Deciding to create the script for your wedding ceremony can prove exhausting when you actually sit down to do it. This is why it is easier to get some inspiration or ideas from a template or script that has been written before. Most wedding ceremonies, religious, or non-religious, follow a similar format, which can be adapted to fit your unique ceremony.
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In order to provide our readers with the best useful and professional advice, we have interviewed two experts in the field: Mindy Weiss, a founder of Mindy Weiss Party Consultants and a best-selling author, and Steven Greitzer, a wedding tech entrepreneur and officiant, CEO of Provenance. We’ve carefully worked with all their answers and added them to the article.
Below we have samples of various simple wedding ceremony scripts, which can be helpful for a secular wedding ceremony, non-religious wedding ceremony or other. Writing your wedding ceremony script or creating one from scratch does not have to be stressful if you have a sample to guide you. We hope any one of these can do just that.
Simple Script For Non-Religious Wedding Ceremony
Our editorial team has been working hard at preparing wedding scripts samples for you! Be free to borrow it for your wedding or just to draw upon for inspiration as well.
Here is a simple wedding ceremony script non-religious, for a couple who prefers something straightforward, short and to the point.
Invocation
We are gathered here today to unite (bride & groom) in the bonds of matrimony. If anyone can show just cause why they may not be lawfully joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
Declaration of Intent
(Officiant to the Groom)
Do you, (groom), take (bride), to be your lawfully wedded wife? From this day forward, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?
(Groom to the Bride)
‘I do.’
(Officiant to the Bride)
Do you, (bride), take (groom), to be your lawfully wedded husband? From this day forward, to have and to hold, for better, for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?
(Bride to the Groom)
‘I do.’
Rings Exchange
(Officiant to the Groom)
Please take the ring you have selected for (bride) . As you place it on her finger, repeat after me:Name, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love. I ask you to wear it as a sign to the world that you are my wife. With this ring, I thee wed.
(Groom Repeats to the Bride)
(Officiant to the Bride)
Please take the ring you have selected for (groom) . As you place it on his finger, repeat after me:Name, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love. I ask you to wear it as a sign to the world that you are my husband. With this ring, I thee wed.
(Bride Repeats to the Groom)
Ring Exchange & Pronouncement
In so much as the two of you have consented together in matrimony, and have witnessed the same before this company, by authority vested in me by the State of… , I now pronounce you husband and wife.Name, you may kiss your bride!
Recessional
End of the Wedding Ceremony.
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How can a couple infuse personal touches or cultural elements into a basic wedding script without making it overly elaborate?
“One of the biggest trends I’m seeing for 2024 is couples wanting a hyper-personalized ceremony. The reality is that they (and their wedding planners) are often anxious with little control to ensure it all goes great. Now, I tell them all to stop wasting time researching what to do or stressing, and to instead start using Provenance’s tools“, – said wedding planner Mindy Weiss.
Consider incorporating elements that reflect your unique journey together. Share anecdotes, inside jokes, or meaningful milestones during the ceremony to create an intimate atmosphere. Explore cultural traditions or rituals that resonate with your heritage, weaving them seamlessly into the fabric of your ceremony.
“Provenance also has a library of 300+ nonreligious and religious Rituals and Readings that you can select from to infuse your background or interests into your wedding ceremony script. We recommend couples go through this library and discuss what of their cultures and traditions they resonate with, and which they rather not incorporate. From there, they can adapt an existing tradition, or make it their own”, – followed his colleague Steven Greitzer, wedding tech entrepreneur and officiant, CEO of Provenance.
PRO tip from Wedding Forward: Don’t hesitate to seek inspiration from diverse sources, including literature, music, and art. Infuse elements that speak to your shared interests or passions, whether it’s a favorite quote, a symbolic gesture, or a cherished song.
Short Wedding Ceremony Script Example
This is a very useful short wedding ceremony script sample for a brief wedding ceremony that won’t take much time.
Opening Message
Dearly beloved,
We are gathered together here to unite (bride & groom) in marriage. This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home.
Declaration of Intent
(Officiant to The Groom)
Do you (groom), take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?If so answer ‘I do’.
(Groom to the Bride)
‘I do.’
(Officiant to The Bride)
Do you (bride), take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?If so answer I do.
(Bride to the Groom)
‘I do.’
Pronouncement
If there is anyone present who may show just and lawful cause why this couple may not be legally wed, let them speak now or forever hold their peace. By the authority vested in me by the State of , I now pronounce you both husband and wife.
Recessional
End of the Wedding Ceremony.
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What tips or advice do you offer to couples who wish to keep their ceremony intimate and uncomplicated?
Mindy Weiss believed that “couples today are not only concerned with how their wedding looks but also how it feels”. And we absolutely agree with this thought. Crafting an intimate, uncomplicated ceremony is a cherished goal for couples. To achieve this, prioritize your love story above all else. Keep the guest list intimate, inviting only those closest to your hearts. Choose a cozy venue that reflects your relationship’s essence. Simplify decor with meaningful touches. Personalize your vows to express your deepest emotions. Surround yourselves with vendors who share your vision for authenticity.
Expert tip by Steven Greitzer, wedding tech entrepreneur and officiant, CEO of Provenance:
“An example of how to keep your ceremony intimate and uncomplicated is with the inclusion of the Group Vow in your wedding ceremony script. The Group Vow essentially invites the wedding guests to play a role in this pivotal moment by having the officiant ask “Do you who are present here today vow to surround [PARTNER 1] and [PARTNER 2] in love, to contribute to this new community, and to support them in their marriage?” To which the guests respond, “We do!” This can easily be added to the ceremony script within the Ceremony Builder tool.”
