INTRODUCTION
OFFICIANT (to congregation):
We are gathered here today before friends, family, and above all else, God, to
witness the holy matrimony of John and Jane.
We thank the Lord for all the blessings that brought us here today and those
that brought
John and Jane together to make this day possible.
And we are thankful for the blessings of another day with our loved ones and
especially grateful for this day when we can be around friends and family –
some of whom have traveled great distances to be here.
Love and marriage are truly one of God’s greatest gifts and accomplishments.
Yes, the heavens and the Earth are pretty impressive, but the Lord has filled
all of us with love and allows us to grow that love exponentially by sharing it
with someone else. And so, by giving to one another, we make ourselves
stronger and our lives that much richer. It’s truly one of the greatest miracles
we’ve been given.
PRAYERS AND READINGS
OFFICIANT (to congregation): Let us Pray: Dear Lord, thank you for this
joyous day.
Thank you for Your Light that has entered John and Jane’s life.
Thank you for all the miracles and blessings.
Help John and Jane find the perfect place in this world for their love to
flourish. Let the radiant light of their love shine on all those around them.
God, bless them with the inner gifts of trust, compassion, forgiveness and
truth so that they may live and grow together in love and peace. We ask this
In the name of The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit Amen.
I’d now like to read a section of Corinthians 13 that offers a beautiful
reminder of what it means to love. Love is patient and kind; love does not
envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is
not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with
the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures
all things. Love never ends.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
OFFICIANT (to couple): John and Jane please stand facing one another
join hands.
OFFICIANT (to John): John, do you promise to love, honor, cherish and
respect Jane above all others, from this day forward until your very last day
on earth?
John: I do
OFFICIANT (to Jane): Jane, do you promise to love, honor, cherish and
respect John above all others, from this day forward until your very last day
on earth?
Jane: I do
Let us pray, John & Jane may your marriage always bring glory to God, a joy
to one another, and blessings to your family for many generations to come.
May love and laughter fill your hearts and your home for all of the days of
your lives. May you face every challenge hand-in-hand and side-by-side
knowing that with God’s grace, you’ll conquer all obstacles together. May the
world be forever a better place because the two of you fell in love. We ask
this In the name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost, Amen.
VOW/RING EXCHANGE
OFFICIANT (to ring bearer): May we have the rings please?
OFFICIANT (to couple): These rings represent love, pure and simple. The
love God has for all creatures great and small and the love you, John and
Jane, have for one another.
When you place that ring on your partner’s finger, know that you are giving
not just giving the gift of a ring, but also the gift of the love God that he has
filled you with.
OFFICIANT (to John): John please repeat after me while placing the ring
on Jane’s hand.
Jane please accept this ring as a token, of my true pure love for you. With this
I give you my heart and my soul. They are yours forever more.
OFFICIANT (to Jane):Jane, please repeat after me while placing the ring on
John’s hand.
John, please accept this ring as a token of my true, pure love for you. With
this I give you my heart and my soul. They are yours forever more.
CLOSING STATEMENT
OFFICIANT (to congregation):
Beginnings are important. So important it’s the 1st noun in the Bible, which
starts with “In the beginning.” What follows are the heavens , earth ,water
and life. And now here we are at the beginning of John and Jane’s married
life.
John and Jane you now have a great beginning of married life– now it’s up to
you to keep in your hearts that love and warmth given to you by God.
Begin and end each and every day together with love, and you will enjoy an
amazing marital life filled with joy and bliss. PRONOUNCEMENT
OFFICIANT (to couple):
We thank God for bringing John and Jane together and for blessing them now
and for always. I feel personally blessed to have shared this day with you,
both. Now, by the power vested in me by the State Rhode Island, I am
pleased to pronounce you Husband & Wife married lawfully and under the
eyes of God.
You may now kiss!
