Traditional Wedding Ceremony

approximate length of ceremony without readings or unity rituals 14-18 minutes

approximate length of ceremony with readings or unity rituals 20-30 minutes

Processional

Welcome

Welcome, beloved family and cherished friends. We gather here today in the presence of God and of one another to witness and celebrate one of life’s most beautiful unions — the joining together of [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] in holy matrimony.

Marriage is a sacred covenant, a promise not entered into lightly but reverently, with great joy, and with deep respect for its meaning. It is more than a simple contract; it is a union of heart, mind, body, and spirit. Through marriage, two people pledge themselves to walk together in faith, in trust, and in love for all the days of their lives.

Today, we not only honor the love [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] have found in each other, but we also recognize the importance of all of you gathered here. Each of you — as family, as friends, as witnesses — have played a part in shaping their lives and supporting their journey. By your presence, you affirm that you will continue to encourage, uplift, and stand alongside them in the years ahead.

This is a day of joy, a day of hope, and a day of promise. Let us rejoice in the love that has brought us to this moment and prepare our hearts to witness the vows that will soon be spoken — vows that will bind [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] together as partners in life and in love.

Acknowledgement of Family and Friends

"Who gives their blessing for [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] to be married today?"

The Couples Story – Written by the Officiant

Readings or Reflections - Optional

Declaration of Intent “I Do’s”

Do you promise to love, honor, and cherish them in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, for as long as you both shall live?

Vows (option to write and read own vows, read these or respond after the officiant)

I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my lawfully wedded [husband/wife/partner], 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.

Ring Exchange

[Partner 1] and [Partner 2] have chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love.

[ Partner 1], as you place this ring on [Partner 2]'s finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge you my love, now and forever.

Partner 1 repeats the phase while putting the ring on Partner 2’s finger.

[ Partner 2], as you place this ring on [Partner 1]'s finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge you my love, now and forever.

Partner 2 repeats the phase while putting the ring on Partner 1’s finger.

Unity Ritual – Optional

Closing, Pronouncement & Kiss

May your life together be filled with love and laughter. May you find strength in your unity, joy in your companionship, and peace in your home. Go now in love, and live in harmony, as a married couple.

By the power vested in me and surrounded by the love of your family and friends, it is my honor and joy to introduce, for the very first time [Partner 1] and [Partner 2] as a married couple.

You may share your first kiss as a married couple.

Recessional