
- Ring ceremony
- Pronouncement
- The kiss
Notary Wedding Ceremony Script
Only a few states allow notaries to officiate at weddings. They have also obtained a license as an officiate through a recognized program. If they have become ordained, be sure to vet them carefully to find out if they are reputable, what fees they will charge; and if they are recognized in the place you are to be married. Be sure your officiate is able to marry you and file all the important paperwork.
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today (tonight) to join this man
and this woman in (holy) matrimony.
Exchange of Vows
(Name), do you take this woman to be your wife, to live
together in (holy) matrimony, to love her, to honor her, to comfort her, and to keep her
in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?“I do.”
(Name), do you take this man to be your husband, to live
together in (holy) matrimony, to love him, to honor him, to comfort him, and to keep
him in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?“I do.”
“Repeat after me.”
I, (Name) take you (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.I, (Name), take you (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.
Exchange of Rings
I give you this ring as a token and pledge of our constant faith and abiding love.
Pronouncement
Notary asks the couple to join hands, then declares,
By virtue of the authority vested in
me under the laws of the State, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
You may kiss the bride.
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Funny Wedding Ceremony Script
A funny wedding script starts often with the officiant. They set the mood. If that’s what you want and you have an officiant who can carry off a light-hearted approach to the ceremony, go with it! Be sure to not resort to dark humor, you want to remember the beauty of the day. Do you want to add humor to your wedding script? Remember you will have a wide range of family and friends at the ceremony, be sure you don’t offend anyone.
“I promise to hold off secretly watching episodes of Game of Thrones – until we are actually together.”
“In front of our friends and family gathered here, I promise to love and cherish you in good times and in bad. I promise to put down the toilet seat – and to replace the toilet roll when it’s over and to never, ever, ever forget our wedding anniversary or your birthday.”
“I vow to stand by your side when the zombie apocalypse comes and, should you be turned into one, I promise to let you bite me, so I can too be one and, therefore, stay by your side forever.”
Now that’s love!
Non-Religious Wedding Ceremony Scripts
Do you want to have a secular or non-religious wedding ceremony? Talk to the officiant to add your own personal touches to the vows including anecdotes and special memories. You can craft the ceremony to include anything important to you as a couple. Since there are no special rules you can include family and friends in so many different ways during the ceremony.
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Secular Wedding Ceremony Script
If your wedding is a secular affair vs. a religious one; you have more leeway in how you want the script to go. No matter how traditional or untraditional the ceremony it still should be beautiful, personal, and memorable. Make it your own by adding readings from authors you admire.
Bring family and friends into the ceremony by asking them to participate. Often in a secular ceremony, the officiant is someone the couple has asked to marry them and they were ordained for that purpose. Be sure they have the legal standing to marry you and file the important papers.
We come now to the words (Name) and (Name) want to hear the most today…the words that take them across the threshold from being engaged to being married.
A marriage, as most of us understand it, is a voluntary and full commitment. It is made in the deepest sense to the exclusion of all others, and it is entered into with the desire and hope that it will last for life.Before you declare your vows to one another, I want to hear you confirm that it is indeed your intention to be married today.
(Name), do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to (Name) in marriage? If so, answer “I do.”
Alternative Wedding Ceremony Script
Want to throw out the old “playbook” when planning your wedding? Then maybe you want to plan an alternative wedding. Alternative weddings often include the use of items not normally seen in more traditional ceremonies. You can start with music and art that are meaningful to you as a couple in creating a theme that sets the tone for the ceremony.
Think outside the box and make it truly your own when choosing your wedding attire, witnesses, and officiant.
Wedding processional/introduction
Once everyone is in and seated, the officiant gives an address. This will touch on a couple of things including prayer, reading, and meaning of marriage or giving away the couple.
Friends, we have been invited here today to share with (Name) and (Name) a very important moment in their lives. In the years they have been together, their love and understanding of each other have grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband/wife and wife/husband.
