Your wedding ceremony is the most important part of your wedding day. It’s where you and your partner exchange vows, rings, and kisses, and officially become married in front of your loved ones. But how do you write a wedding ceremony script that reflects your personality, style, and beliefs?
Whether you’re having a religious, secular, or cultural ceremony, there are many ways to customize your wedding ceremony script to make it unique and memorable. In this article, we’ll show you some examples of wedding ceremony scripts for different types of weddings, and give you some tips on how to write your own.
Christian Wedding Ceremony Script
This script follows the basic structure of a Christian wedding service, with references to God and biblical passages. It can be adapted to different denominations or levels of formality.
Simple Christian Wedding Ceremony Script
Officiant: We gather today in the presence of God to celebrate the marriage of [bride’s name] and [groom’s name]. Marriage is a holy institution established by God himself, and it is a covenant between a man and a woman to love, honor, and cherish each other for the rest of their lives.
Reading: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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 13:4-7
Officiant: [Bride’s name] and [groom’s name], you have chosen to enter into this covenant of marriage together. Do you vow to love, honor, and cherish one another, to be faithful to each other, and to support each other in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, for as long as you both shall live?
Bride/Groom: I do.
Officiant: By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
(Optional) Reading: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24
Officiant: Congratulations, you may now be introduced as Mr. and Mrs. [last name]!
Common Christian Wedding Ceremony Script
Processional
Officiant: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses, to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Let us pray.
Opening Prayer
Officiant: Heavenly Father, we thank you for bringing us together on this special day to celebrate the union of these two souls. Bless this ceremony and guide us with your presence. We ask for your grace and love to fill this room as we witness the covenant between this man and this woman. Amen.
Scripture Reading
Officiant: The word of God says in Ephesians 5:31-33, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.”
Message
Officiant: Marriage is a sacred covenant, a union of two people brought together by God’s divine plan. It is a partnership built on love, respect, and a commitment to honor one another for a lifetime. Today, [Groom’s Name] and [Bride’s Name], you stand before God and these witnesses to declare your love for one another and to make a covenant to cherish and honor each other for the rest of your lives.
Exchange of Vows
Officiant: [Groom’s Name], do you take [Bride’s Name] to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, as long as you both shall live?
[Groom’s Name]: I do.
Officiant: [Bride’s Name], do you take [Groom’s Name] to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, as long as you both shall live?
[Bride’s Name]: I do.
Exchange of Rings
Officiant: The wedding ring is a symbol of the unbroken circle of love that binds you two together. [Groom’s Name], please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.
[Groom’s Name]: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.
Officiant: [Bride’s Name], please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.
[Bride’s Name]: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.
Pronouncement
Officiant: By the power vested in me by God and the state, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.
Recessional
Officiant: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. [Groom’s Last Name]. Congratulations, may God bless your union and your lives together.
Traditional Christian Wedding Ceremony Script
Opening Prayer
We are gathered here in the presence of God, family, and friends to unite _____ and _____ in holy matrimony. Marriage is an honorable estate, and is therefore not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, advisedly, soberly, and with God’s blessing. Today, they will receive God’s greatest gift; another person to share with, grow with, change with, be joyful with, and to stand with as one when trials and tribulations enter their lives. It is fitting, therefore, that we should on this occasion begin by asking for God’s blessing on this marriage. Let us pray.
Heavenly Father, we gather to celebrate your gift of love, and its presence among us. We rejoice that these two people have chosen to commit themselves to a life of loving faithfulness to one another. We praise you, Lord, for the ways you have touched our lives with loving relationships such as _____ and _____’s, and we give thanks for the special love and friendship you have put in their hearts. Renew within us an affectionate and loving spirit. Enrich our lives with the gracious gift of your love so that we may embrace others with that same love. May our participation in this celebration of love and commitment, give to us a new joy and responsiveness to the relationships that we cherish. In your loving arms, we pray, Amen.
You may all be seated.
