The Ceremony

HOW TO PERFORM A WEDDING CEREMONY

Entitlement or Authorization to Officiate Weddings

Entitlement or authorization means that an individual is legally permitted to solemnize marriages by both the ordaining entity and the respective state.

What You Need to Perform a Wedding:

• Get Ordained – Complete the ordination process.
• Obtain Your Official Credentials – Some states require proof of ordination.
• Know the State Laws – Understand the legal requirements in the state where the marriage will take place.
• Ensure the Couple Has a Marriage License – The couple may need to obtain a license from their state or county.
• Have the Marriage License & Keepsake Wedding Certificate Ready – These documents must be signed by the couple, officiant, and witnesses.

Each state has specific rules on who can solemnize weddings. If you're unsure, review our Marriage Laws guide or contact the local county clerk where the wedding will take place. Inform them that you are a newly ordained minister and ask if registration or additional steps are required before officiating.

Always review the Marriage Laws for the state to ensure compliance.

SAMPLE CEREMONY

Opening Words of the Officiant

Option 1:
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses to join _______ and _______ in matrimony, a union to be honored by all. Marriage is not to be entered into lightly but with reverence, passion, love, and solemn commitment. Today, these two individuals come before us to be joined as one. If anyone has just cause why they should not be united, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Option 2:
"Friends, we gather here today to witness and celebrate an important moment in the lives of _______ and _______. Through their time together, their love and understanding have grown, and today, they have chosen to continue their journey as partners for life."

The Giving in Marriage (Optional)

Traditionally, this moment includes the phrase: "Who gives this woman/man to be wed?"
Many modern couples opt for alternatives such as:

• "Who supports this couple in their marriage?"
• "Who supports this woman/man in her/his marriage?"
• Some couples choose to omit this section altogether.

Opening Reading or Prayer

This sets the tone for the ceremony—humorous, sentimental, elegant, or serious. It typically reflects love, relationships, or marriage.

Definition of Marriage

The officiant shares words about the meaning of marriage, often aligning with the tone established in the opening reading or prayer.

Wedding Vows

The couple exchanges vows.

Sample Vows:

1. "I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my (wife/husband/partner). To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do us part."
2. "I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my (husband/wife/partner), my friend, my faithful companion, and my love from this day forward. In the presence of our family and friends, I vow to be your faithful partner in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, and in joy as well as sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, support your goals, honor and respect you, laugh and cry with you, and cherish you for as long as we live."
3. "I, (Name), take you, (Name), to be my (husband/wife/partner), my soul mate in life, and my one true love. I will cherish our union, love you more each day than the day before, trust and respect you, laugh and cry with you, and remain faithful through good times and bad. I give you my hand, my heart, and my love, from this day forward, for as long as we both shall live."

Exchange of Rings or Gifts

Each person says:
"I, (Name), give you, (Name), this (ring/gift/handfasting) as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."

Unity Ceremony (Optional)

Many couples choose to include a unity ceremony, such as lighting a candle, blending sand, or another symbolic act. This can be performed in silence, with music, or with spoken vows about uniting their families.

Closing

A poem, prayer, or words of blessing to finalize the ceremony.

Declaration of Marriage

"By the power vested in me by the State of _______, I now pronounce you (husband and wife/wife and wife/husband and husband). You may now kiss your (bride/groom/spouse)."

Introduction of the Newlyweds

The officiant announces:

• "I present to you Mr./Mrs. and Mrs./Mr. _________." (If the couple has changed names)
• "I present to you the newly married couple, _______ and _______."

The guests stand and applaud as the couple leads the recessional.