88 years of expert advice and inspiration, for every couple. DECLARATION OF INTENT[Name] and[Name], 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? celebration., Officiant: Now I ask your parents to sign the Ketubah.. In the midst of the organized chaos of wedding planning, the wedding ceremony is often left until the last minute. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Couples can also ask their officiant to step to the side during the vow readingsit helps make the moment more intimate! [PARTNER A], repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol that I will love and cherish you, and that Ill try to keep my mouth shut when its your turn to choose the movie we watch., 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 Ill consider making you dinner every once in a while., 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?, 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?. Wedding ceremony scripts reviewed by: Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us. It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. Marriage is a challenge that will require [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] to have love and understanding. RAETAY PHOTOGRAPHY. A Simple Handfasting Ceremony Script. But the ceremony is quite significantafter all, its the part where you and your future spouse actually become joined in marriage! Priest to couple: [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], have you come here to enter into marriage without coercion, freely and wholeheartedly?, 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?. INVOCATION officiant to the reception They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. I vow to keep a soft heart when challenges come, and to be aware of my words and actions and how they affect you. Secondly, I'd like to check that I have the right wedding couple before me. Today, their families are joined together, and the combined richness of their two heritages will be the foundation for their life together. 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. Priest: A reading from the book of Genesis 1:26-28: Then God said: Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Talking with your partner about your ideas and desires for your wedding ceremony is an important first stepit helps you get aligned on a mutual vision and ensures the ceremony is a reflection of what matters most to you as a couple. Tanya Pushkine is a professional vow writing coach, ceremony planner, and officiant based in New York City. This is my solemn vow., 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., Partner A and Partner B place the rings on each others 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. 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?. Officiant to the couple: "[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], please join hands. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. The word of the Lord.. Lisann G. Valentin, ordained minister at Universal Life Church, Ordained ministers at Universal Life Church Monastery. These could be in question-and-answer format or long-form vows written beforehand (or a combination of both). If so, answer 'I do. When she performs the ceremony it's the Hand Holding Ceremony and she says: When you give your hands, you give your hearts. the birds of the air, and the cattle, Instead of the traditional wedding vows, they used the concept of "Love . At the conclusion of each reading, the lector will say, "The Word of the Lord," and the assembly will respond, "Thanks be to God.". 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. Now that youve read some ceremony script examples, you can get started writing your own with confidence! The Ketubah is an ancient document and marriage contract documenting the commitment between the couple. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. male and female he created them. Modern couples use the chuppah as an opportunity to customize their wedding and use it as a reflection of their unique taste and style. PRONOUNCEMENT[Name] and [Name], remember to love each other faithfully, just as Christ loved the church, for marriage is a lasting promise of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Simple wedding ceremonies are a very popular option if you are having a small wedding. A Pandemic Wedding Ceremony Script (From Alia and David's Wedding) This wedding ceremony comes from APW reader Alia. Personalized wedding ceremonies can be entertaining, but the further away you get from the traditional ceremony format, the more confused your guests might be. Partner A to Partner B: [NAME], youre my best friend. Officiant: (Partner A) and (Partner B) have selected a reading from [SOURCE] that represents their unique journey and the commitment theyre making today.. Traditionally, a wedding script begins with the officiant seating the guests and thanking them for bearing witness to the marriage of the couple. This forms an infinity symbol with your hands, which symbolizes a love that will go on forever. While you certainly dont need to memorize your wedding ceremony script, don't put it off until the last minuteespecially if you plan on writing your own vows. 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.. '", 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? Choose your words carefully, and rehearse until you feel confident and comfortable saying them aloud. Some humorous wedding ceremonies might involve a close friend or family member sharing a lighthearted account of the couples relationship, with some light humor to get a laugh out of the crowd. From there, you can find ways to weave in personal elements that are significant to you and your partner. Once you have an outline and decide on how the ceremony will be structured you can start to assign specific readings, vows, and other elements you would like to have. and all the living things that move on the earth. If your officiant is a religious leader or experienced wedding officiant, they might already have an outline for the wedding ceremony that you can add to, if you so choose. CELEBRATION OF MATRIMONYAll stand, and the couple comes to the altar flanked by their witnesses. ["As a sign of my love"] That I have chosen you. 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 As finger.]. COMMUNIONPriest performs communion, starting with the married couple. so that those who wear them 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.. All stand, and the couple comes to the altar flanked by their witnesses. Tip #4: Get Help from a Vow Writer 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. RING EXCHANGE[Name]and[Name] have chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love. While religious ceremonies may begin with a bible verse or another custom, a more modern approach may start the ceremony with a story of the couple. 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. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto [him/her/them] for as long as you both shall live? Romantic wedding ceremony script My love, I am seeing the most beautiful lady in the world before me right now. After you read your vows, there's the declaration of marriage and exchanging of rings led by the officiant. This simple ceremony script reminds us that marriage is more than a final destination, it's the start of a lifetime of love. VOW EXCHANGE[Name], I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us. Their wedding was performed in a backyard in New Jersey during shelter in place. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. for Polka Dot Fun delivered direct to your inbox. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. They are short, sweet and to the point. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 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. Id like to take this opportunity to ponder the meaning of marriage. 