Simple Wedding Ceremony Script Non-Religious
INTRODUCTION
OFFICIANT :Welcome and please be seated. Thank you all for making the commitment to be here today as _________ and _________ pledge their love for one another and make a truly wonderful commitment of their own. Life is made up of a series of commitments: work, friends, family, community, even to ourselves. But making this marriage commitment to the one you love can be the most fulfilling of one’s entire life. Yes, it is a commitment of time, resources and emotion to another, but marriage is the commitment you also make to yourself. You commit to bettering yourself each and every day working to be the best possible partner you can be for your beloved. And It’s not just a commitment to give love, but also to allow yourself to be open enough to receive it back. Many of us have experienced the seemingly counterintuitive feeling that giving feels a lot more rewarding than receiving. Your whole body, your mind, your heart is filled with content and joy when you give and see how positively it affects those who are receiving. A healthy, happy marriage consists of two partners who are whole heartedly ready and willing to give and receive just as _________ and _________ so obviously are. And so now is the time for _________ and _________ to officially make the marriage commitment.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
OFFICIANT (to _________):Do you, _________ take _________ to be your husband/wife/partner? To not only give love, support and understanding, but also to fully accept these things as well?_________: I do.
OFFICIANT (to _________):And do you, _________ take _________ to be your husband/wife/partner? To not only give love, support and understanding, but also to fully accept these things as well?_________: I do.
VOW/RING EXCHANGE
OFFICIANT :Wedding rings are our emotions brought into the physical world. They are a symbol of everlasting love, as well as a symbol to show the world that you have been fortunate enough to enter into this marriage commitment. Each time you slip your ring on or off remember this day and how you feel now and let each and every day of your marriage be full of the same love and adoration for each other you experience now. And now the future couple will present each other with their rings as they repeat after me.
OFFICIANT (to _________):_________:Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love for you above all others. It’s my promise that wherever our journey takes us, I will be there for you whole heartedly. With this ring I thee wed.
OFFICIANT (to _________):_________:Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love for you above all others. It’s my promise that wherever our journey takes us, I will be there for you whole heartedly. With this ring I thee wed.
CLOSING STATEMENT
OFFICIANT :Marriage is that wonderful commitment that allows you to give of yourself fully and freely each and every day. For each new day is a new opportunity to make your partner feel loved and appreciated which in turn fills you with that special feeling of joy. When both partners commit to each other fully, marriage becomes a never-ending circle of love and support.
THE PRONOUNCEMENT
OFFICIANT :And so marriage is one of the most selfless and at the same time wonderfully selfish commitments one can make and I am overjoyed to now officially introduce Mr./Mrs./Mx. and Mr./Mrs./Mx. _______. You may now enjoy your first official married kiss.
Welcome Statement / Introduction
OFFICIANT :There are 7.7 billion people in the world and most of them are not here at this wedding. How special does that make you? Out of the billions of people living on the planet earth _________ and _________ have asked you to join them as they enter into the amazing institution of marriage. So, the least you can do is put your phone on silent, ok? Finding “the one” out of all the people in the entire world should be impossible! But __________ and __________ found each other! What are the chances? I don’t know – I’m not great at math – but it’s seems pretty unlikely. Yet, here they are, in front of their friends and family making the impossible seem not only possible, but inevitable. Was it destiny? Happenstance? Total dumb luck? Who cares? The important thing is it’s happening! _________ and _________ are getting married. Today! Right now! No, really. Right now!
Declaration of Intent
OFFICIANT (TO _________):Do you _________, take _________ to be “the one”? The one you not only give love, respect and compassion to, but also allow yourself to receive the same from?_________: I DO
OFFICIANT (TO _________):And do you, _________, take _________ to be “the one”? The one you not only give love, respect and compassion to, but also allow yourself to receive the same from?_________: I DO
Vow/Ring Exchange
OFFICIANT : May I please have the two rings? This is a ring, and this is a ring. 1 + 1 = 2, right? But these two individual rings are a grand symbol of the final numbers we’re considering on this very special day. 2 separate rings create the very special bond of husband/wife/partner and husband/wife/partner, a married couple. So, in this case 1 + 1 = an even greater 1….Like I said I’m not that great at math.(Couple may now exchange written vows)
The Pronouncement
OFFICIANT (TO COUPLE):Looking at the two of you, I can see it clearly; my impossible math works! 1 + 1 truly does equal an even greater one; that of an officially married couple. And so, I am extremely honored to officially pronounce _________ and _________ legally wed.That’s it, you did it, you’re married! You may now, for all the world to see, kiss your first l kiss as newlyweds!
Closing Statement
OFFICIANT (TO COUPLE):There will be good days and there will be bad. I wish you so many more good than bad. But on days both good and bad I want you to remember how lucky you both are to have beaten the odds and found one another. Let that make the bad days less bad and the good days that much sweeter.