Definition of Commitment
Marriage is a joyous occasion. It is connected in our thoughts with the charm of love, the warmth of home, and with all that is pleasant, as being one of the most important events of our lives. Its sacredness and unity is the most significant and binding covenant known in human relations.
______ and _____, let me charge you both to remember that your future happiness is to be in mutual consideration, patience, kindness, confidence, and affection.
Wedding Vows
______, do you take _____ to be your wedded wife/husband? Do you promise to love her/him, comfort her/him, honor her/him in sickness and in health; forsaking all others keep yourself only unto her/him so long as you both shall live?______, do you take _____ to be your wedded husband/wife? Do you promise to love him/her comfort him/her honor him/her in sickness and in health; forsaking all others keep yourself only unto him/her so long as you both shall live?
Exchange of Rings
The wedding ring is a symbol of eternity. It is an outward sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love.
______, as you place this ring on _____’s finger repeat after me:
With this ring I thee wed; / And all my worldly goods I thee endow; / In sickness and in health; / In poverty or wealth; / Till death do us part.
______, as you place this ring on _____’s finger repeat after me:
With this ring I thee wed; / And all my worldly goods I thee endow; / In sickness and in health; / In poverty or wealth; / Till death do us part.
Closing Prayer
Let us pray.
Eternal God without beginning or ending: We thank You for Your constant care over all creation; for Your gift of life which You have given us; for Your protection every moment of our lives. We thank You for bringing _____ and _____ together in marriage. We ask You now to bless them as they have given themselves to each other. May they be richly blessed in their life together: may they grow more fully into Your likeness: may they share their joys fully: may they bear their sorrows bravely: may they always look to You for guidance: may they always trust each other completely: may they always be faithful to each other: may they always love each other: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Declaration of Marriage
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of _________ I now pronounce you husband/wife and wife/husband.
You may now kiss your bride/groom.
Catholic Wedding Ceremony Script
This script follows the specific requirements of a Catholic wedding service, which includes a liturgy of the word, a rite of marriage, a nuptial blessing, and a liturgy of the Eucharist. It also incorporates Catholic symbols and rituals, such as the sign of peace and the unity candle.
Below is the celebration of matrimony script at catholic church. For full text you can ask catholic church nearby, they have standard wedding ceremony format.
Opening
Priest: 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. 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 they may be faithful to each other for ever and assume all the responsibilities of married life. And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask you to state your intentions
[Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], have you come here to enter into Marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?
Bride & Groom: Yes, we have.
Priest: Are you prepared, as you follow the path of Marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?
Bride & Groom: I am.
Priest: Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church?
Bride & Groom: I am.
The Consent
Priest: Since it is your intention to enter the covenant of Holy Matrimony, join your right hands and declare your consent before God and his Church.
Groom: I, [Groom’s Name] take you, [Bride’s 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.
Bride: I, [Groom’s Name], take you, [Bride’s 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.
Priest: May the Lord in his kindness strengthen the consent you have declared before the Church, and graciously bring to fulfillment his blessing within you. What God joins together, let no one put asunder.
Blessing and Exchange of Rings
Priest: May the Lord bless ✠ these rings, which you will give to each other as a sign of love and fidelity.
All: Amen.
Groom: [Bride’s Name], receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Bride: [Groom’s Name], receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Jewish Wedding Ceremony Script
A Jewish wedding ceremony script typically includes a pre-wedding reception, a veiling of the bride, a marriage canopy, a wedding procession, a betrothal, a marriage contract, a finalizing of the nuptials, a seclusion room, and a wedding reception.
This script follows the traditional elements of a Jewish wedding service, such as the signing of the ketubah (marriage contract), the badeken (veiling of the bride), the chuppah (wedding canopy), the sheva brachot (seven blessings), and the breaking of the glass.
Modern Jewish Wedding Ceremony Script
Processional
The processional begins with the rabbi and/or cantor followed by the groomsmen and bridesmaids. The groom is escorted by his parents and the bride is escorted by her parents. They walk down the aisle to traditional Jewish music.
