Gender Neutral Wedding Ceremony Script
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12 Minute Ceremony
This script has been developed for a gender-neutral wedding ceremony. Consider using this script for a couple where either partner is non-binary, or the couple wants to be inclusive with respect to gender and acknowledge those present who may be genderfluid or non-binary. This script uses inclusive language and remains secular throughout.
Introduction/Welcome/Wedding Sermon
Officiant (to guests):
Welcome, everyone. We are gathered today to witness ___________ and _____________ formalize their union and begin this next chapter of their love story, in the presence of their village.
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, you have chosen to pledge your love to one another by joining together in marriage. We are joyous that you have decided to take this step and invited everyone here to celebrate this new chapter in your lives.
Reading
Officiant (to guests):
A soul mate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our truest selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are; we can be loved for who we are and not for who we’re pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we’re safe in our own paradise. Our soul mate is someone who shares our deepest longings, our sense of direction. When we’re two balloons, and together our direction is up, chances are we’ve found the right person. Our soul mate is the one who makes life come to life.
“The Bridge Across Forever” by Richard Bach
Declaration of Intent
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, please hold your soul mate’s hands and face each other. _______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawful wedded partner through sickness and in health, through life’s sunshine and storms, in times of surplus and deficit, staying together for as long as you both shall live?
Partner 1:
I do.
Officiant (to Partner 2):
_______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawful wedded partner through sickness and in health, through life’s sunshine and storms, in times of surplus and deficit, staying together for as long as you both shall live?
Partner 2:
I do.
Exchanging of Vows
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, now is the time where you pledge your love to each other through the exchanging of vows before your loved ones gathered today.
_______________, please proceed.
Partner 1:
I, _______________, take you, _______________, as my lawfully wedded spouse, pledging to love you through everything that life brings our way. It is my honor and deepest desire to continue writing our love story together. I promise to be yours from now until forever.
Officiant (to couple):
_______________, you may now respond.
Partner 2:
I, _______________, take you, _______________, as my lawfully wedded spouse, pledging to love you through everything that life brings our way. It is my honor and deepest desire to continue writing our love story together. I promise to be yours from now until forever.
Officiant (to couple):
A ring is a circle. It is unbroken, symbolizing the two of you coming together to form an unbreakable bond. A ring is also complete, representing the way you complete one another. A ring is never-ending, emblematic of the love you share. The ring is also symbolic of a door to your new life together. May these rings you exchange forever be a reminder of the love you share and a blessing to your souls. Please present the rings to each other for exchange.
Officiant (to Partner 1):
_______________, please place the ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “_______________, this ring is a symbol of my love and commitment. It is my joy to place it on your finger.”
Partner 1:
This ring is a symbol of my love and commitment. It is my joy to place it on your finger.
Officiant (to Partner 2):
_______________, please place the ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “_______________, this ring is a symbol of my love and commitment. It is my joy to place it on your finger.”
Partner 2:
This ring is a symbol of my love and commitment. It is my joy to place it on your finger.
Pronouncement
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, you have, of your own free will, officially pledged your love to each other in the presence of your loved ones, sealing your commitment with the exchange of vows and rings.
By the legal authority granted to me by the Universal Life Church Ministries, I now pronounce you married. Please feel free to share a kiss, a hug, or whatever expression of love you deem best.
