Wedding Ceremony Scripts – Secular / Inclusive

Whether you’re looking for tips on writing your own wedding ceremony script or just want some inspiration, check out these great examples below. These samples can help make your decision easier if there isn’t one particular style that truly speaks to you. This will focus on secular and inclusive scripts only.

If you’re interested in religious, denominational or spiritual scripts please click HERE.

Secular Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Traditional Ceremony Script – Prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM)

PROCESSIONAL
Beginning of the wedding ceremony. Guests are seated followed by the entrance of the bridal party.

INVOCATION
Welcome, loved ones. We are gathered here today to join [Name] and [Name] in holy matrimony.

VOW EXCHANGE
[Name], I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us.

[Name] I promise to cherish you always, to honor and sustain you, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, and to be true to you in all things until death alone shall part us.

RING EXCHANGE AND DECLARATION OF INTENT
With this ring I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us.

With this ring I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be no other than yourself. Loving what I know of you, and trusting what I do not yet know, I will respect your integrity and have faith in your abiding love for me, through all our years, and in all that life may bring us.

PRONOUNCEMENT

By the power vested in me by the state of STATE, I now pronounce you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]!

General Non-Religious Ceremony Script – Prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM)

PROCESSIONAL
Beginning of the wedding ceremony. Guests are seated.

INVOCATION
Family and friends, thank you all for coming today to share in this wonderful occasion. Today we are here together to unite [Name] and [Name] in marriage.

DECLARATION OF INTENT
Do you [Name], take this woman to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

I do.

Do you [Name], take this woman to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife], to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?

I do.

RING EXCHANGE
[Name] and [Name] have chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love. As you place this ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love now and forever.

[Name], as you place this ring on [Name]’s finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed and pledge you my love now and forever.

PRONOUNCEMENT
By the authority vested in me by the State of [State], I now pronounce you [husband and wife, husband and husband, wife and wife]!

RECESSIONAL
End of the wedding ceremony.

Modern Non-Religious Ceremony Script – Prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM)

INVOCATION
Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of [Name] and [Name]. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgment of the next chapter in their lives together. [Name] and [Name] have spent years getting to know each other, and we now bear witness to what their relationship has become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly.

[Name] and [Name] will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but by also celebrating the love between all of us-including the love of their parents, siblings, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous.

DECLARATION OF INTENT
Do you [Name] take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife]? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

I do.

Do you [Name] take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded [husband/wife]? To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto him for as long as you both shall live?

I do.

RING EXCHANGE
A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other.

[Name], place the ring on [Name]’s finger and repeat after me:

[Name], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

And now…[Name], place the ring on [Name]’s finger and repeat after me:

[Name], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.

PRONOUNCEMENT
Before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. By the authority vested in me by the great State of [State], I now pronounce you married!

Simple Non-Religious Wedding Ceremony Script – Prepared by The Lumens Studios

Officiant ( “O” ):
We’re here! We’re doing this!

I’ve had the actual honor of knowing both of you since almost the beginning of your relationship and if I’ve learned anything from watching your relationship grow it’s this: 

When you find the person that is perfect for you, then you never stop working on yourself so you can be the perfect person for them. 

I have seen you two put this relationship at the forefront of your lives, over and over again. You always make a point to prioritize each other. You always make sure you are the best version of yourself, so you can be the best for each other. 

Marriage is a bold step into an unknown future. It is risking who we are for the sake of who we can be. 

In marriage, two lives are intimately shared; and the blending of the two must not make either any less. But Rather, marriage, and this relationship, serves to enhance the individuality of each partner. I believe that the two of you embody just that.

We know that marriage is more than just a ceremony, and we know that this ceremony isn’t magic. It will not create a relationship that does not already exist and thrive. Marriage occurs in your hearts. It grows out of loving, caring, and sharing yourselves with each other.

This ceremony is really only a symbol of how far you both have come together, and a symbol of the promise that you are making to each other to continue to grow together, be a source of support for each other, and love each other. 

THE “I DO’S”

O: ________ and _________, today you not only marry the right person, you also commit to being the right partner. The one with whom the other can stand and face the world. 

***HAVE THEM TAKE HANDS IF THEY HAVE NOT DONE SO ALREADY***

O: So, _________, do you take _________ to be your lawfully wedded partner? Do you promise to love and cherish them, care for them, and put them before all others?

Partner 1: “I do.”

O: And _________, do you take _________ to be your lawfully wedded partner? Do you promise to love and cherish them, care for them, and put them before all others?

Partner 2: “I do.”

THE VOWS

O: and with that, I’d like to invite you each to read the vows you have written for one another.

**pause for the vows!**

O: This day is a reminder of what your love has already accomplished, and the amazing possibilities of what it can continue to accomplish, and overcome, in the many, many years ahead of you. 

