Every marriage ceremony script follows a basic structure. Christian wedding ceremony outline usually includes processional, readings, vows, exchange of rings, pronouncement, first kiss, and recessional. Make it uniquely yours by adding personal touches, changing readings, and incorporating creative rituals. Doing so leaves your guests laughing, crying, and eager for what’s next.

Here, we share some tips for writing your marriage ceremony script and offer a few sample scripts to spark your inspiration.

Traditional Officiant Wedding Script

Processional

The ceremony begins as guests take their seats, and the bridal party makes their entrance.

Invocation

Hello, everyone. We’re gathered here today to witness the union of [Name] and [Name] in marriage.

Vow Exchange

[Name], I promise always to cherish you, to support you through thick and thin, and to remain faithful until the end of time.

Ring Exchange and Declaration of Intent

With this ring, I, [Name], commit myself to you, [Name], embracing all you are and will become.

Pronouncement

With the authority vested in me by the state of [State], I now pronounce you [husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife]!

Modern Christian Wedding Ceremony Script

Invocation

Today, in the presence of God and our loved ones, we gather to unite [Name] and [Name] in holy matrimony. Marriage, a sacred bond, has been honored since dawn. It is not to be taken lightly but with reverence and sincerity. [Name] and [Name] have entered this esteemed union. If anyone has any objections, speak now or forever hold your peace.

Reading

I will now share a passage from the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, Chapter 13, verses 4.

Declaration of Intent

[Name] and [Name], you stand before us today to declare your commitment to one another. Do you both willingly and wholeheartedly choose to enter into this marriage? If so, please respond with ‘I have.’

Ring Exchange

[Name], please take the ring you have chosen for [Name]. As you place it on [his/her] finger, repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed.

Prayer

Let us bow our heads in prayer. May the love of Jesus Christ guide and strengthen your marriage, filling your hearts with joy and compassion. Amen.

Pronouncement

Let no one come between what God has joined together. With the consent and pledges made by [Name] and [Name], witnessed by God and all those present, and sealed with the exchange of rings, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal your vows with a kiss.

Recessional

As the ceremony concludes, we begin a new chapter in [Name] and [Name]’s journey together.

Quick Tip: the officiant is a big deal at the wedding because they run the show and make the marriage official. If your officiant is experienced, they might have a Christian wedding ceremony script and wedding vows template ready to go, which you can tweak to fit your style.

How Can I Make My Marriage Ceremony Script Unique to Us?

There’s plenty of room to customize your modern Christian wedding ceremony script to reflect your relationship. You can involve your guests as witnesses or share a story about how you met and overcame challenges together. Don’t stress if you’re struggling to find the perfect script — Christian wedding ceremony samples can offer inspiration or even be used as they are.