OFFICIANT SPEECH / INTRODUCTION
Officiant (to couple):_______________ and _______________, you were first joined in marriage ___ years ago. At the time, you did not know what direction your careers would take, where you might live, or what surprises the future would bring. But today, you have found yourselves here—commemorating another year of your union. Though I already know the answer, ceremony dictates that I ask: do you wish to renew the marriage vows that you made ___ years ago?
Couple (in unison):We do.
RENEWAL
Officiant (to Partner 1):_______________, do you reaffirm your love for _______________?Partner 1:I do.
Officiant: And will you continue to love, honor, and cherish _______________ in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and be faithful for as long as you both shall live? Partner 1 I will.
Officiant (to Partner 2):_______________, do you reaffirm your love for _______________?Partner 2: I do.
Officiant: And will you continue to love, honor, and cherish _______________ in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and be faithful for as long as you both shall live? Partner 2:I will.
EXCHANGING OF RINGS
Officiant (to couple):On your wedding day, you both exchanged wedding bands as a symbol of your continued commitment and love toward one another. I hope that throughout your marriage you have had the opportunity to reflect on moments of strength and love that fulfilled the meaning of the rings. Would you both please take off your rings now and exchange them with one another.Officiant (to Partner 1):_______________, place your ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I renew our marriage vows and promise my continued love and commitment.”Partner 1:With this ring, I renew our marriage vows and promise my continued love and commitment.
Officiant (to Partner 2):_______________, place your ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I renew our marriage vows and promise my continued love and commitment.”Partner 2:With this ring, I renew our marriage vows and promise my continued love and commitment.
READING (OPTIONAL)
Officiant (to guests):To commemorate the renewal of _______________ and _______________’s vows, I have prepared a reading. Here is the reading of the couple’s choosing: I don’t love you as if you were a rose of salt, topaz, or arrow of carnations that propagate fire: I love you as one loves certain obscure things, secretly, between the shadow and the soul. I love you as the plant that doesn’t bloom but carries the light of those flowers, hidden, within itself, and thanks to your love the tight aroma that arose from the earth lives dimly in my body. I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where, I love you directly without problems or pride: I love you like this because I don’t know any other way to love, except in this form in which I am not nor are you, so close that your hand upon my chest is mine, so close that your eyes close with my dreams. Sonnet 17, Pablo Neruda
BLESSING (OPTIONAL)
Officiant (to guests):Before we conclude the renewal of vows, I’d like to invite everyone to stand and bow their heads in prayer. Lord, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two of your devoted servants, (name of husband) and (name of wife). We are thankful you have blessed them with many years of marriage; they have benefited, as have the rest of us from knowing them. May you bring them many more.
PRONOUNCEMENT
Officiant (to guests):It is my pleasure to announce that this concludes _______________ and _______________’s renewal of vows. I hope that you have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy many more years of fruitful marriage. But before you go, celebrate! Kiss one another!
Introduction
I'd like to welcome everyone gathered here today. My name is Officiant, and we're gathered here on this special day to take part in Child Name's baptism ceremony. Together, we give thanks and express our great happiness for the arrival of Child Name in God's light.Parent 1 and Parent 2 are eager to share their joy with you all and look forward to your ongoing presence in Child Name's life.
Reading
Jesus said:"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt. 28:18-20)
Testimony
I would like to invite Parent 1 and Parent 2 to the stage to say a few words.(Parents give testimony)Thank you. I will now ask the parents to present Child Name to be baptized.
The Charge
(To the parents) - You are presenting Child Name for Baptism. During this ceremony, it is traditional for several simple questions to be asked:First, as parents are you people of Faith?(Answer) Yes we are.Will you do your best to provide support to Child Name in their faith and spiritual journey?(Answer) Yes, we will.Do you acknowledge this day that God's love is already at work inside Child Name?(Answer) Yes, we do.
Question for Witnesses
Do you the witnesses give your love and support to Child Name, wishing them all blessings this day?(Answer) We do.
