Ceremony Script Styles
Modern Ceremony
Friends and family, your presence is welcome on this glorious evening. We have come to celebrate the Wedding of ____ and ____. Since time immemorial, people have performed ceremonies to mark a transition, a change of status. Today we gather for that happiest of ceremonies – the change of status from single individuals to a married couple. It is one of life’s richest surprises when the fateful meeting of two individuals leads them to proceed together along a common path. It is indeed one of life’s finest experiences when a chance relationship grows into a permanent bond of love. This meeting and this love are what bring us together today. The uniting of these two friends to establish a new family is an important and memorable event. It brings together two separate families and backgrounds and creates a union that is a sign of hope in the midst of a troubled society. In their love for each other, which they publicly express in this ceremony, ___ and ___ demonstrate not only their joy in the present but their commitment to share the future together. This is a time of celebration for all of you who know and love them. (Declaration of Intent) Before you, ___, and you, ____, are joined together in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these, your family, friends and community, I am bound to remind you publicly of the solemn, the serious and the permanent nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter. ___ and ___ do you come here freely, and without reservation, to enter a marriage as companions living together as one, enjoying equality? Do you promise to love, respect, assist and look after each other for the rest of your lives? Are you prepared to live in harmony, and jointly strive for the welfare of your family, and for a just and equal society? (Answer) We do. (Vows) ____, please take ____hand while I recite these vows. Will you ____ take____, to be no other than herself. Loving what you know of her, trusting what you do not yet know, will you respect her integrity and have faith in her abiding love for you, through all your years, and in all that life may bring you. ___, please take ____hand while I recite these vows. Will you ____ take ____, to be no other than himself. Loving what you know of him, trusting what you do not yet know, will you respect his integrity and have faith in his abiding love for you, through all your years, and in all that life may bring you (Blessing) Above you are the stars, below you are the stones. As time passes, remember... Like a star should your love be constant, Like the earth should your love be firm. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with each other, For storms will come, and they will go quickly, Forced to dissipate in the light of your love. (Exchange of Rings) Traditionally, the passage to the status of married couple is marked by the exchange of rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. ___please repeat these vows phrase by phrase after me. With this ring I take you, ___, as my spouse. I offer all that I am in return, and pledge to remember, over every day of our lives together, why we were united here today." ___ please repeat these vows phrase by phrase after me. With this ring I take you, ___, as my spouse. I offer all that I am in return, and pledge to remember, over every day of our lives together, why we were united here today. (Proclamation) And now, ___ and ___have declared before all of us that they will live together in marriage. They have made special promises to each other. They have symbolized it by joining hands, taking vows, exchanging rings and by signing their wedding certificate. By the authority vested in me by the State of Florida, I pronounce that you are now and forever, legally married.. You may kiss each other! (Presentation) Therefore, on your behalf and on the behalf of the community, I introduce the newly-weds Mr. & Mrs. _____.
Seaside Ceremony
Today we are here to celebrate ____ and____. As the tides ebb and flow so to, do the fortunes of life. Footprints in the sand are washed away, driftwood moves on it’s endless quest for a peaceful harbor. Only a deep and abiding love can withstand the tides of change in two lives. The love of ____ and ___ is enduring and profound. We gather here to witness this love and the vows they will make to one another. ____ and ___ want to express and recognize how much you all mean to them. They appreciate your presence here today, the distance you traveled and your commitment to their strong relationship, for years to come. (Declaration of Intent) ____ do you take ___to be your wife? To live together in matrimony, to love, honor, comfort her and keep her in sickness and in health, and forsaking all other, for as long as you both shall live? ___, do you take ____ to be your husband? To live together in matrimony, to love, honor, comfort him and keep him in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others for as long as you both shall live? (Vows) Today you join yourselves together for life, as friends, lovers, husband and wife. As the surface of the sea is sometimes calm and often storm tossed, so also is marriage. ____ repeat after me. I _______, pledge to you _______, that my love and loyalty will weather all the storms of life. I will seek counsel when I make life decisions and will respect your needs and concerns. No matter what course we set, we will do it together. ____ repeat after me. I _______, pledge to you _______, that my love and loyalty will weather all the storms of life. I will seek counsel when I make life decisions and will respect your needs and concerns. No matter what course we set, we will do it together. (Exchange of Rings) Traditionally, the passage to the status of married couple is marked by the exchange of rings. These rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver for each is the giver and each is the receiver. ___please repeat these vows after me as you place the ring on her finger. With this ring I take you, ___, as my spouse. I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, as powerful and endless as the sea. ___ please repeat these vows after me as you place the ring on his finger. With this ring I take you, ___, as my spouse. I give you this ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, as powerful and endless as the sea. (Proclamation) _____ and _____, look around you at those here and present at this very moment to surround you with their love because as of right now, you have declared before all of us you will live together in marriage. You’ve symbolized it by joining hands, taking vows and exchanging rings. By the authority vested in me by the State of Florida, I pronounce that you are now and forever, legally married.. You may kiss each other! (Presentation) Therefore, on your behalf and on the behalf of the community, I introduce the newly-weds Mr. & Mrs. _____.
