Speak Now or Hold Your Peace Wedding Script
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12 Minute Ceremony
A wedding ceremony can draw inspiration from faith, cultural traditions, literature, and more – so the ceremony script can include almost anything that the couple desires. Besides the declaration of intent and the pronouncement (the sections that are legally required), the couple may want to include traditional elements like an objection statement. This statement, commonly phrased along the lines of “if anyone objects, speak now or forever hold your peace,” can be easily incorporated into the ceremony. Here’s what you should know about adding an objection to the script.
What does “speak now or forever hold your peace” mean?
The phrase “speak now or forever hold your peace” is a call for any objections to the marriage, adding a level of sincerity to the proceedings by signaling that everyone present approves of the union. This phrase actually originated with Christian marriage ceremonies in medieval Europe. It’s an excerpt from the full statement:
“Should anyone present know of any reason that this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
Essentially, it asks if anyone present has a reason why the couple should not be married. Historically, this could’ve been due to existing marriages, close blood relationships, and other legal impediments. Back then, communication and information were much more limited, and this announcement was a “last call” for raising any concerns. These days, it’s purely a symbolic element – not an earnest request for uncovering hidden truths or inviting lovelorn people to interrupt (although this does still happen in the movies).
The objection phrase is not legally required, but some couples do prefer to include the line in their ceremony script – perhaps to add some flare, or simply for fun. Plus, people generally don’t invite others who would object to their union, so the odds of an “objection” actually occurring are exceedingly low.
To show what a “speak now or forever hold your peace” wedding script looks like, we’ve included a sample version of a script below:
Introduction
Officiant (to everyone):
Welcome, one and all, to this joyous celebration of _________ and _________ joining their lives together as spouses. Each of you is a special part of the couple’s lives and it is their joy to have you with them on this most special of days.
(To the couple):
_________ and _________, you have been co-composers in your unique love song, and you’ve decided to continue this melody as a married couple. We are happy to witness you pledge your commitment to each other. We will continue this ceremony with a short reading.
Reading
Officiant (to guests):
”What is the beginning? Love. What the course? Love still. What the goal? The goal is Love. On a happy hill, is there nothing then but Love? Search we sky or earth, there is nothing out of Love hath perpetual worth; All things flag but only Love, All things fail and flee; There is nothing left but Love worthy you and me.”
Declaration of Intent/Vows
Officiant (to couple):
_________ and _________, today is a dream realized. You began your journey as individuals, and now you will continue as a unit. Is it your desire to marry each other, pleading your undying love and devotion through life’s triumphs and trials?
Couple (to officiant):
Yes, we do.
Officiant (to couple):
_________ and _________, turn to each other and join hands. Look deeply into each other’s eyes. Do you pledge to love and uplift one another as partners and equals, leading with love, laughter, and respect?
Couple (to officiant):
Yes, we do.
Ring Exchange
Officiant (to couple):
While you two have every opportunity to seal your love with a kiss, today, you will seal your union with the exchange of wedding rings. Fashioned from (material), their circular shapes symbolize the solidarity, eternity, and constancy of true love. May they always remind you of the joy of today. Please place the rings on your fingers.
(Couple puts on wedding rings. If the couple wants to include the lighting of a unity candle or some other symbolic gesture, it can go here as an alternative or an addition to the ring exchange.)
Pronouncement
Officiant (to couple):
_________ and _________, we’ve arrived at the moment that makes this union official, but as a licensed officiant, it’s my duty to make sure we’ve dotted every “I” and crossed every “T.”
(To everyone):
Before I proceed, does anyone know of any reason why these two should not be married? Speak now or forever hold your peace.
(Officiant waits for objections for a few moments and then proceeds.)
(To couple):
As there are no objections, by the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church, it is my duty, honor, and joy to pronounce _________ and _________ as married! May your love song’s melody, harmony, and rhythm grow richer and sweeter for the rest of your lives. You may kiss!
