Wedding Ceremony Script With Own Vows
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12 Minute Ceremony
There’s nothing wrong with cookie-cutter vows. Some people argue there’s enough to stress about on the day – why add to it with the pressure of writing and performing vows, too? But other couples prefer sharing personalized vows they’ve written themselves, as it can add an extra layer of meaning and depth to the occasion. The sample script further down this page provides a simple ceremony outline that includes space for each person to share their own vows during the ceremony.
Advantages of Writing One’s Own Vows
It’s worth considering why many people view vows as so important. A couple that writes their vows can enjoy benefits such as:
- Personalization: Writing vows helps a couple personalize their ceremony and make it unique to their relationship. They can delve into their love story, their shared values, and future hopes and dreams.
- Depth of meaning: Penning vows is usually a meaningful experience, allowing the couple to reflect on their love and declare their commitment to each other.
- Creativity: Writing is a creative outlet. The couple can flex their imagination to develop vows that are unique and special to their relationship.
Tips for Helping To Draft Wedding Vows
If you’re a wedding officiant, you’ll be providing both guidance and support to the couple. Not only can you help the pair brainstorm ideas, but you’ll also help them edit and refine their words, making sure they are consistent with the overall vision for their nuptials. Consider these tips:
- Encourage the two to talk about their relationship. Help them identify the most essential aspects of their relationships and talk about them in their vows.
- Help them brainstorm ideas starting with the specific things they want to say to each other. What promises will they make to each other?
- Review and refine their vows. Make sure that the couple’s words are clear, concise, and easy to understand. Ideally, vows should be free of clichés and inauthentic language.
- Establish consistency. Generally, the vows should be consistent with the couple’s vision for the wedding and the marriage. Formal vows work well with traditional ceremonies, while nontraditional weddings can have more relaxed pledges.
Below is a wedding script for a couple who wants to write their own vows. You can incorporate it into any kind of weather, irrespective of faith, tradition, or ceremony length.
Introduction/Welcome
OFFICIANT (to everyone):
Welcome, everyone, to the union of _________ and _________. We’ve come together today to celebrate their love for each other and their commitment to spend the rest of their lives together.
Let’s start with a reading about the “art” of marriage.
Reading
OFFICIANT (to guests):
“A good marriage must be created.”
In the marriage, the little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once each day,
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is having a mutual sense of values and objectives.
It is standing together and facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each person can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right person
It is being the right partner.”
-”The Art of Marriage” by Wilfred A. Peterson
Declaration of Intent
OFFICIANT (to couple):
_________ and _________, please face each other and join hands. Is it your intent to take each other as married partners?
Couple: We do.
Exchanging of Vows
OFFICIANT (to couple):
The two of you have chosen to write your own vows today, which is a beautiful testament to your love and your commitment to one another. Your vows are a personal expression of your feelings for each other and rich with meaning and history. It is my privilege and honor to witness you pledge your love in your own words.
OFFICIANT (to Partner 1):
_________ please read your vows.
(Partner 1 reads vows to Partner 2)
OFFICIANT (to Partner 2):
_________ please read your vows to _________(Partner 1).
(Partner 2 reads vows to Partner 1)
Pronouncement
OFFICIANT (to couple):
_________ and _________, you have exchanged beautiful and heartfelt vows, pledging to love each other unconditional support through life’s sunshine and storms. Now, by the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church, I pronounce you legally married! You may now kiss!