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. Thank you all!. Your friendship and support has helped to strengthen them as theyve made their way to this moment, and they thank you for being here.. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. Many couples like to personalize some or all of their ceremony wording, as you want to feel deeply connected to the words you say and . PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDEWho gives [Name] to be married to [Name]? Through Christ our Lord.. Lisann G. Valentin, ordained minister at Universal Life Church. Including readings in your ceremony is optional, but some couples opt to personalize their ceremony with a particular reading, quote, or story. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. "I do . DECLARATION OF INTENTDo you [Name] take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife]? I know that today as we enter into marriage, we're also growing our family, and I can't imagine a better addition to it than you. But in all seriousness, a huge thanks to all who have joined us. Christian Wedding Ceremony Script Partner A: I, [NAME], take you, [NAME], to be my [wife, husband]. Father, as [Name] and[Name] pledge themselves to each other, help them and bless them that their love may be pure, and their vows may be true. Couples might have the officiant perform the reading, or have a loved one come up to share instead. Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, 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., 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. Sign up to our newsletter, Polka Dot Circle. This script has been reviewed by Sheena Wheadon, licensed wedding officiant at Why Knot Weddings. It's an opportunity to vocalize your love and commitment in a way that feels natural to both of you. You can write your own vows, or you can choose to use some of the examples below: Modern Wedding Ceremony Script Invocation We are gathered here today to unite (bride & groom) in the bonds of matrimony. This script was written for Christian couples with children that would like to include them in the wedding ceremony. PRONOUNCEMENTBy the power vested in me by the state of [State], I now pronounce you [husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife]! You are the light of the world. Youve loved me with a loyalty that Id never experienced before, and didnt even know existed. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. Love is one of the greatest gifts life has to offer. As these grains of sand intermingle in one shared vessel, they symbolize the merging of two individual lives into an inseparable pair. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. BLESSING AND GIVING OF RINGSBless, O Lord, these rings which we bless in your name. SIGNING OF THE KETUBAHThe Ketubah is an ancient document and is a marriage contract that lays out the commitment that the couple has to each other. 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. 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. It sheds a light on the intensity of their love. Below, weve outlined wedding ceremony script writing tips and a few sample wedding ceremony scripts to inspire you. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, forever. 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? You have seen every part of me, and even at my lowest you have stood by my side. Officiant to all: Hello and welcome! Guests are seated. If they do, consider asking them to take over traditional best man and maid-of-honor duties during the vows, such as handing over the rings or holding the . God looked at everything he had made, and he found it very good. Prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM). [Name], have you come here freely and without reservation to marry? The priest and the assembly sing or pray the Lords Prayer in unison. Do you [Name] take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife]? But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? This is where the bride and groom say "I do!". Here's how to keep it from becoming overwhelming. I promise to love, honor and cherish you until the end of time. A special thanks to all of you that traveled from far and wide to witness the promise these two are about to make to one another. Option 1. I vow to trust you and love you unconditionally. Let them stand by your side as you exchange vows. Finally, the couple stands to face each other while the celebrant offers a final line to end the ceremony: [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]. PRAYERPriest leads congregation with the Lords Prayer. Readings might be performed by a close friend or family member, the officiant, or the couple themselves. 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 lifewhatever that means to you. INVOCATIONIn the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. They now invite you to join them for a reception at [LOCATION]. Any wedding ceremony can take a modern spin. That will make them feel part of the proceedings. Please place these rings on each others fingers and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a reminder of our love that unites, inspires, and celebrates what we have., Officiant to all: By the authority vested in me, it is with joy that I pronounce you married. These are the hands that will keep your family as one. God created man in his image; DECLARATION OF INTENTDo you [Name], take this [woman/man/person] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to live together in matrimony, to love [her/him/them], comfort [her/him/them], honor and keep [her/him/them], in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live? Thank you all!. Protestant Wedding Ceremony Scripts The assembly is seated while the priest (or deacon) offers a homily taken from the Scripture readings. The celebrant asks the congregation to stand and repeat the Lords Prayer: All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Click on through to read them. Officiant to reception: [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have chosen these rings as a symbol of their unbreakable love. 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?, Celebrant to the congregation: Will all of you witnessing these promises do all in your power to uphold these two persons in their marriage?. Unless your ceremony involves a religious service, try to keep the ceremony length to no more than 30 minutes. The priest will address the couple with a celebration of matrimony: Dearly beloved, you have come together into the house of the church so that in the presence of the churchs 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. You may kiss the bride!, Officiant to all: Thank you all for joining in this joyous occasion for [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]! Now, whether you're having a traditional, non-traditional, secular or religious ceremony, an intimate script fits perfectly. 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. The script below is adapted from the Book of Common Prayer, and is just one of many possible variations of a Protestant wedding ceremony. Officiant to reception: "Welcome, loved ones. We thought you could somehow loop them in, each is around 4 ft Now, I guess theres 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]! If youre having a friend step in as the officiant, theyll need some direction from the couple as to what theyll want to include in the ceremony. [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will greet you in [LOCATION] at [TIME]. In the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit. Any number of personal touches can be added to your ceremony to make it more modernwhether 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.