Amidst the organized chaos of wedding planning, theWedding ceremonyoften it lasts until the last minute. But the ceremony is quite significant, after all it's the part where you and your future spouse are getting married!
We all know the yes words at a wedding ceremony, but the rest of the ceremony is just as important. While you want to create a wedding ceremony script that is meaningful and personal to you and your future spouse, it can leave some couples scratching their heads. If you're wondering where to start writing your wedding ceremony script, our tips and examples below will help you!
[skip menu]Script for the Christian Wedding CeremonyScript for the Catholic Wedding CeremonyJewish wedding ceremony scriptScripts for Protestant Wedding CeremoniesIncluding script for the wedding ceremonySimple wedding ceremony scriptModern script for wedding ceremoniesHumorous script for the wedding ceremonyTips for writing your wedding scriptWedding Ceremony Script Frequently Asked Questions
Dive into our sample wedding ceremony scripts below!
Script for the Christian Wedding Ceremony
This script has been reviewed by ordained ministers inUniversal Life Church Monastery.
procession
The procession is simply the start of the wedding ceremony as the guests take their seats, followed by the entry of the bridal party.
call
Receptionist: "Welcome, beloved. We are gathered here today before the eyes of God and these witnesses to unite [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in holy matrimony.”
letter of intent
The Letter of Intent is an essential element of any wedding ceremony and is required by law to show the consent of both parties to the marriage.
Officiant to the Couple: “[COUPLE A] and [COUPLE B], you have come together today so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of this servant of His word and this fellowship of family and friends and so forth , In the presence At this meeting I ask you to state your intentions:
Did you two come here voluntarily and without reservation to get married? If so, please answer 'Yes'."
[The couple replies 'I have' in unison].
reading
A Bible reading is a common feature in many Christian wedding ceremonies. Choosing a passage from Corinthians is not mandatory, but it is a popular choice for many.
Officials at the reception: “Reading from the Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:
“Love is patient, love is kind. He does not envy, he does not boast, he is not proud. Not rude, not selfish, not easily annoyed, doesn't keep track of mistakes. Love does not delight in evil, but delights in truth. Always protect, always trust, always hope, always endure."
Please pray for this couple as they take their vows.
Father, how [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] commit to each other to help and bless them so that their loves may be pure and their vows true. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.”
exchange vows
Today's vows are often personalized based on what feels good for the couple. But a traditional declaration of vows is also common at Christian weddings.
Couple to each other: “I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to my husband (husband, wife) to have and keep from this day forward, for better or for worse, in wealth, in poverty , in Sickness and health, in love and care, 'till death do us part. This is my solemn oath."
Ringtausch
Officer to Partner A: "[PARTNER A], please take the ring you chose for [PARTNER B]. As you put it on your finger, repeat after me:
"With this ring I will marry you."
[Partner A repeats the phrase while putting the ring on Partner B's finger]
Officer to Partner B: "[PARTNER B], please take the ring you chose for [PARTNER A]. As you put it on your finger, repeat after me:
"With this ring I will marry you."
[Partner B repeats the phrase while putting the ring on Partner A's finger]
prayer
A distinctive feature of a Christian wedding ceremony is to include a prayer of blessing for the union.
Officiant to the Couple: “May Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, always be at the center of the new life you are now beginning to build together so that you may learn the ways of true love and goodness. May the Lord bless you every day of your life and fill you with His joy, Amen.
Explanation
Receptionist: “By the power bestowed on me by the State [STATE], I now declare you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]! You can kiss the bride!"
Closing/invitation to reception
All officiating: “Thank you all for attending this joyful occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They are now inviting you to a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!"
Script for the Catholic Wedding Ceremony
This script has been reviewed by ordained ministers inUniversal Life Church Monastery.
rite of entry
As the opening song is played, the congregation rises while the priest, ministers, and servants take their places, followed by the wedding party. The rest of this part of the procession can take two forms.
In the first form, the robed priests and servants greet the bride and groom at the door of the church, then everyone enters for mass as usual. In the second class, the priest and servants wait in the presbytery area prepared for the bride and groom. to greet you when you arrive. In both forms, the priest always leads the procession.
greeting
Once everyone is in their places and the music has ended, the priest performs the Sign of the Cross, or the traditional beginning of Christian prayer, before welcoming the assembly.
