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Happy brides laughing after unique wedding ceremony

Unique Wedding Ceremony Script

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  • 12 Minute Ceremony

Not into all of the mushy stuff you often see at weddings? If the couple revels in being delightfully off-center and wants to inject some levity into their big day, consider adopting this unique wedding script that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Put your own spin on the outline, or simply print it out and use it as-is.


Welcome

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

Please be seated. Together we gather those closest to _________ and _________ to rejoice in the love they’ve found in one another. We thank you for being here today.

To begin, we’d like to ask that everyone in the audience join us in a special reading. Below each of your seats you’ll find a card. On one side, the happy couple have written a message of gratitude for your support.

On the other side of your card, you’ll find a favorite poem of theirs. Please join us in reading this poem aloud.

(Any poem or reading may be substituted for the example produced below, at the couple’s discretion)

Reading

CONGREGATION:

May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk,
this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shadelike the date palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,
our every day a day in paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,
a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcomes the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe
how spirit mingles in this marriage.

—Rumi

Affirmation of Support

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

Thank you.

This wedding is not only a representation of the love between _________ and _________, but also of the changes each has made to get here today: to a place of solidarity, hope, and commitment. Behind every great relationship are the loving sacrifices made to form a more perfect, steady union.

As an ode to these sacrifices, large and small, and in remembrance of their own pasts, they’d like to share some of the changes each has made - and the rewards that followed.

_________, has asked _________ to speak on his/her/their behalf.

(_________’s friend/family member reads lighthearted list of sacrifices and rewards he/she/they has/have made in the relationship)

_________, has asked _________ to speak on his/her/their behalf.

(_________’s friend/family member reads lighthearted list of sacrifices and rewards he/she/they has/have made in the relationship)

Declaration of Intent

OFFICIANT (to congregation):

Every love requires great sacrifice - and we see that with that sacrifice comes great reward! Today we honor the past and place gratitude in the moment as we usher _________ and _________ into their future.

(Couple may either read the vows below or write their own)

OFFICIANT (to _________):

_________, please share with us what you’ve written for _________.

_________, today we mark the day that our lives officially merge together as one. Although we both have made sacrifices to get here, our relationship has brought my life joy beyond measure. I promise to show how much I care by making sure we’re always on the same page. I promise to show you respect by thinking not only of myself, but your needs, too. I promise to love you in your best of times, and to love you even more in your hardest. I will continue to walk, in faith, holding your hand.

OFFICIANT (to _________):

_________, please share with us what you’ve written for _________.

_________, today we mark the day that our lives officially merge together as one. For that I am so thankful. I promise to inspire and motivate your every dream. I promise to tend to our commitments with compassion and care. I promise to be there every morning when you wake up, and every night when you go to sleep. I can’t wait to see what our future holds.

OFFICIANT (to couple):

Do you thereby take one another, to have and to hold, from now until eternity?

__________: I do.

__________: I do.

Ring Exchange

OFFICIANT (to couple):

Please take your rings. As you exchange rings, think deeply on the love, strength, and tenderness that has brought you to this moment together. These rings are a symbol of those times - both trying and rewarding - and they signify all the magic that is to come.

(Couple exchanges rings)

Pronouncement

OFFICIANT (to couple):

Please hold hands and face one another. By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church Ministries, I am honored and proud to welcome you, in front of God, your family, and friends, to your happily ever after. You may now kiss!