Priest Wedding Script
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12 Minute Ceremony
As a wedding officiant, the couple looks to you to lead them through the wonderful journey that is a marriage ceremony. While some people can create something meaningful and memorable off the cuff, this wedding priest script helps you cover all bases. Here are some things to know about developing a priest script for weddings.
Helpful Hints for Officiants
As you start planning a wedding priest speech script, keep these dos and don’ts in mind:
- DO get to know the couple’s love story. Incorporating details about how they met and fell in love makes the ceremony special and unique. Ask them about their values, passions, and what draws them to each other.
- DON’T make assumptions about their faiths. Be clear about what religious elements to include or exclude.
- DO include the legal requirements in the ceremony. Most states require there to be a declaration of intent and pronouncement of marriage. Be aware of all state requirements and include these elements to make sure the ceremony is legal.
- DON’T ignore the audience. While the day is about the couple, you also need to be mindful of those in attendance. Keep language clear and concise. Avoid jargon, overly technical language, or polarizing speech.
You must meet with the couple and discuss their vision for the big day. Involve them in the writing process for the priest wedding script. Be sure to include moments of reflection to allow the couple and guests to bask in the beauty and wonder of the occasion. Here’s a sample wedding script to use as a starting point:
Introduction/Welcome
Officiant (to everyone):
Welcome all of you who are near and dear. We gather here today under this [roof/sky/canopy] to celebrate the union of _________ and _________, standing in the warm glow of love, commitment, and lifelong adventure. The happy couple could’ve taken this big step alone, but they’ve invited you as their family and friends to share their joy and love.
Include a pause here to let everyone take in the majesty of the moment.
We will now have a short reading.
Reading
Officiant (to guests):
“The fountains mingle with the river,
And the rivers with the ocean;
The winds of heaven mix forever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single:
All things by a law divine
In another’s being mingle—
Why not I with thine?
See, the mountains kiss high heaven,
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister flower could be forgiven
If it disdained its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth,
And the moonbeams kiss the sea;
What are all these kissings worth,
If thou kiss not me?”
Declaration of Intent and Vows
Officiant (to everyone):
Before _________and _________ exchange vows, they will set the stage for how their love story started and their journey to the altar.
(The two partners can share how they met and how they got to this point. Encourage them to share their perspectives, injecting levity and solemnity as appropriate.)
Officiant (to couple):
_________and _________, your story is a beautiful testament to the power of love. It is your intent to marry each other and solidify your intent with vows. Please look at each other and join hands. You may now share your vows:
Partner 1 (to Partner 2):
_________, when I look into your eyes, I see more than just your beautiful face. I see the future that we’ll paint together as partners. I pledge to be your faithful partner in laughter and tears, in sunshine and in storms. Your dreams will become our dreams. I celebrate your wins and commit to being right beside you every step of the way. I come to you with open arms and an open heart. You are my choice, now until forever.
Partner 2 (to Partner 1):
_________, you are the north star that leads me and the song that fills my heart. I commit to be an anchor, your conspirator, and the president of your fan club. I vow to listen to you with empathy, to speak to you with kindness, and to support you in all your endeavors. I give you my endless love, honor, and respect, not just today, but for the rest of our lives together.
(Here the couple can exchange rings or incorporate other chosen rituals.)
Pronouncement
Officiant (to couple):
_________and _________, today you begin a new chapter in your unfolding love story. By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church, I now pronounce you as married partners. You may kiss.