Welcome
Rabbi: Welcome, friends and family. We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of [Bride] and [Groom]. They have invited us to witness and share in their joy as they stand under the chuppah, symbolizing their new home together. The chuppah is open on all sides, just as Abraham and Sarah had their tent open to welcome guests with hospitality. [Bride] and [Groom] welcome you with love and gratitude for your presence here today.
Opening Blessing
Rabbi: Let us begin with a blessing over the wine, which symbolizes the sweetness of life.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam borei p’ri hagafen.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
The rabbi gives the cup of wine to the bride and groom who each take a sip.
Rabbi: Let us also bless this couple who stand before us in love and faith.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al arayot v’asur lanu et ha’arousim u’mutar lanu et ha’n’suim al y’dei chuppah v’kidushin. Baruch atah Adonai m’kadesh amo Yisrael al y’dei chuppah v’kidushin.
Blessed are You, Adonai our God, Ruler of the universe, who sanctifies us with Your commandments and commands us concerning forbidden relationships. You forbid us to those who are only betrothed but permit those who are married to us through chuppah and kiddushin. Blessed are You Adonai who sanctifies Your people Israel through chuppah and kiddushin.
Statement of Intent
Rabbi: [Bride] and [Groom], do you come here today of your own free will to enter into this sacred covenant of marriage?
Bride and Groom: We do.
Rabbi: Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect each other as long as you both shall live?
Bride and Groom: We do.
Exchange of Vows
Rabbi: [Bride] and [Groom], you have chosen to write your own vows to express your love and commitment to each other. Please face each other and share your words from the heart.
The bride and groom read their vows to each other.
Exchange of Rings
Rabbi: The ring is an ancient symbol of eternity, with no beginning and no end. It is also a symbol of wholeness and perfection. By exchanging these rings today, you declare your eternal love for each other and your acceptance of each other as full partners in life.
[Groom], please take this ring and place it on [Bride]’s finger and repeat after me:
Harei at m’kudeshet li b’taba’at zo k’dat Moshe v’Yisrael.
With this ring you are consecrated to me as my wife according to the laws of Moses and Israel.
[Bride], please take this ring and place it on [Groom]’s finger and repeat after me:
Harei ata m’kudash li b’taba’at zo k’dat Moshe v’Yisrael.
With this ring you are consecrated to me as my husband according to the laws of Moses and Israel.
Sheva Brachot (Seven Blessings)
Rabbi: We now offer seven blessings for [Bride] and [Groom], asking God to grant them joy, peace, harmony, friendship, companionship, love and devotion. [continue to the standard seven blessing script]
Breaking of the Glass
Rabbi: We conclude this ceremony with the breaking of a glass. This old custom has many meanings. Some say it is a reminder of the fragility of life and love; others say it is a warning that marriage changes everything irrevocably; still others say it is meant to scare away evil spirits with its loud noise. But perhaps most importantly today, it is a symbol of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and a reminder that even in times of joy we must not forget that there is still suffering in the world that needs our attention and compassion.
[Groom], please take this glass wrapped in cloth and break it with your right foot as we all shout Mazal Tov!
The groom breaks the glass and everyone shouts Mazal Tov!
Pronouncement
Rabbi: By the power vested in me by the State of ______ , I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!
Recessional
The bride and groom exit the chuppah to upbeat Jewish music followed by their parents and the wedding party.
Yichud
The bride and groom spend a few minutes alone in a private room to share their first moments as a married couple. This is a time for reflection, intimacy, and celebration. They may also eat something to break their fast if they have been fasting on their wedding day.
Traditional Jewish Wedding Ceremony Script
Procession
The wedding procession begins with the groom, accompanied by his parents, walking towards the chuppah (wedding canopy). The bride, accompanied by her parents, then follows and meets the groom under the chuppah.
Greeting
Rabbi: Friends and family, we gather here today to witness and celebrate the union of [Groom] and [Bride]. We welcome you all to this joyous occasion.
Opening Prayer
(the rabbi makes opening prayer and blessing)
Declaration of Intent
Rabbi: [Groom], do you take [Bride] to be your wife, to cherish, love and respect her in every circumstance?