Priest: "In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Everyone replies, "Amen."
Priest: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Gathering (Opening Prayer)
The priest invites the congregation to prayer. After prayer for the couple, the congregation sits down for the Liturgy of the Word.
Priest: “Listen to our prayers, O Lord, and in your goodness hold fast what you have established for the multiplication of the human race, so that with your help the covenant you have made may be kept. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever."
liturgy of the word
The Liturgy of the Word outside of Mass usually includes three readings proclaimed by the priest, one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament without the Gospel, and one from the Gospel. At the end of each reading, the lector will say, "Word of the Lord," and the congregation will reply, "Thank God."
Priest: “Reading from Genesis 1, 26-28:
Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, like us. Let them rule over the fish of the sea, and the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over every wild beast and every creature that crawls upon God and created man in his image; in the image of God he created him; Male and female he made it. God blessed them with the words: “Be fruitful and multiply; Fill the earth and subdue it. the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky and all the animals that move on the earth. God looked at everything he had made and thought it was very good. The Word of the Lord.
[The congregation replies, "Thank God."]
Priest: “Reading from the New Testament, 1 John 4:7-12:
Dear friends, let's love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through him. That is love: not that we love God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us so much, we must also love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is perfect in us.
The word of the Lord."
[All reply, "Thank God."]
Priest: “Reading from the Gospel, Matthew 5:13-16:
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its salinity, how can it be salted again? It's no longer good for anything but being thrown and trampled on. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor is a lamp lit and placed under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. Likewise, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
[All reply: "Bless you, Lord Jesus Christ." The congregation is seated.]
sermon
The congregation is seated while the priest (or deacon) preaches a sermon from the Scripture readings. The priest uses this text to speak about the sanctity of Christian marriage, the dignity of conjugal love, the grace of the sacrament and the responsibility of the married couple.
Priest: “John 3:30 says, 'He must increase, but I must decrease.'
These simple and direct words of Saint John the Baptist, whose feast we are celebrating today, summarize the life of the Christian disciple. In all things we want Jesus to grow and our own will, our own desires, our own attachments to decrease. In my heart, in my prayer, in my family, in my church, in my work, in my studies, in my free time, in my pleasure, may the Lord Jesus grow!"
wedding party
Everyone stands and the couple arrives at the altar, flanked by their best man. The priest will address the couple with a wedding celebration:
"Beloved, you have come to the house of the Church to have your will to be married be confirmed by the Lord with a holy seal in the presence of the minister of the Church and of the congregation."
If both parties are Christians: “Christ richly blesses the love that unites you. Through a special sacrament, he enriches and strengthens those whom he has already consecrated through holy baptism, so that you may be enriched with his blessings, so that you may have the strength to be forever faithful to one another and to take on all the responsibilities of married life. . And so, in the presence of the Church, I ask them to state their intentions.”
Address and Letter of Intent
Everyone stands, including the bride and groom and witnesses, while the priest asks the couple a few questions to express their intentions regarding agency, mutual fidelity, and acceptance and upbringing of children (if necessary).
Priest to couple: "[COUPLE A] and [COUPLE B], have you come here to marry freely, freely and wholeheartedly?"
Couple in unison: "I have."
Priest to couple: "Are you willing to love and honor each other on the path of marriage while you are both alive?"
Couple in unison: "I am."
exchange of consent
The couple declare their consent to the marriage by taking their vows. If you are writing your own vows, you should prepare them beforehand with the wedding script.
Partner A: “I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [wife, husband]. I promise to be faithful to you through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, to love and honor you every day of my life.
Partner B: “I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [husband, wife]. I promise to be faithful to you through thick and thin, in sickness and in health, to love and honor you every day of my life.
Blessing and handing over of the rings
Priest: “Bless, Lord, these rings, which we bless in your name, that their bearers may remain wholly faithful to one another, remain in peace and in your will, and live ever in mutual love. Through Christ our Lord."
The congregation replies, "Amen."
The priest now sprinkles the wedding rings with holy water before presenting them to each couple.
