example of wedding ceremony speech

AMM CEREMONY SCRIPTS LIBRARY

Need help figuring out what to say when you officiate a wedding? Check out our wedding ceremony script library. Whether you are looking for a ceremony with a marriage officiant speech, non-religious wedding ceremony script, christian ceremony script, or a wedding ceremony template, we have all the sample wedding ceremony scripts you could want. Check them out!

POPULAR SCRIPT TAGS

40 sample ceremony scripts.

Check out these free wedding ceremony scripts. Use them as is, draw inspiration, or adapt them for your own ceremony.

SIMPLE CEREMONIES

• A Simple Wedding Ceremony
• Simple Commitment Ceremony Script
• Simple Civil Wedding Ceremony

CIVIL CEREMONIES

• Civil Wedding Ceremony With Words Of Commitment
• Civil Wedding Ceremony With Thesis Of Natural Community
• Civil Wedding Ceremony With Charge To Couple And Confirmation Of Love

CHRISTIAN CEREMONIES

• Christian Ceremony Script With A Bible Reading And Prayer
• Christian Ceremony Script With Reading From Corinthians
• Christian Ceremony Script With Reading From Genesis
• Christian Ceremony Script
• Christian Ceremony Script With Salt Covenant

NON-RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES

• Short Non Religious Wedding Ceremony With Heartfelt Invocation
• Simple Non Religious Wedding Ceremony With Rings Exchange
• Quick Non Religious Wedding Ceremony
• Gender Neutral Ceremony
• Basic Non Religious Wedding Ceremony With Rings Exchange
• Short Non Religious Wedding Ceremony

SAMPLE CEREMONIES

• Family Oriented Ceremony Script
• Celebration Of Community Ceremony Script
• Minimalist Ceremony Script
• Spanish Language Wedding Ceremony Script
• Religious Ceremony Script
• Written Vows Ceremony Script
• Reading And Unity Candle Ceremony Script
• All Inclusive Ceremony Script
• Short Christian Ceremony Script

CEREMONIES INCLUDING CHILDREN

• Christian Wedding Ceremony Script With Recognition Of Children
• Fun Non Religious Wedding Ceremony Script With Reference To Children
• Wedding Ceremony Script With Covenant Of Children

COVID-SAFE CEREMONIES

• A Virtual Wedding Ceremony Script with Special Readings
• A Covid-safe Wedding Ceremony Script with Flowers and Light

SEASONAL CEREMONIES

• Spring Equinox Flower Ceremony Script
• Winter Solstice Ceremony Script With Candle Lighting

JEWISH CEREMONIES

• A Modern Jewish Wedding Ceremony Script With Sand Ceremony
• A Modern Gender Neutral Jewish Wedding Ceremony Script

HANDFASTING CEREMONIES

• A Simple Handfasting Ceremony Script
• A Modern Wiccan Handfasting Ceremony and Script
• A Modern Humanist Handfasting Script
• Pagan Handfasting Script with Fire, Flowers and Offerings
• Variation on a Pagan Handfasting, Incorporating Multiple Generations

Check out our most recent ceremony scripts by following the button below.

10 NEW CEREMONY SCRIPTS

• Pantheist Wedding Ceremony Script with Reading from Carl Sagan
• Sweet & Spooky Horror Movie Theme Wedding Ceremony Script
• Christian Wedding Script with Cord of Three Strands Ceremony
• Muslim & Christian Interfaith Wedding Ceremony Script
• Muslim & Jewish Intercultural Wedding Ceremony Script
• Winter Solstice Wedding Ceremony with Reading from 'Northern Sky'
• Surprise Wedding Ceremony Script
• Atheist Wedding Ceremony Script with Funny Unity Toast
• Funny Shotgun Wedding Ceremony Script
• Hourglass Wedding Ceremony Script (Unity Sand Ceremony)

Professional Wedding Officiant Certification Course

Learn from the Pros to Officiate with Confidence!

Who Will Officiate Your Wedding?

Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" Gift Package.

Signature Wedding Officiant Package

Our premiere package contains everyting you need to officiate like a pro.

The Book of Wedding Vows and Ceremonies

It's finally here! Timeless scripts and heartfelt vow inspiration to bring life to your ceremony.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter!

Featured scripts.

Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!

8 Wedding Ceremony Scripts to Borrow & Printables

Find beautiful wedding ceremony scripts ranging from unique to traditional. Print and borrow them, or get inspiration to write your own!

By Allison Cullman

Last updated June 10, 2024

Inside this article:

Simple wedding ceremony script

Modern wedding ceremony script, humorous wedding ceremony script, inclusive wedding ceremony script, christian wedding ceremony script, catholic wedding ceremony script, jewish wedding ceremony script, protestant wedding ceremony script, 4 tips for writing your own ceremony script, simple wedding ceremony script starter outline, faqs about wedding ceremony scripts, summarizing ceremony and officiant wedding scripts.

In the midst of the organized chaos of wedding planning, the wedding ceremony is often left until the last minute. But the ceremony is quite significant—after all, it’s the part where you and your future spouse actually become joined in marriage.

We all know about the “I do’s” of a wedding ceremony, but the rest of your ceremony is just as important. While you want to create a wedding ceremony script that’s meaningful and personal to you and your future spouse, figuring out how to do this can leave some couples scratching their heads. If you’re wondering where to begin writing your wedding ceremony script, our tips and examples below are here to help.

This script has been reviewed by Rev. Lisann G. Valentin, an ordained minister at Universal Life Church .

For a nonreligious wedding ceremony, there’s no standard script you need to adhere to. The script below can be a helpful starting point for a simple wedding ceremony you can build upon and personalize however you like.

Opening words/welcome

The ceremony will begin with the officiant addressing the reception.

Officiant: “Welcome friends, family, and loved ones. We’re gathered here today to celebrate [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in their lifelong commitment of love to each other. Finding your life partner is a true joy, and the commitment to share in life’s ups and downs as one is no small feat. While marriage will bring its own challenges and triumphs, let this day be a reminder of what your love has already accomplished, as well as the possibilities for your partnership as you grow together for years to come.”

While a simple wedding ceremony might omit this part altogether, some couples like to personalize their ceremony wedding scripts with a chosen reading or song to celebrate their union. A close friend or family member, the officiant, or the couple themselves might perform readings. For example, the officiant might call upon a chosen friend or family member to perform an original poem or share a story about the couple’s relationship.

Officiant: “As our reading today, [PARTNER A/B] has asked [his, her] [friend/cousin/other family member] to recite an original poem in honor of their union.”

[Reading proceeds.]

Vows and ring exchange

Couples may choose to write their own vows or omit reciting vows altogether.

Officiant to reception: “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and lifelong commitment.”

At this point, couples may exchange their vows (if desired) before placing their rings on each other's fingers. Below is an example of vows that might be exchanged:

Partner A to Partner B: “With this ring, I promise to support you, care for you, laugh with you, share in your burdens, be honest with you, and be faithful to you in all that we may face in the years ahead. I promise to love you with everything I have, from this day forward and beyond.”

Partner B to Partner A: “With this ring, I promise to love you and commit myself to you for the rest of my life. I promise to stand by your side, be there for you always, and to find laughter and joy even in tough times. I promise to love and accept you just as you are, and grow with you for every year to come.”

Declaration of intent

Officiant to Partner A: “Do you, [PARTNER A], take [PARTNER B] to be your lawfully wedded [husband, wife, partner]? Will you honor and cherish them, continue to deepen your understanding of them, and treat them with love and compassion in joy and pain, sickness and health, and whatever life might throw your way?”

Partner A: “I will” or “I do.”

Officiant to Partner B: “Do you, [PARTNER B], take [PARTNER A] to be your lawfully wedded [wife, husband, partner]? Will you honor and cherish them, continue to deepen your understanding of them, and treat them with love and compassion in joy and pain, sickness and health, and whatever life might throw your way?”

Partner B: “I will” or “I do.”

Pronouncement

Finally, the officiant will pronounce the couple as married. To capture the perfect moment, couples might also request that the officiant steps to the side for the kiss during the wedding nuptials.

Officiant to all: “By the authority vested in me, and with the trust of you all here today, I now declare you joined in love. You may now kiss!"

Officiant to all: “Thank you all for joining in this momentous occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!”

This script has been reviewed by Sheena Wheadon, licensed wedding officiant at Why Knot Weddings .

Any wedding ceremony can take a modern spin. Any number of personal touches can be added to your ceremony to make it more modern—whether you want to include your pets, switch up how your wedding party is presented, or simply add some modern flair to your wedding vows and readings. Personalizing your wedding ceremony script is a great way to infuse who you really are into your big day.

The officiant script will begin by welcoming the reception.

Officiant: “Good afternoon and welcome! We’d like to thank everyone on this beautiful day for coming to support [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in this exciting endeavor and union. Your friendship and support has helped to strengthen them as they’ve made their way to this moment, and they thank you for being here.”

Couples may choose to include a reading in their marriage ceremony script. This reading can be anything you wish, whether it’s a special poem, a reading from a book, a quote from a movie, or a story about the couple’s relationship shared by a close friend or family member.

Vows Exchange

Many modern couples opt to write their own wedding vows or omit them altogether. It’s up to you! Below is an example of modern wedding vows:

Officiant to couple: “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], please exchange your vows.”

Partner A to Partner B: “[NAME], you’re my best friend. I’m in awe of your lightness, your kindness, and the purity of what it looks like to be loved by someone like you. It’s a love with no expectations, no strings attached, only a desire to support me and see me fulfilled. To know and be known by you is a gift and a privilege. I know we were made for each other. So here’s what I promise:

I vow always to strive to be the best version of myself so that I can show up for you every single day. I vow to seek joy and hope even in dark times and be there for you when you need me. I vow to trust you and love you unconditionally. I vow to continue to learn from the examples of patience and selflessness that you have always embodied.”

Partner B to Partner A: “[NAME], I love you with my whole heart. You’ve loved me with a loyalty that I’d never experienced before, and didn’t even know existed. You have seen every part of me, and even at my lowest you have stood by my side. You’ve never given up on me, and I have no doubt that you are the person I’m meant to spend my life with. I vow to keep a soft heart when challenges come, and to be aware of my words and actions and how they affect you. I vow to support you in all things, to love you well, and to create a life we’re proud of. Life is fleeting, and I want to cherish every minute of it with you.”

Officiant to couple: “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], do you take one another as partners from this day forward?”

Couple in unison: “We do.”

Officiant: “Will you love, honor, and cherish one another as partners for the rest of your lives?”

Couple responds: “We will.”

• Ring exchange

Officiant to reception: “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have chosen these rings as a symbol of their unbreakable love. Please place 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.’”

[Couple repeats to each other.]

Finally, the officiant will pronounce the couple as legally wed:

Officiant to all: “By the authority vested in me, it is with joy that I pronounce you married. Now kiss and go celebrate!”

Officiant to all: “Thank you all for joining in this beautiful occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!”

There’s no rule that says your wedding ceremony has to be serious from start to finish. Some couples prefer to add a bit of humor to their ceremony for a more lighthearted affair. The following funny wedding ceremony script has all the required legal elements of becoming legally married, with a humorous touch to keep your guests on their toes.

The officiant will begin by welcoming the crowd and introducing the ceremony.

Officiant to all: “Hello and welcome! We’re here today because [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have decided they love each other so much that they want to get the government involved! But in all seriousness, a huge thanks to all who have joined us. We promise we’ll get these two hitched quickly so you can make a beeline to the open bar!

I’d like to take this opportunity to ponder the meaning of marriage. Now I know I made a joke about these two loving each other so much they’ve decided to get the government involved, but we know that’s not all marriage is. It’s a tradition, yes, but it’s so much more. It might take a lot of work and compromise, but at the end of the day, this is about choosing your person until the end of this thing we call life. So no matter how many dishes they leave in the sink, no matter how horrible their cooking is, no matter how bad their mood might be on occasion—you’ve got someone who chooses to stick with you through it all. And that’s what marriage is about!”

Including readings in your ceremony is optional, but some couples opt to personalize their ceremony with a particular reading, quote, or story. Some humorous wedding ceremonies might involve a close friend or family member sharing a lighthearted account of the couple’s relationship, with some light humor to get a laugh out of the crowd. The wedding ceremony officiant script can even include fun elements,

Officiant: “As our reading today, [PARTNER A/B} has asked [his, her] [friend/cousin/other family member] to share a personal story of their relationship in honor of their marriage today.”

At this point, couples may exchange vows if they’ve chosen to write them. Here’s an example of wedding vows with a little humor:

Officiant 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 cherish you, and that I’ll try to keep my mouth shut when it’s your turn to choose the movie we watch.’”

[Partner A repeats.]

Officiant 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’ll consider making you dinner every once in a while.’”

[Partner B repeats.]

Officiant to Partner A: “Do you, [PARTNER A], take [PARTNER B] to be your lawfully wedded [husband, wife, partner], to love and cherish them for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, and reap as many tax benefits as you can for as long as you both shall live?”

Partner A: “I do.”

Officiant to Partner B: “Do you, [PARTNER B], take [PARTNER A] to be your lawfully wedded [wife, husband, partner], to love and cherish them for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, and reap as many tax benefits as you can for as long as you both shall live?”

Partner B: “I do.”

Now, the officiant will pronounce the couple as legally wed:

Officiant: “What a romantic exchange. Now, I guess there’s only one thing left to do: By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]! Now kiss!”

Officiant to all: “That’s a wrap on the formal proceedings of today. [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will greet you in [LOCATION] at [TIME]. We thank you for coming—now get out of here and go celebrate!”

While traditional gender roles often make up the bulk of how many sample wedding ceremony scripts are written, this doesn’t have to be the case for a more inclusive ceremony. The following example script does away with gendered language and puts the focus on the love shared between the couple and what that means for them.

The officiant will begin by welcoming the reception. This is also when the wedding officiant script can include any specific announcements, like requesting guests to silence their phones.

Officiant: “Welcome friends, family, and loved ones! We’re gathered here today in celebration of (Partner A) and (Partner B) and to bear witness as they join their lives in marriage. On behalf of (Partner A) and (Partner B), it’s a true pleasure to have you here to celebrate this incredible moment.

Love is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer. Love offers hope, joy, comfort, and security, in good times and bad. Love is what spurs our personal growth and allows us to face life and all its challenges, with the unending support of the person we’ve chosen to commit our lives to. (Partner A) and (Partner B) stand before you today to share the love and happiness in their hearts as they take their relationship to a deeper level of commitment by making a passage into marriage.”

While totally optional, couples can choose to include a reading of their choice in their ceremony. This can be anything from a particular poem or section from a book to a special movie quote or personal story about the couple’s relationship. Couples might have the officiant perform the reading or have a loved one come up to share instead.

Officiant: “(Partner A) and (Partner B) have selected a reading from [SOURCE] that represents their unique journey and the commitment they’re making today.”

Vows exchange

Couples who have chosen to write their own wedding vows will recite them here. These could be in a question-and-answer format or long-form vows written beforehand (or a combination of both). Couples can also ask their officiant to step to the side during the vow readings—it helps make the moment more intimate!

Here’s an example of wedding vows for you to work from:

Officiant to couple: “Marriage is a lifelong commitment to love and care for each other to the best of your ability. Are you both ready to take this step together?”

Couple responds: “Yes!”

Officiant to couple: “Do you promise to care for each other, treat each other with respect and compassion, and to always move toward love in your efforts to support one another?”

Couple responds: “We do.”

Officiant to couple: “Do you promise to meet each challenge and triumph with integrity, gratitude, and patience, and to strive to learn and grow together for all of your days?”

Affirmation of family and friends

Officiant to reception: “Do you, the family and friends of (Partner A) and (Partner B), give your full support today and wish them a lifetime of happiness together?”

Reception responds: “We do.”

Expression of intent

Officiant: “In the presence and witness of the loved ones you have gathered here today, I now ask you to state your intentions.

(Partner A) and (Partner B), have you come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in the commitment of marriage?”

Couple responds: “Yes.”

Officiant: “Once more, will you love, honor, and cherish one another as partners for the rest of your lives?”

Officiant to reception: “(Partner A) and (Partner B), please repeat after me:

‘I give you this ring as a symbol of the vows we’ve made today. I pledge to you my love, respect, and commitment. With everything that I am, I honor you.’”

Officiant: “Now that you, (Partner A) and (Partner B), have promised to give yourselves fully to each other, to love each other through the vows you have made, and through the giving and receiving of these rings, it is my great pleasure by the power vested in me to now pronounce you married! You may now kiss!”

Closing/invitation to reception

Officiant to all: “Thank you all for joining in this joyous occasion for (Partner A) and (Partner B)! They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!”

This script has been reviewed by the ordained ministers at Universal Life Church Monastery .

As the name indicates, this script for weddings includes religious aspects, such as Bible readings and prayers. Feel free to personalize this idea to your liking and include more or fewer scriptural elements.

Processional

The processional is simply the beginning of the wedding ceremony, when guests are seated, followed by the entrance of the bridal party.

Officiant to reception: "Welcome, loved ones. We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join together [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] in holy matrimony.”

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 to the couple: "[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], you have come together this day so that the Lord may seal and strengthen your love in the presence of this minister of his word and this community of family and friends and so, in the presence of this gathering, I ask you to state your intentions:

Have you both come here freely and without reservation to give yourselves to each other in marriage? If so, answer by saying 'I have.'"

[Couple responds in unison with ‘I have.’]

A reading from the Bible is a common component in many Christian wedding ceremonies. While choosing a passage from Corinthians isn’t required, it’s a popular choice for many.

Officiant to reception: “A reading from the Apostle Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’

Let us pray for this couple as they make their marriage vows.

Father, as [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] pledge themselves to each other, help them and bless them that their love may be pure, and their vows may be true. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, amen."

Today’s wedding vows are often personalized according to whatever feels right to the couple. However, a traditional statement of vows is also common in Christian wedding ceremonies.

Couple to each other: “I, [NAME], take thee, [NAME], to be my wedded (husband, wife), to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. This is my solemn vow.”

Officiant to Partner A: "[PARTNER A], please take the ring you have selected for [PARTNER B]. As you place it on his/her finger, repeat after me:

‘With this ring, I thee wed.’"

[Partner A repeats the phrase as they place the ring on Partner B’s finger]

Officiant to Partner B: "[PARTNER B], please take the ring you have selected for [PARTNER A]. As you place it on his/her finger, repeat after me:

[Partner B repeats the phrase as they place the ring on Partner A’s finger]

One distinction of a Christian wedding ceremony script is including a prayer of blessing over the union.

Officiant to the couple: "May Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, always be at the center of the new lives you are now starting to build together, that you may know the ways of true love and kindness. May the Lord bless you both all the days of your lives and fill you with His joy. Amen."

Officiant to reception: “By the power vested in me by the state of [STATE], I now pronounce you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]! You may kiss the bride!”

Officiant to all: “Thank you all for joining in this joyous occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Thank you all!”

As with the Christian script, this version includes religious elements. However, Catholic ceremonies are greatly rooted in tradition and include formal aspects at their core. The officiant is typically a priest, and these services traditionally take place in the church.

Entrance rite

As the entrance song is played, the assembly stands while the priest, ministers, and servers take their places, followed by the wedding party. The rest of this part of the processional can take two forms.

In the first form, the vested priests and servers greet the bridal party at the church door, and then all enter as is customary for Mass. In the second form, the priest and servers wait in the sanctuary area prepared for the couple to greet them when they arrive. In both forms, the priest always leads the procession.

Once everyone is in place and the music has ended, the priest leads the sign of the cross, or the traditional beginning of Christian prayer, before greeting the assembly.

Priest: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy spirit.”

All respond: “Amen.”

Priest: “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Collect (opening prayer)

The priest invites the assembly to pray. After he prays over the couple, the assembly is seated for the Liturgy of the Word.

Priest: “Be attentive to our prayers, O Lord, and in your kindness uphold what you have established for the increase of the human race, so that the union you have created may be kept safe by your assistance. 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 aside from the Gospel, and one from the Gospel. At the conclusion of each reading, the lector will say, "The Word of the Lord," and the assembly will respond, "Thanks be to God."

Priest: “A reading from the book of Genesis 1:26-28:

Then God said: ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the ground.” God created man in his image; in the image of God he created him; male and female, he created them. God blessed them, saying: “Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and all the living things that move on the earth.” God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. The word of the Lord.’

Assembly responds: “Thanks be to God.”

Priest: “A reading from the New Testament, 1 John 4:7-12:

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

The word of the Lord.”

All respond: “Thanks be to God.”

Priest: “A reading from the Gospel, Matthew 5:13-16:

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

All respond: “Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.”

Assembly is seated.

The assembly is seated while the priest (or deacon) offers a homily taken from the Scripture readings. The priest uses this text to discuss the sacredness of Christian marriage, the dignity of conjugal love, the grace of the sacrament, and the responsibilities of married people.

Priest: "John 3:30 says ‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’

Those simple, direct words of St. John the Baptist, whose feast we celebrate today, summarize the life of the Christian disciple. In all things, we want Jesus to increase and our own will, our own desires, our own attachments, to decrease. In my heart, in my prayer, in my family, in my parish, in my work, in my study, in my leisure, in my entertainment - may the Lord Jesus increase!"

Celebration of matrimony

All stand, and the couple comes to the altar, flanked by their witnesses. The priest will address the couple with a celebration of matrimony:

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.”

If both parties are Christian: “Christ abundantly blesses the love that binds you. Through a special sacrament, he enriches and strengthens those he has already consecrated by holy baptism, that you may be enriched with his blessing, so that you may have the strength to be faithful to each other forever, and assume all the responsibilities of married life. And so, in the presence of the church, I ask you to state your intentions.”

Address and statement of intentions

All stand, including the couple and witnesses, while the priest asks the couple some questions to state their intentions about their freedom of choice, fidelity to each other, and the acceptance and upbringing of children (if necessary).

Priest to couple: “[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?”

Couple in unison: “I have.”

Priest to couple: “Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live?”

Couple in unison: “I am.”

Exchange of consent

The couple will declare their consent to be married by stating their vows. If you’re writing your own vows, they must be prepared with the wedding script beforehand.

Partner A: “I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [wife, 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.”

Partner B: “I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [husband, 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.”

Blessing and giving of rings

Priest: “Bless, O Lord, these rings which we bless in your name. so that those who wear them may remain entirely faithful to each other, abide in peace and in your will, and live always in mutual charity. Through Christ our Lord.”

Assembly responds: “Amen.”

The priest now sprinkles the wedding rings with holy water before handing them to each partner.

Partner A: “[NAME], receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit.”

[Partner A places the ring on Partner B’s finger]

Partner B: “[NAME], receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit.”

[Partner B places the ring on Partner A’s finger]

The priest and the assembly sing or pray the Lord’s Prayer in unison.

Nuptial blessing

The couple kneels at the altar, where the priest faces them and prays over them.

Priest: “Now let us humbly invoke God’s blessing upon this bride and groom, that in his kindness he may favor with his help those on whom he has bestowed the Sacrament of Matrimony.”

The priest performs communion and distributes the body and blood of Christ to Catholics in the assembly, starting with the newly married couple. An appropriate song is usually sung as the assembly proceeds to the altar for communion.

Priest to reception: “By the power vested in me by the state of [STATE], I now pronounce you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]! You may now kiss!”

Priest to assembly: “Go in peace to glorify the Lord with your life.”

Recessional

At the closing of the ceremony, the couple, bridal party, ministers, and the priest will proceed out of the church, often accompanied by music.

A Jewish wedding also has traditional elements, many of which are centuries old. Talk to your officiant (often a rabbi) about making changes and personalizing this wedding ceremony outline to fit your needs without breaking Jewish tradition.

Signing of the Ketubah

The Ketubah is an ancient marriage contract that documents the commitment between the couple. Typically, the groom signs the contract with the rabbi and two male Jewish witnesses present, along with the bride, in private before the main ceremony begins.

Officiant: “Please gather around for this ‘ceremony before the ceremony’, the signing of the Ketubah. Bride and groom, in this quiet moment before your public wedding ceremony begins, those closest to you are here to witness the signing of the important documents that make this day a remarkable moment for you both. As you become legally husband and wife, we delight in your happiness, and we wish you only good things to come as you face life together. This beautiful Ketubah has these words for you today, and I ask the groom’s witness [NAME] to read the words.”

[Groom’s witness reads the Ketubah.]

Officiant: “I ask you both to sign the Ketubah as the first ceremonial act of your wedding day celebration.”