Groom: I do.
Rabbi: [Bride], do you take [Groom] to be your husband, to cherish, love and respect him in every circumstance?
Bride: I do.
Exchange of Rings
Rabbi: The wedding ring is a symbol of your commitment to one another, a constant reminder of the love that you share. [Groom], please place the ring on [Bride]’s finger and repeat after me:
[Groom places the ring on Bride’s finger]
Groom: Behold, you are sanctified to me with this ring, according to the laws of Moses and Israel.
Rabbi: [Bride], please place the ring on [Groom]’s finger and repeat after me:
[Bride places the ring on Groom’s finger]
Bride: Behold, you are sanctified to me with this ring, according to the laws of Moses and Israel.
Reading of the Ketubah
Rabbi: The ketubah, or marriage contract, outlines the obligations that [Groom] and [Bride] have to each other as husband and wife. It also serves as a testament to the love and commitment that they share. [Groom], please present the ketubah.
[Groom presents the ketubah]
Rabbi: [Bride] and [Groom], please listen to the reading of the ketubah.
[The ketubah is read aloud in Hebrew or English]
Blessings
Rabbi: Let us now offer blessings for this couple. [Groom] and [Bride], may your marriage be filled with love, joy, and peace. May you find comfort and strength in one another during times of difficulty, and may you always cherish the gift of each other’s presence in your lives.
Seven Blessings
(The rabbi or other officiant then recites the Seven Blessings, a traditional Jewish wedding blessing)
Broken glass
Rabbi: This is the final act of the ceremony. Breaking the glass symbolizes the fragility of life and reminds us to cherish each and every moment. I now ask [Groom’s name] to break the glass.
Rabbi: Mazel Tov! Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Protestant Wedding Ceremony Script
This script follows the general format of a Protestant wedding service, which can vary depending on the denomination or congregation. It typically includes an opening prayer, a scripture reading, a sermon or homily, an exchange of vows and rings, a blessing or benediction, and a presentation of the couple.
Processional
The processional begins with the officiant followed by the groom and the best man. Then the groomsmen and bridesmaids enter, followed by the ring bearer and the flower girl. The bride enters last, escorted by her father or another person of her choice.
Welcome Statement
Officiant: 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 was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by 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 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 in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
Opening Blessing
Officiant: Let us begin with a blessing over the wine, which symbolizes the sweetness of life.
Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu melech ha’olam borei p’ri hagafen.
Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Creator of the fruit of the vine.
The officiant gives the cup of wine to the bride and groom who each take a sip.
Statement of Intent
Officiant: Into this union [Bride] and [Groom] 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.
Then the officiant says 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.
The officiant says to the bride:
[Bride], will you have this man to be your husband; to live together with him in the covenant of marriage? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto him as long as you both shall live?
The bride answers:
I will.
The officiant says to the groom:
[Groom], will you have this woman to be your wife; to live together with her in the covenant of marriage? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto her as long as you both shall live?
The groom answers:
I will.
Exchange of Vows
Officiant: [Bride] and [Groom], you have chosen to write your own vows to express your love and commitment to each other. Please face each other and share your words from the heart.
The bride and groom read their vows to each other.
Exchange of Rings
Officiant: The ring is an ancient symbol of eternity, with no beginning and no end. It is also a symbol of wholeness and perfection. By exchanging these rings today, you declare your eternal love for each other and your acceptance of each other as full partners in life.
[Groom], please take this ring and place it on [Bride]’s finger and repeat after me:
With this ring I thee wed; / And all my worldly goods I thee endow; / In sickness and in health; / In poverty or wealth; / Till death do us part.
[Bride], please take this ring and place it on [Groom]’s finger and repeat after me:
With this ring I thee wed; / And all my worldly goods I thee endow; / In sickness and in health; / In poverty or wealth; / Till death do us part.
Pronouncement
Officiant: By the power vested in me by the State of ______ and the Church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride!
