Wedding Ceremony Script for Officiants
Introduction
Every wedding ceremony needs an officiant who can hold the moment with steadiness and grace. Couples look to the officiant not only for structure, but for words that help them enter the promises they are making. This script offers a clear, ready-to-use Christian wedding ceremony that can be adapted for churches, outdoor gatherings, or small family celebrations.
It gives officiants everything they need — welcome, prayers, Scripture, vows, rings, blessing, and pronouncement — all arranged in a simple order that flows naturally. Whether the officiant is a pastor, a friend, or a family member who has been asked to lead the day, these words provide guidance, warmth, and theological depth without feeling rigid.
It also connects seamlessly with other wedding resources across this site, offering options for sermons, prayers, vows, and readings that help shape a ceremony filled with joy, reverence, and the love of Christ.
1. Opening & Welcome
Officiant:
“Friends and family, welcome. We are gathered in the presence of God to witness and bless the marriage of [name] and [name].
Marriage is a gift — a covenant of love, faithfulness, and lifelong devotion. Today we surround them with our joy and ask for God’s grace as they make their vows.”
Cue: Pause, make eye contact with couple and gathering.
2. Opening Prayer
(Choose from your own collections:
Opening Prayers for a Wedding Ceremony)
Officiant:
“Let us pray.
Gracious God, bless this gathering and bless this couple.
Fill this moment with your peace, your joy, and your love.
Guide [name] and [name] as they enter the covenant of marriage.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
3. Scripture Reading
Officiant:
“At this time, we hear words of Scripture chosen to shape and bless this day.”
Suggested passages (or choose from your curated lists):
Cue: Reader steps forward or officiant reads directly.
4. Wedding Sermon (Optional)
If the officiant is also preaching, you may choose from:
If no sermon is included, proceed directly to the declaration of intent.
5. Declaration of Intent
(Legally required in all U.S. ceremonies)
From your published resource:
Declaration of Intent for a Christian Wedding
Officiant to Partner 1:
“[name], will you have [name] to be your husband/wife…?”
Response: “I will.”
Officiant to Partner 2:
Repeat.
Cue: Affirmation concludes the legal portion.
6. Exchange of Vows
Officiant may say
“You have declared your intention. Now speak your vows, the promises that will shape your life together.”
Choose from your vow resources:
Officiant:
“Please repeat after me.”
Partner:
“I, [name], take you, [name], to be my husband/wife…”
(Vows continue as chosen.)
7. Exchange of Rings
Officiant:
“These rings are symbols of the vows you have made — circles of unbroken love.”
Partner giving the ring:
“[name], I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness.”
Cue: Officiant blesses rings if desired.
8. Unity Ritual (Optional)
Choose from:
Officiant gives brief instructions and meaning.
9. Wedding Blessing
See your blessing options here:
Closing Prayers for a Wedding Ceremony
Officiant:
“God of steadfast love, bless this marriage.
Give them joy in one another, strength for every season,
and grace that grows deeper with time.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
10. Pronouncement
Officiant:
“[name] and [name], you have declared your intent
and exchanged vows of faithful love.
By the authority entrusted to me,
I now pronounce you husband and wife.
Those whom God has joined together, let no one separate.”
Cue:
“You may share your first kiss as a married couple.”
11. Presentation of the Couple
Officiant:
“It is my joy to introduce to you, for the first time,
[preferred introduction of the couple].”