[Couple signs the Ketubah.]

Officiant: “Now I ask your parents to sign the Ketubah.”

[Couple’s parents sign the Ketubah.]

Officiant: “And now I sign it as well.”

[Officiant signs the Ketubah.]

The ceremony begins once guests are seated.

Officiant to reception: “This is the day that [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] marry the person they love the most in the world…the one they will laugh with, live for, and love for the rest of their lives. So it is only fitting that those closest to them are here to witness this special day. Your presence at this wedding celebration is a reminder to [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] of how lucky they are to have you in support of their union.”

The chuppah

The chuppah is a canopy structure symbolizing the home the couple will build together following their marriage. Modern couples use the chuppah as an opportunity to customize their wedding and use it as a reflection of their unique taste and style.

Officiant: “The chuppah under which [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] stand is the traditional structure used in a Jewish wedding ceremony. What you see in the setting for this ceremony tells you so much about the path that brings [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] to be married. Today, their families are joined together, and the combined richness of their two heritages will be the foundation for their life together.

As the open sides of a chuppah symbolize hospitality, the chuppah in this ceremony invites you all to feel welcome today, for this is the day of all days that [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] want to share with you.”

After the couple enters the chuppah, the bride/groom circles the bride/groom seven times, symbolizing building a wall of love around the relationship. It also represents the seven days of creation.

Declaration of support

Officiant to the couple: “A marriage is a lifelong adventure. Today’s ceremony, while important, is only the beginning of that journey. Marriage is a challenge that will require [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] to have love and understanding. You must dedicate yourselves to each other, listen to each other, and be honest with each other. You will need laughter and forgiveness, tenderness and empathy.”

Sand ceremony

Officiant to the couple: “We will now begin the sand ceremony. Through it, [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will symbolize the permanence of the commitment of their marital relationship. They will each pour separate containers of sand into one vessel.

Each of these grains represents a unique aspect of themselves. Their experiences, outlooks, feelings, and the events that shaped them into the person that stands before you. As these grains of sand intermingle in one shared vessel, they symbolize the merging of two individual lives into an inseparable pair.

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], just as these grains of sand can never again be separated, so too will you be forever joined.”

Officiant to Partner A: "Do you, [PARTNER A], take this [woman, man] to be your lawfully wedded [wife, husband], to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto [her, him] for as long as you both shall live? If so, answer 'I do.'"

Officiant to Partner B: "Do you, [PARTNER B], take this [man, woman] to be your lawfully wedded [husband, wife], to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and woe, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto [him, her] for as long as you both shall live? If so, answer 'I do.'"

Officiant to Partner A: "[PARTNER A], as a token of your intentions, please place this ring upon [PARTNER B]’s finger and repeat after me:

‘[PARTNER B], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.’"

[Partner A repeats the words while placing the ring on Partner B’s finger.]

Officiant to Partner B: "[PARTNER B], as a token of your intentions, please place this ring upon [PARTNER A]’s finger and repeat after me:

‘[PARTNER A], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.’"

[Partner B repeats the words while placing the ring on Partner A’s finger.]

Blessing of the hands

Officiant to the couple: "[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], please join hands. Look at these hands, for they are of your closest friend. They are strong and full of love. As you join hands today, you make the promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and forever.

Your future will be built by these hands. As the years pass, these hands will love you and cherish you. The slightest touch from these hands will give you comfort. These are the hands that will hold your children. These are the hands that will keep your family as one. When you have tears of sorrow or tears of joy, they will be wiped away by these hands."

The Seven Blessings

The Seven Blessings are now recited.

• Blessing over the wine as a symbol of joy
• Blessing praising God to whom all creation proclaims praise
• Blessing praising God as creator of humanity
• Blessing praising God who created humanity in the divine image
• Prayer of hope
• Prayer for the happiness of the couple
• Prayer for the individual hope for happiness for the couple combined with prayer for joy in the messianic future

Following the Seven Blessings, the couple shares a cup of wine.

Breaking the glass

The ceremony is concluded by the tradition of the groom (or bride) stomping on glass and shattering it. This signals the audience to cheer, dance, and shout “Mazal tov!”

After the ceremony concludes, the final ritual takes place in the yichud or “tent of seclusion.” This is considered to be one of the most private and intimate parts of the wedding day, where the newlyweds can savor their first moments alone before the celebration continues.

There are many denominations within the Protestant faith, and the standard ceremony for each may vary. Those with a more liberal interpretation of the wedding ceremony might be open to including more nontraditional elements in the wedding script. The script below is adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, and is just one of many possible variations of a Protestant wedding ceremony.

Introductory prayer

The officiant, known as the celebrant, faces the couple and congregation and offers an introduction:

Officiant: “Dearly beloved, we have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this couple 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 at Cana in 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 marriage 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.”

The interrogation

Celebrant to the congregation: “Into this union [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] 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.”

Celebrant to the couple: “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.”

Celebrant to Partner A: “[PARTNER A], will you have this [woman, man] to be your [wife, husband], to live together with [her, him] in the covenant of marriage? Will you love [her, him], comfort [her, him], honor and keep [her, him], in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto [her, him] as long as you both shall live?”

Partner A: “I will.”

Celebrant to Partner B: “[PARTNER B], will you have this [man, woman] to be your [husband, wife], to live together with [him/her] in the covenant of marriage? Will you love [him/her], comfort [him/her], honor and keep [him/her], in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, be faithful unto [him/her] as long as you both shall live?”

Partner B: “I will.”

Celebrant to the congregation: “Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?”

Congregation responds: “We will.”

The presentation

The presentation represents the traditional “giving away” of the bride, typically followed by a hymn. Modern Protestants may opt for a poem, romantic reading, or song of their choice in place of a hymn.

Celebrant: “Who gives [PARTNER A] to be married to [PARTNER B]?”

Partner A or B’s father: “[He, she] gives [himself, herself], with the blessing of [his, her] mother and father.”

Some modern Protestants might choose to write their own wedding vows, but the traditional vows most often recited 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 to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do we part. This is my solemn vow.”

Partner B to Partner A: “In the name of God, I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [husband, wife], to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do we part. This is my solemn vow.”

The blessing and exchange of rings

The celebrant offers a blessing on the rings: “Bless, O Lord, these rings as a symbol of the vows by which this couple have bound themselves to each other, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

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 all that I have, I honor you, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

The celebrant joins the right hands of both partners and says: “Now that [NAME] and [NAME] have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce them [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife] in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Those who God has joined together, let no man put asunder.”

Concluding prayers

The celebrant asks the congregation to stand and repeat the Lord’s Prayer:

All: “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”

In traditional Protestant weddings, the celebrant will direct the couple to kneel while further blessings and songs are offered. The celebrant then addresses the kneeling couple and recites another blessing:

Celebrant: “May God bless you and keep you; may the Lord mercifully with his favor look upon you, filling you with all spiritual benediction and grace; that you may faithfully live together in this life, and in the age to come have life everlasting. Amen.”

Celebrant to the congregation: “The peace of the Lord be with you always.”

All respond: “And also with you.”

Finally, the couple stands to face each other while the celebrant offers a final line to end the ceremony:

Celebrant: “[NAME] and [NAME], having witnessed your vows of love to one another, it is my joy to present you to all gathered here as [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]. You may now kiss!”

While writing your wedding ceremony script might feel daunting, these tips can help take the pressure off and provide some much-needed guidance on how to bring your ceremony vision to life—whatever that means to you.

1. Talk with your partner

Writing your script is an opportunity to reflect on the significance of your relationship before you enter into marriage. Talking with your partner about your ideas and desires for your wedding ceremony is an important first step—it helps you get aligned on a mutual vision and ensures the ceremony is a reflection of what matters most to you as a couple.

2. Work with your officiant

Your officiant can provide practical advice on how to get started crafting your ceremony script, and some might even have an outline for you to work from. Since your officiant has most likely conducted their fair share of wedding ceremonies, they’re an excellent resource for any questions you might have.

3. Don’t procrastinate

While you certainly don’t need to memorize your wedding ceremony script, don't put it off until the last minute—especially if you plan on writing your own vows . Procrastinating until the week of your wedding can add a ton of pressure to an already hectic time, so do yourself a favor and get started early!

4. Consider the length of your script

While your wedding ceremony script should be whatever you want it to be, being mindful of time and length is something your guests will appreciate. Anything longer than 30 minutes might leave guests checking their watches! Once you’ve written a draft and have the chance to rehearse it, you’ll find that you can pack plenty of meaning and resonance in less than 15 minutes.

Now that you’ve read some ceremony script examples, you can confidently start writing your own! No matter what you decide to include, what matters most is that the words shared are from the heart and represent what your marriage means to you. Here’s an ultra-simple outline to help you start formulating your own wedding script for officiants to use.

• Officiant’s welcome
• Short sermon to the congregation
• Charge to the couple
• Declaration of the intent to marry
• Pronouncement of marriage
• Conclusion and invitation to reception

Find answers to any lingering wedding ceremony script questions below.

How do I personalize my wedding ceremony script?

Start by nailing down the overall format of your script, including the order of the ceremony and the role of the officiant. Then weave in personal elements significant to you and your partner, such as customizing your vows, a special unity ceremony, or a reading that holds meaning. Remember, there’s no rule that says you have to follow a traditional wedding ceremony script.

How do I start a wedding ceremony script?

Most wedding ceremony outlines start with the wedding officiant welcoming guests and thanking them for joining in the wedding day. Religious ceremonies may start with a reading from the Bible or whatever is customary for different faiths. That said, your ceremony script can begin however you like, whether that’s opening with a meaningful quote, poem, or endearing story about you and your partner.

Where can I find wedding ceremony scripts?

The best place to find both religious and non religious wedding ceremony scripts is online. You can find downloadable pre-written scripts by searching for a specific religious denomination or the mood you want your ceremony to take. For extra inspiration, search for wedding ceremony videos on YouTube to get a feel for what different scripts sound like during a real ceremony.

How long should the officiant speak at the wedding?

Your officiant wedding script should get straight to the point while adding personality. Talk to your celebrant about the parts that are most important to you, such as giving a blessing to the couple . However, if the sermon isn’t essential to you, feel free to shorten it. The last thing you want to do is bore your guests, so concise yet interesting is best.

Although there is a bit of protocol surrounding the order of service, there is a lot of freedom within with most scripts. If you’re particularly religious, you may want to chat with your priest, rabbi, or pastor about how to best adapt your ceremony. However, if you’re not planning on a religious ceremony, chat with your partner about expectations and how to go from expected to highly personal.

As you finish off your wedding planning, Zola is here to help every step of the way. Whether designing custom wedding invitations or putting the final touches on your wedding registry , Zola has all the expert advice you’ll need to make your wedding vision come to life.

Even more answers

• Should You Buy Extra Wedding Favors?
• Symbolism of the Garter Toss
• 18 Wellness Wedding Favors You’ll Positively Adore + Gift Labels
• Funny Wedding Vow Ideas
• Here's What to Do With All Those Wedding Leftovers
• How to Entertain Guests Between the Wedding and Reception
• How to Stop a Rambling Wedding Speech
• How Much Does the Average Wedding Cost in 2024?
• April Wedding? Here’s Everything You Need to Know
• Bouquet Tossing 101
• 6 Ways to Include Your Kids in Your Wedding
• How Long Should the Best Man Speech Be?

Find even more wedding ideas, inspo, tips, and tricks

We’ve got wedding planning advice on everything from save the dates to wedding cakes.

Getting engaged

Wedding planning 101.

• Real weddings
• Creating a budget
• Wedding websites
• Wedding planning tools
• Wedding planning questions
• Wedding decorations
• Wedding day

Wedding trends

• First Look Reports

Venues & vendors

• Wedding venues
• Photos & video
• Food & catering
• Florists & flowers
• Bands, DJs & music
• Cakes & desserts
• Bar & beverages

Invites & paper

• Save the dates
• Invitations
• Day-of paper

Registry & gifts

• Wedding registry basics
• Wedding gifts

Parties & events

• Engagement party
• Wedding shower
• Bachelorette party
• Bachelor party

Fashion & beauty

• Wedding Hair & makeup
• Wedding dresses
• Shoes & accessories
• Wedding attire
• Honeymoon planning
• Honeymoon destinations

Relationship advice

• Newly engaged couples
• Newlywed couples
• Anniversaries
• News & culture

Zola behind the scenes

• Sweepstakes
• Inside Zola

Wedding Ceremony Scripts (6 Samples You’ll Want to Borrow)

Every couple has a unique vision for their wedding day, and the ceremony should reflect their individual preferences and style. If you’re in search of inspiration or a starting point for creating a memorable wedding script, you’re in the right place.

In this blog post, we delve into the essentials of a wedding ceremony script. We’ll explore the key elements that make up a ceremony and provide comprehensive examples to inspire you for the big day.

From straightforward, basic wedding scripts to those incorporating personal vows, and even scripts that blend cultural traditions, we’ve got a variety of options. Plus, we’ll share some useful tips and techniques to tailor each script to fit the couple’s needs and preferences.

Pin it for Later 📌

Wedding Ceremony Script Tips

Crafting your wedding ceremony script is a beautiful opportunity to express your unique relationship and personal commitments.

Whether you’re guided by a professional officiant, a spiritual leader, or someone close to you, personalizing your script adds a heartfelt touch to your special day. Here’s how to prepare stress-free:

1. Starting Early

Starting early is your key to a stress-free, personalized wedding script. Begin at least three to six months in advance . This isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about giving yourself the space to be creative and thorough. Here’s how you can kickstart your process:

• Gather inspiration: Talk with your partner about what feels true to both of you. Dive into online forums, wedding blogs, or even novels and poetry for that spark of creativity.
• Create a rough outline: This early draft will help you visualize the flow of your ceremony.

2. Collaboration with Your Officiant

Your officiant isn’t just a facilitator; they can be your co-creator. Whether they’re a seasoned professional or a dear friend, here’s how to make the most of this partnership:

• Share your vision: Communicate openly about what you envision for your ceremony. This includes the tone, length, and any traditions you want to honor or skip.
• Utilize their experience: An experienced officiant can offer templates and examples that might inspire your own scripting.

3. Crafting Meaningful Vows

Wedding vows are the heart of your ceremony. They’re your promise to each other, witnessed by your loved ones. Make them count:

• Be authentic: Speak from the heart. Be true. What commitments are you making? How has your partner enriched your life? Authenticity resonates more than perfect prose.
• Practice makes perfect: Rehearse out loud! It might feel awkward at first, but it’s the best way to smooth out those nerves.

4. Engaging and Involving Guests

You want your guests to feel connected, not just spectators. Here’s how to keep everyone hooked:

• Interactive elements (optional): Consider a ring-warming ceremony, where your rings are passed through the hands of all your guests, imbuing them with well-wishes.
• Short Stories (optional): Share brief anecdotes that illustrate your journey and involve mutual friends or family, making it relatable and engaging.

5. Getting a Second Opinion

Never underestimate the power of a second set of eyes:

• Peers and Family: Someone who knows you well can advise if your script truly reflects you as a couple.
• Professional Review: A professional can polish your script, ensuring clarity and impact.

6. Final Preparations and Day-of Details

The final weeks before your wedding should be focused on dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s:

• Final Run-Through: Conduct a last rehearsal with all parties involved to ensure everyone knows their cues.
• Programs and Guides: Print programs that outline the ceremony for guests. This helps them follow along and enhances their experience.

Wedding Ceremony Script Examples

Now that you’re set to begin crafting your wedding ceremony script, here are some sample scripts to inspire you and get the creative ideas flowing.

Non-religious Wedding Ceremony Script

• Officiant’s Opening Speech

“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we are gathered here today to celebrate a very special love by joining [Name] and [Name] in marriage. This ceremony is a public affirmation of that bond, and as their community, it is our honor and privilege to stand witness to this event.

This couple has already joined their hearts and lives in countless ways, which makes what we do here today not the beginning of a union but a recognition of a bond that already exists.

[Name] and [Name], your journey began long before today. Through shared dreams, challenges, laughter, and tears, you have built a deep, resilient love. You have found joy in each other’s happiness, comfort in each other’s presence, and strength in each other’s love.

Today, as we mark the continuation of your shared life, we also celebrate the love and trust you have cultivated. It is a love based on giving and receiving, as well as having and sharing. And the love that you give and have is shared and received. And through this having and giving and sharing and receiving, we too can share and love and have… and receive.”

• Exchange of Vows/Declaration of Intent

“Before you declare your vows to one another, I want to hear you confirm that it is indeed your intention to be married today.

[Name], do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to [Name] in marriage? If so, answer now, ‘I do.’

Now, please face each other and join hands.

[Name], please repeat after me: I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, in joy and in sorrow, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.

[Name], please repeat after me: I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, in joy and in sorrow, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live.”

• Exchange of Rings

“The wedding ring is a symbol of unending love and faithfulness, and of the commitment you have just made. It encircles an unbroken circle, without beginning or end, and is a visible sign of the vows you have made.

[Name], as you place the ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed. I offer it as a symbol of our love and of the vows we have made this day.

[Name], as you place the ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed. I offer it as a symbol of our love and of the vows we have made this day.”

• Pronouncement

“[Name] and [Name], you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you husband and wife. You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more, but today the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become husband and wife and can now seal the agreement with a kiss. Today, your kiss is a promise. You may now kiss the bride.”

Traditional Religious Wedding Ceremony Script

• Officiant’s Opening Remarks

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the sight of God, and in the presence of family and friends, to join together [Name] and [Name] in holy matrimony. Marriage is an honorable estate, instituted of God, signifying unto us the mystical union that is betwixt Christ and His Church. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly, and in the fear of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.”

• Invocation or Prayer

“Let us pray. Blessed God, who is present with us now, bless this marriage and the couple who shall be united in your name. Grant them the wisdom, guidance, and strength to honor one another and the vows they will make this day. Amen.”

• Scripture Reading

“Let us hear the word of God as written in [Scripture Reference]. ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud…'”

• Sermon or Homily

“The scripture we just heard describes love in its purest form. [Name] and [Name], as you stand before God and these witnesses, let this be the love you aspire to throughout your married life. A love that is patient, kind, and selfless. A love that endures and believes in all things.”

• Exchange of Vows

“[Name] and [Name], it is now time to share your vows. [Name], please repeat after me: I, [Name], take thee, [Name], to be my wedded [husband/wife], to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge thee my faith.”

• Ring Exchange

“These rings are an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace, signifying to all the uniting of [Name] and [Name] in holy matrimony. [Name], as you place this ring on [Name]’s finger, repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”

• Unity Candle/Symbolic Act (Optional)

“[Name] and [Name] will now light the unity candle/symbolic act, representing the two individual lives joining together as one in marriage.”

• Pronouncement of Marriage

“Forasmuch as [Name] and [Name] have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, and thereto have given and pledged their faith each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands; I pronounce that they are husband and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Those whom God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.”

“May God bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you. May God lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace, now and forevermore.”

• Closing Remarks

“[Name] and [Name], you are now officially husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”

Wedding Ceremony Script With Own Vows

“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], and welcome to this joyous occasion. We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to add our best wishes and blessings to the words that shall unite [Name] and [Name] in marriage.

Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly. This ceremony is a symbol of how far they have come together and a symbol of the promise that they will continue to build their lives together and enrich each other in every possible way.”

• Reading or Poem

“A reading or poem can be included here, something that resonates with the couple’s journey or their vision of love and partnership.”

“Who supports this woman/man in their marriage to this man/woman?” (Traditionally, this is where the parent or family member would say, “I do.”)

• Officiant Addresses the Couple

“[Name] and [Name], as you stand here today, I remind you of the serious nature of the relationship you are about to enter. Marriage is the voluntary and full commitment of two individuals to one another. It is made in the deepest sense to the exclusion of all others and is entered into with the desire, hope, and firm intention that it will last for life.”

• Exchange of Personal Vows

“Before you are joined in marriage, I invite you now to declare your personal vows to each other.”

[Name] begins. Example : “In the presence of our family and friends, I [Name], choose you, [Name], to be my partner in life. I vow to cherish and respect you, to care for and protect you, to comfort and encourage you, and stay with you for all eternity. I promise to laugh with you in times of joy, and comfort you in times of sorrow. I will share in your dreams and support you as you strive to achieve your goals. I will listen to you with compassion and understanding, and speak to you with encouragement. Together, let us build a home filled with learning, laughter, and light, shared freely with all who may live there. Let us be partners, friends, and lovers, today and all of the days that follow.”

[Name] responds. Example : “Today, before our closest friends and family, I, [Name], pledge my love to you, [Name]. I promise to stand by your side in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, through the good times and the bad. I vow to love you without reservation, honor and respect you, provide for your needs as best I can, protect you from harm, comfort you in times of distress, and grow with you in mind and spirit. I will always be honest with you, kind, patient, and forgiving. But most of all, I promise to be a true and loyal friend to you. I love you.”

“The wedding ring is a symbol of unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings remind you always of the vows you have taken here today.”

[Name], as you place the ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me: “I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you.”

“[Name] and [Name], you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you husband and wife/partners in life. You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more, but today the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become husband and wife and can now seal the agreement with a kiss. Today, your kiss is a promise. You may now kiss each other.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the first time [Name] and [Name], as a married couple. Congratulations!”

Cultural Fusion Wedding Ceremony Script

“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], and welcome to this beautiful and unique celebration of love. Today, we are gathered not only to witness the union of [Name] and [Name] in marriage but also to celebrate the rich cultural heritage each brings into this union. As these two lives are woven together, so too are their traditions, beliefs, and histories. Let us honor these as we come together in the spirit of joy, love, and unity.”

• Acknowledgment of Cultures

“Before we proceed, let us take a moment to acknowledge the cultural backgrounds that [Name] and [Name] bring to this marriage. [Describe briefly the cultural backgrounds, highlighting key aspects that might be incorporated into the ceremony]. In this marriage, these traditions will not be diluted; instead, they will be respected, celebrated, and blended, just as these two lives are today.”

• Cultural Ritual #1 (from Culture A)

“Let us begin with a traditional [Cultural Ritual from Culture A], which symbolizes [explain the significance]. [Perform the ritual].”

“A reading or poem can be included here, something that resonates with the couple’s journey, or reflects the fusion of cultures.”

• Cultural Ritual #2 (from Culture B)

“We now proceed with a [Cultural Ritual from Culture B], a beautiful tradition that represents [explain the significance]. [Perform the ritual].”

“[Name] and [Name], please face each other as you prepare to make your vows. These words are a promise, a commitment to strive, to grow, and to build a life together. [Each person says their vows, which can be a blend of traditional wording and personal promises.]”

“The exchange of rings is a traditional act that symbolizes the unbroken circle of love. [Name], as you place the ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me: ‘With this ring, I marry you and join my life with yours.’ [Repeat with the other partner.]”

• Unity Ceremony (Reflecting Cultural Fusion)

“[Name] and [Name] will now perform a unity ceremony. [Choose a unity ceremony that blends elements from both cultures, such as mixing sands from two different places, lighting a unity candle together, or any other ritual that signifies the coming together of two cultures.]”

“With the power of your love and commitment, and the blessings of your families and cultures, I now pronounce you [husband and wife/partners in life]. You may seal your vows with a kiss.”

• Closing Remarks and Introduction

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you for the first time as a married couple, [Name] and [Name]. Let us celebrate their union and the beautiful fusion of cultures they represent.”

Short Wedding Ceremony Script

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of [Name] and [Name] in marriage. This ceremony will be brief, but its significance is immense: as today, [Name] and [Name] declare their commitment to each other before all of us as witnesses.”

• Declaration of Intent

“[Name] and [Name], please face each other and join hands.

[Name], do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife/partner], to live together in marriage, to love, honor, and comfort them in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live? If so, answer ‘I do.’

[Name], do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife/partner], to live together in marriage, to love, honor, and comfort them in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live? If so, answer ‘I do.'”

“[Name] and [Name], please present your rings.

These rings are a symbol of the vows you have just made. They are the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites your two hearts in love that has no end.

[Name], as you place this ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me: ‘With this ring, I thee wed.’

[Name], as you place this ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me: ‘With this ring, I thee wed.'”

“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you [husband and wife/partners in life]. You may now kiss each other.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you for the first time, [Name] and [Name] as a married couple. Congratulations!”

Modern Wedding Ceremony Script

“Welcome, everyone. We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love, and to witness the union of [Name] and [Name] in marriage. In an age of fleeting connections and constant change, it’s a joy to be part of something as enduring and meaningful as the commitment we’re about to witness.

