Wedding ceremony script: a simple structure you can adapt
A wedding ceremony script you can adapt with your officiant: sample wording for the welcome, readings, declarations, vows, rings, pronouncement and closing.
A script turns the order of service into words your officiant can speak. A simple wedding ceremony script is a starting point: you and your officiant can shorten, extend or personalise each part. Before using any wording, check what the law requires where you marry, as some declarations and vows must follow set forms.
The structure
Most scripts follow this order:
- Welcome
- A word about the couple
- Reading
- Declarations of intent
- Vows
- Exchange of rings
- Ritual (optional)
- Pronouncement
- Closing and recessional
Our guide to the wedding ceremony order of service explains each part.
A sample wedding ceremony script
Replace names and details with your own. Adjust tone to suit your ceremony.
Welcome
Good afternoon, and welcome. My name is Elena, and on behalf of Ana and Paolo, thank you for being here. Some of you have travelled a long way, and all of you have played a part in their story. Today we gather to celebrate their love and witness their promises to each other.
A word about the couple
Ana and Paolo met five years ago at a friend's dinner, where a board game turned into a long conversation that has not really stopped since. They have built a life full of shared meals, long walks and patience with each other's terrible jokes. Today they choose each other again, in front of the people they love most.
Reading
To share some words about love and partnership, I invite Ana's sister, Lucia, to read.
Our guide to non religious wedding ceremony readings has ideas.
Declarations of intent
Many jurisdictions require specific wording here. A common form:
Ana, do you come here freely, and without reservation, to give yourself to Paolo in marriage? Ana: I do. Paolo, do you come here freely, and without reservation, to give yourself to Ana in marriage? Paolo: I do.
Vows
Traditional vows:
I, Ana, take you, Paolo, to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live.
Or personal vows, written in advance. Our guide on how to write your own wedding vows offers a simple structure.
Exchange of rings
Rings are a circle without end, a reminder of the promises made today. Paolo, please place the ring on Ana's finger and repeat after me: Ana, I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.
Repeat for the other partner.
Ritual (optional)
Ana and Paolo will now share a ritual that honours both their families.
See our guide to unity ceremony ideas.
Pronouncement
Ana and Paolo, you have declared your love and made your promises in front of your family and friends. By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you married.
The exact wording may be legally prescribed where you marry; your officiant will know.
The kiss and closing
You may kiss. Friends and family, it is my joy to present to you, for the first time as a married couple, Ana and Paolo!
Personalising the script
- Add a short story or two that guests will recognise.
- Include words in each family's language, with translations.
- Invite parents or elders to give a blessing.
- Thank guests who could not attend, or remember loved ones who have died.
Keeping it the right length
Many personal ceremonies work well at twenty to thirty minutes. Read your draft aloud at a normal pace and time it, allowing for music, rituals and signing.
Legal wording
Some jurisdictions require exact phrases for declarations and vows, or a statement of the officiant's authority. Ask your officiant or registrar which parts are fixed. Our guide on how to choose a wedding officiant covers what to ask.
A quick checklist
- Confirm legal wording with your officiant.
- Draft each section using the structure above.
- Add personal stories, readings and rituals.
- Read it aloud and time it.
- Share the final script with readers and the wedding party.
- Rehearse the key moments.
A good script feels natural when spoken, and leaves room for the moments you will remember most: the promises, the rings and the first look at each other as a married couple.