Partner A: "[NAME], please accept this ring as a token of my love and loyalty. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit".
[Couple A puts the ring on couple B's finger]
Partner B: "[NAME], please receive this ring as a token of my love and loyalty. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit".
[Couple B puts the ring on couple A's finger]
prayer
The priest and the congregation sing or say the Lord's Prayer together.
bridal blessing
The couple kneel before the altar where the priest faces them and prays for them.
Priest: "Now let us humbly invoke God's blessing on this couple, so that in his goodness he may favor with his help those to whom he has administered the sacrament of matrimony."
community
The priest administers communion and distributes the body and blood of Christ to the Catholics in the congregation, beginning with the newly married couple. An appropriate hymn is usually sung as the congregation goes to the altar for Communion.
Explanation
Priest at Reception: “By the power bestowed on me by the status of [STATE], I now declare you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]! Now you can kiss!"
dismissal
Priest to the assembly: "Go in peace to glorify the Lord with your lives."
The congregation replies, "Thank God."
recession
At the end of the ceremony, the couple, the bridal party, the ministers and the priest leave the church, often accompanied by music.
Jewish wedding ceremony script
This script has been reviewed by ordained ministers inUniversal Life Church Monastery.
Signature of the Ketuba
The ketubah is an ancient document and marriage contract documenting the bond between the couple. Typically, the groom privately signs the contract with the rabbi and two male Jewish witnesses present with the bride before the main ceremony begins.
Officers: “Please gather for this 'pre-ceremony ceremony' of the signing of the ketubah. Bride and Groom, in that quiet moment before the start of your public wedding, your loved ones are here to witness the signing of the important documents that make this day a special moment for both of you. If you legally become husband and wife, we rejoice in your happiness and wish you only the best in your life together. This beautiful ketubah has these words for you today and I ask the groom's witness [NAME] to read the words."
[The groom's witness reads the ketubah.]
Official: "I ask you both to sign the ketubah as the first ceremonial act of your marriage celebration."
[The couple signs the ketubah.]
Official: "Now I'll ask your parents to sign the ketubah."
[The couple's parents sign the ketubah.]
Official: "And now I'll sign it too."
[The officer signs the ketubah.]
procession
The ceremony begins as soon as the guests are seated.
Introductory Remarks/Welcome
Receptionist: "This is the day that [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will marry the person they love most in the whole world...the one they will laugh, live and love with for the rest of their lives. So it's only fitting that the people closest to them are here to witness this special day. Your presence at this wedding celebration reminds [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] how happy they are that you are supporting their union.”
the chuppah
The chuppah is a canopy symbolizing the house the couple will build after their marriage. Modern couples use the chuppah as an opportunity to personalize their wedding and use it as a reflection of their unique taste and style.
Officers: “The chuppah under which [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] stand is the traditional structure used in a Jewish wedding ceremony. What you see on the stage of this ceremony says a lot about the path that leads [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] to the wedding. Today their families are united, and the combined wealth of their two inheritances will be the foundation of their life together.
As the open sides of a chuppah symbolize hospitality, in this ceremony the chuppah invites you all to feel welcome today, for this is the day of days that [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] want to share with you.”
circle
After the couple enters the chuppah, the bride/groom circles the bride/groom seven times, symbolizing the building of a wall of love around the relationship. It also represents the seven days of creation.
Statement of Support
Officially to the couple: "Marriage is a lifelong adventure. Today's ceremony, while important, is only the beginning of this journey. Marriage is a challenge that requires love and understanding from [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]. They must be devoted to one another, listen to one another, and be honest with one another. They need laughter and forgiveness, tenderness and empathy.
Sandzeremonie
Officers to the couple: “Now we begin the sand ceremony. In this way, [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] symbolize the permanence of the commitment of their marital relationship. Each of them will pour separate containers with sand into one container.
Each of these beads represents a unique aspect of yourself. Your experiences, beliefs, feelings, and the events that shaped them into the person in front of you. As these grains of sand are mixed in a common vessel, they symbolize the merging of two individual lives into an inseparable couple.