Today, [Name] and [Name] declare their love and commitment to each other openly and joyously. We are here not only to witness their union but to wish them well on the journey that lies ahead.”

“A modern reading or poem that resonates with the couple’s journey or their vision of love and partnership can be included here.”

• Expression of Intent

“[Name] and [Name], please face each other as you make your intentions clear to one another.

[Name], do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife/partner], to share your life openly, standing with them in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and love, so long as you both shall live?

[Name], do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife/partner], to share your life openly, standing with them in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in hardship and in ease, to cherish and love, so long as you both shall live?”

“Now, [Name] and [Name] will share their vows. These are not just words, but a sacred promise to each other.

[Each person reads their personal vows, crafted to reflect their individual personalities and their shared values.]”

“As a symbol of their commitment, [Name] and [Name] will now exchange rings.

[Name], as you place the ring on [Name]’s finger, please 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.’

[Name], as you place the ring on [Name]’s finger, please 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.'”

“[Name] and [Name], you have expressed your love to one another through these vows and the giving of these rings. With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you [husband and wife/partners in life]. You may seal your vows with a kiss.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, let us all celebrate the [Name] and [Name] union and the journey that lies ahead.”

© 2024 handosomewedding.com

• participate
• live design feed
• minted weddings
• little mint

This take on Minted was made by undefined from , a member of Minted's community of independent artists.

• save the dates
• invitations
• ceremony & reception
• parties & showers
• thank you cards
• marketplace
• wedding planning guide
• Sample Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Planning Guide

A sample wedding ceremony.

By HEATHER LEE | Last Updated: August 16, 2018

Photo: Milou + Olin

More and more couples are playing a larger role in how their ceremony goes down—and we’re all for that! But most of us haven’t studied the ins and outs of wedding ceremonies, so that can lead to another problem: What does the traditional wedding ceremony look like?

We can help! Read through our sample wedding-ceremony script for a traditional, secular ceremony; we borrowed it from a member of our own team (with their blessing, of course). Use this example for inspiration to help craft your own script, guide your officiant, or simply copy and paste portions of the script as-is. We’ve scrubbed some of the more personal details but kept the rest to give you an idea of when and how to incorporate something uniquely “you” into your ceremony. After all, at the end of the day, your wedding is all about you two!

Traditional Wedding Ceremony Script

The introduction.

Please be seated.

First, I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking each and every one of you for being here on this most happy of days. It’s no accident that each of you are here today, and each of you were invited to be here because you represent someone important in the individual and collective lives of NAME and NAME.

I truly can’t think of a better venue than _________ [“paradise” for a destination wedding, “this beautiful church” for a more religious affair, etc.] for an occasion that I know is not only monumental for the wedded-couple-to-be, but for all of us who are lucky to know and love them as individuals; but even more so as a perfect pairing.

The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you feel complete. The person who makes the world a beautiful and magical place. The person with whom you share a bond so special that it transcends normal relationships and becomes something so pure and so wonderful, that you can’t imagine spending another day of your life without them. For NAME, that happened about 20 years ago when s/he met me and we became best friends [add some humor if your officiant is a friend]. But about X years ago s/he met NAME, who is pretty wonderful, too. I know how deeply these two care for and love one another, and I feel privileged to be here today among all of you as a witness of their commitment to a lifetime of love for one another.

I think I’ve had the good fortune to meet most of you here today at some point or another, but for those of you whom I haven’t met, my name is [short biographical info about how the officiant knows the couple].

The Love Story

Now, NAME and NAME have asked that I keep this speech short, classy, and family-friendly, and politely asked me to leave out stories that are unflattering to either of them. So I’ve had to redline stories about previous flings...drugs or alcohol...encounters with the police...but I do feel comfortable saying, “I told you so.” Which is exactly what I said when I learned that NAME and NAME’s relationship was becoming truly serious.

As a third-party spectator to their developing love, it was extremely clear that the two of them represent a perfect pairing because each of them complements the other so well. They balance one another, and while each of them are tremendous individuals on their own, together they are even better. And being better together, as a team, a unit, and partners in crime, is what has been many years in the making and ultimately leads us to being here today, witnessing their commitment to one another in front of those they love most.

I wish I could tell you a single story about NAME and NAME that summarizes their relationship and how they enrich each other’s lives, and the lives of each of us, but the truth is there isn’t one single event that is a good encapsulation of what they mean to me, to each other, and to all of us. But what I do know is that both of them care deeply and passionately for each other; they protect each other; they make each other laugh and think outside themselves; that time magically seems to both fly and slow down when they’re together. They help each other in ways that are obvious and unnoticed, but always appreciated.

I also know that it’s not just anyone with whom you can have communication with simply a look, or remember the weirdest names of each other’s Lyft drivers, or surprise each other with reservations at a restaurant you’ve been eyeing for years, or say “I’m sorry” every time it’s warranted (...eventually). They do that for and with each other.

But it’s also my personal experiences with NAME and NAME that highlight the quality of their love. It doesn’t matter if I’m with them in person, or simply in a bizarre group text with them—when I’m engaging with NAME and NAME, I am always enjoying myself. And I am certain that that’s part of what makes them so special to each of us: how happy and contented we feel when we are with them. And what I wish for them on their wedding day is that their lifetime together as a team is one of complete contentment; full of those moments that they wish would never end, and that they continue to make one another smile and laugh as they make each of us do.

So, without further ado…

Dearly beloved and honored guests:

We are gathered together here to join NAME and NAME in the union of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

The grooms/brides/bride and groom have each prepared vows that they will read now.

[Exchanging of vows]

NAME, do you take NAME to be your husband/wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him/her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him/her forevermore?

And NAME, do you take NAME to be your husband/wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him/her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him/her forevermore?

NAME and NAME will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal; they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle—a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end.

NAME, please place the ring on NAME’s left hand and repeat after me: As a sign of my love [“As a sign of my love”] That I have chosen you [That I have chosen you”] Above all else [“Above all else”] With this ring, I thee wed. [“With this ring, I thee wed.”]

And NAME, please place the ring on NAME’s left hand and repeat after me: As a sign of my love [“As a sign of my love”] That I have chosen you [That I have chosen you”] Above all else [“Above all else”] With this ring, I thee wed. [“With this ring, I thee wed.”]

The Good Wishes

To make your relationship work will take love. Continue to date each other. Take time to show each other that your love and marriage grows stronger with time.

It will take trust to know that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other.

It will take dedication to stay open to one another—and to learn and grow together.

It will take loyalty to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings.

And it will take commitment to hold true to the journey you have both pledged today.

The Declaration of Marriage/"The Kiss"

And now by the power vested in me by _______________, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.

I am so pleased to present the newlyweds, NAMES.

[Directional line about where guests should go or what happens next after the ceremony is finished, e.g., “Please join us downstairs for cocktails.” or “It’s time to celebrate!”]

Related Articles

Wedding Ceremony Order

A traditional wedding ceremony script.

Day-of essentials you won’t want to miss.

Photo: @steeredc

Bouquet And Garter Toss Songs

Fun and popular songs to play during the bouquet toss and garter toss.

We uncover design genius through ongoing design competitions. At Minted, all that matters is good design. Designers submit, and the Minted community votes to tell us what to sell.

Minted Address Book app

Stay connected with contacts and manage your addresses with ease.

• commitment to Quality
• diversity, equity & inclusion
• sustainability pledge
• minted Labs
• returns & exchanges
• Minted More
• store locations
• Your Privacy Choices
• affiliate program
• photographer program
• art trade program
• fundraising program
• wedding planner program
• venue program
• wedding planning & tips
• recommended photographers

• Certified Officiants

Officiate With This Perfect 10-Part Wedding Ceremony Script

So you need to write a wedding ceremony script and officiate a wedding . Instead of grabbing a canned pre-written sample from one of the 695,691 webpages out there, start with the 10-part wedding ceremony script outline I use every weekend instead.

A canned script is restrictive right out of the gate. It says, “I’m not really sure what I’m doing.” When we use a wedding ceremony script outline , it communicates to our couple that we’re structured and flexible. The process ends up being way more collaborative, and the finished script ends up being way more personal.

It’s the difference between “Hey, I bought this cake. Now eat it,” and “Hey, let’s make a cake!” Or… something.

Call up your couple, sit down with them for an hour over a drink, and brainstorm through this standard 10-part wedding ceremony script outline. Talk over the personal elements they might want to add. I’ve included some of the most common variations when relevant so you can discuss some options.

Here is the ceremony script outline I start with for 100% of the weddings I officiate.

1. Officiant Opening Remarks

The wedding officiant takes the front with Partner 1 and Partner 1’s party (down the aisle or from the side), and then the officiant makes some brief opening remarks.

• Welcome the guests.
• Announce whether photos are allowed.
• Ask guests to please turn phones to silent.
• “With that, let’s begin!” That’s the cue for the processional.

Variations:

• After the officiant and Partner 1 and Partner 1’s party enter, maybe some grandparents or other important family members enter and are seated in the front row before the officiant speaks.
• If Partner 1 and his/her party are part of the processional, the officiant can enter alone and make the opening remarks alone before anyone else enters.

2. The Processional

The music starts, and the wedding processional begins.

• Ring boys and/or flower girls and/or junior bridesmaids enter.
• Partner 2’s party enters in single file.
• The officiant asks guests, “Please stand for [Partner 2] as you’re able.”
• Partner 2 enters with parent(s), walk the aisle, and stop at the front row.
• Partner 1 steps forward to receive Partner 2 at front row.
• Partners and parents exchange handshakes, hugs, and kisses with parent(s).
• Partner 1 and Partner 2 stand in front of the officiant, facing each other holding hands.
• The officiant invites guests to be seated.
• Sometimes when Partner 2 and his/her escort arrive at the front row, the music fades and the officiant asks who gives Partner 2 away or who supports this union. Partner 2’s escort answers, “I do.”
• The ring boys and/or flower girls and/or junior bridesmaids can enter either first in the processional or just before Partner 2.

3. The Officiant’s Speech

What makes today so important in the life of this couple? It’s the promises they are making to always be there for each other (“vows”) in front of their closest friends and family. Here’s where the officiant says some things about that.

Some suggestions for what to say:

• share a story about the couple,
• read a poem or excerpt from a book that is meaningful to the couple,
• say something deep and philosophical about commitment and faithfulness,
• add some prayers or blessings from the couple’s religious tradition.

Be creative, respectful, and remember everyone there wants to have fun and be engaged! (Well, except the couple. They don’t wanna be engaged anymore. Heh. See what I did there…? Ohhhkay.)

We may be legally required to say a couple of things in the ceremony, and I like to add them to the end of the speech. A couple of those things might be:

• “If anyone knows of any legal reason why these two may not be married today, please speak now.”
• “[Partner 1] and [Partner 2], do you stand here today to give yourselves to each other in marriage.”

How do we know if we have to include these things in the ceremony? Google up on the laws in your state or province.

4. The Exchange of Vows

This is when the couple makes promises to each other. It’s kinda the biggest part of the day. No pressure.

Have no fear! See my two blog posts on the three ways to say wedding vows and my curated list of favourite wedding vows.

5. The Exchange of Rings

The Best Man is usually holding both rings. The officiant states that the couple will now exchange rings as a physical symbol of the promises they’re making today.

• The Best Man gives Partner 2’s ring to Partner 1.
• Partner 1 slides the ring on Partner 2’s finger.
• The officiant asks Partner 1 to repeat a few lines about giving this ring as a symbol and a reminder of his/her commitment (i.e. “I give you this ring/as a sign of my commitment to you.”).
• The Best Man gives Partner 1’s ring to the officiant. (So that he doesn’t have to cut across the front.)
• The officiant gives the ring to Partner 2.
• Partner 2 slides the ring on Partner 1’s finger.
• The officiant asks Partner 2 to repeat a few lines about giving this ring as a symbol and a reminder of his/her commitment (i.e. “I give you this ring/as a sign of my commitment to you.”).

6. Pronouncing the Couple as Married

“Well now, in front of your closest friends and family (and by the authority given be by the province/state of _________ ), I pronounce you husband and wife/married! [Partner 1], you may kiss [Partner 2]!”

• Some officiants put this element after the signing, but I like to put it before. That way, everyone has clapped and cheered and the signing is more relaxed with a party-like atmosphere, rather than stiffer and more ceremonial.

7. Signing the Legal Documents

Is this a legal ceremony? The officiant tells the guests that the couple is going to sign some papers and we will all be back in just a few minutes.

• Music starts.
• If the officiant is legalizing the ceremony (or someone else in attendance is doing that), head over to the table and sign with the required number of witnesses (usually the Best Man and Maid of Honour).
• When finished, everyone comes back to the centre as before and the officiant gets ready to make some closing remarks.
• Sometimes the couple opts to do this in private with the witnesses before or after the ceremony.
• Some countries do this before or after the ceremony, so you can leave this out if it’s not customary where you’re from.

8. Officiant Closing Remarks

This is mostly practical, next-steps stuff. The officiant tells the guests 1) what the couple is doing next, 2) what the guests need to do next, and 3) thank you for coming. For example:

• “[Partner 1] and [Partner 2] are heading out briefly for photos and will rejoin us shortly,”
• “In the meantime, you are all invited out to the terrace where drinks and refreshments will be served, with the reception to follow shortly after.”
• “On behalf of the happy couple, thanks for coming and have a wonderful evening!”

9. Presentation of the Couple

Here’s where the couple gets officially presented to everyone for the first time. This is what I typically say:

• “Finally, stand with me now; it is my distinct honour to present to you for the first time: _______ and _______ as husband and wife/married!” or an alternative (i.e. “Mr. and Mrs. _______!”).

10. The Recessional

• The recessional music starts immediately.
• The couple heads up the aisle.
• When the couple has cleared the aisle completely (no photo-bombing and traffic jams!), the two wedding parties follow in pairs, linking arms and starting with Best Man and Maid of Honour.
• The officiant goes to Partner 2’s family, offers congratulations, and motions them to exit up the aisle.
• The officiant goes to Partner 1’s family, offers congratulations, and motions them to exit up the aisle.
• Finally, the officiant stands and motions the subsequent second rows to exit.

There you have it!

Now, one thing to note here at the end. This is a standard 10-part wedding ceremony outline. Our couple may expand it out to 22 parts or 648 parts by adding readings or rituals involving multiple family members, fire, sand, doves, F-18 flyovers, clowns, alcohol, etc.

Just go with it! And remember: it’s not our job to coordinate all the minute details like bringing all the candles and birdcages! Our role as Officiant is to facilitate and accommodate what they want their ceremony to look like and make the space for it to happen. Use my standard 10-part ceremony script outline as a starting point, and craft any style of perfect wedding ceremony from there.

If you feel you need more help, I offer a full wedding script + 1-on-1 coaching service here , and a full wedding officiating course called Unboring!Wedding Academy here.

Now get out there with your script and deliver the Best. Ceremony. Ever.

What To Read Next:

You're officiating a wedding. You make the last check of the five details, walk to the front…

A toast to the happy newlyweds isn't just for the wedding reception. Often, couples ask…

How to create and officiate a wedding ceremmony

Search the blog for a topic (ex: “vows”), popular articles.

• The Wedding Officiant’s Formula for Every Unity Ritual
• How To Transition From One Wedding Ceremony Element To The Next
• 5 Questions to Ask Your Same-Sex Couple About Their Wedding Ceremony
• How to Choose the Best Songs for The Wedding Ceremony
• The 5 Essential Questions to Ask Your First-Time Wedding Officiant
• How To Officiate a Wedding Ceremony For the First Time
• How (And Why!) to End the Wedding Ceremony with a Grand Finale
• The 3 Times to Get Out of the Way in a Wedding Ceremony

Live and in-person every Monday, I host a free masterclass that will teach you my exact 5-step wedding ceremony process!

Enter your name and best email address here. I’ll send your instant guide right away and that will register you for our free live masterclass... then I'll see you Monday!

Can't attend live? Now worries. You'll be sent the replay!

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Wedding Officiants

Great Ceremonies Begin Here

Wedding Ceremony Script

At  WeddingOfficiants.com  – The Wedding Officiant Directory , we’ve been working with engaged couples and professional wedding officiants for more than 15 years, and our site has become a top resource on the web for officiants to grow their businesses. We’ve curated a collection of the best wedding ceremony scripts submitted by our officiant members, and offer them here as a resource to anyone in need of a script for a wedding ceremony.

Below, you’ll find advice on creating your own custom wedding ceremony script, wedding ceremony samples, and links to both a religious wedding ceremony and a non-religious ceremony. The basics of writing a ceremony script start with an outline – the wedding ceremony template. Once you’ve decided on the structure of the ceremony, you can select individual wedding readings, wedding vows, and other ceremony elements to include in your script. Of course, you could also just copy a sample wedding ceremony script below and use it without any further customization.

The wedding scripts below have been created by experienced, professional wedding officiants. If you are already an officiant, we would love to have you join us as a member of our wedding officiant directory – you can view our membership packages here. If you are a new officiant, or if you’ve been tapped by a friend of family member to perform a wedding ceremony, there’s a chance you may really enjoy performing your first wedding and want to do it more often. If so, take a look at our  Officiant Resources  page, with advice on  how to get ordained ,  how to become a wedding officiant , and much more.

Writing a Wedding Ceremony Script

Most popular articles:.

• Wedding Ceremony Readings
• Why You Should Hire a Professional Officiant
• What is a Wedding Officiant?
• How to Find a Wedding Officiant

Creating a wedding ceremony script from scratch can be a daunting task if you haven’t done it before, it’s not as simple as writing a collection of words and poetry. A marriage ceremony is a time-honored ritual which requires a bit of structure to feel sufficiently “ceremonial” for the couple and their guests. That’s not to say that there are firm rules when deciding how to write a wedding ceremony script – there are no “official” rules to speak of – but a lack of structure or organization can leave attendees feeling confused and actually detract from the overall feeling of the ceremony.

We highly recommend sending the couple a copy of your wedding ceremony script once you’ve finished it so they can see exactly what you plan to say – that way, if there are any changes they feel are necessary, you can make them before the big day. Surprises may be fun on most days, but surprising a couple with the content of their wedding ceremony will probably not go over very well.

Wedding Ceremony Script Ideas

Keep in mind that there are many different religious and cultural wedding traditions as well, but we’ve kept this list to the most common ideas for wedding ceremonies of all types.

Traditional Wedding Ceremony Elements:

• Processional:  The “wedding procession” is simply a fancy way of referring to the beginning of the ceremony when everyone walks in.  This includes parents, wedding party, the officiant, and the couple, and is typically accompanied by music.
• Opening Words / Welcome:  This is typically the first thing that is said at the beginning of the wedding ceremony. The opening words will often include some sort of welcome to the guests and a few remarks about the covenant of marriage.
• Charge to Couple:  This is a short passage about the covenant of marriage and the importance of the occasion, and also usually includes a bit of practical marriage advice from the officiant. It doesn’t need to be terribly long, one to three short paragraphs is more than enough.
• Wedding Readings:  It’s traditional to include one or more  wedding readings  during the ceremony, which are typically scripture or poetry. Ceremony readings can also be anything that is meaningful to the couple, and will typically reflect something about their love and their relationship.
• Pledge / Declaration of Intent:  This part of the ceremony is when the couple will face one another, and affirm their intentions to be united in marriage. The officiant leads each of them through a series of statements or questions, which are answered with “I Do” or “I Will”.
• Blessing of the Rings:  The ring blessing is a short statement or prayer by the officiant to bless or charge the couple’s wedding rings prior to the ring exchange. It can take the form of a few sentences, or a “ring warming” where the rings are passed to all the guests for their well-wishes.
• Exchange of Vows:  Sometimes done simultaneously with the exchange of rings, the wedding vows can either be led by the officiant as a series of phrases repeated by the couple, or something completely unique written by each of them to one another.
• Exchange of Rings:  The ring exchange during the ceremony is typically led by the officiant, with each member of the wedding couple repeating a series of short phrases while placing a wedding ring on their partner’s finger.
• Pronouncement and Kiss:  Upon the exchange of vows and rings, the officiant will pronounce the couple as being officially married, and invite them to kiss. Typically followed by applause by the wedding guests, this may be the end of the ceremony if there are no closing words by the officiant.
• Closing Words:  Traditionally, the officiant will offer some words to officially close the wedding ceremony, blessing the couple or offering encouragement for their journey as a married couple. This typically marks the official end of the wedding ceremony.
• Recessional:  The recessional is the part of the ceremony where the couple and their attendants exit the ceremony, beginning with the couple and proceeding in the reverse order as the processional when everyone entered. The last person to exit before the guests is typically the officiant.

Unique Wedding Ceremony Ideas:

• Honoring the Parents:  Usually performed at the beginning of the ceremony, the officiant takes a few moments to acknowlege the role the couple’s parents have played in raising them and bringing them up to this moment when they will be married.
• Moment of Silence:  Also normally toward the beginning of the ceremony, taking a moment of silence to remember those friends and family who have passed away or could not attend the wedding ceremony for one reason or another.
• Handfasting Ceremony:  An ancient Pagan and Celtic tradition, handfasting invlolves tying the hands of the couple together with a ribbon, rope, or braided cord to symbolize the unity between them and the connection they share.
• Unity Candle Ceremony:  This candle lighting ceremony can be performed at any time during the wedding ceremony, and can be done in a number of ways. The popular version involves the couple lighting a single candle with two smaller candles to symbolize their new life together.
• Wine Box Ceremony:  A newer tradition, the couple write love letters to one another and seal them in a wine box with a bottle of wine, opening the box on their first or fifth wedding anniversary to read one another’s letters and share the bottle of wine to celebrate their marriage.
• Blended Family Ceremony:  For couples with children who wish to incorporate their kids into their wedding ceremony as well, this ceremony includes the children of the couple in saying vows to one another affirming their commitment and promises as a family.
• Rose Ceremony:  There are two versions of this ceremony, one involving the couple presenting one another with a single rose to communicate their love and commitment, and the other with the couple presenting a rose to their mothers as a way of thanking them for their love and support.
• Ring Warming Ceremony:  Typically done at the beginning of the ceremony prior to the vows, the officiant passes the couple’s wedding rings around throughout the wedding guests and asks each person to infuse the rings with their blessings and well-wishes for the couple’s marriage.
• Jumping the Broom:  A tradition which found it’s way to the states as a part of African-American weddings, the couple has a broom placed in front of them and jumps over it as they exit the ceremony, popularized in the novel and miniseries,  Roots  by Alex Haley.
• Sand Ceremony:  Similar in intent and execution to the Unity Candle Ceremony, the couple instead pours two separate containers of colored sand into a single vessel to symbolize their union. A great alternative for a windy wedding day!
• Breaking the Glass:  A Jewish wedding tradition, the couple stomps on a glass to shatter it at the end of the wedding as their guests shout “Mazel Tov!” to congratulate them.

Wedding Ceremony Template

When creating a wedding ceremony script, it can be helpful to start with a general template to help you structure the ceremony, adding in the specific wording once you’ve designed the overall flow and order of the individual elements. While it can be tempting to include a lot of different elements and traditions (or let the couple pick as many as they’d like), keep in mind that the overall length of the ceremony will depend on how much you try to squeeze into it. Most non-religious wedding ceremonies should be about 20 minutes in length from the processional to the recessional – certainly not more than 40 minutes. Wedding guests get restless and stop paying attention after about 20 minutes, so the longer the ceremony lasts, the more bored and distracted the guests will be.

Generally speaking, most weddings will follow a standard order, with variations based on the couple’s needs or the amount and type of elements and traditions that are included. The basic wedding ceremony template for most weddings is:

• Processional
• Gathering Words
• Declaration of Intent
• Charge to Couple
• Exchange of Vows
• Exchange of Rings
• Pronouncement and Kiss
• Recessional

You can certainly make the ceremony more complex than this, but this template is the bare-bones structure of a standard wedding ceremony script. Start with this order and add any additional elements, readings, songs, and traditions where it makes the most sense. In general, you’ll want to place most of those additional elements toward the beginning of the ceremony, because the guests will expect that the exchange of vows will be one of the last items in the wedding ceremony order.