THE RINGS

O: We are now going to exchange rings as an outward expression of your love and commitment to one another.

Your wedding rings are special, they serve as a reminder that whatever may happen, you have love. They enhance who you are, and they mark the beginning of your long and beautiful journey together. 

So _________, please place the ring on ________’s left hand and repeat after me:

O: As a sign of my love
P1: “As a sign of my love”

O: and that I have chosen you above all else
P1: “and that I have chosen you above all else”

O: with this ring, I marry you.
P1: “with this ring, I marry you.”

And __________, please place the ring on _________’s left hand and repeat after me:

O: As a sign of my love,
P2: “As a sign of my love,”

O: and that I have chosen you above all else,
P2: “and that I have chosen you above all else,”

O: with this ring, I marry you.
P2: “with this ring, I marry you.”

THE CLOSING

O: My wish you for on your wedding day is that your lifetime together as a team, is one of complete happiness and joy; full of those moments that you wish would never end, and that you continue to make one another smile and laugh, for the rest of your lives. 

So now, by the power vested in me by The Holy Internet (or where your got your vestment from!), it is my highest honor, and absolute joy, to declare you married!

You may seal this ceremony with a kiss! 

Notary Wedding Ceremony Script

We are gathered together to witness the formal joining of _______________ and _________________ in legal matrimony according to the custom and law prevailing by the Government of the State of _______. 

Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage: only you can do that through love and patience: through dedication and perseverance: through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other: through tenderness and laughter: through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest. What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice you make to stand together as life mates and partners.

Marriage Officiant to the 1st person: Repeat after me, please. “I, ______________do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I may not be joined in matrimony to __________.” 

Marriage Officiant to the 2nd person: Repeat after me, please. “I, ______________do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I may not be joined in matrimony to __________.” 

Please face each other to repeat your vows. 

Marriage Officiant to the 1st person: Repeat after me, please. “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, _________________________ do take you, _____________________ to be my lawful wedded spouse.” 

Marriage Officiant to the 2nd person: Repeat after me, please. “I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, _______________________ do take you, _______________________ to be my lawful wedded spouse.” 

Marriage Officiant to the 1st person: Please place the ring on the 3rd finger of the left hand of ________________. Repeat after me, please. “With this ring, I shall love, honour and cherish You, and this ring is the symbol of my love.” 

Marriage Officiant to the 2nd person: Please place the ring on the 3rd finger of the left hand of ________________. 

Repeat after me, please. “With this ring, I shall love, honour and cherish You, and this ring is the symbol of my love.” 

I, Marriage Officiant’s name, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Marriage Act, and the State of __________, do hereby pronounce you, ______________ and ______________ to be married. 

I wish you long life, happiness and prosperity, and may the vows you made to each other today, sustain you forever. You may celebrate your marriage with a kiss. At this time, the wedded parties and their witnesses will sign the Official Marriage Register.

Inclusive Wedding Ceremony Scripts

Same Sex Wedding Ceremony Script – Prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM)

PROCESSION / PROCESSIONAL

• BEGINNING OF THE WEDDING CEREMONY. OFFICIANT SHOULD REMIND THE GUESTS TO RISE. FOLLOWING THE ENTRANCE OF THE COUPLE, OFFICIANT SHOULD REMIND GUESTS TO BE SEATED. 

INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO THE GUESTS

Welcome to those here today serving as witness to the joining of [Partner A] and [Partner B] in marriage. To be present during this exchange of vows signifies your importance to them. Thank you for supporting them on this most important occasion. 

Today we gather in celebration of love in its truest sense. Love is not defined as a commodity afforded only to a select few. Love is a universal and immeasurable gift given between and enjoyed by two people who have deepened their relationship far beyond that of casual friendship. Love is special and deserves to be celebrated.

To make the ultimate commitment of matrimony is the highest public affirmation of love in our society. To quote the Supreme Court of The United States, “No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were.”*

Today, [Partner A] and [Partner B] will promise to become that something greater, together, and will be joined with equal dignity in the eyes of the law. 

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

[Partner A] and [Partner B], understand that marriage is never to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully, and with deep respect to this commitment. This is the moment when your hearts and souls are joined as one, to face together all you encounter from this day forward. As this part of your journey begins, I would ask that you both remind yourselves often of the love that brought you here today. 

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], I ask that you turn to face one another, and join hands as you make these promises. 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

Do you, [PARTNER A], enter into this union of your own free will, completely of heart, mind, body and soul, vowing to take [PARTNER B] as your spouse, love, and partner, in all that life brings? 

PARTNER A

I do.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B 

Do you, [PARTNER B], enter into this union of your own free will, completely of heart, mind, body and soul, vowing to take [PARTNER A] as your spouse, love, and partner, in all that life brings? 

