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.
We know that the last couple years has been difficult, and some couples have made difficult decisions when it came to their wedding. Things have now improved and weddings are no longer under the same restrictions. We all hope, in our life time at least, that we will not have to experience another pandemic. However, it’s better to be prepared irregardless of how we feel. So here are some wedding ceremony scripts in case you ever need to hold a virtual wedding or if the world is socially distanced once again.
This will focus on virtual weddings and COVID-safe scripts only.
If you’re interested in religious, denominational or spiritual scripts please click HERE.
If you’re interested in secular or inclusive scripts please click HERE.
Virtual Wedding Ceremony Script – Prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM)
THE PROCESSION
[Option One]
Officiant is on-screen as guests arrive, welcoming them as they join. Partners enter the ‘frame’ (come on screen) from the side. They may enter together from the same side or enter one at a time from opposite sides.
This works well for all online wedding ceremonies, even when officiants and couples are not in the same physical location.
[Option Two]
A decorative curtain or screen is placed in front of the ceremony space to block the view as guests join the video-conference call or livestream. The curtain is then opened when the ceremony is scheduled to start, revealing the decor, Partners, and Officiant.
WELCOME – THE INVOCATION
OFFICIANT TO VIRTUAL GUESTS
“Friends and family, hello and welcome! We’re so grateful you could all be with us today, in spirit and on-screen! It’s times like today when the magic of technology really shines through, in the act of coming together like this to celebrate such a beautiful occasion.
We gather today to celebrate the love between [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] as they make their union official in marriage! Each and every one of you are an important part of their lives and journeys together, and there’s no way they could tie the knot without you here as witnesses, supporters, cherished community and family.”
OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE
“[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], as you make your vows today, remember that you don’t make them alone. You make them with the love and support of all of those here today. Although some of us are miles apart, we are right beside you, always!
The bond that you share is precious, and you’ve never taken it for granted. You’ve met each day together with a sense of humor and loving kindness, holding each other up when times were tough, and celebrating each joyful success together!
As you make your vows today, remember that your marriage will thrive with your continued devotion and care. Your bond will grow stronger and brighter each day as you learn and laugh together.
OFFICIANT TO VIRTUAL GUESTS
“To help bless [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]’s union, [SPEAKER 1] (Name of the first Reader/Speaker, and their relationship to the Partners) will read a short poem/passage/text/song, and then share one of their favorite moments of the couple — a moment when they knew their love was meant to be.”
SPECIAL READING ONE: BLESSING TO THE COUPLE
Tip: Use ‘Speaker View’ for platforms that support this function.
The focus of this reading is the couple’s foundation — what’s led them to the present day.
- THE READER / SPEAKER SHARES A BLESSING, SONG OR INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE, OR READS FROM A SPECIAL TEXT, OR PRESENTS A FEW SECULAR WORDS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE AND COMMITMENT.
- THE READER / SPEAKER THEN SHARES A STORY FROM THE COUPLE’S LIFE TOGETHER. FOR EXAMPLE, HOW THE COUPLE MET, A CHALLENGE THEY’VE OVERCOME, OR A SHARED VALUE OR INTEREST.
- OFFICIANT THANKS THE READER.
VOWS & RING EXCHANGE
OFFICIANT TO VIRTUAL GUESTS
- IF THE OFFICIANT IS IN THE SAME PHYSICAL LOCATION AS THE COUPLE, THEY WILL TURN TO THEM AND PERFORM THIS PART OF THE CEREMONY IN A TRADITIONAL WAY, MAKING SURE TO STAY ‘IN FRAME.’
- IF THE OFFICIANT IS PERFORMING THE MARRIAGE REMOTELY (WHICH IS ONLY ALLOWED IN A FEW STATES), THEY’LL WANT TO MAINTAIN A WARM TONE AND SPEAK DIRECTLY TO THE CAMERA DURING THE RING EXCHANGE.
OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE
“You’ve both chosen to write your vows. These words are the promises you make today, to each other, and in front of all of your closest friends and family. Let these words express the deepest truths in your heart, and your dreams for the future, and deepen the bond that already keeps you close.”
OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A
“[PARTNER A] , are you ready to share your promises and hopes with us?”
PARTNER A TO OFFICIANT
“I am.”
- PARTNER A READS THEIR VOWS AND PLACES THE RING ON THE OTHER’S HAND.
OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B
“[PARTNER B] , are you ready to share your promises and hopes with us?”
PARTNER B TO PARTNER A
“I am.”
- PARTNER TWO READS THEIR VOWS AND PLACES THE RING ON THE OTHER’S HAND.