Wedding Ceremony Samples

To help you create your wedding ceremony script, we’ve included several wedding ceremony samples below – a Wedding Officiant Script and a Marriage Ceremony Script. We’ve chosen to only include generic sample wedding ceremonies here, so if you are interested in looking at samples for a non-religious wedding ceremony, a Christian wedding ceremony, an interfaith wedding ceremony, or a non-denominational wedding ceremony you’ll need to visit those specific pages to see the included sample scripts. These are examples of a standard wedding script following the template mentioned above, and should give you a solid head start.

Because the ceremony samples below are very basic and do not include any additional elements such as  wedding readings , a ceremony based solely on these scripts will be 10-15 minutes in length. We highly recommend keeping the total length of the wedding ceremony to around 20 minutes, so be selective with the number of additional elements you include. Please feel free to use these wedding ceremony samples for your own private or professional use, but bear in mind that they are copyrighted works so please do not publish them anywhere online.

Wedding Officiant Script

2. Seating of the Mothers

3. Officiant, Grooom, and Groomsmen Enter

4. Bridesmaids Enter

5. Flower Girl and Ring Bearer Enter

6. Bride Enters, Escorted by Her Father

Welcome to all who have gathered here this day to share in this marriage ceremony of [Name] and [Name].

These words, spoken today between [Name] and [Name] are indeed important and sacred, but they are not what joins these two together, nor is this marriage ceremony. We are not here to witness the beginning of their relationship, but to acknowledge and celebrate a lasting bond that already exists between them. [Name] and [Name] have already joined their hearts together and chosen to walk together on life’s journey, and we have come to bear witness to a sybolic union and a public affirmation of the love they share.

8. Gathering Words

Those of us in attendace today are present to witness a statement of lasting love and commitment between [Name] and [Name]. The ceremonial union of two people in marriage, in its primordial form, is as ancient as our very humanity and yet is still as fresh as each day’s sunrise. The commitment of love between [Name] and [Name] speaks of their shared experience together and their dreams for the future, of the importance of each of them as individuals as well as the special bond they share, and of the importance of their community of family and friends.

Everyone gathered here today was invited to this ceremony because you have played a special role in [Name] and [Name]’s lives. You are present at this ceremony to celebrate their marriage and to witness their vows of love to one another. Will all of you, gathered here to witness this union, do all in your power to love and support this couple now, and in the years ahead? If so please respond, “we will.”

Guests: We will.

9. Declaration of Intent

And [Name] and [Name], have you come here today with the intention to be legally joined in marriage? Do you pledge to choose respect, kindness, and compassion toward one another, to listen deeply to one other, and to speak to one another truthfully, today and always?

Couple: We do.

10. Charge to Couple

[Name] and [Name],   your love is something that you both cherish, so much so that it’s moved you join in the union of marriage and create a home together. Today, you dedicate your lives to giving one another happiness and support. To be certain, entering into the covenant of marriage is an act of deep trust and faith in the strength of your love. It would be a fool’s error to base your marriage on the hope that your partner will change to become something they are not, or do something in the future that they do not already do today. Your marriage must be based on the heartfelt and sincere acceptance of one another, as you are, in each moment.

The pledge you make today expresses your devotion to one another and to the love you share, and the words spoken here will support your marriage if you are able to sustain your commitment through the inevitable hardships you’ll face together. Today, in the presence of your families and friends, you pronounce your love for each other and make a commitment that will define the next phase of your journey. We celebrate it with you, and wish you well.

11. Exchange of Vows  (Repeat after the officiant)

I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my wife; to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish; until we are parted by death.

I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my husband; to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse; for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish; until we are parted by death.

12. Exchange of Rings

May I please have the rings? (officiant is handed both rings)

Since ancient times, the ring has been a symbol of the unbroken circle of love, with no beginning and no end. Love given freely has no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and each is the receiver. May these rings always remind you of the freedom and power of this commitment you make here today.

[Name], placing the ring on [Name]’s finger, repeat after me: [Name],I give you this ring, as a sign of my vow to love, honor, and cherish you.

And [Name], placing the ring on [Name]’s finger, repeat after me: [Name],I give you this ring, as a sign of my vow to love, honor, and cherish you.

13. Pronouncement and Kiss

[Name] and [Name], inasmuch as you have pledged yourselves, each to the other, and have declared the same in the presence of this company by the exchange of vows and the giving and receiving of rings, by the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now kiss the Bride! (Applause)

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present to you, the new Mr. and Mrs. ________________ !

15. Recessional

Marriage Ceremony Script

Welcome to the wedding of [Name] and [Name]. On behalf of the couple, I welcome you to this celebration of love, and ask that all of you take a moment to silence your mobile devices. Thank you.

A wedding ceremony is a joyous occasion, filled with hopes, dreams and excitement. We are here today to acknowledge and honor the love that [Name] and [Name] share, and to bear witness to the commitment which will begin their journey as married partners.

Marriage is a time-honored tradition, and should never be entered into lightly. [Name] and [Name] have made a very serious and important decision in choosing to marry one other today, entering into a sacred covenant as life partners. While the responsibility to honor and sustain their commitment ultimately lies with the two of them, each of you gathered here today are here because you play an important role in their lives. As their community of support, there may be times that [Name] and [Name] will need your wisdom, guidance, and encouragement to work through the inevitable difficulties that lie ahead. I ask that all of you choose love in your thoughts, words, and actions toward them and their marriage, and do all you can to help them nurture and deepen their bond.

As when tending a garden, the quality of your marriage will be a reflection the effort that the two of you put into nurturing this relationship. You have the opportunity to go forward from this day to create a faithful, kind and tender bond. We wish for you the wisdom, compassion, and constancy to create a peaceful sanctuary in which you both can grow in love. [Name] and [Name], do you understand and accept this responsibility and do you come here freely to enter into the covenant of marriage?

[Couple] We do.

10. Reading

The following is an excerpt from Union, by Robert Fulghum.

“You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or between baseball innings – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart.

All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.” Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another over these years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same. For after today you shall say to the world – This is my husband. This is my wife.”

11. Exchange of Vows

[Name], please look into [Name]’s eyes and repeat after me:

I, [Name] take thee, [Name] to be my wedded wife, to laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow, to grow with you in love, as long as we both shall live.

And [Name], please look into [Name]’s eyes and repeat after me:

I, [Name] take thee, [Name] to be my wedded husband, to laugh with you in joy, to grieve with you in sorrow, to grow with you in love, as long as we both shall live.

May I have the rings please?

Wedding rings are symbolic reminders of the unbroken circle of eternal love. Within the safety and comfort of a true marriage, love given freely has no beginning and no end. Love freely given has no separate giver and receiver. Each of you gives your love to the other, and each of you receives love from the other. May these rings serve to remind you of the freedom and power of your love.

[Name], placing the ring on [Name]’s finger, repeat after me:

With this ring, I give you my promise, to honor you, to be faithful to you, and to share my love and life with you, in all ways, forever.

And [Name], placing the ring on [Name]’s finger, repeat after me:

And now, having entered into the covenant of marriage by the exchanging of vows and the giving and receiving of rings, by the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now seal these vows with a kiss!

14. Closing Words

[Name] and [Name], our best wishes go forward from this day with you and we wish for you a fulfilling life, rich in caring and in happiness. May you find a gentle and peaceful life that nurtures and comforts you, and that reflects your honesty, kindness and integrity. There is a wonderful life ahead of you. Live it fully, love it’s changes and choices, and let life amaze you and bring you great joy.

It is my pleasure to introduce, __________________________!

Interested in Becoming a Professional Officiant?

It’s not uncommon for people to catch the officiant “bug” after performing their first few ceremonies, and decide to pursue a career as a professional officiant. If this sounds like you, we recommend reading the rest of the  Officiant Resources  available on our site, and we hope you will consider joining  WeddingOfficiants.com – The Wedding Officiant Directory . To view our different advertising options,  visit our membership page  and click the button below to search our database of local wedding officiants!

Free Wedding Speech Examples to Celebrate the Big Day

These wedding speech examples will help your write a memorable wedding toast for the big day.

If someone has asked you to make a speech at a wedding, then you probably know the wedding couple pretty well. And since you know and love them, you'll want to make that speech personal, meaningful, engaging, and maybe even a little charming. Don't worry - we've got your back with free wedding speech examples you can use as guides. Use any of these sample wedding speeches as a jumping off point to help you speak from the heart. You've got this.

Best Man's Wedding Speech

The best man's speech is usually upbeat and lighthearted. He may tell some stories about the couple, and if he has known one or both of them since childhood, he may add a few tales from that period, too.

• Say 'I Do' to Free Samples of Wedding Announcement Wording

Lighthearted & Amusing Best Man Speech Example

(Name) has asked me to talk today about what a great guy he is, and so I can honestly say that he's handsome, brilliant, funny and perrr.... (TURN TO GROOM) ... (Groom's name), I can't read your writing. What's this last word? Since we met, I have seen his transformation from an awkward youth to a slightly less awkward adult, and it is my great pleasure to speak on this important occasion.

Of course, we wouldn't be here today without (partner's name) and his/her/their ability to get shy old (groom's name) to propose. (Partner's name), I'm sure it was worth the wait. I often think that (partner's name) makes (groom's name) look good. Mainly by standing next to him. He/she/they is/are full of warmth, humor, and initiative.

Marriage is a serious matter which shouldn't be entered into without careful consideration and since (groom's name) took his sweet time proposing, I think it's safe to say he's thought about this for a long time. (Add humorous story about his commitment issues here).

In conclusion, these two married today for better and for worse. (Groom's name) couldn't have done better and (partner's name) couldn't have done….. (look down at notes and pause) better either. I'd like to thank the attendants on behalf of the couple. They all look wonderful, and I'm sure you'll all agree they have performed their role splendidly. And finally, on behalf of everyone here, I can truly say we wish nothing but the best for your future. You are a unique and perfectly matched couple, and we hope that all your dreams come true, and you have a magical life together. Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in a toast............. To (couple's names).

• Toasts for a Best Man to Give

Groom's Wedding Speech

The groom's speech should be one that primarily expresses his appreciation for the love and support of his friends and family. He should also express his devotion to his new spouse.

Heartfelt Groom's Speech Example

I would just like to thank everybody for coming today, especially those that have traveled quite a ways to celebrate this day with us. Ever since I first started dating (spouse's name), his/her/their family has made me feel welcome and, well, like a member of the family. Now, I am officially part of that wonderful family, and I'm very grateful.

I would like to thank both sets of parents since neither (spouse's name) nor I would be here today if it weren't for them. I would also like to thank you for all your love and support over the years, and for all the advice you have given us. If we can raise a family half as wonderful, then we will be very happy.

I must also thank my new in-laws for bringing up such a compassionate and intelligent son/daughter/child. And, to my husband/wife/partner, you look absolutely gorgeous. Thank you for everything you've done. You know everything about me and love me just the same. I have my faults, yet you still agreed to marry me. I am extremely lucky today to be the one to marry you, and I know this is the start of many happy years together. I would like to thank (best man's name) for agreeing to be my best man and all the attendants for their help and support. Here's a toast to you all.

Bride's Wedding Speech

The bride's speech is very similar to the groom's speech. She should also express her appreciation to her family and friends and express her love for her new spouse.

Elegant Bride Speech Example

(Spouse's name) and I feel privileged to be sharing our day with all our friends and family who have been so important to us throughout our lives. Many of you traveled for quite a long distance. Thanks to all of you for the efforts and sacrifices you have made to be with us today.

I also want to thank the most wonderful parents a child could ever have. Not only for the love, support and guidance over the years, but also for everything you've done to help make this day perfect. We would have never managed without you both, and today would not have been possible or so special. Thank you to both sets of our parents from the bottom of our hearts.

Now it's time to thank my beautiful bridesmaids for everything they've done and for being the greatest friends ever. To my maid of honor, (maid of honor's name), you have been a lifesaver. You truly are the definition of a best friend and sister. Thank you for always being there for me.

(Spouse's name), I want to thank you for making my life complete. I am so lucky to be your wife, and I look forward to our life together. Finally, we would like to thank each one of you for being here with us on this special day.

Groom's or Bride's Father Speech

The groom's or bride's father should give a speech that welcomes the bride or groom into the family. He should also mention the joining of the two families and express well wishes and thoughts of happiness for the newly married couple's future.

Thoughtful Welcome Speech Example

Good afternoon everyone. First of all, on behalf of my wife and I, I would like to welcome (groom's or bride's parents) into the family. I'd also like to welcome relatives and friends of both families and thank you all for being here, especially those of you who have traveled a long way to make this special occasion so memorable. (Bride and groom's names) have obviously worked really hard on this beautiful wedding, and I'm sure everyone here agrees that the ceremony was wonderful.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank everyone else involved in making the day so special. At this point, I would like to formally welcome (bride or groom) into the family, even though you have been part of it for a good while now. Without sounding too corny, (bride or groom's name), you are a great person who clearly loves our (son/daughter/child) and obviously makes him/her/them very happy. I think you have been with (groom or bride's name) long enough now to know what you are getting yourself into by joining our family, so, to be honest, I don't have any sympathy for you. Seriously though (groom or bride's name), we are glad that you are part of our family, and I am proud to have you as a (son-in-law or daughter-in-law).

Sticking with tradition, I'd like to leave the new couple with some words of advice as they enter into this next stage of their lives together. As a great philosopher once said, a man who gives in when he is wrong is a wise man. Whilst a man who gives in when he is right is married. All that remains is for me to ask that you all join me in a toast to the happy couple. May you both live as long as you like and have all that you need for as long as you live. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you (bride and groom's names).

Maid of Honor's Speech

The maid of honor's speech might give thanks to the bride for being chosen as the honored attendant. She might also give a little history as to how the bride and groom met, as well as when she first noticed that they had fallen in love. The bride's maid of honor could also relate some humorous, though not embarrassing, stories about the bride or the newly married couple.

• Free Maid of Honor Speeches

Gracious Maid of Honor Speech Example

When (bride's name) asked me to be her maid of honor, I started wondering where the custom of having a bridesmaid originated from. My research led me to the interesting origins of many of our wedding customs, and everything is done to protect the bride from misfortune on her wedding day.

In the old days, sometimes marriage was by capture, and a maiden was guarded by her family to prevent seizure. The bridesmaids would often act as decoys by wearing dresses similar to the bride's to confuse the kidnappers and to keep evil spirits away. Today, I have done my best to keep the evil spirits away, but at least the family wasn't a problem!

Both of you have found your other half. Thank you (bride's name) for being such a wonderful best friend. I'm glad you have found (spouse's name), and I know that he/she/they will always love you. Always love and respect each other. Remember that a married couple are indeed best friends, and good friendships are built not with time, but with trust! May you grow old together on one pillow, and may your life be filled with happiness and joy! My love to the both of you!

Craft Your Perfect Wedding Speech

Giving a wedding toast or speech doesn't have to be complicated or difficult. Base your speech ideas on your history with the couple, your friendship, and their love. With these examples to follow, you can craft a wedding speech that honors the newlywed couple and expresses your gratitude for being a part of their special day. Remember, the most important part of your wedding day speech is to speak from the heart.

90 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple.

• Engagement Rings
• Wedding Bands
• Celebrity Weddings & News
• Wedding Planning
• Destination Wedding
• Invitations & Stationery
• Wedding Décor
• Flowers & Bouquets
• Food & Drink
• Wedding Cakes
• Photography
• Wedding Dresses
• Bridesmaid Dresses
• Makeup & Hair
• Accessories
• Groom Style
• Wedding Party Attire
• Wedding Guest Attire
• Bridal Fashion Week
• Skincare & Wellness
• Engagement Party
• Bridal Shower
• Bachelorette Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Registry Tips
• Anniversary Gifts
• Wedding Favors
• Friends & Family
• Marriage Proposal Ideas
• Married Life
• Love & Dating
• The Brides Team
• Editorial Guidelines
• Editorial Policy
• Terms of Use and Policies
• Privacy Policy
• Wedding Ideas & Advice
• Wedding Reception Ideas
• Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception? How to Write a Wedding Toast Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech How to Write a Best Man Toast Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech What to Know About a Newlywed Toast Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

Public Speaking Experts Share Their Top Tips for Giving an Amazing Wedding Speech

Check out their best examples and advice to learn how to knock it out of the park.

Photo by Kurt Boomer

In This Article

Most people would agree that public speaking isn't easy, and this is especially true when you're feeling the added pressure that comes along with giving a speech at a loved one's wedding. Not only do you have the attention of dozens (if not hundreds!) of guests you probably don't know, but you're also trying to appeal to a group of people in a wide range of ages from all different phases of the couple's lives. What's more, you want your speech to delight the couple of the hour and be as appealing to your group of friends as it to the newlyweds' grandparents. All in all, it's a tough task.

Before you panic, know that we're here to help. Ahead, we're sharing a comprehensive guide on what you should include in your speech , how to nail your delivery, and questions to consider to get the brainstorming process started—all from noteworthy speakers, well-established speechwriters, and wedding planners (who have seen it all).

Wedding Speech Template

Every great wedding speech has one thing in common: the right flow. Factor in these guidelines to help you find your own organic rhythm.

Open With a Statement or Question

Don't lead with a joke or a reference to how nervous you are. "The goal is to engage your audience, not make it a boring one-way message," says award-winning motivational speaker Jaime Pfeffer . "You'll lose them if you do this."

Introduce Yourself

After your opener, introduce yourself, says Fallon Carter , a wedding planner, even designer, and professional speaker. "A lot of times, people don't know who is speaking, and they don't know their relationship to the bride or the groom," she says. "It's really important to identify yourself, so make sure you've prepared something."

Address Your Audience

As speaker and life strategy coach Mark Black, CSP , points out, focusing on yourself only enhances nerves. "Instead, concentrate on your audience and how you want them to feel. This will help you to speak from the heart, allowing your speech to do what it's supposed to do: Make the couple feel special while also engaging the audience."

Focus on a Few Points

Seasoned speaker Susan Bender Phelps, CEO of Odyssey Mentoring & Leadership , says her top guideline is to select one to three aspects of the newlyweds that you love and appreciate, along with no more than three short stories to illustrate each of these points (or that one point). "The simple, succinct story or stories where the bride and groom are the hero will work best." This is an excellent way to structure your speech and keep your message focused.

How Long Wedding Speeches Should Be

The ideal length for a speech is three to five minutes, with five minutes being the absolute maximum you should speak for. That's it. "I’ve never been to a wedding where anyone said, 'That was a great wedding, but the best man speech was just too short and that  ruined  it,'" says David Litt , the speechwriter for former President Barack Obama and author of Thanks, Obama .

Carter agrees: "I always say anywhere between two and five minutes—and no more than five minutes," she says. "You want to keep things short and sweet." It's just as important to keep in mind when the speech will take place when determining length, since toasts are often timed with meal courses: "Be mindful of how long a course generally takes or how long it takes people to eat," Carter adds, noting that most courses last between 15 and 20 minutes and that several speeches have to fit inside each window. "If there are other people speaking, you want to be mindful and give them space."

Wedding Speech Tips

Now that you've established the right framework for your words, take note of these essential tips for acing the delivery from a few speaking pros.

Rehearse Regularly

The better prepared you are, the more confident you'll be and the better your speech will be, says author and professional speaker Barry Maher . A good rule of thumb is to practice the speech enough that you can remember the points you want to make and the order in which you want to make them. That way, you can look out to the crowd and make eye contact every so often.

Record Yourself Practicing

Use your phone to take a video of yourself practicing, suggests Kate Kenfield , speaker and sex educator. "It can be a little uncomfortable to watch yourself, but you'll be able to identify distracting mannerisms, such as the verbal pauses 'um,' 'uh,' and 'like'." It's also a good idea to practice your speech in front of someone else. "A second opinion can help you craft your piece and make it that much stronger," she says.

Don't forget body language! Rehearse the speech in front of a mirror and notice things like your facial expression, eye contact, and hand position.

Avoid Alcohol

Although it may be tempting to look for some liquid courage, alcohol definitely won't do you any favors, warns keynote speaker Amy Morin , author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do . "It may cause you to slur your speech and forget your lines, so wait until after your toast to celebrate," she advises. If you need a drink to loosen up the nerves or can't refrain from participating in a toast without being rude, stick to one glass of Champagne before you address the crowd.

Use Nerves to Your Advantage

A little nervousness can actually liven up your speech. "I get worried if I'm not a little nervous," says Maher. "I'll actually try to make myself a little tense to get my energy level up." The key is to harness that energy and communicate it in a positive, genuine way; tensing up to the point that you forget your words or panic won't make for a great presentation.

Be Yourself

Keep in mind that you're not putting on a show, only sharing your personal perspective. Trying too hard to force the funny can yield the opposite of the desired effect, cautions Matt Dalley, co-founder of Simply Eloped . "I've noticed that keeping it short and sweet, heartfelt and warm, and coming across as authentic and focused on the couple is something we are all capable of and generates some very wonderful moments," he says.

Never Embarrass the Newlyweds

It's a wedding toast, not a roast. While this should go without saying, keep the bachelor or bachelorette party jokes out of it, and remember that grandma and possibly a few colleagues are in the audience, notes Laurie Battaglia , a keynote speaker and workplace strategist. "It's okay to look back at childhood and refer to something funny, but ask yourself if you'd like 200-plus of your closest friends knowing that story about you."

Use Your Notes

Reading your speech straight from a piece of paper is a big no-no. However, having a couple of note cards handy is encouraged. "You're likely to be nervous, excited, and exhausted, which can make you forget your lines," explains Morin. "The audience won't care if you glance at your notes. In fact, there's a good chance they won't even notice."

Wedding Speech Brainstorm Ideas

Need some inspiration? Ask yourself these questions to get the brainstorming process going.

• Who will speak before you? After you? How will this affect the content of your toast? (Perhaps you want to include a reference to their speech, thank them for an introduction, or introduce the next speaker).
• Is there someone you should thank for making the event possible and inviting you to speak?
• What would you want to hear in this speech if you were in the audience?
• Is there a favorite story or memory that the couple would want you to share with their friends and family?

Wedding Speech Examples to Make Your Own

So, what does it look like when all these elements come together? Wedding vow and speechwriter Katelyn Peterson , owner and creator of Wedding Words , offered us three examples of successful toasts to inspire your own.

Maid of Honor Wedding Speech Example

"Hi, I’m Maya, the bride’s older sister . With Lucy being three years younger, we fell right into our respective roles as sister-rivals growing up. We constantly fought over stolen clothes, monopolizing the phone back when landlines were a thing, and what boy band to blare from the car speakers. I’m still Team Backstreet Boys while Lucy is forever indebted to NSYNC.

Looking back on those memories, I should have stepped up and granted Lucy permission to wear my favorite sweater for picture day, to hand her the phone once in a while, and to let her play, 'Bye Bye Bye.' Even I can admit that’s a good one. But despite Lucy being the younger sister, she has always been more patient, more accommodating, and more thoughtful than me. And that’s because when it comes to the people she loves, she’s all in.

She’s the one to prioritize their desires. She’s the one to compromise first. And, she’s the one to support their dreams as if they were her own. 

This is why it makes me so happy to know that Lucy has found a home in David. He matches her in compassion, thoughtfulness, and warmth. And I know he’ll spend his life prioritizing her desires, being ready to compromise, and supporting her dreams as his own.

Cheers to Lucy and David! May you always feel loved because you always put each other first."

Best Man Wedding Speech Example

"Hello, everyone. My name is Luke and I’m the best man . I met Robert eight years ago when I became his neighbor. His reputation preceded him as I had heard about the 'Block Party King' before my closing papers were inked. 

Rob has never been the guy to wear fancy clothes. In fact, I’m still in shock seeing him in that tux tonight. And he’s never been the guy to show off even though the work he’s put into his vintage Mustang could make Henry Ford himself envious.

But when it comes to cooking, he should receive an award. His pulled pork is a staple at our summer block parties and his homemade barbeque sauce has remained our neighborhood’s best-kept secret. But the most satisfying part about his delicious dishes is that there’s always plenty to go around. And Rob makes sure your plate is never empty. I have no idea how he pulls it off, but Rob has a covert ability to scoop seconds onto your plate without you ever seeing him do it. I hope you all came hungry tonight, folks. You’ve been warned! 

The first time I met Jasmine I could immediately tell she was an amazing person. She laughed at his jokes which I never thought anyone would get. She supported his career and the nonstop travel involved. But most importantly, whenever we’re all hanging out, Jasmine is the one always topping off Rob’s plate with more pasta, more chicken, more of everything. When she’s around, it’s never empty. 

And that’s when I saw what a perfect match they were for each other. I know they will always put each other first, make sure their needs are met, and will never allow the other to go hungry.