PARTNER B

I do.

EXCHANGE OF RINGS

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

May we have the rings, please?

• RINGS ARE GIVEN TO THE PARTNERS. 

In reality, a ring is no more than a circle of metal on its own. But similar to the joining of two people in matrimony, with the addition of vows, a ring extends far beyond the sum of its part and represents an endless promise, never to be broken. These rings are to be an outward symbol of the love and commitment between you both, and a daily reminder of your vows. 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A 

[PARTNER A], as you place this ring on [PARTNER B’s] finger, please repeat after me:

[PARTNER B], this ring symbolizes my promise 
to stand beside you and with you, 
celebrating any joy and facing any and all challenges together, 
loving you til the end of our days. 
With this ring, I thee wed.”

• PARTNER A REPEATS EACH LINE IN TURN AS THE OFFICIANT SPEAKS.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

[PARTNER B], as you place this ring on [PARTNER B’s] finger, please repeat after me:

[PARTNER A], this ring symbolizes my promise 
to stand beside you and with you, 
celebrating any joy and facing any and all challenges together, 
loving you til the end of our days. 
With this ring, I thee wed.”

• PARTNER B REPEATS EACH LINE IN TURN AS THE OFFICIANT SPEAKS.

OFFICIANT’S BLESSING

OFFICIANT

We ask for blessings on this union, that the universe contributes to your strength, trust, and brings joy beyond your wildest imaginations. May you be an example of love to the world, and that you live in Grace, Peace, and be provided every dignity of having been joined in matrimony. 

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE

[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], you have consented to this joining and have pledged your commitment to one another through sacred vows, thus allowing you every privilege of marriage.

According to the powers vested in me by American Marriage Ministries, I pronounce you Partners in Life, For Life. You may seal this covenant with a kiss.

INTRODUCTION

OFFICIANT TO GUESTS

It is my pleasure and privilege to introduce [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], as being duly married under the eyes of the law, in their hearts, and in their souls. Let this celebration of love continue! 

RECESSION / RECESSIONAL

• END OF THE WEDDING CEREMONY.

Inclusive LGBTQ+ Wedding Ceremony Script – Prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM)

PROCESSION

• CEREMONY BEGINS.

WELCOME & INVOCATION 

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION AND THE COUPLE

We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life’s greatest moments and to cherish the words which shall unite (Partner A) and (Partner B).

Marriage is a promise between two people who love, trust, and honor each other as individuals, and who choose to spend the rest of their lives together. It is a symbol of how far you have come these past few years. It is a symbol of the promises you will make to each other to continue growing stronger as individuals and as partners no matter what challenges you face. 

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

(Partner A) and (Partner B), no words of mine or any other person can truly marry each of you to the other. That is done only when you exchange your promises and commit yourselves to this marriage and each other. So I ask you: 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

Do you, (Partner A), take (Partner B) to be your lawfully wedded spouse? To honor and to cherish them from this day forward, sharing your life through good times and bad, offering kindness, patience, and comfort each day, for as long as love shall last? 

PARTNER A: I do. 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

Do you, (Partner B), take (Partner A) to be your lawfully wedded spouse? To honor and to cherish them from this day forward, sharing your life through good times and bad, offering kindness, patience, and comfort each day, for as long as love shall last? 

PARTNER B: I do. 

RING & VOW EXCHANGE 

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE 

The ring, an unbroken circle, represents unending love. As often as either of you look upon these rings, may you be reminded of this moment and the love you have promised to one another. 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A 

(Partner A), please place the ring on (Partner B’s) hand and repeat these words of love:

I give you this ring to wear with love and joy.

As a ring has no end,

neither shall my love for you.

I choose you to be my spouse

this day and forever more.

• PARTNER A REPEATS EACH LINE IN TURN.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

(Partner B), please place the ring on (Partner A’s) hand and repeat these words of love: 

I give you this ring to wear with love and joy.

As a ring has no end,

neither shall my love for you.

I choose you to be my spouse

this day and forever more.

• PARTNER B REPEATS EACH LINE IN TURN.

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE AND TO THE RECEPTION

And now, as much as you, (Partner A) and (Partner B) have given and pledged your love and faithfulness, each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of (Name of State) and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you married! (or Spouses for life / etc) 

You may now seal your marriage with a kiss!
 

RECESSION

• CEREMONY ENDS.

Gender Neutral Wedding Ceremony Script – Prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM)

PROCESSIONAL

• GUESTS ARE SEATED FOLLOWED BY THE ENTRANCE OF THE BRIDAL PARTY.