Traditional Ceremony
We are gathered here today in a ceremony celebrating the acknowledgement of love which ____and _____have for each other. Today, they will be joined together in Marriage. (Invocation) Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens. It takes trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. It takes dedication, to stay open to one another and to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. Finally, it takes faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both. While love is our natural state of being, these other qualities are not as easy to come by. Marriage is not a destination, but a journey. (Vows) ___, please repeat after me as you look into __eyes; I ____, take you ____to be my wife, my best friend and my one true love. I promise to love you today, tomorrow and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully, through the best and the worst, through the difficult and easy. What ever may come, I will always be there. ______, please repeat after me as you look into _____s eyes; I _____ take you _____to be my husband, my best friend and my one true love. I promise to love you today, tomorrow and forever. I will trust you and honor you. I will laugh with you and cry with you. I will love you faithfully, through the best and the worst, through the difficult and easy. What ever may come, I will always be there. As we stand over the ocean, may your love always be as constant and unchanging as these never-ending waves that break before us; flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea. Your love came softly before us and just as there will never be a morning without the ocean’s flow, may there never be a day without your love for the other. (Ring Exchange) It is a custom to exchange rings as a symbol of love. As the ring has no end, so should your love have no end. __, please place the ring on ___ finger and repeat after me: With this ring I pledge to you my love and devotion, for as long as we both shall live. ___ please place the ring on_____ finger and repeat after me: With this ring I pledge to you my love and devotion, for as long as we both shall live. As you have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings and the exchanging of vows, you have committed here at the setting of the sun, to share the next day’s sunrise and all of your days with each other. Today, right here, right now, this journey begins. May your marriage bring you all the exquisite excitements a marriage should bring and may life grant you also patience, tolerance and understanding. May you always need one another - not so much to fill your emptiness as to help you to know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you succeed in all important ways with one another and not fail in the little graces. May you look for things to praise, often say, "I love you!" and take no notice of small faults. If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you hope to have good sense enough to take the first step back. May you enter into the mystery which is the awareness of one another's presence - no more physical than spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in separate rooms or even distant cities. May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it loving one another. (Pronouncement) As of this moment, you are no longer two, but one. As you have consented to live in holy marriage, and pledged the same by the giving and receiving of a ring. “BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IT IS MY HONOR TO NOW PRONOUNCE YOU HUSBAND AND WIFE” BRYAN YOU MAY KISS YOUR BRIDE!! To those of you have joined us today on this beautiful beach it’s my honor to present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. ______
Christian Ceremony
It is with joy and happiness that we gather on this occasion to celebrate the union of Jordan and Michelle in the holy bond of marriage. Who gives Michelle to be married today? Bride’s father: Her mother and I. (Prayer) Dear Father, we humbly invite your presence and your blessings to be upon these two as they enter into the ceremony that will unite them in the bonds of holy matrimony. Impress upon them the solemness and the impact of their actions today that will impact their lives for eternity. AMEN (Reading) Marriage is the oldest and most sacred of all the social institutions among men. Ordained of the all-wise Creator, in the Garden of Eden. Its sanctity has been made known to all the human race, on the pages of the holy word. Rightly regarded, marriage is the highest and happiest of human relationships, the preserver of true love, the foundation of the home and the bulwark of society. In marriage there is twice as much joy and happiness with each of you adding. On the other hand, problems are half as big because you have to hear only half the burden. You can live a happier marriage, each day, by considering the following together. 1. Share the day’s activities with each other and also your hopes for the future. 2. Meet each other at least half way when disagreements arise. Quarrels are not a matter of who’s right, but what is right. 3. Involve each other in family finances, in spending and saving. 5. Small acts of appreciation can be the most effective way to demonstrate love and respect for each other. 6. Be like Zechariah and Elizabeth as Luke described them in Luke 1:6 by saying, “ Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” After making man in his image and putting him in the Garden of Eden, God saw it was not good for man to be alone but he could not find a suitable helpmeet for him. In Genesis 2:21-25 we read, “So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a women from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called “women” for she was taken out of man. For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. The man and his wife were both naked and they felt no shame.” From the beginning, God meant for marriage to be a joyous relation with the man and women establishing their own home. As we think of marriage with that special person our thoughts range from establishing a home that will be pleasant and attractive in the tenderest and most sacred relations of life to visions of having beautiful and adoring children. A marriage relation that is thus consummated should not be