Civil Wedding Ceremony Script
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14 Minute Ceremony
Not everyone wants religion injected into their wedding ceremony – and that’s okay! This secular script captures the importance of the moment and the seriousness of the commitment while steering clear of religious references or quotations.
Introduction
Officiant (to guests):
Hello everyone. We thank you for joining us today to witness the union of _______________ and _______________. Before we begin, I'd like to remind you to either turn off or silence your cell phones. Please enjoy the ceremony without the use of your cellular devices.
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, today we are gathered to celebrate the love you have for one another and to show our appreciation and support for the decision you both have chosen to make. Marriage is a decision that will impact you for the rest of your life, which, amongst everything else you're feeling right now, should scare you a little bit. But there is the whole of your lives in front of you for you to practice the skills you need for a successful marriage. It is a lifetime's work!
_______________ and _______________, part of building a successful marriage will come from finding happiness. Each day brings something new and exciting. Welcome joy into your lives, and don't be afraid to hold onto something if it means a little happiness.
Another part of a successful marriage is teamwork. Within your marriage, there is no room for you, your partner, and a problem. Any problem must be faced by you AND your partner.
The last element of a successful marriage I will touch on is companionship. There will be moments in your marriage where you inhabit the same mind, and others where you may find yourselves at odds with each other. It is in these difficult moments that I encourage you to remember what brought you together in the first place. When disagreements arise, be quick to address them and mend your differences.
Reading
Officiant (to guests):
I will now read "Love's Philosophy" by Percy Bysshe Shelley.
[Or substitute a reading of your choice]
The fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the ocean,
The winds of heaven mix for ever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
In one spirit meet and mingle.
Why not I with thine?—
See the mountains kiss high heaven
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister-flower would be forgiven
If it disdained its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth
And the moonbeams kiss the sea:
What is all this sweet work worth
If thou kiss not me?
Exchanging of Rings and Vows
Officiant (to couple):
Now, you will exchange wedding bands as a symbol of your commitment and love for one another. Present your rings to one another.
Officiant (to Partner 1):
_______________, place your ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I promise my love and commitment.”
Partner 1:
With this ring, I promise my love and commitment.
Officiant (to Partner 2):
_______________, place your ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I promise my love and commitment.”
Partner 2:
With this ring, I promise my love and commitment.
Declaration of Intent
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, please join hands. _______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawful wedded partner?
Partner 1:
I do.
Officiant (to Partner 2):
_______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawful wedded partner?
Partner 2:
I do.
Pronouncement
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, you have come here today of your own free will and, in the presence of all, have declared your love for one another.
By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church and the state of _______________, I now pronounce you married! If you wish, you may now share a kiss!