Wedding readings
Choose something from your favorite movies, books, songs, literature, or religious book.
Wedding vows/wedding exchanges
Create a wedding ceremony script with your own vows for this part to fit your wedding style. The officiant will say a few things about marriage before you exchange rings or its alternative, using similar words.
I, (Name), give you, (Name) this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you.
After the exercise, you can include any ritual of choice, like the unity ceremony. Then the couple, parents, and assigned witnesses to sign the wedding register or any alternative of valid marriage document.
Closing remark, pronouncement, kiss and processional
The officiant gives their final thought in a closing remark and they conclude with similar words…
By the power vested in me by the state of _______, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss.
And this heralds the first legal kiss of the couple, the officiant presents the couple. The officiant may use “Mr. and Mrs. the agreed last name” if a party decides to change their name. If that’s not the case, the officiant will use their first names.
The guests rise up and give a clapping ovation and everyone gets in line for the processional.
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Modern Wedding Ceremony Script
Even traditional ceremonies can have a modern twist. Add modern touches by including elements important to you and your extended family. Include children from a blended family, cherished pets, and even elderly family members as an official part of the wedding party. Make the vows and readings as modern as you are as a couple.
Procession
The groom will wait for his bride at the aisle, as she walks down with her father.
Welcome address
The officiant will say
Dear friends, we are here to witness (Name) and (Name) get married. We watched their love blossom and here they are today. Thank you for taking the time out to be part of their day, it means a lot. Today is all about love and it is serious business. Love is the strength of the world, a universal language that binds everyone. I pray this love we are here to witness will spread in our hearts and to all that’s ours. We will support them on the journey of their love which begins today.
Reading
They will take readings from pieces like the union, by Robert Fulghum. The art of marriage, and oh! The places you will go by Dr. Seuss. You can also take readings from the Holy Books or favorite movies and poems.
Vows
The couple will create their own vow, something from the heart. Below is one I created. You can tweak it to suit any gender. You may also personalize it by putting your name and other things unique to you.
I, (Name) take you (Name) as my husband. The man of my youth who makes my heart race. Today, you become my husband. I promise to love you like I can’t do without air. To respect you will everything I am. To support you and be your biggest cheerleader. I promise to stand with you against the world, and be your safe haven always. To grow with you and laugh with you. Your joy will be mine and so will your pain. I love you today, forever, till the end of time and a day. This is my sacred vow to you.
Rings exchange
The best man will present the ring to the officiant and then to the couple. Each of them will pick a ring and say;
“I take you (Name) as my wife/husband/partner with this ring. Let it always be a symbol of my undying love for you.”
Closing remarks
The celebrant will say;
We all witnessed this and we are well satisfied with everything. With the power vested in me, I pronounce you a couple. You can kiss the bride.
Marriage is Joyful with the right person. And the person is right when they love, understand, care for and are patient with each other. Marriage is a gift box, you put in your best, to get the best out of it. I hope your love lasts forever. I give you my best wishes.
Cheers!
Unique Wedding Ceremony Script
Want a wedding ceremony that is as extraordinarily unique as you are as a couple? It may take a little more time and hard work to create a truly unique ceremony, but the end result will be well worth the effort.
As a couple, you share many unique experiences and you can build on these when writing your vows and designing the ceremony. Talk about how you met, the things about each other that made you fall in love and other important aspects of your relationship. They are unique to you as a couple and will make your ceremony unique as well.
I’ve been wanting to say this for years and I can do that today finally. I willingly take you as my wife with this ring. To hold your hands through the years, loving you, cherishing you and protecting you. Wear this ring always, as it is a symbol of my undying love.
I will put you above everything else. All I have is yours and all of me is yours. I love you strongly like the wind and as deep as the sea. I’ll be with you forever, till we are old and grey.
The bride will say the same or create something of her own.
The celebrant will then say “with the authority given to me, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss now.