So let’s raise our glasses to toast the newlyweds! As you begin this next chapter together, may your plates and your hearts always remain full."

Father of the Bride Wedding Speech Example

"Good evening, family, and friends. I’m Daniel Lee, the father of the bride. I’d like to welcome you to this special occasion where we get to celebrate the love between my daughter Allison and her new wife, Kristin. 

Standing up here today, I’m reminded of all the moments that led to this significant one. The dance recitals that ended with standing ovations and the soccer games that concluded with winning scoreboards. 

But, while those were fun and rewarding times, those aren’t the moments I cherish most with Allison. The memories that make me smile the brightest are those in-between the big stuff moments. It’s the makeshift magic shows in our living room using a bedsheet that Allison confiscated from our linen closet to convert into a curtain. It’s the countless tea parties she hosted with exclusive invitations just for me and her beloved stuffed bear, Buttons. And it’s the way she’d beg to stay up for just five more minutes but was asleep on the couch by minute number two.

Those everyday, blink-and-you’ll-miss-them moments with Allison are the ones that gave color to my life and filled my heart with a happiness I never knew could exist.

So, my beautiful daughter, as you begin your life with Kristin today, I have one wish for you: May your warmest memories come from the ordinary moments throughout your marriage, and may those moments give you a reason to smile brighter every day. Cheers! I love you both." —Daniel

What Not to Say in a Wedding Speech

Your job when delivering a wedding speech is to keep things light—tell an anecdote, make an emotional connection, then wish the couple well before you close out. Anything that doesn't feel definitively positive should be avoided. "I would advocate against bringing up negative details, specifically past relationships or past spouses," says Carter. "Skip anything that you wouldn't want to be physically recorded and played over and over again—this is a rule of thumb."

Keep it light, delicate, and present- and future-focused, Carter adds. "If you're going to go into the past, make those stories really intentional," she says. "Bring those stories back to who they are now. Your mission is to create a great environment and vibe and to potentially give some information about one of the newlyweds, so that it's enlightening for all guests."

A Guide to Wedding Reception Toasts

• Who Gives a Speech at a Wedding Reception?
• How to Write a Wedding Toast
• Tips for the Father of the Bride Speech
• How to Write a Best Man Toast
• Advice for the Maid of Honor Speech
• What to Know About a Newlywed Toast
• currently on Public Speaking Experts' Wedding Speech Tips
• 60 Quotes to Use for Your Wedding Toast

Related Stories

• 55 Boho Wedding Ideas That Are Organic and Ethereal
• How to Write the Perfect Groom Speech
• How to Write and Deliver an Incredible Maid of Honor Speech
• The Wedding Speech Order You Should Follow at Your Reception
• 39 Funny Wedding Toasts and Speeches That'll Get the Whole Room Laughing
• Mother-of-the-Bride Speech Examples and Writing Tips
• How to Plan the Ultimate Wedding Cocktail Hour
• How to Set Up a Polaroid Guest Book at Your Wedding—Plus, 13 Ideas That Prove How Fun This Interactive Trend Really Is
• 19 Best Wedding Guest Books for Every Wedding Style and Theme
• How to Write the Best Bridesmaid Thank-You Card
• 110 Wedding Cocktail Hour Songs for the Perfect Playlist
• How to Write Wedding Thank-You Cards—Plus, 12 Examples to Inspire Your Own Heartfelt Notes
• How to Write and Deliver the Perfect Best Man Speech
• How to Write a Sister-of-the-Groom Speech
• How to Write and Deliver a Perfect Father-of-the-Bride Speech
• How to Create the Ultimate Wedding Seating Chart

The 7 Most Beautiful Wedding Ceremony Scripts…Ever

by islandmike | May 24, 2020

Ready to find the perfect ceremony script for your wedding?

This post includes a compilation of 7 of the most beautiful wedding scripts in the history of weddings.

• A Deeply Moving Non-Religious Ceremony Script
• Mildy Religious Wedding Ceremony
• Super Simple (and Short) Civil Ceremony
• A Traditional Religious Ceremony
• A Civil Ceremony – Short and Powerful
• A Lovely Religious Script with Corinthians Chapter 13
• Playful Civil Ceremony

PLEASE NOTE: Feel free to modify any of these scripts to fit your style.  You can always make a non-religious ceremony religious by adding a prayer and scripture reading.   Or you can change out the vows if you found something better.  (You may also find helpful The Most Comprehensive Guide Ever on Traditional Wedding Vows .)

ADDITIONALLY: Some minor changes were made to some of the scripts for aesthetics by world-famous wedding officiant Island Mike.

FINALLY: If you are having a family member or friend perform your wedding ceremony, make sure they are legally ordained: Get Ordained Now (* Wanderlust Bay Ministries can have them ordained and prepared to perform the most beautiful wedding in the world by the weekend. )

1. A Sweet, Secular Ceremony Script From The Knot   INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME:

Good evening everyone!

From this place (here the minister or officiant should describe something about your chosen ceremony venue/location, about the significance or beauty of the location), we take ourselves out of the usual routines of daily living to witness a unique moment in the lives of ______ and ______. Today they join their lives in the union of marriage.

To all their guests, they are happy to share this moment with you. They have known most of you  for many years. You watched them grow up, you went to school with them, or you worked  with them. Because you are the ones who have supported them and known them so well, it is  only fitting that you are the ones to share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with them.

______ and _____ are pleased to have their parents in the front row…close to them for the  ceremony.

______ thanks her mother for providing her with every opportunity possible and being  the best mother anyone could ask for.

______ appreciates all the love and support his parents gave him over the years.

A wedding day is often a day when couples miss family members no longer with them. For ______  and ______, there are family members whose memories they hold dear.

(Here you can insert references to loved ones that have passed away.  Or you can mention loved ones that couldn’t be present for other reasons.)

And so it is that _____ and _____ present themselves to be married today…surrounded by the  people they love the most.

As _____ and _____ prepared for the ceremony part of this wedding celebration, they reflected  on what it is that they love about each other.  And this was was the easiest part of planning this wedding!

To the Groom:

______ (Groom’s name), ______ (Bride’s name) loves that you blend in so comfortably with her family.  She sees in you a funny, kind, and sweet  man. She loves that you think she is funny and that you always find a way to compliment her.

She loves that you always want to be close to her. You remember details of the stories she tells. You  want to be part of her family and circle of friends. You help her around the house. Most  importantly, you are so close that even when she is at her worst, you have never made her feel  like you want anything but to be closer to her.

______ (Bride’s name), _____(Groom’s name) loves that you ______________________(fill in the  blank). He loves your brain, your smile, and your beauty. He appreciates that  you are “low maintenance.” He likes that you can be really silly. He loves your emails and  texts. He loves your cooking. He loves your kisses. He just really loves you!

You both look to a shared future that includes raising a happy &  healthy family. That future also  includes a richly lived life together…going out to restaurants, hanging out with  family, relaxing at home in front of the TV, singing and dancing…Bride will do the singing, and  Groom will do the dancing.

The years will come and go…you won’t take each other for granted, you will laugh a lot, you  will be the best parents you can be, you will grow older and wiser together. It’s a good story, and the ending is not in sight!

(Optional Reading)

MARRIAGE VOWS:

We come now to the words ____ and _____ want to hear the most today…the words that take  them across the threshold from being engaged to being married.

A marriage, as most of us understand it, is a voluntary and full commitment. It is made in the  deepest sense to the exclusion of all others, and it is entered into with the desire and hope that it  will last for life.

Before you declare your vows to one another, I want to hear you confirm that it is indeed your  intention to be married today.

____, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to _____ in  marriage? If so, answer “I do.”

_____, do you come here freely and without reservation to give yourself to _____ in

marriage? If so, answer “I do.”

_____ and _____, having heard that it is your intention to be married to each other, I now ask  you to declare your marriage vows.

Please face each other and hold hands.

Groom, please repeat after me…

I, _____ take you, _____  to be my wife.

I will share my life with yours,

and build our dreams together,

Support you through times of trouble,

and rejoice with you in times of happiness.

I promise to give you

respect, love and loyalty .

This commitment is made in love,

kept in faith,

lived in hope,

and made new every day of our lives.

Bride, please repeat after me…

I, _____,  take you, _____,  to be my husband.

Build our dreams together,

EXCHANGE WEDDING RINGS

Your wedding ring are the outward and visible sign of the inward and invisible bond which  already unites you two hearts in love.

Groom, place the ring on Bride’s finger and repeat after me….

I give you this ring.

Wear it with love and joy.

As this ring has no end,

My love is also forever.

Bride, place the ring on Groom’s finger and repeat after me….

May the wedding rings you exchanged today remind you always that you are surrounded by  enduring love.

Everyone has advice for newlyweds.  _____  and ______, I offer these good wishes to you on this special day.

May your life together be blessed with prosperity and good health.   May you always share open and honest communication between each other.   May you respect each other’s individual talents and gifts and give full support to each  other’s professional and personal pursuits.

May you cherish the home and family you will create together.   May all the years to come be filled with moments to celebrate and renew your love.   May your love be a life-long source of excitement, contentment, affection, respect, and  devotion for one another.

DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE

And so now by the power vested in me by __________________, it is my honor and delight to declare

you husband and wife. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.

I am pleased to present the newlyweds, Mr. and Mrs. ______________!

  2. Mildly Religious Ceremony Ceremony found on Erin’s Blog .

We are gathered together on this day to witness and celebrate the marriage of __________ & _________. We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to acknowledge and strengthen a bond that already exists. This ceremony is a public affirmation of that bond and as their dearest family and friends, it is our honor and privilege to stand witness to this event.

This day is made possible not only because of your love for each other, but through the grace and support of your family and friends. It is our hope that your fulfillment and joy in each other will increase with each passing year.

Marriage is a commitment in life, where two people can find and bring out the very best in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal, a physical and emotional joining that has the promise of a lifetime.

OPENING PRAYER

Let us bow our heads in prayer. Lord, we thank you for gathering everyone here today. We ask that you help _____ and _____ to remember the strong love that they share. To work that love into practical things so that nothing can divide them. May their love always inspire them to be kind in their words, considerate of the other’s feelings, and concerned for the other’s needs and wishes. Increase their faith and trust in You. Bless their marriage with peace and happiness and make their Love fruitful for Your glory and their joy, both here and in eternity. Amen.

While the commitment begins with the two of you, its effect radiates outward. It touches your family and friends and ultimately all of society. When this commitment is seriously made and continuously fulfilled, it leads to the richest and most rewarding of human relationships.

Your relationship will take more than love. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. Dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both.

While love is our natural state of being, these other qualities are not as easy to come by. They are not a destination, but a journey. Marriage is a give and take between two personalities, a mingling of two endowments which diminishes neither, but enhances both.

CHARGE TO THE COUPLE

Seeing that no moment is without meaning, we ask that you take this marriage as a beginning of your lives together. Today signifies the creation of a new home and a new family for you both. May you be fulfilled by each other’s love and friendship. May you be overjoyed by the promises you are about to make and the life together you will create.

Remember that in every marriage, there are good times and bad, times of joy and times of sorrow. Marriage is a journey – a time of adventure and excitement enhanced by the love, trust, dedication and faith you share in one another.

May the promises you make to one another today, be lived out to the end of your lives. Tomorrow can bring you the greatest of joys, but today is the day it all begins.

_____ and _____, do you, with your family and friends as your witnesses, present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined in marriage?

Will you promise to care for each other in the joys and sorrows of life, come what may, and to share the responsibility for growth and enrichment of your life together?

Groom, please repeat after me.

I, ____, take you ____, to be my wedded wife

I give to you in the presence of these witnesses

My promise to stay by your side,

In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow,

As well as through the good times and the bad.

I promise to love you without reservation,

Comfort you in times of distress

Encourage you to achieve all of your goals,

Laugh with you and cry with you,

Grow with you in mind and spirit

Always be open and honest with you,

And cherish you for as long as we both shall live

Bride, please repeat after me

I, _____, take you _____, to be my wedded husband

EXCHANGING OF THE RINGS

Having this love in your hearts, you have chosen to seal your vows by exchanging rings.

From the earliest times, the circle has been a sign of completeness. The rings that you have chosen to wear have neither beginning nor end, much like your love for one another. They are a symbol of the words that you speak today. May these rings be from this day forward, your most treasured adornment, and may the love they symbolize, be your most precious possession. As you wear these rings, may they be constant reminders of these glad promises you are making today.

_____, take this ring, place it on _____’s finger and repeat after me.

I give you this ring as a symbol

of my love and faithfulness to you.

_____, take this ring, place it on _____’s finger and repeat after me.

_____ and _____ from this moment forward you will never be alone. You will carry with you the love of another person, giving you a completeness and renewed lightness. May your life together be immersed in love and excitement. May you strive to enrich each other in every possible way. And may you work to bring the peace you find to this world.

Having pledged their fidelity to one another, to love, honor and cherish one another in the presence of this gathering and by the authority vested in me by the constitution and the laws of this state, it is my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my honor to be the first to introduce you to: Mr. and Mrs. _____________.

BECOME AN ORDAINED MINISTER NOW

3. Super Simple (and Short) Civil Ceremony I found this one on Snippet and Ink . WELCOME REMARKS:

Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We are gathered here today,  surrounded by the beauty of creation and nurtured by the sights and sounds of nature to  celebrate the wedding of _____ and _____.

You have come here from near and from far away  to share in this commitment now they make to one another, to offer your love and support to  their union, and to allow ______ and ______ to start their married life together surrounded by the  people dearest and most important to them.

_____ and _____ thank you for your presence here today. They ask for your blessing,  encouragement and lifelong support, for their marriage and life shared together. They also remember  other loved ones who cannot be here to share this moment.

_____ and ____, marriage is the promise between two people who love each other, who trust that love, who honor one another as individuals in that togetherness, and who wish to spend  the rest of their lives together. It enables the two separate souls to share their desires,  longings, dreams, and memories, their joys and sorrows, and to help each other through all u ncertainties of life.

A strong marriage also nurtures each of you as separate individuals and allows you to maintain your unique identity and grow in your own way through the years  ahead. It is a safe haven for each of you to become your best self.

You are adding to your life not only the affection of each other, but also the companionship  and blessing of a deep trust. You are agreeing to share strength, responsibilities and love. It takes more than love to make this relationship work.

It takes trust, to know in your  hearts that you want only the best for each other. It takes dedication, to stay open to one  another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And it takes faith, to go forward  together without knowing what the future holds for you both.

DECLARATION OF INTENT AND SHARING OF VOWS

_________ and _________, please join hands, look at one another now and remember this moment in

Officiant: Groom, do you take Bride to be your wife? I do.

Officiant: Bride, do you take Groom to be your husband? I do.

Officiant: _____, please take _____’s hand and repeat after me.

________, I take you as you are/ loving who you are / I promise from this day forward/ To be grateful for our love and our life/ To be generous with my time, my energy and my affection/ To be patient with you and with myself/ To fill our life with adventure and our home with laughter/ To inspire you to grow as an individual / To love you completely/ These things I pledge to you

_____, I take you as you are,/ loving who you are/ I promise from this day forward/ To be grateful for our love and our life/ To be generous with my time, my energy and my affection/ To be patient with you and with myself/ To fill our life with adventure and our home with laughter/ To encourage you to grow as an individual / To love you completely/ These things I pledge to you

GIVING OF RINGS

Officiant: Please present the rings

Your wedding ring is a symbol of your promise to one another. The ring, an unbroken, never ending circle, is a symbol of committed, unending love.

_____, as you place this ring on Bride‘s finger, repeat these words after me:

This ring symbolizes my love for you/ and the commitments we made today

_____, as you place this ring on Groom‘s finger, repeat these words after me:

CONCLUSION & PRONOUNCEMENT

______ and _____, you have come here today of your own free will and in the presence of family and friends, have declared your love and commitment to each other. You have given and received a ring as a symbol of your promises. By the power of your love and commitment to each other, and by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now share your first kiss as husband and wife.

Congratulations. Friends and family, I now present to you the newly married couple. Let’s hear it for ‘em!

4. A Traditional Religious Ceremony Found on A Paper Proposal 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. It is the duty of each of you to find your greatest joy in the company of the other; to remember that your love pledged today must remain undivided for a lifetime.

It is your duty, _____, to be to _____, a considerate, tender, faithful, and loving husband: to support, guide and cherish her in prosperity and trouble; to thoughtfully and carefully enlarge the place she holds in your life; to constantly show to her the tokens of your affection, to shelter her from danger, and to love her with an unchangeable love.

It is your duty, _____, to be to _____, a considerate, tender, faithful, and loving wife; to comfort, guide and cherish him in prosperity and trouble; to give to him the unfailing evidences of your affection; to continue making the place he holds in your heart, broader and deeper; to support him, value him and work with him to make your marriage the very best that it can be.

I call your attention to the seriousness of the decision which you have made and the covenant you are about to declare before God. The vows you are about to take are not to be taken without careful thought, for in them you are committing yourselves exclusively to one another for as long as you both shall live.

WEDDING VOWS

If you are ready to assume the obligations and duties before God, as I have defined them, you will unite your hands and pledge your love and your lives to each other.

Groom, repeat after me.

I ____, take you, _____, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

Now Bride, please repeat after me.

I _____, take you, _____, to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

You will now exchange rings as a symbol of the lifelong commitment and abiding love which you as husband and wife have promised to each other.

Groom, please place the ring on _____’s finger, and repeat after me.

I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.

And Bride, please place the ring on _____’s finger and repeat after me.

(Great Place for a Reading)

CLOSING PRAYER

Eternal God, help _____ and _____ to fulfill the promises they have made here today and to reflect your steadfast love in their commitment to each other. Give them kindness and patience, affection and understanding, happiness and contentment. May their family and friends continue to support them in difficult days, so that their love for each other may continue to grow as long as they both shall live.

Let us all pray.

Our Father, who art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done,

On Earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us,

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

And the power, and the glory,

Forever and ever.

_____ and _____, having witnessed your vows for marriage before God and all who are assembled here, by the authority invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride!

It is my pleasure to introduce to you for the first time…

5. A Civil Ceremony – Short and Powerful Found at Wedding Bee WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

Welcome! Good afternoon, family and friends.  We have come here today to celebrate the wedding  of ______ and ______.  On behalf of the bride and groom, thank you for joining us.   By your presence, you celebrate with them the love they have discovered in each other,  and you support their decision to commit themselves to a lifelong relationship.

Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection.  By making this commitment today, ______ and ______’s relationship will become stronger, better, and deeper.

Today, _____ and _____ demonstrate their devotion to each other by dedicating themselves to a life together and they show their respect for each other.  By setting forth to honor the vows they have created today, their lives, which began on separate paths, will be joined as one.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF FAMILY & FRIENDS

Today represents not only the joining of ______ and ______ but also the joining of their families and friends.

_______ and ______ would like to recognize their parents on this occasion.  They offer their profound gratitude for all the love and care their parents showed in raising them.  The unconditional gifts of love and support that you have continually offered have inspired them to become who they are today.  Without you, this day would not be possible.

_____ have also asked that we take a moment to honor those loved ones who are not with us today

[Names of those acknowledged here]

MARRIAGE ADDRESS

Deep abiding affection, the magical and compelling shared impulse that makes us seek each others’ company, is among the greatest gifts of the human experience.

Any of us who has been fortunate enough to find and express the kind of loving devotion that we are celebrating here today knows that it is an awesome and beautiful thing.

At this time, I would like to share 3 suggestions with the both of you:

My first suggestion is this:

Be constantly grateful for this precious person who has chosen to make a life with you.

My second suggestion is this:

Be generous with compliments.  Be attentive and helpful. The world can be a tough place

and any of us can be subject to rough handling.  Each of you can, by your tenderness toward each other,

kind words and thoughtful actions, make your marriage and your home an uplifting refuge.

Last, but perhaps most importantly:

Make truth the unfailing bedrock of your lives together. A happy, loving marriage is built on trust and respect. That trust and respect can only be sustained if you are both deeply committed to always being open and truthful in every exchange no matter how small.

My hope for you is this:

That you have many long years to delight in each other’s company, to feel gratitude for your great fortune in having found each other.

To a make home together that is at once sheltering and welcoming, to each do meaningful, productive work at home and in the world and to love and be loved by the friends and family who have come here today to support you

MARRIAGE STATEMENT OF INTENT/CONSENT

_______ and ______, do you, present yourselves willingly and of your own accord to be joined in marriage? 

Then please turn to each other and share your vows.

Today I promise you/that though the world may change/

and though we may change with it/

I will always love you/always treasure you/and will share all that I am with you/

I am proud, from this day forward/to be called your wife/husband

RING EXCHANGE

For thousands of years, men and women have exchanged rings as a token of their vows.

Let these rings be a sign that your love has a past, a present, and a future.

______, take _____’s ring and place it on her finger and repeat after me:

I give you this ring/as a sign that I choose you/

To be my wife/my partner/and my best friend/to the end of my days.

The love already shared by your hearts has been strengthened by the vows you have taken and the rings you have now exchanged.

PRONOUNCEMENT

______ and ______, we have heard your promise to share your lives in marriage.   In the honesty and sincerity of what you have said and done here today, a nd in accordance with the laws of the state of __________i t is my honor and delight to declare you henceforth t o be husband and wife.

You may seal your vows with a kiss.

6. A Christian Wedding Ceremony – Scriptural  

From a Wedding Ceremony to Remember

WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION

We welcome all of you here today as we have gathered together in the presence of God and these witnesses to join _____ and ______ in holy matrimony.

Marriage is a gift from God, given to us so that we might experience the joys of unconditional love with a lifelong partner. God designed marriage to be an intimate relationship between a man and a woman.

______ and ______, because your deep love for each other comes from God above, this is a sacred moment, and it is with great reverence that I now ask you to declare your intent.

______, do you take _____ to be your wedded wife, to live together  after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?   Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, remain faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

And ______, do you take _____ to be your wedded husband, to live  together after God’s ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony?

Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, remain faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

Who gives _____ to be married to ______?

(The Escort shall say): Her Mother and I or I do or We do or Her family or other.

Today is the beginning of a new life together for you. It marks the commencement of new relationships to your families, your friends, and certainly to each other. You have invited these special guests to share in one of life’s greatest moments as they give recognition to the worth and beauty of your love and add their best wishes to the words that shall unite you today as husband and wife.

God knew your needs when He brought you together. He knew exactly what you needed to make you complete. And now, He wants you to commit yourselves to each other as the one He has chosen to complete you.

Through the ages, man has tried to define “love.” Poems, songs, and books all have been written trying to describe this little four letter word. But the best description I have found comes from God Himself, since He is the Author of love. In His Word in First Corinthians, Chapter 13.  It describes the kind of love that must characterize your lives if you are to live in joy and harmony and honor with each other, and also before God and your fellow man.

Listen to what it says:

CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 13 INSERTED HERE

______, I believe you are saying to all of us today that you are committing yourself to this  woman only, moving toward her in a more open and intimate way, giving yourself to care for her, and promising to love her as she needs to be loved.

And ______, I believe you are saying to us that you are committing yourself to this man only, moving toward him with increasing openness, tenderness, and respect, giving yourself to him, and trusting him as the head of your home, and, through him, listening to God’s plan for your life together.

And so, (Groom) , if you will love (Bride) as Christ loves the church, and

(Bride), if you will respond to (Groom) as unto the Lord,

your companionship as husband and wife will blossom into a physical, emotional, and spiritual closeness beyond which nothing can compare.

I, ______, take thee, ______, / to be my wedded wife, / to have

and to hold / from this day forward, / for better, for worse, / for richer, for poorer, / in sickness and in

health, / to love and to cherish, / till death do us part. / This is my solemn vow.

I, ______, take thee, _____, / to be my wedded husband, / to have and to hold / from this day forward, / for better, for worse, / for richer, for poorer, / in sickness and in health, / to love and to cherish, / till death do us part. / This is my solemn vow.

EXCHANGE OF THE RINGS

The wedding ring serves as a symbol of the promises you have just spoken. It is the outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible love that binds your two hearts together. The wedding ring also is a symbol of what God is. He is without beginning and without end—He is eternal.

As you can see, the ring is without beginning and without end. So I believe this exchange of rings not only reminds us of the unending love you have for each other, but also reflects the eternal love God has for each of you.

May I have the token of Groom’s love for ______?

This ring I give in token and pledge / as a sign of my love and devotion. / With this ring, I thee wed.

May I have the token of Bride’s love for ______?

