The Bride and Groom were raised Catholic but were no longer practicing. They wanted a ceremony that would reflect their families’ beliefs while feeling special to them. The couple shared their personal vows during a first look and made somewhat customized “standard” vows within the included handfasting ceremony. Trees in autumn colors were a lovely backdrop in the outdoor venue.
Ceremony Script
First Look with Vows
Bride and Groom meet with officiant and photographer for photos and to offer personal vows, Maids of Honor and Best Man join to sign marriage license.
Prelude
Musician plays guitar instrumentals for all ceremony music.
Processional
Groom walks down outdoor stone pathway with his mother, stands to officiant’s left (right side from aisle).
Attendants walk down single file, alternating groomsmen and bridesmaids, bride’s attendants go to left and groom’s attendants go to the right, lining up from outside to inside so Maid of Honor and Best Man are closest to officiant. Bride’s parents walk down aisle.
Please stand if you are able.
Bride walks down aisle alone.
Create Sacred Space
Please be seated. Friends and family, it is wonderful to be here with you today. My name is Reverend Debbie Philp and I’m so happy to be officiating for Groom and Bride. Please put your cellphones and other technology away so you can be fully present and allow the photographer to capture all the magical moments. Let this space be made sacred by our presence and our attention to this ceremony.
Welcome and Remembering of Loved Ones
On behalf of Bride and Groom, welcome, and thank you for being here to witness and support not only their union but the union of these two families who have come together today. Bride and Groom are delighted you’re here for this fun and joy-filled day. Some of you have traveled far to be here and Groom and Bride thank you for your gift of time and distance.
Not everyone invited could be with us today, but we feel the presence of those who are absent, especially [names of close relatives who have passed]. May their spirits grace our hearts today and, Bride and Groom, may you feel their presence every day of your marriage.
Reading
We begin with some inspiration from the scriptures. From First Corinthians chapter 16, verse 14:
Let all that you do be done in love.
And from Philippians chapter 1, verse 3:
I thank my God every time I remember you.
Wedding Address
What an incredible blessing it is to be so very thankful for one another, and to remember the other with thankfulness, even during the times you were far apart, when remembering was everything. And as your love grew, so did the memories to be thankful for.
I’ve heard many engagement stories, but yours was special. [Personalized with memorable moments for couple.]
As the years pass, continue to support each other. Be open in your communication. Put as much into your marriage as your work. Strive together towards your goal of “forever.”
Bride and Groom, you know how to stay together. You’ve done so for several years already. Build on that and enjoy life together. Keep smiling, keep putting each other first, and keep loving each other, no matter what, in this one and forever marriage.
Declaration of Intent
And so, Bride and Groom, if it is your intent to be joined together in marriage, take each other’s hands.
Bride hands bouquet to Maid of Honor. Couple faces each other and joins right hands together and left hands together, forming an infinity sign.
Do you, Groom, take Bride as your wife, and do you promise your friendship and love, in good times and in difficult times, from this day forth?
[Groom] I do.Do you, Bride, take Groom as your husband, and do you promise your friendship and love, in good times and in difficult times, from this day forth?
[Bride] I do.Bride and Groom continue to hold hands for the handfasting.
Handfasting
In a wedding, symbols are important and helpful, because they serve as a powerful reminder of this time and place, the feelings shared, and the promises made, when the memories of those start to fade over time. Handfasting is a symbol like this. It is one of the world’s oldest wedding traditions. In fastening their hands together, Bride and Groom symbolize their commitment to journey through life hand-in-hand. With the tying of the cords, Bride and Groom deepen their commitment to each other.
Our couple has asked some special people in their lives to present the cords.
Three presenters come forward one at a time and lay cords over their joined hands with the ends hanging, then sit.
I tie the cords so they will tighten into an infinity knot when hands are released.
Grab front 3 with left hand and hold. Bring back 3 forward, cross (t), behind, then tuck under cords on top of hands, drape behind from top.
Bride and Groom, as I fasten your hands together and tie the knot, I invite you to reflect on the joy and responsibility that awaits you. From today, you are bound together as lifelong partners in this journey of love and marriage.
Bride and Groom will now make their vows to each other.
Hands stay bound.
Vows
Groom, please repeat after me.
Bride, I take you to be my partner for life. | I promise above all else to live in truth with you | and to communicate fully and fearlessly. | You will forever have the support of my hands | and the sanctuary of my heart. | Bride, I pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor | as I join my life to yours.
Groom repeats vow sections.
Bride, please repeat after me.
Groom, I take you to be my partner for life. | I promise above all else to live in truth with you | and to communicate fully and fearlessly. | You will forever have the support of my hands | and the sanctuary of my heart. | Groom, I pledge my love, devotion, faith and honor | as I join my life to yours.
Bride repeats vow sections.
Officiant holds the ends of the cords and tightens the knot as they remove their hands.
May you keep these knotted cords as a visible reminder of your promises to one another.
Exchange of Rings
May we have the rings, please.
Best Man hands rings to officiant.
Another wedding symbol is the ring, representing commitment and love that, like a circle, has no beginning and no end. Bride and Groom, let these rings that you exchange be an outward sign of your love and remind you always of what you have promised today.
Holding rings in my hand.
Loving God, bless these rings and the two who exchange them. Let the rings be a constant reminder of Bride and Groom’s endless love and acceptance of each other. Keep them safe in the circle of Your protection and love. Amen.
Groom, please place this ring on Bride’s finger and repeat after me: “Bride, I give this ring to you as a sign of my devotion and love.”
Groom repeats
Bride, please place this ring on Groom’s finger and repeat after me: “Groom, I give this ring to you as a sign of my devotion and love.”
Bride repeats
Prayer
Let us pray.
We thank you, O God, for the love that fills Groom and Bride’s hearts. May it always inspire them to be kind in their words, considerate of feelings, and concerned for each other’s needs and wishes. Help them to be understanding and forgiving of one another’s weaknesses and failings. May the two families here united continue to be a source of love, support, and guidance throughout Bride and Groom’s lives. Bless this marriage with peace and happiness, and keep their love strong until the end. Amen.
Pronouncement and Kiss
Bride and Groom, you have committed yourselves to each other in marriage, and sealed your promises with the fastening of hands and the giving of rings. And so, with the power vested in me by the State of New York, it is my joy and privilege to pronounce you Mr. and Mrs. Bride-Groom.
You may kiss the bride.
Recessional
Band plays.
Bride and Groom go down the aisle, followed by Maid of Honor and Best Man, then bridesmaids and groomsmen, pairing up. Parents and family members from front row follow after.