[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], just as these grains of sand can never be separated again, you too will be united forever.
letter of intent
Officer to Partner A: “Do you, [SHARE A], take this [woman, man] as your lawfully wedded [wife, husband], to have and to keep, in sickness and in health, in good times and in afflictions , richer or poorer, stay with [her, him] as long as they both live? If so, reply, 'Yes, I do.'”
Partner A: "Yes, I want to."
Officer to Partner B: “Do you, [SHARED B], take this [man, this woman] as your lawful wedded [husband, wife] to have and keep, in sickness and in health, in good times and in afflictions, richer or poorer, abide with [him, her] as long as they both live? If so, reply, 'Yes, I do.'”
Partner B: "Yes, I will."
Ringtausch
Officer to Partner A: "[PARTNER A], as a token of your intentions, place this ring on [PARTNER B]'s finger and repeat after me:
"[PARTNER B], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and loyalty."
[Partner A repeats the words while putting the ring on Partner B's finger.]
Officer to Partner B: "[PARTNER B], as a token of your intentions, place this ring on [PARTNER A]'s finger and repeat after me:
"[PARTNER A], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and loyalty."
[Partner B repeats the words while putting the ring on Partner A's finger.]
blessing of hands
Officer to couple: “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], please hold hands. Look at these hands because they are your closest friend's. You are strong and full of love. By shaking hands today, you are making them a promise to love each other today, tomorrow and always.
Your future is built by these hands. Over the years these hands will make you love and cherish. The lightest touch of those hands will comfort you. These are the hands your children will be holding. These are the hands that hold your family together. If you have tears of sadness or joy, these hands will wipe them away.
the seven blessings
Now the seven blessings are recited.
- Blessings over wine as a symbol of joy
- Blessings praising God whom all creation praises
- Blessing praising God as the creator of mankind
- Blessings praising God who created mankind in the divine image
- prayer of hope
- Prayer for the happiness of the couple.
- Prayer for the couple's individual hope of happiness combined with prayer for joy in the messianic future
After the Seven Blessings, the couple share a glass of wine.
break the glass
The ceremony ends with the tradition of the groom (or bride) stomping on the glass, breaking it. This signals the audience to cheer, dance, and shout "Mazal tov!"
the yikhoud
After the ceremony is complete, the final ritual takes place in the yichud, or "tent of seclusion." This is considered one of the most private and intimate parts of the wedding day, allowing the bride and groom to enjoy their first few moments alone before the celebration continues.
Script for the Protestant Wedding Ceremony
This script has been reviewed by ordained ministers inUniversal Life Church Monastery.
There are many denominations within the Protestant faith and the standard ceremony may vary for each. Those with a more liberal interpretation of the wedding ceremony might be open to incorporating more non-traditional elements into the ceremony script. The following script is taken from the Common Prayer Book and is just one of many possible variations on a Protestant wedding ceremony.
introductory sentence
The minister, known as the celebrant, faces the couple and the congregation and offers an introduction:
“Dear brethren, we are gathered in the presence of God to witness and bless the union of this couple in holy matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God at creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned that way of life with his presence and first miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies for us the mystery of unity between Christ and his Church, and Scripture recommends that it be honored among all peoples.
The covenant of marriage is intended by God for mutual joy, mutual help and comfort in good times and in trouble, and, if it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their upbringing in knowledge and love of the Lord. . Therefore, marriage should not be entered into without counsel or lightly, but reverently, consciously, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was ordained by God.”
the interrogation
Celebrant to the congregation: “Now in this union [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] come together. If either of you can come up with a good reason why you can't be legally married, speak up now or shut up forever."
Celebrant to the couple: “I challenge you both here in the presence of God and in the witness of this Society, if either of you know of a reason why you cannot marry legally and according to the Word of God, confess it now. .”
Celebrant to Partner A: “[COUPLE A], would you like this [woman, man] to be your [wife, husband], to live with [her, him] in the marriage bond? Will you love [her, him], comfort [her, him], honor and preserve [her, him], in sickness and in health, and, abandoning all others, be faithful to [her, him] as long as both shall live?"
Partner A replies, "I will."