WEDDING PRAYER/BLESSING

Our Heavenly Father, we ask Your blessing upon these two lives and the home they are establishing today. May the love they have for each other grow deeper and stronger because of their love for You.

Lord, You guided them to each other, now guide them in this new journey as husband and wife. As they walk down this path, light their way so they may keep their eyes focused on Your will, their hands holding fast to Your truth, their feet firmly planted in Your Word, and their hearts bound together by Your love. This we pray in Your name. Amen.

_____ and _____, since you have consented together in holy  matrimony, and have pledged yourselves to each other by your solemn vows and by the giving of rings, and have declared your commitment of love before God and these witnesses, I now pronounce you husband and wife in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Those whom God hath joined together, let no man separate.

_____, you may kiss your Bride.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. __________.

7. Playful Civil Ceremony

Brought to you by Miss Fancy Pants

Welcome! _____ and _____ have brought us together here for an occasion of great joy and a cause for great celebration. Having found each other, they have built the kind of relationship that will serve them well as the foundation for their marriage. They have chosen each one of you to be here with them to witness their wedding vows as they join together as husband and wife.

Marriage is a bold step into an unknown future. It is risking who we are for the sake of who we can be. In marriage, two lives are intimately shared; and the blending of the two must not diminish either one. Rather, it should enhance the individuality of each partner.

Each of us knows that a marriage is not created by a law or a ceremony; rather it occurs in the hearts of two human beings. It grows out of loving, caring, and sharing ourselves with another. This ceremony is not magic, it will not create a relationship that does not already exist and has not already been celebrated in all the commitments _____ and _____ have made to each other, both large and small, in the days since they first met and recognized their connection to one another.

So, in witnessing this ceremony today, we are observing only an outward sign of an inward union that already exists between _____ and _____. This ceremony is a symbol of how far they have come together and a symbol of the promise that they will make to each other to continue to live their lives together and to love each other solely and above all others.

There are only two official witnesses at a wedding but each and every person here today will witness the words that they will speak to one another and the vows that they will make. You should take good care to remember these words; for a marriage needs the help of a community, of friends and family who will be there when needed and will do all that they can during hard times to stand by _____ and _____ and offer their support to them and the new family that they create today. May you always do all within your power to support the union that will be made here today and to nurture the bond between these two people whom you love.

If the old fairy-tale ending “and they lived happily ever after….” is taken to mean “They felt for the next fifty years exactly as they felt the day before they were married,” then it says what probably never was nor ever would be true, and would be highly undesirable if it were. Who could bear to live in that excitement for even five years? What would become of your work, your appetite, your sleep, and your friendships? But, of course, ceasing to be “in love” need not mean ceasing to love.

Love in this second sense-love as distinct from “being in love” and it is not merely a feeling. Love is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habit; reinforced by the grace which both partners receive from God. They can have this love for each other even at those moments when they do not like each other; as you love yourself even when you do not like yourself. They can retain this love even when each could easily allow themselves to be “in love” with someone else. “Being in love” first moved them to promise fidelity but this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. It is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it.

DECLARATION OF INTENT

A successful marriage is not something that just happens. It takes work, it takes patience, and it takes time. It takes a commitment from both of you… a commitment to do whatever it takes to make your relationship thrive and not just simply survive.

_____, will you take _____to be your lawfully wedded wife and travel the rest of life’s road with her? Will you love her, laugh with her, comfort her, honor and protect her, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?

_____, will you take _____ to be your lawfully wedded Husband and travel the rest of life’s road with him? Will you love him, laugh with him, comfort him, honor and protect him, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?

EXCHANGE OF VOWS

_____ and _____, the symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed- well, I meant it all, every word.” Before this moment you have been many things to one another- acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this – is my husband, this – is my wife.

I, _____, choose you, _____ In the presence of our friends and families, To be my wife/husband and partner From this day forward; To love you, To be a comfort and safe haven in your life, To hold you close, To listen deeply when you speak, To uphold you with my strength, To weigh the effects of the words I speak And the things I do, To never take you for granted, And to always give thanks For your presence in my life.

This is the point in the ceremony when people talk about the wedding bands being a perfect circle, having no beginning and no end. But we all know that these rings have a beginning. Rock is dug up from the earth. Metals are liquefied in a furnace at a thousand degrees. The hot metal is forged, cooled, and then painstakingly polished. Something beautiful made from raw elements.

Love is like that. It comes from humble beginnings, made by imperfect beings. It is the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all.

The promises which you have spoken to each other today are inscribed forever in your minds, in your hearts. But words are fleeting so let these rings serve as a reminder of the feelings you have in your hearts at this very moment. 

Now, Repeat after me:

Groom (and then Bride), with this ring I am giving you my promise/to always love you/ cherish you/honor you and comfort you. I promise that I will love you/and keep my heart open to you/all the days of my life.

_____ and _____, n o one but you can declare yourselves married. You have begun it here today in speaking your vows before your family and friends and you will do it again in the days and years to come, standing by each other, sharing all that is sweet and bitter in life. Each tender act, each loving word will be the declaration of what was made here today.

Therefore, it is my joyful responsibility to officially acknowledge your union as “Husband and Wife”. You may now seal your marriage with a kiss.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my privilege to present to you for the very first time as husband and wife, ____________.

All of the above wedding ceremonies have been tried and tested in the real world at some of the most beautiful weddings ever witnessed. 

Now all you need is to choose a wedding minister that can deliver the script masterfully.  So get your officiant ordained with Wanderlust . 🙂  

Share this post with your friends!

• ⭐ Find vendors
• New Reader?
• Submissions

Search Offbeat Wed (was Offbeat Bride) For:

To search, type and and press enter.

Offbeat Wed (was Offbeat Bride)

Altar your thinking: alternative wedding planning

Non-traditional, non-religious, NON-BORING officiant wedding script

At Offbeat Wed, we specialize in helping folks officiate wedding ceremonies . We've shared TONS of unique and nontraditional wedding sample scripts , and this is our most popular officiant wedding script of all time!

When I was engaged, I scoured the interwebs to find pieces to make up our personalized wedding ceremony that was non-traditional, nonreligious, and most importantly non-boring .

We twisted some traditions and added our own flair (champagne toast! unity box full of letters! serenade!) to create a beautiful non-religious ceremony for our wedding day that I am happy to share with others. So if you're wondering “What do officiants say at weddings?” let our ceremony script be your example!

Here we go…

Our wedding ceremony script

Feel free to lean on this text if you'd like to build your own officiant wedding script.

Introduction to our non traditional wedding

OFFICIANT'S DECLARATION OF INTENT: 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 on a stage, looking fancy, holding flowers, and being stared at by pretty much everyone who has meant anything to you in the past twenty-something years. 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.

[Insert your own love story here]

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.

So today, we have some words about what love is, coming from some of the people who love you the most.

[Insert your own wedding readings if you have them]

How to find and include readings in your wedding ceremony?

When it comes to "elements to include in a wedding," one of the first things that many people think of are readings. And there's a good reason why -- so many of us have such a strong connection with words. Finding the right quotes, poems, or passages, that capture a feeling or a moment, can help us when we aren't feeling especially creative, or can't find our own words to share how we feel. But where can you find these perfect words to include in your ceremony? And how can you include them?

Our wedding vows / Exchange of vows

OFFICIANT: 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 1], keep [Partner 2] as your favorite person — to laugh with her, go on adventures with her, support her through life's tough moments, be proud of her, grow old with her, and find new reasons to love her every day?

Steal this super-simple wedding ceremony script

We got married a few months ago, and we wrote the ceremony and vows ourselves. I wanted to share them with you guys in case any of you were looking for something short and simple.

PARTNER 1: I will.

[Same question is then asked of Partner 2]

OFFICIANT: Will you, [Partner 1 and 2], be each other's partners from this day forward? Will you bring out the best in one another, share your happiest moments together, and love each other absolutely — for the rest of this lifetime and for whatever may come next?

PARTNERS 1 and 2: We will.

Exchange of rings

OFFICIANT: You’ve both chosen to wear rings as a reminder of these promises. People often say wedding bands are a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end. But these rings did have a beginning. The stones were formed a long time ago deep with the earth. Eventually, a series of lucky events caused them to rise to the surface, where someone dug them up. Metal was then liquefied in a furnace at a thousand degrees — molded, cooled, and painstakingly polished. Something beautiful was made from raw elements.

Love is like that. It comes from humble beginnings, and through a combination of serendipity and effort, imperfect beings shape it into something extraordinary. It’s the process of making something beautiful where there was once nothing at all. As you each look at your wedding ring over the years, I hope you remember that. You’ve created something invaluable, and just as I know you’ll protect these rings, I’m confident you’ll protect the commitments you’ve made to one other today.

Final toast

OFFICIANT: I hope I haven't talked so long that people finished their drinks, because this is a celebration, and every celebration needs a toast.

So to wrap this up before we all head into the reception hall for a delicious dinner and lots of dancing, I'll ask you all to raise your glasses to Katie and Mallory as we celebrate their love.

[toast adapted from Blessing for a Marriage by James Dillet Freeman ]

May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring. May you need one another, but not out of weakness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you look for things to praise, often say, “I love you!” and take no notice of small faults. May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it loving one another.

Guest Post By: Mallory Perryman

I'm Mallory, a PhD student who lives in Madison, Wisconsin. My partner is Katie, a physical therapist who looked absolutely stunning on our wedding day in Columbia, Missouri. I'm originally from Arkansas, Katie is from southern Missouri, and we were married in front of 200 friends and family members, then we'll get legally married in Hawaii.

Meet our fave wedding vendors

Comments on Non-traditional, non-religious, NON-BORING officiant wedding script

This is absolute perfection and I think I’m going to steal pretty much the whole thing. The only thing I’m going to change is the ring part, because we’re getting tattoos and not rings. But, other than that, it’s amazingly and wonderfully perfect!! Thank you so much for sharing and allowing us to steal this.

This is awesome and I am totally going to steal some of it for our wedding in June.

I’ll definitely be stealing large portions of this. It’s too perfect.

I was just remarking how I was needing something like this. We have an officiant who has married hundreds of people but she wants us to look through some ideas and we are clueless! Also, we are living in CoMo and getting married out of state by HI! CoMo reppin!

Thanks you’ve just made my officiants job REALLY easy!!!

I adore this! We may steal bits and pieces for our own ceremony! Thank you so much for sharing! 😀

Thanks for sharing! My partner and I are trying to throw a wedding that is mostly a cocktail party that happens to include some vows thrown in. This helps us get closer to making that happen.

Feel free to borrow whatever you like! On my website, you can see the full readings we used:

– “Love is Friendship Caught Fire” by Laura Hendricks – “Loving the Wrong Person” by Andrew Boyd – “Captain Corelli’s Mandolin” (excerpt) by Louis de Bernières

Followed by a personalized version of “I wanna grow old with you,” sung by my brothers.

We’re having Love is Friendship Caught Fire, as well. 🙂

Can you tell me how long the ceremony was from start to finish?? I borrowed a good half of this and mine is getting a little long now… Thank you!! 🙂

The script posted here is a shortened version. The whole thing (posted on my blog) lasts 23 minutes. I was once a TV news producer, so it is timed down to the minute, haha. The timing assumes the person performing the ceremony has a smooth delivery style and average pacing — i.e., someone who is a decent public speaker.

The readings and the parts the officiant added took the longest. If I were trimming, I’d do only one, maybe two, readings and ask the officiant to keep their bits short.

Hope this helps! I’m always happy to hear when people use part of our ceremony. https://lovepartyblog.wordpress.com/

Is it possible you can email the script I’ve tried from the iPad and not having success

It is brilliant I must say!

Oh, this might be my favorite ceremony posted here!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! As another female (girly couple) your vows and blog have been invaluable! Look out 8th March 2015!

I love this so much! These are the truest wedding vows I’ve read in a while. I may steal parts of this for my wedding in June 🙂

So I read this post and totally fell in love with this ceremony so my fiance and I are totally stealing it for our Hawaii wedding in June. We made some small changes, added in somethings but it really spoke to us as a couple. Thank you for sharing. I have gotten so many wonderful ideas from Tribe members. I hope I get to share all of mine with you when it is all said and done.

My new husband (yay!) and I used most of this script for our ceremony this past Saturday. It was just perfect for our short-and-sweet ceremony and who we are as a couple. Thank you so much for sharing!

This is the most beautiful AND grounded ceremony script I’ve read in these months leading up to our wedding. Your words are wonderful and say everything we want to express during our ceremony. My fiance and I have just taken most of it for our upcoming nuptials. Thank you so much for graciously sharing with us.

So gonna have to use some, ok lots of this….I know I can make it work for the 3 of us. Always looking for help….so hard to find poly marriage stuff. So glad I stumbled upon the Offbeat Bride! woot woot! 🙂

I love the continual mention of it being a partnership! We are a team, and not that we need to fight the world, but if we did, it’s going to be us against everything. I adore this.

This is EVERYTHING. Thank you so much for a post that basically read my mind! We are so not into the church wedding/please give me $500 officiant thing, so even though I’m a writer, I struggled with how to write a wedding ceremony that lasted longer than 5 minutes. Now I don’t have to worry! Done and DONE. Thank you thank you THANK YOU.

Thank you SO much for posting/sharing this!! I couldn’t believe how difficult it was to find a laid back ceremony. This ceremony was exactly what I was looking for 🙂 You rock!!

This was awesome!!! I officiated my first wedding this past Friday and I used a lot of this script, along with some of my own wording. I wasn’t sure where to start and this helped tremendously!!! The couple were so pleased! And I was offered to officiate another wedding, so it must have worked:). Thank you so much for sharing!!!

Oh man. This is aces. Just beautiful!

You know, I read this site religiously – every post through my RSS feed. I’m frequently surprised how often I’m linked back to something completely perfect that I somehow missed the first time around.

I love the feel of this ceremony, it’s exactly the level of sweet and silly and honest that we’re going for. Thanks for providing the perfect foundation!

Amazeballs! I’m officiating a wedding soon and will be using lots from your ceremony! You really get what a marriage is all about. I love the laid back feel and combination of sweet loving and goof ball adventure living you represent. Thanks for keepin it real!

OMG this is perfect!!!

I might steal this to use at my wedding. Although I think the officiant we might be getting might not mind going off this. That and I’m sure he would do something VERY similar.

Thank You!!!

These texts sounds great! I think that all future newlyweds should be inspired, it’s the truest wedding vows I’ve read… Thanks for sharing!

This is beautifully written. I wanted to thank you–I’ve been scouring the internet for wedding ceremonies as I write my own, and this one was a huge inspiration to me. I particularly liked (and will be stealing/adapting) the part about love as a uniting force across differences, which is something I was trying and failing to put into words in my ceremony. I wish you and Katie many happy years together.

thanks for sharing, this is great!

I found this script last summer while my husband and I were planning our wedding. We used this as a basis for our own ceremony, making a few changes here and there. (Our rings are both gold, so I inserted a few lines about gold being created in a super nova, and THEN being dug up and made into a ring.. lol.. Geeky I know, but so are we….)

This script worked perfectly. Thank you for posting it!

This is beautiful! We will be stealing some bits and pieces for sure. Thank you for sharing 🙂

Yep! We used some bits and pieces of the ceremony and vows! Thank you for sharing your beautiful work here!

Thank you for sharing! We will think fondly of you on June 11, 2016 when the beautiful words and thoughtful structure of your ceremony become part of our own. You’ll never know how stressed we were about figuring out this part of our wedding and how grateful we are to have found your post.

Greeting me and my boyfriend/ fiance is looking for ideals for our wedding and we are wanting to do either a Halloween Wedding or an Autumn Wedding. I am shouting for a wedding close to Mabon, but it is what he and I are wanting to do to make our love know to all those around us. That our love is Strong and Wonderful.

This is incredible. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!!!!

I have been having trouble coming up with a ceremony that will suit us and I think I have just found it! I’ll have to see what he thinks of this as a base but I think he will like it too. Thank you so much for sharing this. It is a huge help! Now to find the perfect wording for our invitations that works with our Alice in Wonderland theme……

Hi! I just want to congratulate you Mallory for your inspired writing, you are truly gifted. And I also want to thank you so much for sharing it with us. I definitely will credit you in our wedding. I’m getting married next November in a little town in south Brazil. Just so you and Katie know how far your love and inspiration have reached. 🙂

I may or may not use exactly this. What a beautiful script. Thank you for sharing such a big part of your special day!

Thank you for providing these scripts. I am going to officiate my first wedding this month, and it is for my best friend, and this really worked for her. I appreciate the ideas. Keep them coming!!

Hi Mallory!

This is really amazing! Can you zip me an email at [email protected] ? I want to see if you’re cool with us adapting this for a potentially televised wedding?

Thank you so much for sharing your ceremony script! I cried most of the way through it as I read it aloud to my fiance. It is simply beautiful and will figure prominently into our own wedding ceremony! Best wishes for a lifetime of happiness! : )

As a wedding officiant, I will say this-if you are doing the champagne toast: DO NOT DO IT UNTIL AFTER THE SIGNING OF THE DOCUMENTS!!! As beautiful and original as each wedding is, it is a legal ceremony, whether it is religious or non-religious. Your officiant cannot (at least in Canada, but I’m sure many other countries) legally marry you if they believe that you are under the influence of alcohol. Happy wedding planning!

Doesn’t really apply to this ceremony, since the people getting married are kissing while everyone else is toasting with champagne.

Complete perfection! THANK YOU FOR SHARING! I am going to use most of this for my wedding in January!

Thank you for sharing! This is beautiful. Full of hopes and truths.

This is perfection! I’m officiating my first wedding tomorrow, and I have clarity now!

Such a fantastic place, and beautiful wedding <3 !!!

After I initially left a comment I seem to have clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I receive four emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service? Cheers!

It’s amazing how many of the comments echo my own thoughts; that this ceremony is just perfect. I’ve been searching online for inspiration to write our ceremony and quite frankly I’m just going to steal most of this! I’ve just tried re-writing it, but it feels like it’s already mostly in my own words! And best of all, I was trying to work out how to add a toast into our wedding as we’re not having speeches, so ending the ceremony with one is a great idea! Thank you for the inspiration xxx

I love this so much! It is exactly what I was looking for, and I plan to use most (if not all) of it for our ceremony next spring! Thank you for sharing.

We’d like to use some of this for our ceremony. Offbeat Bride, how would you like to be credited?

Hey Suzanne! I wrote this- no credit needed. You’re so thoughtful for asking. Glad you are able to use it and congratulations on your wedding!

I will echo everyone else, this ceremony is beautiful!!! I am not a writer, and you were able to take my feelings and put them to words. THANK YOU for sharing this so we can all borrow from it!!!

Thank you for this! I love the toast part!

Beautiful Images, love your style

Thank you for sharing your beautifully written ceremony script! We borrowed quite a bit of this for our own wedding and are so grateful to have found this while planning.

A huge thank you for sharing this! I officiated my best friend’s wedding two weeks ago and this definitely helped my get my ideas in order. It is beautifully written and perfectly funny. Thank you xx

This script is utter trash. Why do you think this is what people want when they search for a non-traditional script? Four paragraphs of filler for the officiant to pontificate the same bullshit about love? How is this “not” boring?

The good news here is that this is one of MANY scripts we have on the site: https://offbeatwed.com/tag/ceremony-script/

Perhaps one of our other ones might feel less trash-like for you?

Thank you for the perfect words! We borrowed some of your ceremony script. It was everything that we could have wanted. It was cool, modern, to the point, sweet and beautiful. I had never heard a script written in this particular way and I did look around a bit online. Yours clearly stood apart. I’m so happy that I found your site and for your generosity. – Lorraine from Los Angeles

I’m not crying you’re crying <3 For real though this script is beautiful!

That was fantastic!

I just feel the need to comment on this and say WOW. This really struck a chord with me despite not being religious; it’s beautifully written! That creative writing degree sure paid off 😀

Comments are closed.

• NEW Wedding Ideas

Sample Wedding Ceremony Scripts You’ll Want to Borrow

A heartfelt thank you to Generation Tux for sponsoring this post! They really do simplify the suit and tuxedo rental process, Generation Tux has revolutionized the way we approach wedding attire. With an easy and enjoyable online experience, they eliminate the need for store visits, last-minute pickups, and ill-fitting garments.

Generation Tux ensures a stress-free wedding planning journey. Offering over 25 premium quality wool suits and tuxedos, they empower you to customize your look from bowtie to dress shoes.

Rest assured with their guaranteed fit, as their innovative fit technology, eTailor, utilizes an algorithm that automatically sizes you for a perfect fit. The seamless coordination of groomsmen and wedding party rentals is made effortless with event tracking and groomsmen management. Track all orders in your group from start to finish, receive automated alerts, and stay informed anywhere, anytime. Additionally, Generation Tux boasts an outstanding 5-star customer experience team and personal stylists, available seven days a week via phone or email, ensuring that your wedding attire journey is not only stress-free but also tailored to perfection.

Generation Tux goes above and beyond to enhance your wedding experience by offering a range of exclusive benefits. Enjoy a complimentary rental for the wedding couple with 5 or more paid rentals in your party, or savor a free look to keep for the couple with 7 or more paid rentals.

Now onto what you came for sample wedding ceremony scripts, because you're getting married. We must also mention that all the Groom's in this post are wearing Generation Tux .

Be on the same page.

Whether you and your partner decide to craft the ceremony yourselves or entrust the script to the officiant, the key is to ensure a shared vision. The ceremony is a celebration of your love, so it should genuinely mirror your preferences.Understanding the couple as well as the essence of their relationship, there is a commitment to crafting a ceremony that authentically captures their unique connection. Before drafting a sample script, sit down and listen to each other's desires.

DON’T WING THE VOWS.

Not every couple wants to exchange handwritten vows, and that’s okay!! Personalized vows certainly don’t supersede more traditional vows. That said, if you do want to write your own vows , it’s important that you and your fiancé both dedicate sufficient time to perfecting your prose. You’ll be making promises to each other, reminiscing on the most epic and monumental moments of your relationship (as much as you wish to share), and committing to a lifetime together, so your words should be reasonably rehearsed. Know that your vows are truly for you both, so you don’t need to feel pressure to appeal to any of your guests.

Yet, being on the same page with your officiant, you should have a game plan about how much time should be spent on each portion of your ceremony - and together, you’ll agree on an appropriate amount of time for your vow exchange.

Programs do have a purpose.

We’ll say it again: weddings do have a pretty familiar format, from one to another, in that they all usually have a processional, a welcome, readings or an anecdote/address/sermon of sorts, vows, exchange of rings, pronouncement, first kiss, and recessional. But apart from that, they can be as bespoke and tailor-made as possible. That’s why wedding programs aren’t just for show, they serve a purpose, especially if a bride and groom are having a religious ceremony or one that might be extraordinarily unique.

Providing guests with something to reference while they sit for the ceremony is super helpful - 1) to make guests feel included in the day and 2) to help them understand what is taking place during the wedding ceremony. I won’t lie, I love programs, and I think they’re the perfect place for couples to share messages with their guests and let them in on anything that’s particularly meaningful to them or their love story. Of course, creating their own wedding website can help with that, too!

Okay, here are some sample wedding ceremony scripts for your perusal! But before we jump in, just one really important thing for you to consider....

Only invite peple to the wedding, who you know will come to your wedding ceremony.

That’s like our most critical piece of advice, especially when you’re mulling over your biggest budget killer. People who don’t come to your ceremony (without a good reason, of course), don’t deserve to party with you. And yes, it’ll happen. Trust us when we say that, because there will be people who you’ll notice aren’t there. And those fine individuals aren’t actually fine, they suck👎. The wedding ceremony is the most important part of your big day and your happily-ever-after that follows, so guests should be there for it all .

If only there was a way to make it grossly clear that you expect your guests to be present for EVERY part of your wedding day - not just for the dance floor and open bar.... You could; however, make your own custom invitations (we've got a whole bunch of FREE printables ) and include whatever little FYIs... if you're so inclined.

short, sweet and funny wedding ceremony script

Welcome. Welcome. Welcome.

Officiant: Good afternoon, lovely folks! We're gathered here on this spectacular day to witness the union of [NAME] and [NAME]. You all look fabulous, and the weather's not too shabby either. So, let's dive into the good stuff!