Common Protestant Wedding Ceremony Script
[Procession]
The wedding procession begins with the seating of the family members and the entrance of the bridal party. The groom, accompanied by his best man, then enters and stands at the altar. The bridesmaids and groomsmen then walk down the aisle, followed by the flower girl and ring bearer. Finally, the bride, escorted by her father or a family member, walks down the aisle to meet the groom at the altar.[Greeting]
Officiant: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together [Bride] and [Groom] in holy matrimony.[Declaration of Intent]
Officiant: [Groom], do you take [Bride] to be your wedded wife, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her as long as you both shall live?Groom: I do.
Officiant: [Bride], do you take [Groom] to be your wedded husband, to live together in holy matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him as long as you both shall live?
Bride: I do.
[Exchange of Vows]
Officiant: [Groom], please repeat after me: I, [Groom], take you, [Bride], to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.Groom: I, [Groom], take you, [Bride], to be my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
Officiant: [Bride], please repeat after me: I, [Bride], take you, [Groom], to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
Bride: I, [Bride], take you, [Groom], to be my wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow.
[Exchange of Rings]
Officiant: The wedding ring is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond, signifying to all the uniting of [Groom] and [Bride] in holy matrimony. [Groom], please place the ring on [Bride]’s finger and repeat after me:[Groom places the ring on Bride’s finger]
Groom: With this ring, I thee wed.
Officiant: [Bride], please place the ring on [Groom]’s finger and repeat after me:
[Bride places the ring on Groom’s finger]
Bride: With this ring, I thee wed.
[Pronouncement of Marriage]
Officiant: By the power vested in me by the state and in the presence of God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife. What God has joined together, let no one separate.[Kiss]
The couple then shares their first kiss as husband and wife.[Closing]
Officiant: Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]. You may now celebrate the union of [Bride] and [Groom] with applause and joy.[Recession]
The newlyweds and the bridal party then exit the ceremony area followed by the guests.
Inclusive Wedding Ceremony Script
This script is designed to celebrate and honor the diversity and uniqueness of each couple, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, culture, or religion. It can include elements that reflect their personal values and beliefs, such as poems, songs, quotes, rituals, or symbols.
Processional
The processional is the beginning of the wedding ceremony when guests are seated followed by the entrance of the wedding party. The couple may choose to walk down the aisle together, separately, or with their parents or other escorts.
Invocation
Officiant to reception: “Welcome, family 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 joining of [Partner A] and [Partner B] in marriage.
Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever.
You don’t have to have a ceremony to have a marriage. And when you think about it, the whole thing is kind of weird, right? You’re standing in front of everyone, looking fancy, holding flowers, and being stared at by so many of those who you hold near and dear.
So why do we do it? The marriage ceremony has been an important feature across nearly every culture, religion, generation, and society. We have thousands of important moments that happen throughout our lives, but this one is regarded as one so critical, we acknowledge its special status by sharing it with others.
Why this moment? Because despite all of our differences, love is what we all share. It’s the great unifier – our one universal truth. That no matter who we are, where we’ve come from, what we believe, we know this one thing: love is what we’re doing right.
That’s why you both are standing here. That’s why you all are here to watch them stand up here. We have all loved in our lifetimes, and in this moment, we’re reminded that the ability to love is the very best part of our humanity.
All of us here today have our own love stories. Some are short, others long. Some are yet unwritten, while others are just getting to the good part. There are chapters in all of our stories that are sad or disappointing – and others that are exciting and full of adventure.
And that brings them here. A time to pause, look back, and smile at all the moments that brought them here. And a time to look ahead at all the moments that are still to come.
I’m here – we’re all here – because we want those moments for you. We’re here to hope with you, to support you, to be proud of you, and to remind you that love isn’t happily ever after, love is the experience of writing your story.
It’s not one moment – not even this moment. It’s every moment. Big ones like saying “I love you,” moving in together, getting engaged – but mostly a million little ones that come in between the big moments. Falling asleep next to one another, making dinner together, spending holidays with your families, binge-watching Netflix shows, getting a big hug when you get home from work… These everyday moments fuse together into one big experience.