INVOCATION

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

“Welcome family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the marriage of [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]. This is not the beginning of a new relationship but an acknowledgement of the next chapter in of their lives together.[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have spent the few years getting to know each other, and we now join the to bear witness to what their relationship has become. Today, they will affirm this bond formally and publicly. This affirmation means more because it is shared with their most beloved friends and family members.

As Proust said, ‘Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.'[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will mark their transition as a couple not only by celebrating the love between themselves, but by also celebrating the love between all of us – including the love of their parents, siblings, extended family, and best friends. Without that love, today would be far less joyous. Thank you all for being here this afternoon.[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] today you not only marry the right person, you also commit to being the right partner, the one with whom the other can stand and face the world. It’s finally time to seal this chapter with questions that will lead us into the next chapter.”

DECLARATION OF INTENT

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A

“Do you [PARTNER A] take [PARTNER B] to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto them for as long as you both shall live?”

• PARTNER A RESPONDS WITH ‘I DO’.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B
“Do you [PARTNER B] take [PARTNER A] to be your lawfully wedded partner, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and not so good times, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto them for as long as you both shall live?”

• PARTNER B RESPONDS WITH ‘I DO’.

RING EXCHANGE

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

“A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is also a symbol of completeness, just as you two complete each other. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. It encircles an opening, which is the door to your future. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other.”

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A
“[PARTNER A] place the ring [PARTNER B] ‘s finger and repeat after me:[PARTNER B], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.”

• PARTNER A REPEATS THE PHRASE AS THEY PLACE THE RING ON PARTNER B’S FINGER.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B
“And now, [PARTNER B] place the ring on [PARTNER A]’s finger and repeat after me:[PARTNER A], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.”

PARTNER B REPEATS THE PHRASE AS THEY PLACE THE RING ON PARTNER A’S FINGER.

PRONOUNCEMENT

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION

“[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], before these witnesses you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. You may now seal this ceremony with a kiss.”

RECESSIONAL

End of the Wedding Ceremony.

Indigenous / Native American Wedding Ceremony Script – Sourced from The Vow Keeper

Marriage is a union of two people founded upon mutual respect and affection. Your lives will change, your responsibilities will increase, but your joy will be multiplied if you are sincere and earnest with your pledge to one another.

Great Spirit Grant That Our

Hearts May Always Be Young

And That Our Dreams May Last Forever.

Deep abiding affection, the magical and compelling shared impulse that makes us seek each others company, is among the greatest gifts of the human experience.

Any of us who has been fortunate enough to find and express the kind of loving devotion that is celebrated on your wedding day, knows that it is an awesome and beautiful blessing.

The Native American Wedding Ceremony is one that takes place outdoors, with Father Sky as the roof of the most sacred cathedral, and Mother Earth at your feet to hold you, and the trees and plants to surround you and embrace you.

I call upon the Great Spirit to bring the blessings of the East, the South, the West, the North, Mother Earth and Father Sky and the Creator Of Our Souls Within. After evoking the Seven Directions, I begin the Native American smudge prayer and cleansing.

May your hands be cleansed, that they create beautiful things. May your feet be cleansed, that they might take you where you most need to be.  May your heart be cleansed, that you might hear its messages clearly.  May your throat be cleansed, that you might speak rightly when words are needed.  May your eyes be cleansed, that you might see the signs and wonders of the world.

May this person and space be washed clean by the smoke of these fragrant plants And may that same smoke carry our prayers spiraling to the heavens. In honor of this couple, I cleanse them of all negativity. I banish away all those who would harm them and I send away all negative thoughts.

Let this couple be filled with love and light from this day forward.

Great Spirit Prayer

Great Spirit above please protect the ones we love. We honor all you created as this couple pledges their hearts and lives together. We honor Mother Earth and ask for their marriage to be abundant and grow stronger through the seasons. We honor fire and ask that their union be warm and glowing with love in their hearts. We honor wind and ask that they, sail through life safe and calm as in our father’s arms. We honor water to clean and soothe their relationship, that it may never thirst for love. With all the forces of the universe you created, we pray for harmony and true happiness as this couple grows forever young together in marriage.

Partner For Life Wedding Vows

I choose you, To be my partner for life from this day forward; You are the one I choose To spend my life with. I make this commitment to you out of my deep love and respect. I wish to share the rest of my life with you, To be by your side, Through our life’s journey together I promise to cherish you, To honor you,To love and respect you, To hold you close, To listen when you speak To nourish you with gentleness, To comfort and encourage you, In sickness and in health. To uphold you with my strength, And be a safe haven in your life. To never take you for granted, And to always give thanks, For your presence in my life. I promise to love you, All the days of my life.  

May you embark upon your life-long journey together. Arm-in-arm, hand-in-hand. May you delight each other with your timeless love and affection for each other. May your love grow ever stronger; may you love long and happily in one another’s arms.