OFFICIANT TO VIRTUAL GUESTS
“To honor the future that [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] are beginning here today, [SPEAKER 2] (Name of the first Reader/Speaker, and their relationship to the Partners) has a poem/passage/text/song, they would like to share with us.”
SPECIAL READING TWO: WISHES OF JOY AND HEALTH IN THE FUTURE
Tip: Use ‘Speaker View’ for platforms that support this function.
The focus of this reading is the future — looking ahead.
- THE READER / SPEAKER SHARES A BLESSING, SONG OR INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE, OR READS FROM A SPECIAL TEXT, OR PRESENTS A FEW SECULAR WORDS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF LOVE AND COMMITMENT.
- THE READER / SPEAKER THEN SHARES A STORY FROM THE COUPLE’S LIFE TOGETHER. FOR EXAMPLE, HOW THE COUPLE MET, A CHALLENGE THEY’VE OVERCOME, OR A SHARED VALUE OR INTEREST.
PRONOUNCEMENT
Tip: If anyone has been muted, unmute all guests during this portion. As the couple kisses, all the guests can chime in and cheer to celebrate together!
OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE
“Witnessing the love the [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have for each other and their hopes for the future, and seeing that dedication reflected in the words and faces of their friends and family here today, it’s clear that this will be a wonderful and lasting union!
As you leave here today, we wish that you may meet the bad and good times with an easy step and full heart, finding strength in each other and in the support of this beautiful family you’ve built between you!
By the power given to me by American Marriage Ministries and by the State of [WEDDING STATE], I now pronounce you married! You may kiss each other!
Friends, it’s my honor to present for the first time, [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] !”
RECESSION
- OFFICIANT ANNOUNCES THAT THE CEREMONY IS OVER.
- THE PARTNERS JOIN’ THEIR ONLINE GUESTS IN CONVERSATION AND CONGRATULATIONS.
COVID-Safe Wedding Ceremony Script – Prepared by American Marriage Ministries (AMM)
SETUP & PREPARATION
A little extra attention to set up and preparation will make your wedding feel safe and filled with love. Scroll down for the Procession and Invocation.
Whenever possible, plan to hold your wedding outside. In colder months, heat lamps or traditional celebratory bonfires can create a warm and festive space. If setting up outdoors isn’t possible, choose a venue with large windows and doors that can be opened to allow for ample ventilation.
Advise guests to bring their fanciest, most stylish muffs, capes, cowls, brushed velvet, and faux-fur glamor.
At the entrance to the ceremony space, place decorated pumps of hand sanitizer and single use surgical masks (or individually pre-packaged decorative cloth masks) for guests who don’t have their own, or to offer as a wedding keepsake. You may choose to offer a welcome bag for each guest with a personal travel sized bottle of sanitizer, bottle of water, and hand warmers.
Set chairs a minimum of six feet apart for guests not arriving from the same household. Households can be seated together. Consider using several small event tents (without walls to allow for visibility) to keep guests covered.
Arrange candles or lanterns around each tent or seating group, and along the path/aisle to mark the way to the front. At the center of the ceremony space, where the couple will say their vows, arrange vases of fresh or cut paper flowers, and brightly colored decorations.
Plan for the officiant to stand to the side of the couple, a minimum of six feet away. Mark the ground with candles to remind each person of a safe distance during the ceremony. Surround the spot where each will stand with flowers or colorful paper streamers to create a sense of intimacy and connectedness. We recommend limiting your wedding party to two other people, or fewer, who can easily maintain a safe distance.
Place a small table next to where the couple will stand, to hold the notecards with their vows and their wedding bands.
If microphones are used: For standing mics, bring disposable mic coverings to change between each reader. Handheld mics should not be passed from person to person without being wiped down with a sanitizing wipe and changing the mic covering. You may choose to use separate mics.
If some guests are attending remotely or virtually over Zoom, Skype, or other livestream platform, a computer can be set up facing the ceremony stage. Set this up ahead of time to make sure everyone stays ‘in frame’. Assign a guest to welcome and keep track of online guests throughout the ceremony.
The COVID-Safe Script
THE PROCESSION
This is the beginning of the Wedding Ceremony. Guests are seated in their household groups or individual seats, followed by the entrance of the wedding party. The couple may choose to enter together, or one at a time. If a socially-distanced aisle is difficult to create with guests spread out, the couple may choose to maximize safety by starting the wedding already standing at the front or entering from the side.
