Tell the story

The ceremony should reflect the values, lives and spirituality of the happy couple.

Ceremonies can take on many different personalities and honor many traditions. Feel free to use this sample ceremony to inspire the foundation of your ceremony.

Sample 1: time ~10 minutes

Giving Away the Bride

Who has the honor of presenting this woman to be married to this man?

Opening Words and Introduction

Welcome friends and family of ________ and ________. You have come from all over to support two of our favorite people on their special day and to witness ________ and _________ as they exchange their vows of marriage.

Each of us is a part of a community and lives within an amazing network of family members and close friends who make up our “tribe.” 

For ________ and _________ we are these people, we are their tribe. Although this is their day, it is also a tribute to all of you. 

Having you in their lives has helped to make them who they needed to be to find each other. They would like to thank you all for that.

Welcome the Couple

________ and ________ welcome to your day! I am so honored and thankful to be a part of your wedding, there is no place I would rather be. 

You are here today, because you believe that by being together your lives will be richer and more interesting than they would be apart. We come together not to mark the start of a relationship, but to recognize a bond that already exists. But before you turn the page to your next chapter together, lets go back to how it all began.

Their Story

Long ago in the year of 2008 in the village of _________ a group of travelers gathered together at ____________.

This group of adventurers came from places as far as Kansas, South Carolina and California to serve steaks, ale and wine to others who gathered in paradise to ski, hike and ride.

It was during this time that a tale of friendship, love and debauchery began. However, when this cast of characters gathers and the story telling begins, it seems our memories blur and differing recollections emerge…

But, for those of us that were with them from the start, there are some things we are sure of:

• ___________…….you are the OCD yin to _______’s “whatever” yang
• ___________....when I met you, you were just beginning to live your life outside the prescribed and expected check list.
• ___________...________ and I had a significant number of lunch dates discussing your underestimated potential and some day that would help you get the girl.

Together you are unexpected and full of possibilities. While it took two strangers from _______ moving to ________ to find each other, to this we would say, “Not all those who wander are lost”.

It has been a ridiculous and amazing journey full of dark corners and new beginnings, we are truly thankful to have been a part of it. ________ and _______ have taken the time to write their own vows, 

Exchange of Vows

{written by bride and groom}

Introduction To The Exchange of Rings

And now we will do the exchange of rings. 

These rings represent your vows and the promises you have made to each other. Let them serve as a reminder of this day when challenges arise and reflect on your commitment and the hopes and dreams you share for your future.

Exchange of Rings

________, as you place the ring on __________’s finger, do you promise to:
•    Respect, encourage and challenge her.
•    To love and cherish your differences
•    And to grow both together and separately for the rest of our lives.

 {“I DO”}

________, as you place the ring on ______’s finger, do you promise to:
•    Respect, encourage and challenge him.
•    To love and cherish your differences
•    And to grow both together and separately for the rest of your lives.

{“I DO”}

Blessing of The Marriage

_________ and _________, today you have called on friends and family to witness and celebrate this amazing day, we have re-lived your relationship journey, you have exchanged vows and have represented your commitment with wedding rings. 

Go into the world and fulfill your dreams, together your possibilities are truly infinite.
•    Love, support, and give each other room to grow.
•    Remember how to play. 
•    Laugh at yourselves, at each other and with each other. 

Life is truly better when you embrace the open road in front of you with gratitude, a light heart and the one you love.

Pronouncement of Marriage

On this day, _____________ it is my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife.

__________ you may now kiss your bride!

Presentation of The Couple

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to present for the first time, _______ and _________.

SAMPLE 2: TIME 20-25 MINUTES

Announcements

Hello everyone and welcome to ___ and ____’s celebration of love!  I’m________, their friend from Alaska and wedding officiate. We have a few announcements before we get started.

1.    After the ceremony, there will be a cocktail reception before dinner. Please proceed to the balcony after ____ and _____ exit, you will all exit row by row, assisted by the two brides-men.

2.    Please turn off your devices for the next 20 minutes and be present with the couple on their day.

3.    Finally, directly after _____ and ____ are pronounced married, we hoot, we holler, clap and everyone is to stand up and turn around for a photo.

 That’s it, let’s get started!

Giving Away the Bride

Who has the honor of presenting this woman to be married to this man?

Words of Welcome

Welcome friends and family of _______ and _____. You have come from all over to support this fabulous couple on their day.  Aside from each other, you are the greatest resource this couple will ever have and it is truly awesome to see such an outpouring of love.  I’ve had the opportunity to speak with many of you, and the words you have used about your friends Joe and Ashley such as spontaneity, upstanding character, loving, caring, passionate, etc. are truly humbling.

 Please take at least a few moments throughout the day to reflect on your relationship with these two.  I have no doubt that each of your stories leads to many laughs and warm hearts. 

