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At The Monterey Wedding Officiant, I believe that every couple is unique and deserves a ceremony that reflects their day, that's why I offer pre-written, though customizable scripts. The following are scripts may have alterations, they serve as examples of what you ceremony might look like for the Intimate Ceremonies Package.
Ashlyn and Cordell
A brief but no less heartfelt ceremony is often opted for by couples who request a special passage from a book or poem.
Jessica and Matt
A traditional, and very popular, script that may be altered for either secular or sacred ceremonies.
James and Nathan:
For those who are atheists and want the world to know that their commitment is earthbound and thrives on the day to day realism in which their love has formed.
The Basics: A quick tutorial on the parts of a wedding
Depending on who you consult or what you may find on the internet or in books, there are several parts to a wedding ceremony. Some are traditionally included, and some are optional, but it's your ceremony so never hesitate to ask for a change.
Italicized items are generally those that are not often used during an elopement/smaller more
intimate ceremonies.
● The Cue: Generally for smaller weddings the information that the ceremony will begin, as well as instruction to guests for items such as silencing cell phones, etc.
● The Procession: Wedding parties walk down the aisle
● Words of Welcome: thanking guests and welcoming guests
● The Invocation/Opening Remarks: thoughts on marriage, recounting of love story, what the ceremony represents
● Readings: readings by guests or officiant
● The Declaration of Intent/Charge to the Couple: The officiant addresses the couple and
talks about the responsibilities of marriage and the sanctity of the vows you’re about to
take.
● The Vows Exchange:
● The Rings Exchange:
● The Pronouncement/First Kiss: Seal the marriage with first kiss, *pronouncement to
the guests (when there are no closing remarks and recession).
● Unity Ceremony: a physical ritual incorporated into the ceremony that symbolizes the new union. Examples would be jumping the broom, hand binding, and candle lighting. (Currently not offered)
● Closing Remarks: If a religious affair this is where the final prayer would be.
● The Recession: Introduction of the married couple for the first time then the bride and groom lead the wedding party back up the aisle.
There is your crash course in the basic parts of a wedding. Depending upon who performs the wedding and the couple’s wishes or cultural traditions there may be changes in order or wording, additions, etc.
***
Ashlyn and Cordell
We have come together to bear witness to the bond that has grown between you. Today, you affirm this bond formally.
Charge to the Couple
"No relationship is perfect, ever. There are always some ways you have to bend, to compromise, to give something up in order to gain something greater … The love you have for each other is bigger than these small differences. And that’s the key. Love can make up for a lot."
This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment, you have been many things to one another—acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same.
For after today, you shall say to the world, “This is my husband.” “This is my wife.”
Vows, Expression of Intent
Ashlyn/Cordell, I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
I take you with all your faults and strengths as I offer myself to you—with all my faults and strengths. I vow to help you when you need help and turn to you when I need help.
I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband/wife, my constant friend, my partner in crime, and my love from this day forward.
Ring Exchange
A ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other.
Cordell/Ashlyn, place the ring on Ashlyn’s/Cordell’s finger.
Repeat after me: Ashlyn/Cordell, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.
Pronouncement
Please hold hands.
Now that you have given yourselves to each other with the knowledge of love that lies within each of you and with these vows, and the giving of these rings, it is with great joy that I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now seal your vows with a kiss.ss.
***
Jessica and Matt
Officiant: On behalf of Jessica & Matt, I welcome you to this day of joy and celebration. We are gathered here today in the presence of God, to celebrate one of life's greatest moments and to give recognition to the worth and beauty of your love, Matt and Jessica, as you exchange your vows of love and commitment. Marriage is a commitment to life, the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other relationship can equal. It is a union that is promised for a lifetime. Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller, memories are fresher, and commitment is stronger. Married love understands and forgives the mistakes that life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures a new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing a love that is deeper than life. When two people pledge their love for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique unto themselves which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential made in the hearts of two people who love each other and it takes a lifetime to fulfill. Marriage is not a destination, but a journey. Today before God you proclaim your love and commitment to the world, and so I ask that you turn toward one another and hold hands.