Baptism
Child Name, may you come to know God within your heart and throughout your life express your highest potential.(The minister now prepares to make the sign of the cross on Child Name's forehead with holy water)And, by the authority vested in me by the Universal Life Church, I hereby baptize you in the name of the Father (cross), and of the Son (cross), and of the Holy Spirit (cross), Amen.As Jesus took people in his arms and blessed them, so now we ask God's blessing on this newest member of the faith.
The Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven,hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,your will be done, on earth as in heaven.Give us today our daily bread.Forgive us our sinsas we forgive those who sin against us.Lead us not into temptationbut deliver us from evil.For the kingdom, the power,and the glory are yoursnow and for ever.Amen.
Closing
Lord, strengthen Child Name with your heavenly grace, so that he may continue to grow, and daily increase in your Holy Spirit.Amen.
Certificate Presentation
I now bestow upon you, Child Name, a certificate commemorating this, the day of your baptism.
PROCESSIONAL
GUESTS ARE SEATED.
All rise as Bride comes
down to meet Groom.
Please be seated when
Bride arrives at Groom.
INVOCATION OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION
"Dear
friends and family, we are gathered here today to witness and
celebrate the union of Groom and Bride. In the years that
they have been together, their love for each other has grown, turning
them into the couple you see before you. Now, they are ready to spend
the rest of their lives together as husband and wife.
As
we celebrate this beautiful occasion, let us take a moment to
remember **** , Bride’s
grandmother who has left an indelible mark on many hearts. Her
wisdom, warmth, and unwavering love enriched lives. Her memory will
forever be cherished by Bride,
Groom and Bride,
you both know this part of Rhode Island intimately. The streets of
Newport have witnessed your love story unfold—the twinkling holiday
lights illuminating the grand mansions, the echoes of laughter, and
the quiet moments that only the two of you share.
It was here, in this very town,
that Groom asked Bride to
be his partner for life. The backdrop of Newport’s historic charm
framed their love, and the early morning sun danced in approval.
Groom, you
once described Bride’s smile as a beacon
of joy—a moment frozen in time after an art museum date. You
couldn’t believe your luck, standing there with her, feeling like
the universe conspired to bring you together.
And Bride,
you’ve openly admitted that life without Groom would
be incomplete. His goofy antics, like the playful “ohhhh misss
****** at,” to getting the dog to act crazy, never failing to make
you smile. Together, you’ve mastered the art of balance—bringing
flowers when the other is unwell, sharing secrets, and creating a
world and a home where love thrives.
With
your vows already privately declared to one another prior to this
ceremony, we will continue.
DECLARATION
OF INTENT
OFFICIANT TO Groom & Bride
– Please join hands. OFFICIANT TO Groom
"Do
you Groom, take Bride to be your Wife, to have and to
hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for
poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this
day forward until death do you part?"
Groom: I do
OFFICIANT
TO Bride
"Do
you Bride, take Groom to be your Husband, to have and
to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer,
for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from
this day forward until death do you part?"
Bride: I do
RINGS
EXCHANGE
Your
Rings please. As you exchange these rings, remember that they are
more than mere metal. They are a reflection of your commitment, your
love, and your shared journey. May they remind you to cherish each
other, one more day and every day that follows.
Groom
TO Bride REPEATING AFTER OFFICIANT "Bride, I give you this ring
as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love and support you
for one more day, tomorrow, and forever.
Groom
PUTS THE RING ON Bride’S FINGER.
Bride
TO Groom REPEATING AFTER OFFICIANT "Groom, I give you this ring
as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love and support you
for one more day, tomorrow, and forever.
Bride
PUTS THE RING ON Groom’s FINGER.
HANDFASTING
Officiant: The
couple will be celebrating today with an ancient hand fasting ritual.
I
ask that Groom and
Bride to please join their hands.
(Officiant as the
hands are wrapped) These are the hands
of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you,
that are holding
your hands on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other
today, tomorrow, and
forever. These are the hands that will work alongside
yours, as together
you build your future. These are the hands that will
passioGroomly love
you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest
touch, will comfort
you like no other. And lastly, these are the hands that even when
wrinkled and aged,
will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same
unspoken tenderness
with just a touch.
PRONOUNCEMENT OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION
It’s
with great honor, and pleasure, to say to both of you, by the power
vested in me by the State of Rhode Island, I now pronounce you
husband and wife. You may kiss to seal your marriage.
RECESSIONAL End of the Wedding Ceremony.