Celebrant to Partner B: “[PAIR B], would you like this [man, woman] to be your [man, woman], to live with [him/her] in the marriage bond? Will you love, comfort, honor and care for him in sickness as well as in health, and leaving all others, will you be faithful to him as long as he lives?
Partner B replies, "I will."
Celebrant to the congregation: "All of you, witnesses of these promises, will you do everything in your power to support these two people in their marriage?"
The congregation replies, "We will."
The presentation
The presentation depicts the traditional "gift" from the bride, usually followed by a hymn. Instead of a hymn, modern Protestants may opt for a poem, romantic reading, or song of their choice.
Celebrant: "Who gives [PARTNER A] to marry [PARTNER B]?"
Father of Couple A or B: "[He, she] gives himself, with the blessings of [his, her] mother and father."
exchange vows
Some modern Protestants may choose to write their own marriage vows, but the most commonly recited traditional vows are as follows:
Partner A to Partner B: “In the name of God, I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [wife, husband] to have and keep from this day forward, for better or for worse. , in riches and in poverty, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish 'till death do us part. This is my solemn oath."
Partner B to Partner A: “In the name of God, I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [husband, wife] to have and keep from this day forward, for better or for worse. devilish. , in riches and in poverty, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish 'till death do us part. This is my solemn oath."
The Blessing and the Exchange of Rings
The celebrant blesses the rings: "Bless, Lord, these rings, symbolizing the vows by which this couple were united, through Jesus Christ our Lord."
The congregation responds, "Amen."
Partner A and Partner B 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 have, I honor you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
The celebrant clasps the right hands of both spouses and says, “Now that [NAME] and [NAME] have made a dedication to one another by solemn vows, I declare them with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife] in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God has united let no one separate."
The congregation responds, "Amen."
closing sentences
The celebrant asks the congregation to stand and repeat the Lord's Prayer:
All: “Our Father which art in heaven, hallow be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread and forgive us our debts as we forgive those who transgress against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen."
At traditional Protestant weddings, the celebrant directs the couple to kneel while further blessings and songs are offered. The celebrant then turns to the kneeling couple and recites another blessing:
“May God bless you and keep you; May the Lord graciously look upon you with His favor and fill you with all spiritual blessings and graces. that you may live faithfully together in this life and have eternal life in the age to come. Amen."
Celebrant to the congregation: "The peace of the Lord be with you always."
They all reply: "And also with you."
Finally, the couple faces each other while the celebrant offers a final line to end the ceremony:
"[NAME] and [NAME], having testified your vows of love for each other, it is my pleasure to introduce you all to us here as [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]. Now you can kiss!"
Closing/invitation to reception
All officiating: “Thank you all for attending this joyful occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They are now inviting you to a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!"
Including script for the wedding ceremony
This script was reviewed by Sheena Wheadon, a Licensed Wedding Officer atWhy knot weddings.
While traditional gender roles often make up the bulk of wedding ceremony scripts, this need not be the case for a more inclusive ceremony. The sample script below removes gendered language and focuses on the love the couple shares and what that means to them.
Introductory Remarks/Welcome
The officer begins by greeting the receptionist. This is also when the officer can make certain announcements, e.g. B. Ask guests to mute their phones.
“Welcome friends, family and loved ones! We are gathered here today to celebrate and witness to (Partner A) and (Partner B) as they unite their lives in marriage. On behalf of (Partner A) and (Partner B), it is a real pleasure to have you here to celebrate this incredible moment.
Love is one of the best gifts life has to offer. Love offers hope, joy, comfort and security through thick and thin. Love drives our personal growth and enables us to face life and all its challenges with the unceasing support of the person we entrust our lives to. (Partner A) and (Partner B) stand before you today to share the love and happiness in your hearts as you take your relationship to a deeper level of bonding as you take the step towards marriage.”
reading
While this is entirely optional, couples are free to include a reading of their choice in their ceremony. This can be anything from a specific poem or passage in a book to a particular quote from a movie or a personal story about the couple's relationship. Couples can have the officer do the reading or have a loved one come forward to share.
Official: "(Partner A) and (Partner B) have selected a reading from [SOURCE] that represents their unique journey and the commitment they are making today."