Non-Denominational Wedding Ceremony Script
Here we have a simple non-denominational wedding ceremony script sample with an optional sand ceremony for the union.
Welcome Message
Welcome everyone, and thank you for being here to celebrate (bride & groom)’s love!
Prayer
Now, let us Pray
Heavenly Father we are here on this day to give thanks for the love you have shared with these two individuals. We ask that you help (bride & groom), to always remember when they first met and to remember the strong love that grew between them. To work that love into practical things so that nothing divides them. Please help them find words both kind and loving and hearts, always ready to ask for forgiveness as well as able to forgive. Father, we put this marriage in your hands. Amen.
Sand Ceremony
(Bride & groom), today you join your separate lives to make one. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families, and separate sets of friends: they represent all that you are and all that you will ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today. As these two containers of sand are emptied, the individual containers of sand no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. And just as these grains of sand can never be separated neither will your love.
Declaration of Intent and Vows Exchange
Do you (bride), take (groom) to be your husband and other half, to take care of him and cherish your relationship? To love him today, tomorrow, and forever? To always be open, honest, and faithful to him. Do you take him to be your husband, to have and to hold from this day forward in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?
Do you (groom), take (bride) to be your wife and better half, to take care of her and cherish your relationship? To love her today, tomorrow, and forever? To always be open, honest, and faithful to her. Do you take her to be your wife, to have and to hold from this day forward in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto her for as long as you both shall live?
Pronouncement
By the power vested in me by the state of … and American Marriage Ministries, I pronounce you Husband and Wife!
Groom, you may now kiss your bride.
Recessional
End of the Wedding Ceremony.
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Couples aiming for a straightforward wedding ceremony script might encounter some common mistakes or misconceptions:
- Overcomplicating the Script: Couples may try to include too many elements or rituals, leading to a cluttered and overwhelming ceremony.
- Lack of Communication with the Officiant: Couples might assume that the officiant automatically knows their preferences. Clear communication about the tone, style, and specific elements they want in the ceremony is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.
- Ignoring Personalization: Some couples might overlook the opportunity to infuse the ceremony with personal touches that reflect their relationship and values. Incorporating meaningful anecdotes, vows, or rituals can make the ceremony more intimate and memorable.
Expert tip from Steven Greitzer: “We have talked with countless couples who thought they wanted a super simple wedding ceremony so they could just get to the party, but then felt jealous after attending a friend’s more thoughtful and meaningful wedding ceremony. With the Provenance Ceremony Builder, it is easy to fill a typical and simple 10-20 minute Ceremony with special personalization, ensuring the Ceremony sets the tone for the rest of the big day and the next chapter of life ahead.”
Secular Wedding Ceremony Script Sample
Very similar to non-religious scripts, here is a sample for a secular wedding ceremony.
Welcome Message
To the gathering: Family and Friends, thank you all for coming today to share in this wonderful occasion. Today we are here together to unite (bride & groom) in marriage.
Declaration of Intent
(Officiant to The Groom)
Do you (groom), take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?
(Groom to the Bride)
‘I do.’
(Officiant to The Bride)
To the Bride: Do you (bride) take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?
(Bride to the Groom)
‘I do.’
Rings Exchange
(Bride & groom) have chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love. , as you place this ring on finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge you my love, now and forever.
Pronouncement
By the authority vested in me by the State of …, I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may now kiss the bride!
Recessional
End of the Wedding Ceremony.
Non-Religious Vows For Quick Wedding Ceremony
For couples who would prefer a quick wedding ceremony, here are samples of short and straight to the point vows that can be helpful.
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“(Name), I love you. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard,when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you and to always hold you in the highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life.”
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“I, ______, take you, ______, to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us.”
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“I (name), take you (name) to be my (husband/wife), my partner in life and my one true love. I will cherish our union and love you more each day than I did the day before, and I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad, regardless of the obstacles we may face together. give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward for as long as we both shall live.”
It is not unusual to require help or assistance when writing your wedding ceremony. Even if it turns out to be a simple wedding ceremony script, it would be much easier when you have examples of traditional or former wedding ceremony scripts to inspire you. Creating your own unique script does not have to be a daunting task. It can be much easier with a guide or template, and this is what these samples can be used for. They can be copied verbatim, or altered to suit your own unique union in the way that you would prefer.
Simple Officiant Ceremony Script
When choosing a simple officiant script, prioritize personalization. Capture the couple’s unique story and values. Keep it concise, ensuring it reflects their personalities. Incorporate elements that hold sentimental value. Practice readability and flow for a ceremony that feels genuine and memorable.
[Opening] Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. We are gathered here today to celebrate the love between [Name] and [Name].
[Welcome] On behalf of the couple, I welcome you all to this joyous occasion. Your presence here is a testament to the love and support they have from their family and friends.
[Address] Marriage is a sacred and profound commitment. It is a union of two individuals who have chosen to share the rest of their lives together. It’s a journey that involves love, understanding, and patience.[Vows] [Name] and [Name], today, you will make promises to each other. These promises are not to be taken lightly, but with a deep understanding of the commitment you are making.
[Exchange of Vows] [Name], please share your vows with [Name].
[Exchange of Rings] May I have the rings, please? The wedding ring is a symbol of unbroken love, a circle that signifies eternity. As you exchange these rings, remember the commitment you are making to each other.
[Pronouncement] Having witnessed your vows and the exchange of rings, it is my honor and delight to pronounce you husband and wife.
[Kiss] You may now seal your commitment with a kiss.
[Presentation] Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name].
[Closing] May your journey together be filled with love, laughter, and countless happy moments. Congratulations!
Wedding readings, prayers, and poems can be included in any one of these scripts to make it yours. Either way, it would be just as special, and your day would be just as beautiful.
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