[NAME] and [NAME], today is not just about pretty invitations and a stunning venue. It's about the wild ride you've been on since you first crossed paths. Remember the time when you first met? You figured out each other's quirks, learned how to make each other laugh, and discovered the art of supporting one another through life's less-than-simple moments. You even managed to blend your families, friends, and communities into a new village, filled with warmth and enthusiasm. And guess what? Today, you're the mayors of that love-filled village.

Marriages come with their fair share of challenges, but today is a celebration of the love that has already conquered many obstacles. So, let's keep this party rolling!

Officiant: As part of today's festivities, [NAME] has enlisted the poetic talents of [NAME] for an original poem. Brace yourselves for some poetic magic.

(Poem Reading to proceed) Thank you [NAME] for that Poem

Wedding Vows.

Officiant: [NAME] and [NAME], hold those hands tight and repeat after me:

Couple: [NAME], I solemnly promise/ to spice up our days with laughter and beauty,/ to cheer for your victories/ and inspire you in times of doubt./ I vow to be your partner, confidant, and biggest fan,/ loving you for all the days of my life.

(Officiant turns to the other partner and repeats the vows)

Officiant: So, [NAME] and [NAME], are you both up for this adventure called marriage? Shout out a hearty "We do!"

(Couple says “We do!”)

Officiant: And to everyone here, are you ready to support this dynamic duo, remind them of their vows, and showcase love and family at its finest? Let me hear you scream, "We do!"

(Crowd says “We do!”)

Exchange of Rings.

Officiant: Behold the rings, symbols of life's crazy, unbreakable circle and the love that binds you. Slip those beauties onto each other's fingers and repeat after me.

Couple: I give you this ring/ a reminder of today,/ when we declared that our love conquers all./ May it continue to unite, inspire, and celebrate us/ throughout our adventure together.

Officiant: [NAME] and [NAME], with immense joy, I declare you partners in crime, officially married for the first time! Now, seal the deal with a smooch and let the celebrations commence! Cheers!

Prepared by Generation Tux

PERSONAL FRIEND AS OFFICIANT WEDDING CEREMONY SCRIPT

Officiant: Please be seated.

First, I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking each and every one of you for being here on this most happy of days. It’s no accident that each of you are here today, and each of you were invited to be here because you represent someone important in the individual and collective lives of NAME and NAME.

I truly can’t think of a better venue than _________ [“paradise” for a destination wedding, “this beautiful church” for a more religious affair, etc.] for an occasion that I know is not only monumental for the wedded-couple-to-be, but for all of us who are lucky to know and love them as individuals; but even more so as a perfect pairing.

The most remarkable moment in life is when you meet the person who makes you feel complete. The person who makes the world a beautiful and magical place. The person with whom you share a bond so special that it transcends normal relationships and becomes something so pure and so wonderful, that you can’t imagine spending another day of your life without them. For NAME, that happened about 20 years ago when s/he met me and we became best friends [add some humor if your officiant is a friend]. But about X years ago s/he met NAME, who is pretty wonderful, too. I know how deeply these two care for and love one another, and I feel privileged to be here today among all of you as a witness of their commitment to a lifetime of love for one another.

I think I’ve had the good fortune to meet most of you here today at some point or another, but for those of you whom I haven’t met, my name is [short biographical info about how the officiant knows the couple].

The Love Story.

Officiant: Now, NAME and NAME have asked that I keep this speech short, classy, and family-friendly, and politely asked me to leave out stories that are unflattering to either of them. So I’ve had to redline stories about previous flings...drugs or alcohol...encounters with the police...but I do feel comfortable saying, “I told you so.” Which is exactly what I said when I learned that NAME and NAME’s relationship was becoming truly serious.

As a third-party spectator to their developing love, it was extremely clear that the two of them represent a perfect pairing because each of them complements the other so well. They balance one another, and while each of them are tremendous individuals on their own, together they are even better. And being better together, as a team, a unit, and partners in crime, is what has been many years in the making and ultimately leads us to being here today, witnessing their commitment to one another in front of those they love most.

I wish I could tell you a single story about NAME and NAME that summarizes their relationship and how they enrich each other’s lives, and the lives of each of us, but the truth is there isn’t one single event that is a good encapsulation of what they mean to me, to each other, and to all of us. But what I do know is that both of them care deeply and passionately for each other; they protect each other; they make each other laugh and think outside themselves; that time magically seems to both fly and slow down when they’re together. They help each other in ways that are obvious and unnoticed, but always appreciated.

I also know that it’s not just anyone with whom you can have communication with simply a look, or remember the weirdest names of each other’s Lyft drivers, or surprise each other with reservations at a restaurant you’ve been eyeing for years, or say “I’m sorry” every time it’s warranted (...eventually). They do that for and with each other.

But it’s also my personal experiences with NAME and NAME that highlight the quality of their love. It doesn’t matter if I’m with them in person, or simply in a bizarre group text with them—when I’m engaging with NAME and NAME, I am always enjoying myself. And I am certain that that’s part of what makes them so special to each of us: how happy and contented we feel when we are with them. And what I wish for them on their wedding day is that their lifetime together as a team is one of complete contentment; full of those moments that they wish would never end, and that they continue to make one another smile and laugh as they make each of us do.

So, without further ado…

Dearly beloved and honored guests:

We are gathered together here to join NAME and NAME in the union of marriage.

This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities.

The grooms/brides/bride and groom have each prepared vows that they will read now.

[Exchanging of vows]

Officiant: And now:

NAME, do you take NAME to be your husband/wife?

Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him/her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him/her forevermore?

And NAME, do you take NAME to be your husband/wife?

Officiant: NAME and NAME will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Rings are a precious metal; they are also made precious by you wearing them. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle—a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end.

NAME, please place the ring on NAME’s left hand and repeat after me:

As a sign of my love

[“As a sign of my love”]

That I have chosen you

[That I have chosen you”]

Above all else

[“Above all else”]

With this ring, I thee wed.

[“With this ring, I thee wed.”]

And NAME, please place the ring on NAME’s left hand and repeat after me:

The Good Wishes.

Officiant: To make your relationship work will take love. Continue to date each other. Take time to show each other that your love and marriage grows stronger with time.

It will take trust to know that in your hearts, you truly want what is best for each other.

It will take dedication to stay open to one another—and to learn and grow together.

It will take loyalty to go forward together, without knowing exactly what the future brings.

And it will take commitment to hold true to the journey you have both pledged today.

The Declaration of Marriage / "The Kiss"

Officiant: And now by the power vested in me by _______________, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Go forth and live each day to the fullest. You may seal this declaration with a kiss.

I am so pleased to present the newlyweds, NAMES.

Prepared by Minted.com

Traditional Wedding Ceremony Script

Officiant: Welcome, family, friends and loved ones. We gather here today to celebrate the wedding of NAME and NAME. You have come here to share in this formal commitment they make to one another, to offer your love and support to this union, and to allow NAME and NAME to start their married life together surrounded by the people dearest and most important to them.So welcome to one and all, who have traveled from near and far. NAME and NAME thank you for your presence here today and now ask for your blessing, encouragement, and lifelong support, for their decision to be married.

Definition of Marriage.

Officiant: Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that—through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest. What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice you make to stand together as lifemates and partners.

Declaration of Intent.

Officiant: Will you, NAME, take this woman to be your wedded wife?

Groom: I will

Officiant: Will you, NAME, take this man to be your wedded husband?

Bride: I will

Officiant: In the spirit of the importance of strong friendships to a marriage, NAME and NAME have asked two friends to read selections about love that especially resonate with them.1st READING, followed by 2nd READING.

Support of Community.

Officiant: Two people in love do not live in isolation. Their love is a source of strength with which they may nourish not only each other but also the world around them. And in turn, we, their community of friends and family, have a responsibility to this couple. By our steadfast care, respect, and love, we can support their marriage and the new family they are creating today.

Officiant: Will everyone please rise. Will you who are present here today, surround NAME and NAME in love, offering them the joys of your friendship, and supporting them in their marriage?

All: We will

Officiant: You may be seated.

Officiant: We've come to the point of your ceremony where you're going to say your vows to one another. But before you do that, I ask you to remember that love—which is rooted in faith, trust, and acceptance— will be the foundation of an abiding and deepening relationship. No other ties are more tender, no other vows more sacred than those you now assume. If you are able to keep the vows you take here today, not because of any religious or civic law, but out of a desire to love and be loved by another person fully, without limitation, then your life will have joy and the home you establish will be a place in which you both will find the direction of your growth, your freedom, and your responsibility. Please now read the vows you have written for each other.

Bride and Groom: I NAME/NAME, take you, NAME/NAME to be my husband/wife, my constant friend and partner, and my love. I will work to create a bond of honesty, respect, and trust; one that withstands the tides of time and change, and grows along with us. I vow to honor and respect you for all that you are and will become, taking pride in who we are, both separately and together.I promise to challenge you and to accept challenges from you. I will join with you and our community in an ongoing struggle to create a world we all want to live in, where love and friendship will be recognized and celebrated in all their many forms. Our home will be a sanctuary and a respite for us and for those whom we cherish. Above all, I will give you my love freely and unconditionally. I pledge this to you from the bottom of my heart, for all the days of our lives.

Officiant: May I have the rings, please?

Please repeat after me: I give you this ring, as a daily reminder of my love for you.

Officiant: By the power of your love and commitment, and the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss each other!

Prepared by Nina Calloway for The Spruce

Modern Wedding Ceremony Script

Officiant: Good afternoon. NAME, NAME and I would like to welcome everyone on this gorgeous day. It’s because of all of you—because of this strong community—[NAME] and [NAME]’s relationship has strengthened and grown and led them to this very moment. Thank you for being here, now let’s begin.

[NAME] and [NAME], what you’ve accomplished here today is no small feat. Your journey began way before you sent out the invitations, chose this beautiful venue or even decided to spend the rest of your lives together.

Your journey began the moment you first met. You took the time to learn what makes the other person smile, what makes them laugh and how to best support them when life is less than simple. You welcomed each other’s families, communities and lifelong friends, and joined them together with warmth and enthusiasm. You built a new village with your love, and have worked every day to support this village as it changes and grows.

Marriages bring hard days, just as they bring beautiful ones. This day is a reminder of what your love has already accomplished, and the amazing possibilities of what it can continue to accomplish and overcome in the many, many years ahead of you.

Officiant: As our reading today, [NAME] has asked his/her cousin to perform an original poem to honor their vows.

(Reading to proceed)

Officiant: [NAME] and [NAME], please take each other’s hands and repeat after me:

Couple: [NAME], I swear to you/ that I will dedicate my life from this day forward/ to filling our days with beauty and laughter./ I will celebrate your spirit and all of your accomplishments/ work to inspire you/ and be here to remind you of your beauty and strength./ I take you today as my partner/ my confidant/ my other half/ and I will love you for the rest of my life.

(Officiant turns to other partner and repeats the vows)

Officiant: [NAME] and [NAME], do you take one another as partners, form this day forward, as husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife? Please yell a hearty “We do!”

Officiant: And to everyone here, do you promise to stand by this couple, to remind them of their vows, and to act as an example of love and family? Please yell a hearty “We do!”

Officiant: [NAME] and [NAME] have chosen these rings to represent the unbreakable circle of life and love. Please place them on each other’s ring fingers and repeat after me.

Couple: I give you this ring/ to remind you of this day/ when in front of our closest community/ we vowed that our love can overcome all things/ that our love unites, inspires and celebrates/ and will continue do so for the rest of our lives.

Officiant: [NAME] and [NAME], it is with such joy that I now send you out into the world to spread the beautiful light that you share with those around you. By the power vested in me, I now, for the first time, pronounce you married. Now kiss and go celebrate! Prepared by Shutterfly editors

Once more, a big thank you to Generation Tux for their sponsorship of this post and for ensuring that all the grooms and groomsmen appear incredibly sharp.

Continue to next story

Wedding Speech

Wedding speech generator.

What Is a Wedding Speech?

Download Wedding Speech Bundle

Wedding Speech Format

Introduction.

a. Greeting and Welcome: Start by greeting the audience and introducing yourself. Example: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s [relation] / [Groom’s Name]’s [relation].” b. Relationship to the Couple: Briefly explain your relationship to the bride and groom. Example: “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing [Bride’s Name] since we were kids, and it’s an honor to stand here today.” c. Expressing Gratitude: Thank the hosts, guests, and anyone who contributed to the wedding. Example: “Thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special, and to all of you for being here to celebrate this joyous occasion.”

a. Sharing Memories: Include personal anecdotes or stories that highlight the character and journey of the bride and groom. Example: “I remember the time when [Bride’s Name] and I… [insert a funny or heartwarming anecdote].” b. Highlighting Qualities: Talk about the qualities that make the bride and groom special individually and as a couple. Example: “What I admire most about [Groom’s Name] is his unwavering loyalty and kind heart. Together, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] are an incredible team.” c. Mutual Love and Respect: Emphasize their love story, how they met, and their journey to this day. Example: “From the moment they met, it was clear that [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name] were meant to be. Their journey has been filled with love, laughter, and shared dreams.” d. Offering Advice or Wishes: Share some wisdom or advice for a happy marriage, if appropriate. Example: “Remember to always communicate openly, support each other through life’s challenges, and keep laughter at the heart of your relationship.”

a. Summarizing Key Points: Recap the main sentiments and highlights of your speech. Example: “To sum up, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], your love and commitment to each other are truly inspiring.” b. Raising a Toast: Invite everyone to join you in raising a glass to the couple. Example: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and endless adventures together. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]!”

Wedding Speech Example

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s [relation, e.g., best friend, brother, sister, etc.]. It is an absolute honor to stand before you today on this wonderful occasion. I’d like to start by thanking all of you for being here to celebrate the marriage of [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. Whether you’ve traveled from near or far, your presence means the world to them.” Body: Sharing Memories: “I’ve known [Bride’s Name] for as long as I can remember. From our childhood adventures to late-night talks about our dreams, she has always been an incredibly important part of my life. One of my favorite memories is when we were [insert a funny or heartwarming anecdote, e.g., ‘when we were ten, we decided to bake a cake for our parents. It was a disaster, but we laughed so hard, and it’s a memory I cherish to this day.’]” Highlighting Qualities: “[Bride’s Name] is not only my best friend but also one of the most compassionate, thoughtful, and resilient people I know. She has always had a heart of gold, and she lights up any room she walks into. [Groom’s Name], from the moment I met you, I knew you were the perfect match for [Bride’s Name]. Your kindness, patience, and unwavering support have been evident from the start. Together, you bring out the best in each other, and it’s clear that your love is something truly special.” Mutual Love and Respect: “Their journey together began [insert how many years ago or how they met, e.g., ‘five years ago when they met at a mutual friend’s party’]. From that moment, it was clear that they were meant to be. Their relationship has been filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. Watching your love story unfold has been a privilege, and I know that your future together will be just as beautiful.” Offering Advice or Wishes: “As you embark on this new chapter together, I want to share a few words of wisdom: Always communicate openly and honestly with each other. Be each other’s biggest supporters and celebrate each other’s victories. Keep laughter at the heart of your relationship, and never take each other for granted. Love is a living thing that grows and flourishes with care.” Conclusion: Summarizing Key Points: “To sum up, [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name], your love and commitment to each other are truly inspiring. Today is a celebration of your journey so far and the beautiful future that lies ahead.” Raising a Toast: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]. May your marriage be filled with endless love, joy, and laughter. May you continue to grow together, building a life rich with beautiful memories and happiness. Here’s to a lifetime of love, companionship, and incredible adventures. Cheers!” Closing: “Thank you all for being here tonight, and let’s continue to celebrate this wonderful couple!”

Short Wedding Speech Example

Introduction: “Good evening, everyone. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [Bride’s Name]’s [relation, e.g., friend, brother, sister]. It’s an honor to stand here today and celebrate the love between [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name].” Body: Sharing Memories: “I’ve known [Bride’s Name] for many years, and one of my favorite memories is [insert a short anecdote, e.g., ‘when we went on a road trip together and ended up getting lost but had the best time laughing and exploring new places.’]” Highlighting Qualities: “[Bride’s Name], you are one of the most kind-hearted and joyful people I know. And [Groom’s Name], from the moment I met you, I could see how perfect you are for [Bride’s Name]. Together, you make an incredible team.” Offering Advice or Wishes: “As you embark on this new journey together, my advice is simple: keep communicating, keep laughing, and never stop supporting each other.” Conclusion: Summarizing Key Points: “Your love for each other is truly inspiring, and I know you have a bright and beautiful future ahead.” Raising a Toast: “Now, if everyone could please raise their glasses… Here’s to a lifetime of love, happiness, and wonderful adventures together. To [Bride’s Name] and [Groom’s Name]! Cheers!” Closing: “Thank you all for being here to celebrate this special day!” This concise speech covers all the essential elements: introduction, personal anecdotes, compliments to the couple, advice, and a toast, making it heartfelt and memorable without taking up too much time.

Additional Tips for a Wedding Speech

• Speak from the heart and be authentic in your words and emotions.
• Aim for a speech that is between 5-7 minutes long to maintain the audience’s attention.
• Mix heartfelt sentiments with light-hearted humor for an engaging and memorable speech.
• Rehearse your speech multiple times to become comfortable with the content and delivery.
• Focus on positive, celebratory aspects and avoid controversial topics or negative comments.

More Wedding Speech Examples and Samples

• Best man speech
• Father of the Bride Speech
• Groom wedding speech
• The Toast Speech on Wedding
• Traditional wedding toasts
• Bride to the bridesmaids toast
• Maid of honour speech
• Childhood stories Speech for Wedding
• Mother of the bride Speech
• Parents of the groom Speech
• Tell anecdotes about the groom
• Thank you for supporting our dreams Speech
• The newlyweds toast Speech
• Wedding Speech for Best Friend
• Wedding Speech for Sister
• Wedding Speech for Brother
• Father of the Groom Speech
• Mother of the Groom Speech
• Bride’s Speech
• Groom’s Speech
• Groomsman Speech
• Wedding Toast Speech
• Sibling Speech for Wedding
• Friend of the Couple Speech
• Grandparent Speech for Wedding
• Wedding Reception Speech
• Emcee Speech
• Thank You for coming Speech for Wedding
• Wedding Welcome Speech
• Vows Speech for Wedding
• Pre-Wedding Dinner Speech
• Wedding Planner Speech
• Religious Leader Speech for Wedding
• Cultural Ceremony Speech for Wedding
• Destination Wedding Speech
• Elopement Announcement Speech for Wedding
• Wedding After-Party Speech
• Engagement Party Speech
• Renewal of Vows Speech for Wedding
• Civil Ceremony Speech for Wedding

Wedding Welcome

Wedding Anniversary

Sample Wedding Speech

Groom Wedding Speech Guide (PDF)

Short Wedding Speech Guidelines

How to Write a Wedding Speech

Step 1: let the crowd know you, step 2: plan in advance, step 3: give thanks to everyone, step 4: practice your speech, tips for wedding speech.

1. Know Your Audience

• Gauge the Mood: Understand the overall vibe of the wedding. Is it formal or casual? Tailor your speech to fit the atmosphere.
• Consider Relationships: Acknowledge both sides of the family and mutual friends. Make sure to include remarks that will resonate with everyone present.

2. Start with a Strong Opening

• Introduce Yourself: Briefly introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the couple.
• Grab Attention: Use a captivating opening line, a heartfelt quote, or a light-hearted joke to draw in your audience.

3. Keep It Personal and Heartfelt

• Share Memories: Include personal anecdotes that highlight your relationship with the couple. Make sure they are meaningful and appropriate.
• Express Emotion: Be sincere in your words. Express your genuine feelings about the couple and their union.

4. Include Humor (But Keep It Tasteful)

• Lighten the Mood: Incorporate some light-hearted jokes or funny stories. Ensure that the humor is appropriate for all ages and doesn’t offend anyone.
• Balance is Key: Mix humor with heartfelt moments to keep the speech engaging.

5. Focus on the Couple

• Highlight Their Qualities: Talk about the bride and groom’s best qualities and how they complement each other.
• Their Journey: Mention significant milestones in their relationship and how they’ve grown together.

6. Offer Good Wishes

• Future Wishes: Share your hopes and dreams for their future together. This can include advice, blessings, or simply well-wishes for their new journey.

7. Practice Your Delivery

• Rehearse: Practice your speech several times before the wedding. This helps you become comfortable with the content and delivery.
• Timing: Aim for a speech that is between 5-7 minutes long. This keeps it concise and avoids losing the audience’s attention.

8. Stay Calm and Confident

• Breathe: Take deep breaths to calm your nerves before speaking.
• Pace Yourself: Speak slowly and clearly. Pause for effect and to let your words sink in.
• Eye Contact: Make eye contact with the audience to engage them and appear confident.

9. End with a Toast

• Raise a Glass: Conclude your speech by inviting everyone to join you in a toast.
• Simple and Sincere: Keep the toast short and sincere, wishing the couple happiness, love, and a bright future together.

10. Be Yourself

• Authenticity: Speak from the heart and be true to your personality. Authenticity resonates well with audiences and makes your speech memorable.

Additional Tips:

• Avoid Controversial Topics: Steer clear of any potentially divisive or controversial topics.
• Stay Positive: Keep the tone of your speech positive and celebratory.
• Hydrate: Drink some water beforehand to keep your throat clear.
• Notes: It’s okay to have notes, but try not to read directly from them. Use them as a guide to keep you on track.

Uses of Wedding Speech

• Expressing Gratitude : Wedding speeches are an opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the wedding. This includes parents, family members, friends, and even vendors. Expressing gratitude helps acknowledge their efforts and support, making them feel valued.
• Sharing Stories and Memories : Speeches at weddings allow speakers to share cherished stories and memories about the couple. These anecdotes can be humorous, touching, or inspiring, adding a personal and intimate element to the celebration.
• Offering Blessings and Well-Wishes : Wedding speeches often include blessings and well-wishes for the couple’s future. This tradition reinforces the communal support and love surrounding the newlyweds as they embark on their life together.
• Highlighting Relationships : Through wedding speeches, speakers can highlight the relationships they have with the couple. This could be the bond between parents and their children, the friendship shared with the best man or maid of honor, or the connection with extended family members.
• Providing Entertainment : Wedding speeches often incorporate humor and heartfelt sentiments, providing entertainment for the guests. A well-delivered speech can evoke laughter and tears, enhancing the emotional impact of the celebration.
• Setting the Tone for the Event : The tone of wedding speeches can influence the overall atmosphere of the wedding. Speeches that are warm, loving, and sincere can create a joyful and positive environment, contributing to the success of the event.
• Capturing the Essence of the Couple : Wedding speeches offer a platform to celebrate the unique qualities and journey of the couple. Speakers can reflect on the couple’s story, their strengths, and what makes their relationship special, creating a lasting tribute.
• Encouraging Social Interaction : Speeches can help break the ice and encourage social interaction among guests who may not know each other well. Personal stories and shared laughter can bring people together, fostering a sense of community.
• Honoring Traditions : In many cultures, wedding speeches are a significant tradition that adds to the ceremonial aspect of the wedding. Participating in this tradition honors the cultural and familial heritage, adding depth to the celebration.
• Contributing to Wedding Memories : Speeches are often remembered long after the wedding day. They become part of the couple’s cherished memories, and recordings of these speeches can be revisited in the future, preserving the sentiments expressed.

What is the purpose of a wedding speech?

A wedding speech celebrates the couple, expresses love, and shares memories, adding a personal touch to the wedding ceremony.

Who traditionally gives speeches at weddings?

Traditionally, the best man, maid of honor, bride’s father, and sometimes the couple themselves give speeches.

What is the best way to practice my wedding speech?

Practice your speech by reading it aloud multiple times, recording yourself, and rehearsing in front of friends or family.

How can I make my wedding speech memorable?

Make your speech memorable by being sincere, adding humor, and including personal stories that highlight the couple’s relationship.

What topics should I avoid in a wedding speech?

Avoid controversial topics, inappropriate jokes, ex-relationships, and anything that might embarrass the couple or guests.

How do I start a wedding speech?

Start with a greeting, introduce yourself, and mention your relationship to the couple before sharing your stories and sentiments.

What should be included in a wedding speech?

Include personal anecdotes, heartfelt wishes, gratitude, and a toast to the couple in your wedding speech.

How long should a wedding speech be?

A wedding speech should typically be 5-7 minutes long to keep the audience engaged and the event on schedule.

Can I include quotes in my wedding speech?

Yes, including meaningful quotes or poems can add depth and resonance to your wedding speech.

How can I manage my nerves during a wedding speech?