[Read on.]
exchange vows
Couples who have decided to write their own wedding vows will recite it here. These may take the form of questions and answers or long vows written in advance (or a combination of both). Couples can also ask their Officiant to step aside during the vow reading, it helps make the moment more intimate!
Here's a sample wedding vows to work with:
Officer to Couple: “Marriage is a lifelong commitment to love and care for one another to the best of one's ability. Are you both ready to take this step together?
The couple replies, "Yes!"
Officer to couple: "Do you promise to care for one another, to treat one another with respect and compassion, and to always reach out to love in your efforts to support one another?"
The couple replies, "We do."
Officer to Couple: "Do you promise to meet any challenge and succeed with integrity, gratitude, and patience, and strive to learn and grow together throughout your days?"
The couple replies, "We do."
Confirmation from family and friends
Receptionist: "Today, do you, the family and friends of (partner A) and (partner B) give you your full support and wish them a life full of happiness together?"
The front desk replies, "We do."
expression of intention
Officer: “In the presence and testimony of the family gathered here today, I ask you now to state your intentions.
(Partner A) and (Partner B), did you come here of your own free will and without reservation to commit yourselves to each other in marriage vows?”
The couple replies, "Yes."
Officer: “Again, will you love, honor and care for each other as partners for the rest of your life?”
The couple replies, "We will."
Ringtausch
Receptionist: "(Partner A) and (Partner B), please repeat after me:
I give you this ring as a symbol of the vows we made today. I promise you my love, respect and commitment. With all that I am, I honor you.
[The couple repeat themselves to each other.]
Explanation
Finally, the official declares the couple legally married:
"Now that you, (Partner A) and (Partner B), have vowed to give yourselves completely to each other, to love each other through the vows you have made and by giving and receiving these rings, it is one to me great joy for the power conferred upon me to now declare you married! Now you can kiss!"
Closing/invitation to reception
Officially to all: “Thank you all for attending this joyful occasion for (Partner A) and (Partner B)! They are now inviting you to a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!"
Simple wedding ceremony script
This script was reviewed by Rev. Lisann G. Valentin, ordained minister inUniversal Church of Life.
For a non-religious wedding ceremony, there is no standard script that you need to follow. The following script can serve as a useful starting point for a simple wedding ceremony that you can develop and customize as you see fit.
Introductory Remarks/Welcome
The ceremony begins with the officiant addressing the reception:
“Welcome friends, family and loved ones. We are gathered here today to celebrate [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in their lifelong commitment of love to one another. Finding a life partner is a true joy, and the commitment to share life's ups and downs together is no small thing. While marriage will bring its own challenges and triumphs, let this day be a reminder of what your love has already accomplished and the possibilities for your partnership as you grow together in the years to come."
reading
While a simple wedding ceremony can skip this part entirely, some couples may want to personalize their ceremony with a chosen reading or song to celebrate their union. Readings can be conducted by a close friend or family member, the minister, or the couple themselves. An example might be the officer asking a chosen friend or family member to recite an original poem or tell a story about the couple's relationship.
Officer: "At our reading today, [PARTNER A/B] asked [his, her] to recite an original poem in honor of their association."
[Read on.]
Exchange of rings and vows
Couples can choose to write their own vows or skip reciting the vows altogether.
Receptionist: "[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and lifelong bond."
At this point, the couples can exchange their vows (if they wish) before placing the rings on their fingers. Below is an example of the vows that can be exchanged:
Partner A to Partner B: “With this ring, I promise to support you, to care for you, to laugh with you, to share your burdens, to be honest with you, and to be faithful to you in all that we come across the coming years. . I promise to love you with everything I have from this day forward."
Couple B to Couple A: “With this ring, I promise to love you and to be bound to you for the rest of my life. I promise to be by your side, always there for you and to find laughter and joy even in difficult times. I promise to love and accept you for who you are and to grow with you every year."
letter of intent
Official to Partner A: “Do you, [PARTNER A], accept [PARTNER B] as your [husband, wife, partner] legally married? Will you honor and cherish them, continue to deepen your understanding of them, and treat them with love and compassion in joy and pain, in sickness and in health, and whatever else life throws in your way?
Partner A: "I want" or "Yes, I want".