entered thoughtlessly or irreverently; but advisedly in the fear of God, and for the purpose which He, the divine author, ordained and blessed matrimony. Marriage is love, faith and peace. (Vows) Loved ones and friends, we are now to witness the confession of mutual love and desire that has brought ____ and ____ to this sacred occasion. They have come seeking the blessing of Christ and the sanction of society, that they must be lawfully and happily joined together as husband and wife. Please join your right hands. ______, do you take ______ to be your wife and do you promise before God and these witnesses that you will be to her a true and devoted husband, true to her in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in prosperity and adversity; and forsaking all others, you will keep yourself to her, and to her only, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with her and cherish her according to the ordinance of God, until you are parted by death? I WILL _______, do you take_______ to be your husband and do you promise before God and these witnesses that you will be to him a true and devoted wife, true to him in sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow, in prosperity and adversity; and forsaking all others, you will keep yourself to him, and to him only, in all love and honor, in all duty and service, in all faith and tenderness, to live with him and cherish him according to the ordinance of God, until you are parted by death? I WILL (Ring Ceremony) Are there rings to be given as tokens of this union? The wedding ring is the outward and visible sign or symbol of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two loyal hearts in endless love. God has given us many types of symbols that we should remember His promises. ______ will you take ______’s ring and put it on her finger then repeat after me. I give this ring to you _____-as a constant reminder….of my devotion of love…. I dedicate myself in righteousness… to the pursuit of…our mutual good and happiness…and I willingly and gladly…share with you…all that I possess….till death shall part us. _____, will you take______ ring and put it on his finger then repeat after me. I give this ring to you _____, as a constant reminder….of my devotion of love…. I dedicate myself in righteousness… to the pursuit of…our mutual good and happiness…and I willingly and gladly…share with you…all that I possess….till death shall part us. (Final Prayer and Blessing) Shall we pray. Our Father bless this couple as they face life together in a sinful world that is full of many temptations. Bless_____ as he assumes the duties and privileges pertaining to his role as a Christian husband. Give him manly strength, energy and virtue that he may fulfill the task that you have planned for him. Give him wisdom for the great decisions of life that are before him and his family. May your special blessings be with _____ as she accepts duties and privileges pertaining to her role as a Christian wife. Grant her strength of body, mind and spirit that she may fulfill her task that you have planned for her. Give her the wisdom to be a role model in establishing a loving, caring Christian home for her family. AMEN _____ and _____, you may kiss one another. (Pronouncement) It is known with great pleasure that I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. __________.
Vow Renewal
____ and ____ it is a pleasure to share today’s very special occasion with you. Many people believe that entering into marriage is the final step in a romantic relationship. As they see it, a couple meets, gets to know each other, falls in love, decides they want to go through life together, and then take the final step—marriage. But marriage is not meant to be the final step in a couple’s relationship—it is really just the beginning of a grand adventure, that hopefully, will be long and fruitful for each couple. You have shared the joys, blessings, and yes, the challenges, of married life for _______ years. And, today you wish to reconfirm your commitment to working together to make your marriage grow and blossom in the years to come. May this ceremony, renewing the vows you took to become husband and wife on your wedding day, remind you that despite the stresses inevitable in every life, your love, respect, trust and understanding of each other will continue to increase your contentment and heighten your joy in living. Please join hands. (Vows) ____ will you continue to have ___ as your wife and continue to live in this marriage? (I WILL) Do you reaffirm your love for her, and will you love, honor and cherish her in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live? (I DO) ___ will you continue to have ____ as your husband and continue to live in this marriage? (I WILL) Do you reaffirm your love for him, and will you love, honor and cherish him in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better for worse, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live? (I DO) (Rings) On your wedding day you exchanged rings as a symbol of the never-ending circle of love. Rings serve as a reminder of your wedding vows to each other, and your commitment to live in unity, love, and happiness. At this time, it is appropriate to reconfirm the meaning of the rings you wear. Please join your left hands together. ___ I wear this ring you placed on my hand————- as a symbol of my love and commitment to you. __-, I wear this ring you placed on my hand——–as a symbol of my love and commitment to you. I ask that you each remember to continue to cherish each other as special and unique individuals and that you each respect the thoughts and ideas of one another. And most of all, be able to forgive each other, and not hold grudges against one another. Live each day in love with each other, always being there to give love, comfort, and refuge to each other, in good times and bad. (closings) ____and ___ today you have renewed the promises and vows you made to each other on your wedding day. You have symbolized the renewal of the marriage union by the joining of hands, the taking of vows, and by the wearing of your wedding rings. It is with pleasure that I conclude the ceremony of renewing the vows of marriage that joined you and binds you as husband and wife. Please celebrate this renewal of vows with a kiss!