Statement of Intention:
Matt/Jessca , do you take Jessica/M t to be your wedded wife/husband, to live together in marriage? Do you promise to love her/him, comfort her/him, and honor her/him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, forsaking all others, so long as you both shall live? If so, respond by saying “I do”.
(Matt/Jessica) I do.
Having stated your intentions, I now ask that you repeat after me:
(Matt/Jessica) Today, I commit myself to you. I choose you above all others to share my life with me. I promise to love and respect you, to honor and care for you, when life seems easy and when it seems difficult. I give you all of my love and trst, and ask that you accept me through all the changes of our lives.
Exchange of Rings:
These rings mark the beginning of an adventure filled with wonder, surprises, laughter, tears, celebration, grief & joy. They symbolize your two lives now joined in one unbroken circle. Wear them always as a visible reminder of your vows of love and commitment under God’s grace.
Jessica, please extend your left hand. Matt, as you place the ring on her finger, repeat after me: Matt: I give this ring as my gift to you. Wear it and think of me and know that I love you.
Mtt , please extend your left hand. Jessica, please place this ring on Matt's finger and repeat after me: Jessica: I give this ring as my gift to you. Wear it and think of me and know that I love you.
Blessing:
Matt and Jessica, as you pledge to each other to be loving friends and partners in marriage. To talk and to listen, to trust and appreciate one another; to respect and cherish each other's uniqueness; and to support, com,fort and strengthen each other through life's joys and sorrows. You have promised to share hopes, though,hts and dreams as you build your lives together. May your lives be ever intertwined, your love keeping you together. Remember to build a home that is compassionate to all, full of respect and honor for others and each other. May your home be forever filled with peace, happin,ess and love.
Pronouncement:
Matt and Jessica, in so much as the two of you have agreed to live together in marriage, have promised your love for each other by these vows, the giving of these ri,ngs and the joining of your hands, I now declare you to be husband and wife.
You may kiss.
James and Nathan
WELCOME
We gather here today to celebrate the wedding of James and Nathan. We have come to share in this formal commitment they make to one another, to offer our love and support to this union, and to allow James and Nathan to start their married life together.
OPENING REMARKS
Marriage is perhaps the greatest and most challenging adventure of human relationships. No ceremony can create your marriage; only you can do that—through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other; through tenderness and laughter; through learning to forgive, learning to appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter, and to let go of the rest. What this ceremony can do is witness, and affirm the choice you make to stand together as lifemates and partners.
DECLARATION OF INTENT
Officiant: Will you, James, take this man as your wedded spouse?
James: I will
Officiant: Will you, Nathan, take this man as your wedded spouse?
Nathan: I will
VOWS
We've come to the point of your ceremony where you're going to say your vows to one another. But before you do that, I ask you to remember that love—which is rooted in faith, trust, and acceptance— will be the foundation of an abiding and deepening relationship. No other ties are more tender, no other vows more sacred than those you now assume. If you are able to keep the vows you take here today, not because of any civic law, but out of a desire to love and be loved by another person fully, without limitation, then your life will have joy, and the home you establish will be a place in which you both will find the direction of your growth, your freedom, and your responsibility.
James & Nathans personal Vows inserted here
Please repeat after me: I James/Nathan, take you, Nathan/James to be my spouse, my constant friend and partner, and my love. I will work to create a bond of honesty, respect, and trust, one that withstands the tides of time and change and grows along with us. I vow to honor and respect you for all that you are and will become, taking pride in who we are, both separately and together.I promise to challenge you and to accept challenges from you. I will join with you and our community in an ongoing struggle to create a world we all want to live in, where love and friendship will be recognized and celebrated in all their many forms. Our home will be a sanctuary and a respite for us and for those whom we cherish. Above all, I will give you my love freely and unconditionally. I pledge this to you from the bottom of my heart for all the days of our lives.
RING EXCHANGE
Officiant: May I have the rings, please?
James/Nathan, place the ring on Nathan/James' finger, then repeat after me.
“I give you this ring as a daily reminder of my love for you.”
PRONOUNCEMENT/DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE
Officiant: By the power of your love and commitment, I now pronounce you married! You may kiss.
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