Officer to Partner B: “Do you, [PARTNER B], accept [PARTNER A] as your [wife, husband, partner] legally married? Will you honor and cherish them, continue to deepen your understanding of them, and treat them with love and compassion in joy and pain, in sickness and in health, and whatever else life throws in your way?
Partner B: "I want" or "Yes, I want".
Explanation
Finally, the registrar declares the couple married. To capture the perfect moment, couples can also ask the officiant to stand aside for the kiss.
Officiant to All: “By the authority bestowed upon me, and with the confidence of all of you here today, I now declare that you are united in love. Now you can kiss!"
closure
All officiating: “Thank you all for attending this momentous occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They are now inviting you to a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!"
Modern script for wedding ceremonies
This script was reviewed by Sheena Wheadon, a Licensed Wedding Officer atWhy knot weddings.
Any wedding ceremony can take a modern twist. You can add any number of personal touches to your ceremony to make it more modern, whether you want to include your pets, change the way your wedding celebration is presented, or simply add a modern touch to your vows and readings.
Introductory Remarks/Welcome
The officer begins by greeting the receptionist:
"Good day and welcome! On this beautiful day we would like to thank everyone for coming to support [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in this exciting endeavor and merger. Your friendship and support has helped strengthen them in this moment and they thank you for being here.”
reading
Couples may choose to include a reading in their ceremony. This can be anything you want, whether it's a special poem, a reading from a book, a quote from a movie, or a relationship story told by a close friend or family member.
[Read on.]
exchange vows
Many modern couples choose to write their own vows or skip them altogether. As you wish! Below is an example of modern marriage vows:
Officers to couple: "[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], please exchange vows."
Partner A to Partner B: "[NAME], you are my best friend. I am amazed by your lightness, your kindness and the purity of what someone like you seems to love. It's a love with no expectations, no ties, just a desire to support me and see me fulfilled. Knowing you and being known by you is a gift and a privilege. I know that we are meant for each other. So I promise:
I promise to always strive to be the best version of myself so I can perform every day. I promise to find joy and hope even in dark times and to be there for you when you need me. I promise to trust you and love you unconditionally. I promise to continue to learn from the examples of patience and selflessness you have always embodied."
Couple B to Couple A: "[NAME], I love you with all my heart. You loved me with a loyalty I had never known or even known existed. You saw every part of me and even in my deepest moments you were by my side. You never gave up on me and I have no doubt that you are the person I should spend my life with. I promise to keep a soft heart when challenges arise and to be mindful of my words and actions and their impact on you. I promise to support you in all things, love you well and create a life we are proud of. Life is fleeting and I want to cherish every minute with you."
letter of intent
Officer to couple: "[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], are you partners from this day forward?"
Couple in unison: "We do."
Officer: “Will you love, honor and value yourself as a partner for the rest of your life?”
The couple replies, "We will."
Ringtausch
Receptionist: “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] chose these rings as a symbol of their unwavering love. Please put these rings on each other's fingers and repeat after me:
"I give you this ring as a reminder of our love that unites, inspires and celebrates what we have."
[The couple repeat themselves to each other.]
Explanation
Finally, the official declares the couple legally married:
Officially for everyone: “I am happy to declare you married by the power of attorney that has been conferred on me. Kiss and celebrate now!
closure
All officiating: “Thank you all for attending this beautiful occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They are now inviting you to a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!"
Humorous script for the wedding ceremony
This script was reviewed by Rev. Lisann G. Valentin, ordained minister inUniversal Church of Life.
There is no rule that says your wedding ceremony has to be serious from start to finish. Some couples prefer to add a little humor to their ceremony for a more light-hearted adventure. The wedding script below contains all the legal elements required for a legal marriage, with a touch of humor to keep your guests on their toes.
Introductory Remarks/Welcome
The official begins by greeting the crowd and beginning the ceremony.
Officially to everyone: “Hello and welcome! We're here today because [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have decided that they love each other so much that they want to get the government involved! But seriously, thanks to everyone who joined us. We promise we'll get these two together quickly so you can go straight to the open bar!