Ritual+ Symbolic Ceremony Enhancements
Many couples choose optional rituals to make their ceremony even more symbolic:
These elements are beach-specific, meaningful, and photogenic — especially with sunset light. They also allow friends or family to feel actively involved in your vows.
Sands Unity
You come here today from two different families. From these two families a new family will be created. Today, this unity is symbolized through the pouring of two individual containers of sand. As you each hold your separate handfuls of sand, the sand represents your lives up to this moment; individual and unique. In a moment, when you combine your sand together, your lives also join together as one as well as the lives of your friends and family that are present. Now _____ and _____ please simultaneously pour your sand into the unity container, symbolizing the uniting of your two lives into one. The life that each of you have experienced until now, individually, will hereafter be inseparably united, for the two shall become one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be.
Hand Ceremony
You and your beloved face each other. First join your right palms, and then your left palms. This forms an infinity symbol with your hands, which symbolizes a love that will go on forever. “Now join your hands, and with your hand’s your hearts.” These are the hands of your best friend. They are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief wracks your mind. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. May these hands always reach out with love, tenderness and respect. May these hands continue to build a loving relationship that lasts a lifetime. With eyes locked, and hands linked, this ritual is a beautiful symbol of the union of two hearts, two lives, and two souls.
Shell Toss
Will each guest please take a seashell and accompany me to the water’s edge. Each of you have been given a shell, as you hold this shell _____ and ___ ask that in your mind and heart You pray that their marriage be blessed. At the count of 3 cast your shells into the sea, and as the ripples Touch and intertwine with one another, may our love also touch and intertwine to spread love and good wishes to all around us! On the count of three we toss…1…2…3
Prayers + Readings
A. Prayer
Dear heavenly Father our hearts are filled with great happiness on ___ and ___ wedding day, as they come before You pledging their hearts and lives to one another. Grant that they may be ever true and loving, living together is such a way as to never bring shame or heartbreak into their marriage. Temper their hearts with kindness and understanding, rid them of all pretense of jealousy. Help them to remember to be each other's sweetheart, helpmate, friend and guide, so that together they may meet the cares and problems of life more bravely. And with the passage of time, may the home they are creating today, truly be a place of love and harmony, where your spirit is ever present.
B. The Prophet Reading
From the "Marriage" chapter from "The Prophet" by Kahil Gibran Let there be spaces in your togetherness, And let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls. Fill each other's cup but drink not from one cup. Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of an instrument are alone though they quiver with the same music. Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together, yet not too near together: For the pillars of the temple stand apart, And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow.
C. 1st Corinthians 13
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
D. The Apache Wedding Prayer
Now you will feel no rain, For each of you will be shelter to the other. Now you will feel no cold, For each of you will be warmth to the other. Now there is no more loneliness, For each of you will be companion to the other. Now you are two bodies, But there is one life before you. Go now to your dwelling place, To enter into the days of your togetherness. And may your days be good and long upon the earth.
E. The Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home And may the hand of a friend always be near. May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the skies above you, May pure be the joys that surround you, May true be the hearts that love you
Curate Your Ceremony - Form
After reviewing the script options above, complete the form below to finalize your selections.
Final ceremony wording is customized and confirmed prior to your wedding date.
Supplement Ceremony Videos
Shell Blessing Ceremony
Shell Blessing Ceremony
Sands Unity Beach Wedding Ceremony
FAQ
How long does a beach wedding ceremony usually last?
Most beach wedding ceremonies last between 10–20 minutes. This keeps the moment meaningful and intimate while staying comfortable for guests in the sun and sand.
Can we write our own wedding vows?
Absolutely. Many couples choose to write personal vows. We’ll provide vow-writing guidance and sample wording after you book, and your officiant will review everything to ensure smooth ceremony flow.
Do we have to write personal vows if we don’t want to?
Not at all. If writing vows isn’t your style, your officiant can provide traditional vow options that still feel heartfelt and personal.
Can friends or family participate in the ceremony?
Yes. Loved ones can do readings, blessings, or participate in unity rituals like a sand ceremony or shell blessing — a beautiful way to include them in your moment.
What time should we schedule a sunset beach ceremony?
Sunset ceremonies are timed carefully for lighting and comfort. We’ll recommend the ideal ceremony time based on the season so your vows happen in golden-hour light.