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Same-Sex Wedding Ceremony Scripts
Remember when planning a same-sex wedding ceremony that it is a reflection of you as a couple. None of the elements of a traditional wedding need to be a part of the ceremony. Write your vows that speak to who you are as a couple, your love and appreciation for each other and your commitment to each other.
You may want to include some of the more traditional wedding themes; but you can be creative in how you incorporate them into your ceremony and how they reflect on your vision as a couple.
Gay Wedding Ceremony Script
It is your day to express your love for each other and to share that love with family and friends. The memories you create will always be a reminder of this special day. Your ceremony does not need to be bound to tradition. You’re free to write the vows and design a ceremony that reflects who you are as a couple. Pick poetry, quotes, and reading that are meaningful and inspire your community to share in your joy as a couple.
Welcome and introduction
Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We are gathered here today,
surrounded by the beauty of creation and nurtured by the sights and sounds of nature to
celebrate the wedding of (Name) and (Name).You have come here from nearby and from far away
to share in this commitment now they make to one another, to offer your love and support to
their union, and to allow (Name) and (Name) to start their married life together surrounded by the
people dearest and most important to them.
Reading
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impediments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds,
Or bends with the remover to remove.O no, it is an ever-fixèd mark
That looks on tempests and is never shaken;
It is the star to every wand’ring bark,
Whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken.Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks
Within his bending sickle’s compass come;
Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks,
But bears it out even to the edge of doom.If this be error and upon me proved,
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.
Declaration of intent
The wording is very similar to what you’ve read above, just with some key omissions and artistic license:
(Name), I take you as you are, loving who you are now and who you are yet to become, I promise from this day forward. To be grateful for our love and our life. To be generous with my time, my energy and my affection.
I promise to be patient with you and with myself. To fill our life with adventure and our home with laughter. To encourage you to grow as an individual, and inspire you to do so. I promise to love you completely. These things I pledge before you, our friends and our family
Sharing Of Vows
The Declaration of Intent and Sharing of Vows are fairly integrated with the simple addition of:
(Name), do you take (Name) to be your partner? I do.
Ring Exchange
The couple takes a turn placing wedding rings on each other’s fingers:
Your wedding ring is a symbol of your promise to one another. The ring, an unbroken, never ending circle, is a symbol of committed, unending love.
Pronouncement and kiss
The Ceremony comes to a thrilling conclusion:
You have come here today of your own free will and in the presence of family and friends, have declared your love and commitment to each other. You have given and received a ring as a symbol of your promises. By the power of your love and commitment to each other, and by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may now share your first kiss as a married couple.
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Lesbian Wedding Ceremony Script
The wedding ceremony is your time to celebrate your special relationship. Pick vows and readings that tell your unique story. Make the ceremony special by sharing how you meet and how you’ve both come to love each other. Give your friends and family the chance to share in the joy of your loving and unshakeable bond.
Processional
Invocation or Greeting
Welcome to the wedding of (name) and (name). We’re here today to celebrate the enduring love of these two women.
Readings
The Anactoria Poem by Sappho makes a beautiful reading at a lesbian wedding ceremony.
Same-Sex Wedding Vows
I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my lifelong spouse. I will support, honor, and cherish you through all the circumstances we may face, and I will never stop celebrating our love.
Exchange of Rings
The Kiss
Recessional
Wedding Ceremony Scripts For Officiants
Most officiants like to use an outline to help them organize the ceremony and the script. It is important to consider what the couple being married wants for their wedding day. Take the time to talk to the couple; so that your words reflect what they believe about marriage and their relationship.
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Basic Wedding Ceremony Script
Most weddings follow a basic, standard order. From there the couple can add other elements and traditions. The basic wedding template includes a welcome, reading, and the exchange of vows and rings. The couple can opt for a quick 10-minute version; or by including more personalized elements, extending the service to 30 minutes. Be mindful that the service does not extend much past the 30-minute mark.