And even though this experience is so incredible, words fail us when we try and explain it. That’s just the way it is with love – it’s meant to be felt, not described.
But trying to describe love is one of our favorite pastimes. We use the words we have to write stories, and poems, and songs about love. And even though we describe love in different ways – and even though love can look different from one person to the next – we all know it when we see it. And we see it here.
You fell in love by chance, but you’re here today because you’re making a choice. You both are choosing each other. You’ve chosen to be with someone who enhances you, who makes you think, makes you smile, and makes every day brighter.
You’re about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. You’re going to vow to take care of each other, to stand up for one another, and find happiness in the other. There’s a simple premise to each of these promises: you’re vowing to be there. You’re teaming up and saying to the other, “Every experience I am going to have, I want you to be a part of.”
Will you [Partner A] and [Partner B] please face each other and join hands?”
Declaration of Intent
The declaration of intent is a crucial element of any wedding ceremony, and is legally required to show consent among both parties to be married.
Officiant: “[Partner A], do you take [Partner B] to be your partner in life? Do you promise to love them, honor them, comfort them and keep them in sickness and in health; forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?”
[Partner A]: “I do.”
Officiant: “[Partner B], do you take [Partner A] to be your partner in life? Do you promise to love them, honor them, comfort them and keep them in sickness and in health; forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live?”
[Partner B]: “I do.”
Reading
A reading is an optional part of the wedding ceremony that can add some personalization and meaning to the event. The couple may choose a reading from a religious text, a poem, a song lyric, or any other source that speaks to their relationship and values. The reading may be done by the officiant or by a guest of their choice.
Officiant: “We will now have a reading from [source] by [reader].”
[Reader]: “[Reading].”
Exchange of Vows
The exchange of vows is the heart of the wedding ceremony, where the couple expresses their love and commitment to each other in their own words. The couple may write their own vows or use traditional ones.
Officiant: “[Partner A] and [Partner B], you have chosen to write your own vows to express your love and commitment to each other. Please face each other and share your words from the heart.”
[Partner A]: “I [name], choose you [name], to be my spouse. You are my favorite person and my soulmate. You inspire me to be a better version of myself every day. You make me feel seen, heard, and understood. You accept me for who I am and encourage me to follow my dreams. You are my partner in adventure and my companion in peace. You are my home and my refuge. You are my love and my life. I vow to honor you, respect you, support you, and cherish you for as long as we both shall live.”
[Partner B]: “I [name], take you [name], to be my partner in life. I promise to love you with all that I am and all that I have. I promise to support you, respect you, laugh with you, and grow with you. I promise to be faithful to you and honest with you. I promise to stand by your side through whatever life may bring. I promise to be your best friend and your biggest fan. I promise to cherish you as long as we both shall live.”
Exchange of Rings
The exchange of rings is a symbolic gesture that represents the couple’s bond and fidelity. The rings are usually placed on the fourth finger of the left hand, which is believed to have a vein that connects directly to the heart.
Officiant: “The ring is an ancient symbol of eternity, with no beginning and no end. It is also a symbol of wholeness and perfection. By exchanging these rings today, you declare your eternal love for each other and your acceptance of each other as full partners in life.
[Partner A], please take this ring and place it on [Partner B]’s finger and repeat after me:
With this ring, I give you my heart. / I promise from this day forward / You shall not walk alone. / May my heart be your shelter / And my arms be your home.
[Partner B], please take this ring and place it on [Partner A]’s finger and repeat after me:
With this ring, I give you my heart. / I promise from this day forward / You shall not walk alone. / May my heart be your shelter / And my arms be your home.”
Pronouncement
The pronouncement is the final part of the wedding ceremony, where the officiant declares the couple legally married.
Officiant: “By the power vested in me by the State of ______, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your partner!”
The couple kisses.
Recessional
The recessional is the end of the wedding ceremony, where the couple exits the venue to celebratory music followed by their wedding party and guests.