Manage nerves by practicing thoroughly, taking deep breaths, and focusing on the couple and your message.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

How to write a heartfelt Wedding Speech for a best friend

Crafting a Wedding Speech for your sibling's special day

Words at Ease

6 Examples of Speeches about Events

Speeches are a powerful way to connect with an audience, inspire them, and leave a lasting impact.

Crafting the perfect speech for the occasion is key, whether addressing a large crowd at a conference or delivering heartfelt remarks at a wedding.

Examples of Speeches about Events

As a seasoned speechwriter, I’ve had the privilege of writing speeches for all sorts of events over the past three decades.

In this article, I’ll share some examples that illustrate the range of what’s possible when it comes to event speeches.

So let’s get started and see how these samples can help spark ideas for your next speaking engagement!

Keynote Speech at a Technology Conference

Good morning, everyone. It’s an honor to be here with you today at the annual Tech Innovators Summit. As we gather to discuss the latest advancements and trends shaping our industry, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Technology is transforming every aspect of our lives at a breathtaking pace. From the smartphones in our pockets to the AI-powered systems that are revolutionizing industries, we are living in an age of unprecedented innovation. But with great power comes great responsibility. As tech leaders, it’s up to us to ensure that these advancements are harnessed for the greater good – to solve pressing challenges, create opportunity, and build a better future for all.

That’s why events like this summit are so crucial. They provide a forum for us to come together, share ideas, and collaboratively chart a course forward. Over the next two days, we’ll hear from brilliant minds across disciplines about how emerging technologies like blockchain, quantum computing, and the Internet of Things are poised to disrupt and reshape our lives. We’ll grapple with thorny ethical questions around data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the societal implications of automation. And hopefully, we’ll walk away motivated to leverage our collective expertise to drive positive change.

At the heart of innovation is improving people’s lives in meaningful ways, whether it’s developing clean energy solutions to combat climate change, using big data to personalize healthcare, or creating inclusive tech that empowers underserved communities. The work we do has the potential to be transformative on a global scale.

So as we kick off this year’s summit, I challenge all of you to think big and bold. To imagine new possibilities and push past perceived limitations. To build diverse teams and foster a culture of experimentation and risk-taking. And above all, to keep the human impact at the forefront of everything you do. When we combine technological prowess with empathy, creativity, and a commitment to social good, there’s no limit to what we can achieve together.

Thank you, and have a fantastic summit!

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This rousing keynote sets an inspiring tone for a technology conference. It celebrates progress while acknowledging the immense responsibilities tech leaders face. By touching on hot-button issues and challenging the audience to harness innovation for social good, it provides a thought-provoking framework for the event.

Best Man Speech at a Wedding

Mike, Ashley – congratulations. I think it’s safe to say this day has been a long time coming. When Mike and I were growing up, I never imagined I’d one day have the honor of standing beside him as he married the love of his life. But from the moment I saw you two together, I knew you were meant to be.

Mike has been my faithful sidekick – the Watson to my Sherlock, the Chewbacca to my Han Solo. We’ve shared so many adventures over the years, from those ill-advised backyard wrestling matches to that epic cross-country road trip. Through thick and thin, Mike’s loyalty, kindness, and goofy sense of humor have been a constant. He’s the kind of friend who’s always there when you need him, whether it’s to crack a perfectly timed joke or to listen with a compassionate ear.

And then he met you, Ashley, and everything changed. Sure, he still made time for our hijinks and heart-to-hearts. But it was clear his universe had realigned, with you at the very center. I watched him light up in your presence, his eyes dancing whenever you walked into the room. He started using words like “soulmate” unironically. And I realized my best buddy had fallen head-over-heels in love.

Seeing the two of you together just feels right. Your playful banter, your tender stolen glances, the way you balance each other out so perfectly. Ashley, your warmth, grace, and quiet strength make you an ideal match for Mike’s generous spirit and zest for life. You both share a commitment to lifting those around you and making the world a bit brighter. It’s been a joy to watch your love story unfold.

So as you embark on this new chapter together, I wish you all the happiness your hearts can hold. May your home be filled with laughter, your adventures be many, and your love continue to grow deeper with each passing year. I’m so grateful to be a part of your life. Here’s to your incredible journey ahead! Cheers!

Commentary: This warm, heartfelt best-man speech strikes the perfect balance of humor and sincerity. It paints a vivid picture of the couple’s love story while highlighting what makes their bond so special. The personalized anecdotes and well-wishes make it ideally suited for a wedding reception.

Welcome Speech at an Academic Conference

Esteemed colleagues – welcome. It is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to officially open the 45th International Symposium on Molecular Biology.

Over the next four days, we have the opportunity to engage in the critical exchange of ideas that propels our field forward. As we gather to present cutting-edge research, grapple with complex scientific problems, and forge new collaborations, I am struck by the caliber of the minds in this room.

From seasoned luminaries to rising stars, the depth of expertise represented here is truly staggering. It is a testament to the vitality and importance of the work we do – work that holds the potential to deepen our understanding of the fundamental processes of life, to unlock novel therapies for devastating diseases, to push the boundaries of what we thought was possible.

As we explore a packed program of keynote addresses, panel discussions, and poster sessions, I encourage you to approach each interaction with an open and inquisitive mind. Challenge assumptions, engage in lively debate, and seek out perspectives different from your own. True breakthroughs are born in the collision of ideas.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge the tumultuous times we find ourselves in. Amidst a global pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and the ever-present specter of climate change, the role of science in society has never been more crucial – or more hotly debated. As researchers, we have a profound responsibility to uphold the integrity of the scientific method, to communicate our findings clearly and truthfully, and to use our knowledge in service of the greater good.

It is my sincere hope that our time together at this symposium will not only deepen our scientific understanding but also strengthen our sense of purpose and community. May the connections forged and insights gleaned here resonate long after we depart.

Thank you, and let the 45th Symposium begin!

Commentary: This welcome speech sets an intellectually engaging tone for an academic conference. It acknowledges the expertise of the audience while framing their work in the context of pressing global challenges. The call for open and collegial scientific exchange offers an inspiring vision for a productive meeting.

Acceptance Speech at an Awards Show

I am humbled and overjoyed to accept this award tonight. As I look out at this sea of brilliant, creative minds, I am reminded of how fortunate I am to be part of such a vibrant, supportive community.

None of us gets here alone, and I certainly didn’t. I need to thank my incredible cast and crew. Your talent, dedication, and camaraderie breathed life into this film, and I am forever in your debt. To my fellow nominees, I am awed by your work and grateful to be counted among you tonight.

I also want to thank the Academy for this tremendous honor. For believing in the power of storytelling to move hearts, open minds, and change the world. When we began this journey three years ago, no one could have predicted the twists and turns it would take. There were moments when giving up seemed like the only option. But I was fortunate to be surrounded by a team that pushed me to dig deeper, to be braver and more honest than I ever thought possible.

That’s the magic of filmmaking. The alchemy that happens when dedicated artists come together, pour their souls into a project and create something far greater than the sum of its parts. Something that has the power to transport us, challenge us, and connect us across divides.

I started making films because I believed in that power. In the stories that make outsiders feel seen, that gives voice to the silenced, that grapple with the messy, complicated truths of the human experience. I still believe in those stories. They are needed now more than ever. Representation matters. Truth matters. Art matters.

So to every young person watching tonight, wondering if there’s a place for your voice, for your vision – there is. Tell your stories with abandon. Take up space. Be bold and unapologetic in your truth. This industry, this world, needs you – all of you – exactly as you are.

This award is more than a trophy. It’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and a challenge to go further. To take more risks, leave no one behind, and blaze new trails. Together.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this moment. I will cherish it always.

Commentary: This emotional acceptance speech expresses gratitude while highlighting the collaborative nature of filmmaking. It celebrates the power of storytelling and representation, encouraging aspiring artists to be bold and authentic. Touching on the film’s challenging journey adds an inspiring personal dimension.

Inspirational Speech at a Fundraising Gala

Good evening, friends. We gather tonight in recognition of a simple truth: that every child deserves a chance to thrive.

For over a decade, the Bright Futures Foundation has been working to make that truth a reality. By providing access to quality education, healthcare, and enrichment programs, we’ve helped thousands of underserved youth unlock their potential and chase their dreams. But as proud as I am of the progress we’ve made, I know how much further we have to go.

The reality is, that we live in a society where far too many children are denied the opportunities they need to succeed. Where zip codes determine destinies, and talent goes untapped for lack of resources. This isn’t just an abstract issue – it’s a moral failing with real human costs.

I’ve seen those costs firsthand. In the bright eyes of a little girl who loves to learn but has no books in her overcrowded classroom. In the slumped shoulders of a teenage boy, bursting with untapped potential but aging out of a broken foster care system. In the weary face of a young mother, working three jobs just to keep the lights on, with nothing left for her kids’ education.

These children are our children. Their potential is our potential. When we fail to invest in them, we don’t just limit their futures – we impoverish our own. But here’s the good news: change is possible. Every day, I see the transformative impact that mentorship, resources, and most of all, opportunity can have on a young life.

I think of Jessica, a shy eighth grader, her nose always buried in a tattered library book, who blossomed into a confident young scientist with a scholarship to MIT. Of Jamal, a natural-born leader, who went from a struggling student to the first in his family to graduate college, and is now a passionate advocate for educational equity. Of Lila, a gifted artist, who discovered her voice at one of our afterschool programs and now runs her graphic design studio, giving back to the community that believed in her.

Their stories are a testament to what’s possible when we invest in the limitless potential of every child. They’re a powerful reminder of how much work we have left to do.

So tonight, I’m asking you to join us in that work. To give generously, not out of obligation, but out of a deep belief in the power of opportunity to change lives. It’s going to take all of us – our time, our resources, our unwavering commitment – to build a future where every child can thrive. It won’t be easy; nothing worth doing ever is. But I believe with every fiber of my being that it’s not only possible but essential.

The brilliant young minds in underserved communities across this country aren’t just our greatest untapped resource – they’re our most precious ones. When we invest in their potential, we invest in a brighter, more just, and more prosperous future for us all.

Thank you for your passion, your partnership, and your unshakable belief in the power of opportunity. Together, let’s get to work.

Commentary: This passionate call to action uses vivid storytelling to illustrate the transformative power of investing in youth. By weaving heart-wrenching examples with hard-hitting facts, it makes a compelling case for supporting expanded educational opportunities as a moral and societal imperative – perfect for a gala or fundraising event.

Valedictorian Speech at a High School Graduation

To the esteemed faculty, proud parents, devoted friends, and most of all, to the exceptional Class of 2024 – good evening. It is the highest honor to stand before you tonight and attempt to put into words the momentous journey we’ve shared.

I say attempt because, how can language alone capture the depth and breadth of our experience? The late nights spent puzzling over calculus problems, the heated debates in history class, and the camaraderie forged on the playing fields and theater stages. The laughter, the tears, and the triumphs big and small have shaped us and will bind us, long after we leave this place.

What a beautiful, messy, glorious trip it’s been. And even more than the knowledge we’ve stuffed into our heads, it’s the life lessons we’ve absorbed – often without realizing it – that I suspect will serve us best moving forward. Lessons not found in textbooks, but etched on our hearts:

Lesson 1 : Every person has a story, and every story matters. As I look out at this sea of caps and gowns, I’m struck by the rich diversity of our class. We come from different neighborhoods, worship in different ways or not at all, and dream in different languages. But here, we learned to listen with open minds and hearts. To celebrate our differences as the source of our strength. That’s a skill our divided world desperately needs, and I know we’ll carry it with us wherever we go.

Lesson 2 : Failure is not the opposite of success; it’s part of the process. So much pressure is put on us to have it all figured out. To ace the test, win the game, and get into the “right” school. But some of the most profound growth happens when we stumble. When the experiment explodes, the essay bombs and the startup goes bust. Those moments teach us resilience, adaptability, and the ultimate futility of perfection. Failure is simply an opportunity to begin again, this time more wisely. May we never lose that beginner’s mindset.

And most important – Lesson 3 : You are enough, just as you are. In a culture that’s always urging us to be prettier, richer, and more popular, it’s easy to forget this simple truth. But your worth isn’t measured by Instagram likes or ivies on your transcript or zeros in your bank account. It’s found in your kindness, your curiosity, your willingness to show up, mess up, and try again. It’s found in the idiosyncratic assortment of quirks, passions, and foibles that make you distinctly, wonderfully you. Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise.

These lessons weren’t always easy, but they’ve already served us well. And as we scatter in different directions and to new adventures, I know they will continue to light our way.

The future is uncertain; that’s always been true. But it’s also ripe with possibility. The chance to build a life and a world that reflects our highest values. To find work that feeds our souls and people who love us just as we are. To stumble and get back up and forge ahead regardless. That’s the task that lies before us, and no one said it would be easy. But we’ve been prepared, and we won’t have to go it alone.

So as we step off this stage and into the rest of our big, beautiful lives, let’s do so with gratitude, with audacity, and with the bone-deep knowledge that wherever we go, whatever person we grow into, we started here. And that is a story worth celebrating.

Congratulations, Class of 2024. The best is yet to come!

Commentary: With its blend of wisdom, humor, and heart, this valedictory address offers a stirring reflection on high school’s joys and struggles while equipping graduates with life lessons for the road ahead. The focus on shared stories, productive failure, and self-acceptance provides a powerful framing for embarking on a new chapter.

From conferences to commencements, and fundraisers to weddings, speeches have the power to educate, motivate, and inspire.

By tailoring your message to the specific event and audience, grounding it in personal stories and universal truths, and delivering your words with authenticity and conviction, you can craft speeches that linger long after the applause has faded.

The examples we’ve explored demonstrate the breadth of what’s possible in event speeches, from soaring oratory to intimate reflections.

While the tone, length, and purpose may vary, the most impactful speeches share some common threads:

• They are tailored to the specific occasion and audience, speaking directly to their experiences, hopes, and challenges.
• They draw on a mix of personal anecdotes, universal truths, and carefully chosen facts and figures to paint a vivid picture and drive home key points.
• They balance humor, humility, and heartfelt emotion to forge a genuine connection with listeners.
• They leave the audience with a clear call to action, whether it’s to reflect, connect, persevere, or work towards a common goal.
• They are delivered with authenticity, conviction, and a palpable sense of purpose that goes beyond the words on the page.

As you approach your next speaking engagement, I encourage you to experiment with different styles and techniques, to dig deep into your own experiences and passions, and above all, to speak from the heart.

Trust that your unique voice and perspective have value and that your words have the power to move and inspire.

After all, that’s the true magic of a great speech.

In those fleeting minutes at the podium, we have an opportunity to articulate our shared hopes and dreams, challenge assumptions and spark new ways of thinking, give voice to the voiceless, and shape the stories we tell about ourselves and our world.

It’s a tremendous privilege – and an awesome responsibility.

But if we approach the task with empathy, integrity, and a genuine desire to serve our audience, we can craft speeches that educate, motivate, and inspire – speeches that are worthy of the occasions that shape our lives and the people we hope to become.

So the next time you’re called upon to speak at an event, I hope you’ll embrace the opportunity with courage, creativity, and conviction.

Your voice matters. Your story matters. And with the right words, spoken from the heart, you might just change the world.

One speech at a time.

• Bridal Shower
• Bachelor & Bachelorette Parties
• Engagement Party
• Rehearsal Dinner
• Wedding Checklists
• Wedding Hairstyle Ideas
• Wedding Vows Readings
• Wedding Music

In This Article

• Speech Examples
• Speech Tips
• Speech Guide

Brides Often Ask

• Wedding Party & Reception

Wedding Welcome Speech: Tips for Expressing Gratitude and Joy

Shutterstock

Being mandated with the duty to give wedding welcoming speeches is an honor. It means you share a stronger bond with the couple than many others present. But the anxiety and subtle confusion that comes with giving a welcome speech almost take out the fun.

ADVERTISEMENT

To help calm your nerves and slay to perfection in this important event of your life, we’ve brought tips. In this post, you’ll find guides on how to start and give speeches to inspire you.

Quick Navigation

Wedding Welcome Speeches Examples

There are different kinds of wedding ceremony speech samples. This is because although the bride’s father is traditionally the host, things are changing. The maid of honor, the best man, the groom himself, very close buddies, and anyone, can give the introduction to wedding welcoming speeches. And you’ll find beautifully crafted speech samples online.

“Hi, I’m (name) and it’s time for me to do this speech I scribbled down about an hour before the ceremony started.”

“My name is (name) and it’s an honour to be here today as (groom)’s best man.”

“Thank you for joining us today on such a wonderful occasion.”

“Welcome to _____ & _____ wedding reception! I am (name). Please take your seats so we can officially welcome our guests of honor.”

“Friends and Family of the _____ and _____, welcome and thank you for being here on this important day. We are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between _____ and _____, by joining them in marriage.”

“Good evening, welcome to this most important moment in the lives of this couple. We invite you to leave behind the worries and concerns of every day life and join us in the celebration of their 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.”

“We have been invited here today to witness and celebrate the uniting in marriage of _____ and _____. They are taking the first step of their new beginning; their new life together.”

“Hello and welcome! May your hearts be glad and your spirits be light. For every thing there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven. Now is the time for a wedding.”

“Hello everyone and welcome. Thank you for joining us on this day of gladness and good fortune. _____ and _____ are coming together to publicly proclaim their undying love through the celebration of their marriage. So we are all here to learn about loving and being loved, and to watch the miracle of love exchanged enriches every one of us.”

“Hi! My name is _____. We have come together – families and friends – to witness _____ and _____ as they exchange their vows of marriage. “We share with them their delight in finding love with each other, and support their decision to be together from now until the end of time.

Done! You’ve got the best wedding welcome speech! But wait, there’s more!

Wedding Reception Welcome Speech

Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us on this magical day. Your presence makes this celebration truly special. Here’s to love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Let the festivities begin! Cheers!

Friends and family, your smiles light up the room. Thank you for sharing in our joy. Today is a celebration of love, laughter, and cherished moments. Let’s make memories that last a lifetime. Cheers to all of you!

To our dear guests, your presence fills our hearts with happiness. Thank you for being part of our love story. As we gather for this reception, let’s savor the joy, create memories, and dance the night away. Cheers to love and togetherness!

Wedding Welcome Speech Tips

Wedding introduction speeches can make even the boldest person nervous. So nervous that you either forget your lines or don’t know how to start. Below are a few tips to help you start great wedding welcoming speeches.

• Introduce yourself

Don’t step on stage with the false pride that everyone knows you. Because there are lots of guests who need a fresh reminder of who you are. Always introduce yourself and keep it short. Don’t go on and on, it could get boring. You may also start with witty one-liners. They are ice breakers.

Crafting warm and inviting opening lines to engage the audience. Importance of expressing gratitude and acknowledging the guests’ presence.

As we gather on this joyous occasion, let the warmth of our shared smiles illuminate the room. In the embrace of love, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each one of you, dear guests, for gracing us with your presence today. Your smiles are the most beautiful decorations, and your presence adds a unique melody to this celebration of love. Let us embark on this journey of joy and togetherness, united by the bonds of love and friendship. Welcome, and thank you for being a part of this extraordinary moment.

• Make eye contact

Making eye contact signifies confidence. Don’t look to the ground when giving a welcome speech. Look in the audience instead as it helps you comment. Roam around with your eyes and keep contact with specific persons for a few seconds. It makes everyone feel included.

• Go with notes or cue cards

At the time of giving the speech, you may be quite stressed out or have your mind on other things. While it’s beautiful to say your speech off heart, the brains could play a trick on you. So always have a paper on hand. If you don’t want to write it out flat, then go with cue cards that act as reminders for your next line or paragraph.

• Skip drinks

If possible, skip the drinks until after the welcome speech is over. You have enough time to celebrate. In other cases, it could be some Dutch courage you’re seeking. Still, skip the drink and use a mock audience backstage instead. Filling your head with drinks just before a speech will mess everything up for you. From incoherence to uncoordinated acts and possible misbehavior.

You could say all the funny jokes and witty one-liners. But if you’re not genuine, there’s no way of hiding it. Put some heart in your speech. Don’t give the welcome speech like an obligation. Do it as something you’re delighted at doing for someone who means the world to you.

• Keep it short

Remember you’re giving the first speech out of many. There are still other activities on the program which must fly. So keep it short, straight the point and informative. It should last 10 minutes at the maximum. This sums up to about 1,000 words when written.

• Mention the spouse

Don’t focus only on your half of the couple. Mention their spouse and praise them.

• Closing Remark

Encouraging other speakers to follow with their toasts or speeches.Emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

As we conclude this welcome speech, let us extend a warm invitation to other speakers to share their toasts and speeches. Each word spoken contributes to the tapestry of this celebration. Remember, the key is to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, where every expression of love and joy finds a place. Let us build on the warmth and camaraderie, making this wedding a truly memorable and inclusive experience for all. Cheers to love, laughter, and beautiful moments ahead!

Crafting the Perfect Wedding Welcome Speech Guide

Welcome to our guide on crafting an exceptional wedding welcome speech! In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of a welcome speech, who traditionally delivers it, and the ideal moment to present this warm introduction.

Is a Wedding Welcome Speech Necessary?

A wedding welcome speech is more than just a formality—it sets the tone for the entire celebration. It expresses gratitude to guests, creating a warm atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience. It’s a thoughtful touch that makes everyone feel valued.

Who Does the Wedding Welcome Speech?

Typically, the honor of delivering the welcome speech falls to a key figure such as the bride’s or groom’s parents, the master of ceremonies, or a close friend or family member. Whoever takes the stage should be someone who can convey warmth, gratitude, and excitement.

When Should You Give a Wedding Welcome Speech?

The wedding welcome speech is ideally delivered at the beginning of the reception, just before the festivities kick off. It ensures that everyone feels welcomed and sets a positive vibe for the rest of the celebration. This opportune moment allows guests to settle in, creating a seamless transition into the joyous occasion.

How To Deliver A Wedding Welcome Speech?

There’s really no ‘one size fits all’ to delivering welcome wedding speeches. But there are some “holy grails” that must never be quite neglected. Follow these tips and you’d deliver a welcome wedding speech no one will forget.

• Start with something funny

The truth is weddings are solemn and the guests may not be over the ceremony yet. It might take an effort for them to listen to you. Their ears were not made for you after all. So if you want to get them interested, start with something funny.

• Harvest the good memories

Do you have some personal experience with the couple? Then narrate it. If you’re closer to one of them, share sweet memories. The guests will be well delighted to know a little more about the couple they’ve come to celebrate.

• Give well wishes and advice

The good memories are in the past and they’re about building a future together. So why not give them some bricks in the form of advice? Also, encourage and cheer them up.

• Say thank you

Best Welcome Speech for Wedding

“Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, welcome to this beautiful celebration of love. Your presence here makes this day even more special, and we’re thrilled to share these joyous moments with you.”

What to Say to Welcome at a Wedding

“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone! On behalf of [Couple’s Names], I extend a warm welcome to each of you. Thank you for gracing us with your presence on this joyous occasion.”

Best Opening Line for a Wedding Speech

“As we gather here today to celebrate the union of two incredible souls, let us embark on a journey of love, laughter, and cherished memories. Welcome, and let the festivities begin!”

Wedding speeches are as interesting as you make them. These are wedding welcoming speeches that could make guests howl with laughter or shed a tear. Regardless of who gives the wedding welcome speeches, there are guides to help you pull it off. Thus, we’ve rounded off tips and samples to keep you inspired as you prepare your wedding welcome speech .

Thank you for reading. Please let us know how we did.

Your feedback helps improve and provide content that matters to you!

Was this article helpful?

Stories You Might Like

Your Guide To Winter Wedding Colors For...

Best Catholic Wedding Songs For Every...

Catholic Wedding Readings for Your...

Winter Wedding Photo Ideas To Help You...

A Playlist of First Dance Wedding Songs...

Top Wedding Menu Ideas In 2024 And Tips...

25+ Creative Ways To Incorporate Wine...

How to Craft the Perfect Mother of Groom...

Top 60 Tracks For Wedding Dinner Music...

Gold Wedding Decorations: 33+ Ideas

Planning Wedding At Home? Best Tips And...

The Most Gorgeous Spring Wedding Colors...

25 Free Wedding Planning Checklists

Fill in all required * fields below to receive the checklists bundle.

By submitting this form you agree to receive promotional emails from Wedding Forward about other checklists, wedding planning articles, products, and other wedding related topics. You may unsubscribe at any time. Check out our Privacy Policy for more information.