- Introduction
- Declaration
- Vows
- Rings exchange
- Pronouncements
- Closing
An example from after the declaration:
And as we all are here. I urge you to stand as witnesses as I, (Name) take (Name) as my wife/husband/partner. I promise to love you and uphold our love. To fight for us in the face of the storm, to be your joy and to dry your tears. To cherish you with every fiber of my being. I promise to stand with you and hold your hands, even when we are old and grey. This is my vow.
Then the officiant will say
Seeing that you said your vows to each other in the presence of witnesses. I (Name), an authorized officiant under the law of (country), with the power vested in me by (state), pronounce you a couple. You can now kiss your bride.
After this, the couples receive good wishes from those present and they close.
Pastor Wedding Ceremony Script
As a pastor performing a wedding ceremony, you will include all the traditional and religious elements of your church. The biblical readings and music will reflect the religious nature of the ceremony as well as the commitment by the couple surrounding their marriage. A pastor or church leader will often take the opportunity to meet with the couple ahead of time; so that the words in the ceremony are ones they choose together.
Invocation:
I welcome you all and I’m thankful that you are here to witness and celebrate the love of Paul and Melisa.
Prayer:
We pray…
Father in heaven, we give you thanks for binding these two persons in love. We pray that you uphold their love. Make their love practical and give them hearts of patience and forgiveness. Today, we hand this marriage over to you.
Declaration and vows:
Who gives this bride-to-be Wed…
Will you have this woman as your legal wife? To love and cherish, protect and keep? In good and bad, until death takes you?
Pronouncement:
With the power vested in me by the state of Georgia, I pronounce you man and wife.
Wedding Ceremony Template Generator
If you want to create something unique, use Wedding ceremony template generator. A template generator allows you to choose what you want for every stage of your wedding script.
Use the list of instructions below:
- Fill in your name as first partner and your spouse’s name as partner 2.
- Enter your email address.
- Fill in your wedding date.
- Select the type of opening you want your officiant to go with.
- Select your readings. They range from literature to poems.
- Select the vows you prefer.
- Pick your ring exchange reading.
- If you want a unity celebration, pick your choice. This is as long as you make your own unity kit available.
- Select your ideal closing remarks.
- Pick your choice declaration of intent.
- Click on your ideal pronouncements. If you want something different, there’s the column for other pronouncements. And if you don’t want at all, click on no pronouncement.
- Make your notes and special request if any, in the comment box, and then submit.
Brides Often Ask
What is the order for a wedding ceremony?
- The Procession of the Wedding Party;
- The Officiant Welcomes Everyone and Opens the Ceremony;
- The Officiant then Addresses the Couple;
- Any Readings or Poems;
- The Couple then Exchanges Vows;
- They Exchange Rings;
- They are then Pronounced Married;
- The First Kiss;
- The Officiant then Closes the Ceremony;
- The Recessional of the Couple and Wedding Party.
How do you write a wedding script?
Wedding vows are one of the most important parts of your wedding ceremony. If you’re not comfortable speaking in front of a large group, work with your officiant to write the vows in a way that your answers can be short, but still reflect your own thoughts and feelings. However as personal, as you want to make them you still need to include two things in your vows, a declaration of intent (I want to marry this person) and a pronouncement (that you are married.)
Steps:
- Decide on traditional vows or that you both will write your own;
- Talk about what the wedding vows mean to each of you;
- List the Items that are important to you to have in the vows;
- Determine if you want to include any religious items or promises;
- Consider the length and how you will feel reading it;
- Rehearse them so that you are comfortable with the sentiment and emotions.
Although just one piece of a very special day, your wedding ceremony script is actually the most important one! They are the words that will unite you as a couple. So while you may use some suggestions and ceremony outlines available online and elsewhere, make sure that a part of the script is in your own words and reflect the love and commitment you are making to each other on this big day.
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