Buddhist Wedding Ceremony Script
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12 Minute Ceremony
This wedding ceremony script is intended for those who are adherents of the Buddhist faith but are also looking to include traditional elements such as the exchanging of vows and rings. This particular script does not make explicit references to Buddha as a deity, but rather it seeks to incorporate Buddhist principles, symbolizing the way a couple would incorporate these principles in their relationship and connection to others.
Introduction/Welcome/Wedding Sermon
[Consider including a few minutes of quiet meditation to allow all to enter a state of mindfulness. If so, you would announce both the beginning and end of this period.]
Officiant (to guests):
Before we witness the marriage commitment of __________ and __________, we begin with a short period of quiet meditation to allow for minds to be settled.
[After several minutes of quietness]
We will now proceed.
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, we are so excited to celebrate with you as you commit to living fully and peacefully with each other and the world around you.
Reading
Officiant (to guests):
“Today we promise to dedicate ourselves completely to each other, with body, speech, and mind. In this life, in every situation, in wealth or poverty, in health or sickness, in happiness or difficulty, we will work to help each other perfectly. The purpose of our relationship will be to attain enlightenment by perfecting our kindness and compassion toward all sentient beings.
"Buddhist Wedding Prayer" by Lama Thubten Yeshe
Declaration of Intent
Officiant (to couple):
Let us proceed. ____________ and ___________, do you declare your intent to marry each other?
Couple:
We do.
Officiant (to couple):
We will now proceed with the exchanging of vows.
Exchanging of Vows
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, do you pledge to honor one another as equal partners, leading with kindness, empathy, and courteousness, in keeping with the Sigalovada Sutta?
Couple:
We do.
Officiant (to couple):
Do you commit to cultivating harmony in your marriage in both word and deed, managing your home, fulfilling your duties, and caring for one another?
Couple:
We do.
Officiant (to couple):
Do you promise to embrace and be kind to each other’s loved ones as representations of all living beings, committing to the continued development of your spiritual community through the creation of happy moments and the formation of true bonds?
Couple:
We do.
Officiant (to couple):
Do you pledge to always be generous to one another with respect to fidelity, kindness, forgiveness, and patience?
Couple:
We do.
Exchanging of Rings
Officiant (to couple):
____________ and _____________, the rings you will exchange have a two-fold meaning. A ring represents the inner bond that unites your hearts in marriage from this day forward. It also symbolizes the love that encircles you today. You may now exchange the rings.
Pronouncement
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, may you forever be reminded of the joy and love you feel today. May it forever warm your hearts and guide your steps through your journey together.
And now, with the support of all who love you, the blessings of the Spiritual Friends who have led you in the way, and by the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church Ministries, I now pronounce you married!
