Ring Ceremony Wedding Script
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12 Minute Ceremony
Though there are many important moments during a wedding, the exchange of rings tends to be a highlight of the ceremony. This step is so important, in fact, that many couples center their entire weddings around the rings. If you’re interested in what this entails, learn more about what is involved in a ring ceremony.
Introduction/Welcome/Wedding Sermon
Officiant (to guests):
Welcome, loved ones. On behalf of the couple, we thank all for being present during this joyous occasion as we bear witness to the joining of _______________ and _______________.
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, the family and friends who have stood by you in life now gather to celebrate the next step you have decided to embark upon together. Much like the rings you will soon exchange, you have proven that your love is as infinite as the loop of a circle and unbreakable as the most durable of metals.
Reading
Officiant (to guests):
The fine craftsmanship of the rings that ___________ and ____________ will soon exchange is a perfect example of the strong, lasting nature of the love they share. To celebrate this, we have a reading from the famed Irish poet Seamus Heaney. His piece “Scaffolding,” calls upon us to consider the connection between love and masonry.
Masons, when they start upon a building,
Are careful to test out the scaffolding;
Make sure that planks won’t slip at busy points,
Secure all ladders, tighten bolted joints.
And yet all this comes down when the job’s done
Showing off walls of sure and solid stone.
So if, my dear, there sometimes seem to be
Old bridges breaking between you and me
Never fear. We may let the scaffolds fall
Confident that we have built our wall.
- “Scaffolding,” Seamus Heaney
Declaration of Intent
Officiant (to couple):
_______________ and _______________, I ask that you would please turn to one another and join hands as we bear witness to your commitment. Do you, _______________, take ___________ to be your legally wedded partner?
Partner 1:
I do.
Officiant (to Partner 2):
And to you, _______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawful wedded partner?
Partner 2:
I do.
[Vows are an incredibly important and personal component of the wedding ceremony. This is especially true when conducting a ring ceremony. Though the suggestions here are generic, it is advised that the couple dedicate time to crafting vows that perfectly reflect the bonds that they share. Use this guideline as a launching point, and the right words will flow.]
Officiant (to couple):
I will now ask _______________ and _______________ to come forward and speak the vows they have written to one another. Turn to each other and deliver a message from the heart for all gathered together to hear.
_______________, I ask you to begin.
Partner 1:
________, I vow to honor you always, to cherish you through all life’s challenges, to love you during the highs and the lows. To stand by you until death itself parts us.
Officiant (to couple):
I now ask _______________ to share your vows.
Partner 2:
________, I promise to cherish you through life no matter what we may endure. From this moment on, you are my spouse in law and love. I will stand with you forever and honor you in all ways.
[Since the exchange is the focal point of the ring ceremony, many couples will put the most thought behind this moment. This can include an extra reading, a song played by a live musician to underscore the action, or whatever helps to make the moment more special. The example here is a bit more generic, though you will find it most helpful to personalize the text as much as possible.]
Officiant (to couple):
I will now ask for the rings to be brought forth so that the couple may exchange them. By placing the rings on each other’s fingers, you take on the task of aiding each other with everything that life will throw your way, no matter how small or significant. __________, please repeat after me. “With this ring, I promise to honor you forever.”
Partner 1:
“With this ring, I promise to honor you forever.”
Officiant (to Partner 2):
Now, ___________, I ask the same of you. Repeat after me, ““With this ring, I promise to honor you forever.”
Partner 2:
“With this ring, I promise to honor you forever.”
Pronouncement
Officiant (to couple):
Now that the vows and rings have been exchanged and all present have witnessed these two coming together of their own free will, it is with joy and honor that we welcome the newly joined _________ and ___________. By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church Ministries, I now pronounce you officially married and ask you to signify the moment with a kiss. Go forth in love and light.