I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the importance of marriage. Now I know I made a joke about these two loving each other so much they decided to involve the government, but we know marriage isn't everything. It's a tradition, yes, but it's much more than that. It may take a lot of work and dedication, but at the end of the day, it's about choosing your person for the end of this thing we call life. No matter how many dishes are left in the sink, no matter how awful your kitchen is, no matter how bad your mood is occasionally, you always have someone who chooses to stay with you always. And that's what marriage is about!"
reading
Including readings in your ceremony is optional, but some couples choose to personalize their ceremony with a specific reading, quote, or story. At some fun wedding ceremonies, a close friend or family member can share a light-hearted account of the couple's relationship, with a bit of light humor to get the crowd laughing.
Officer: "At our reading today, [PARTNER A/B] asked [him,her] to share a personal relationship story in honor of your wedding today."
[Read on.]
Exchange of rings and vows
At this point the couples can exchange vows if they have chosen to write them down. Here's an example of marriage vows with a bit of humor:
Officer to Partner A: “Now it's time to put a ring on it! [PARTNER A] repeat after me, "I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love and appreciate you and that I will try to keep my mouth shut when it's your turn to choose the movie that." let's see."
[Partner A repeats.]
Officer to Partner B: "[PARTNER B], repeat after me, 'I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love and cherish you and that I will consider cooking you dinner from time to time.'"
[Partner B repeats.]
letter of intent
Officials for Partner A: “Take, [SHARED A], [Partner B] as your lawful spouse [husband, wife, partner] to love and care for, for better or for worse, in sickness or in health, and to reap as many tax benefits as possible during the time you both live?
Partner A: "Yes, I want to."
Officer B for Companion: “Take [SHARE B], [SHARE A] as your lawful spouse [wife, husband, partner] to love and care for, for better or for worse, in sickness or in health, and to reap as many tax benefits as possible during the time you both live?
Partner B: "Yes, I will."
Explanation
Now the registrar declares the couple legally married:
“What a romantic exchange. Now, I think there is only one thing left to do: by the power that has been given to me, I now declare to you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]! Kiss now!"
closure
Officer for All: “That is a summary of today's formal procedure. [PARTNERS A] and [PARTNERS B] will meet you at [TIME] at [LOCATION]. Thank you for coming, now get out of here and go celebrate!”
Wedding Ceremony Script Writing Tips
While writing your wedding ceremony script can seem overwhelming, these tips can help take the pressure off and provide some much-needed guidance on how to bring your ceremony vision to life, regardless of what that means to you.
talk to your partner
Your wedding ceremony is the moment when you and your future spouse actually get married, and writing your screenplay is an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of your relationship before you get married. Talking to your partner about your vision and desires for your wedding ceremony is an important first step: it helps you align with amutual seeingand ensures the ceremony reflects what matters most to you as a couple.
Work with your officer
Your wedding officer is an important part of your ceremony as he is the one who directs the service from start to finish. Your officer can give you practical advice on how to start creating your ceremony script, and some may even have an outline to work from. Since your registrar has most likely performed a fair share of wedding ceremonies, they are an excellent resource for any questions you might have.
do not hesitate
While you don't need to memorize your wedding ceremony script, don't wait until the last minute, especially if you're going to do itWrite your own vows. Delaying until your wedding week can stress an already hectic time, so do yourself a favor and start early!
Consider the length of your script
While your wedding ceremony script should be the way you want it, your guests will appreciate keeping time and length in mind. Anything longer than 30 minutes can cause guests to look at their watches! Once you've written a draft and had a chance to rehearse it, you'll find that you can pack a lot of meaning and resonance in under 15 minutes.
Now that you've read some sample ceremony scripts, you can start writing your own with confidence! No matter what you choose, the most important thing is that the words shared are heartfelt and represent what your marriage means to you.
As you complete your wedding planning, Zola is here to help you through every step, whether it's the designpersonalized wedding invitationsor put the finishing toucheswedding list, we have all the insider tips you need to bring your wedding vision to life.
Wedding Ceremony Scripts Reviewed by: Sheena Wheadon, Licensed Wedding Officer atWhy knot weddings
Rev. Lisann G. Valentin, ordained minister inUniversal Church of Life
ordained ministers inUniversal Church of Lifemonastery