THE INVOCATION
The officiant welcomes the guests and introduces the couple and explains the purpose of the gathering*. They’ll share words on the significance of this era, and of the day’s testament to the couple’s love, having stayed committed to one another during the challenges of the pandemic. They may also speak about these challenges, changes in wedding plans, or other personal stories related to the time.
If some guests are attending virtually, the officiant can add a sentence or two welcoming them specifically to the event.
*This can be changed to reflect a commitment ceremony, engagement or betrothal celebration, or vow renewal ceremony.
OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION
“Welcome everyone, to the wedding ceremony of [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B].
Let’s take a moment to feel the connection and warmth in this space — a closeness that can’t be obscured by any amount of distance or precaution.
We’ve come here today to celebrate the most intimate of bonds between two people, marriage, during one of the most unique moments in history.
You aren’t just guests at a wedding, but the closest and dearest people to these two — the friends and family that hold them up and help them face any challenge.
(Whether you’re here in-person or joining us virtually,) We are so happy that you were able to make it here today, to witness and honor the love that [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] share.”
BLESSINGS OR WISHES FOR JOY & HEALTH
The officiant talks about the staying-power and healing nature of love, gives the couple a blessing, or offers a few secular words on the importance of partnership and the hope for continued joy and health together. The officiant might talk about how the couple met, what their life together has been like, and what the meaning of partnership or marriage means to them.
VOWS & RING EXCHANGE
Covid-safe: During this portion of the ceremony, it’s important that the couple already have their vow notecards and rings with them, to keep friends and family from moving too close while handing them over, and to limit shared-contact surfaces. These can be kept in suit or dress pockets, or on a small table next to the couple, ready to go.
The officiant tells the guests that the couple have written personal vows (or poetry, or music … something instrumental to avoid indoor singing) to share as they exchange rings, and then motions to each partner in turn. Each partner will share what they’ve prepared.
OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE
“[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER A] you’ve chosen to write your own vows. It’s with these words you express your promise to love, honor, and cherish one another as you exchange rings.
If you are ready to make these promises to each other, here in front of your closest friends and family, I ask you to face each other and declare your intentions.”
PARTNER A TO PARTNER B
- TURNS AND RECITES OR READS THEIR VOWS, PREPARED READING, OR PLAYS AN INSTRUMENT AS AN OFFBEAT ALTERNATIVE. THEN, THEY’LL SLIP THE RING ONTO THEIR PARTNER’S FINGER.
PARTNER B TO PARTNER A
- TURNS AND RECITES OR READS THEIR VOWS, PREPARED READING, OR INSTRUMENTAL SONG. THEN, THEY’LL SLIP THE RING ONTO THEIR PARTNER’S FINGER.
BLESSINGS FROM THE GUESTS
Covid-safe: To maintain a safe distance and limit the passing of handheld mics, guests are asked to speak from where they are sitting. They can stand to address the couple. If an outdoor setting will make it hard to hear what’s said, a standing mic can be placed in the center of the space. All speakers should keep their mask on while using any shared mics.
The officiant now gives the guests an opportunity to stand and share their own blessings for the couple.
OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION
“We invite each of you to contribute to this beautiful union now! If you wish, please stand and say a few words to this beautiful, strong couple.
Let these small blessings, one by one, remind the couple of their place within this close community, of the support and love of the group they’ve created around themselves. For each new challenge, and each new joy, let them remember. Would anyone like to stand and speak?”
PRONOUNCEMENT
The officiant officially declares the couple to be married (or engaged, committed, bound).
OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE AND RECEPTION
“And now [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] , in the glow of this close group’s love and your devotion I pronounce you bound in love! (Married, united, etc.) You may kiss!”
RECESSION
- THE OFFICIANT ANNOUNCES THAT THE CEREMONY IS OVER.
- THEY INVITE THE GUESTS TO JOIN IN ANY ACTIVITIES FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY AND WISH THEM A DAY OF MERRIMENT AS THEY EXIT.
Covid-safe: Guests should leave in an orderly fashion, by household. Masks should be worn whenever guests are close to one another. They can wave goodbye to the happy couple from a safe distance or tap elbows or feet. Hugs and cheek-kisses should be saved for another day.
The officiant should provide sanitizing wipes if they’ll be sharing a pen with the couple to sign the marriage license.
If shared public restrooms are used, all guests should keep masks on while in the restroom. Trips should be kept as short as possible, and hands should be washed thoroughly and dried with disposable towels. Hand sanitizer can be set up at the entrance of every restroom for use before and after using the shared facilities.
If held at a private residence, backyard, or park, all chairs should be wiped down after use, along with any shared-surfaces (including tabletops, mics, binders, tents, candle holders and lanterns, vases, and other surfaces).