Lighting the Memory Candle

Now, in honor of those who could not join us today, _____ and _____, you have chosen to light a candle so that their collective spirit may accompany you throughout the ceremony.  Please light this candle and let us all take a moment of silence.

Welcome

______ and ______, welcome to your day! You two are one of my favorite relationship stories.  Your sense of adventure, commitment to love, and ability to tackle challenges in a united manner is both impressive and remarkable. As long as I have known you, you have demonstrated grace within the chaos.  This is the lesson you have given to me, and many others.

 Please take these moments to hold hands, really look at each other, and savor today.

The concept of marriage in society is changing. We have more lifestyle options than ever before. You two chose to stand up here today, together (however long it took you to get here) in front of your family, friends, your most enthusiastic supporters (!)  - and commit. You are embarking on yet another chapter of your life together and we are here to honor that.

 But before you turn around to face this new future together, let’s go back to how this all began….

Their Story

[unleash your inner-storyteller and share the couples journey]

And now _______and _______ it’s time to exchange your vows to one another.

Exchange of Vows

[written by couple]

Exchange of Rings

And now we’ll do the exchange of the rings. These rings represent your marriage. Let them serve as a gentle reminder of this day when challenges arise and know what this means to yourselves, to each other, and to the rest of the world.

______ - This ring is a symbol of the commitment to ______and this partnership.  Do you promise to:

• Trust
• Protect
• Comfort,
• Challenge ______, and always work with her to seek peace within the chaos for the rest of your lives together? 

(place ring on finger)

_______ - This ring is a symbol of the commitment to _____ and this partnership.  Do you promise to:

• Comfort
• Encourage
• Support
• Challenge _______ and always work with him to seek peace within the chaos for the rest of your lives together? 

(place ring on finger)

Declaration of Marriage

_______ and _______, Today you have called in friends and family from the 4 corners of the nation, you have re-lived your relationship journey, you have exchanged vows, and have represented your commitment with wedding rings.  

 May your lives together be blessed with more laughter than you can handle, more good beer than you can drink, and more love than your hearts can stand.

 And on this day, ______: With the authority granted to me by the great state of _______, it is my distinct honor to now pronounce you husband and wife, ______ and _____.

 _______, you can kiss your bride.

SAMPLE 3: TIME ~20 MINUTES

Announcements

Hello everyone and welcome to ________ and _______’s celebration of love!  I’m ______, their friend and officiate. We have a few announcements before we get started.

 After the ceremony, there will be a cocktail reception before dinner. After ____and ______ are pronounced married, they will exit glamorously and everyone will proceed to the outside deck.

 Please turn off your devices for the next 20 minutes and be present with the couple on their day.

There’s mad libs on the back of your programs, please remember to drop them in the basket at the end of the bridge. These will serve as a guestbook.

 Finally, we’re doing a flower toss at the end. Once ______ and ______ have been pronounced husband and wife, please shower them with petals as they walk out.

 That’s it. Please relax, take some time to enjoy your surroundings while we bring this couple into their next chapter together.

Remembrance and Moment of Silence

______ and _____, you have chosen to take a moment of silence to remember those who could not join us today. Let us take this moment to honor them, especially ____’s dad, who we know full well is here in spirit. 

Gathering Words

Welcome friends and family of ______ and _______! You have gathered from all over the world to be with these two on their day.  While creating this ceremony with ______ and ______, it was remarkable to hear how strongly they spoke of the importance of community. It has been humbling to share the feeling of family these two deeply value in their lives.

We all are their support system, and their biggest fans.  It would be impossible to quantify the interconnectedness of this group gathered today. What is possible is to embrace how important we all are to each other and to ________ and________. So please, take some time today to reflect on your moments with these two and then tell them about it…and don’t forget to instagram it (#__________)

Welcome

______ and ________, welcome to your day!

It has been a journey my friends and you have arrived! Since we began crafting this day of love, we used all the technology (intercontinental phone calls from Africa, emails, texts, the occasional virtual cocktail date). Regardless of how spotty the actual connection was; the clarity of your commitment to each other came through loud and clear. I am so excited to stand with you today and share your excitement.

 Indeed, a wedding is a day when the bride and groom stand before each other and feel like they each won the life lottery.  It is clear that you will always be at the finish lines of each other’s races and find sincere joy in each other’s triumphs.  May that sentiment live on in your happy home for years to come. 

Ring Warming 

As we’ve talked about, everyone here has played an immense role in the cultivation of this relationship. To honor that, _______ and _____ would like everyone to participate in their ring warming ceremony.  We’ll pass the rings in their special dish around and everyone please pass your love and well wishes along with them. This way, not only will these wedding rings serve as a reminder of their commitment to each other, but of the community who supported them along the way.

Marriage Address

We live in a world that affords us more options than ever before about how we choose to spend our lives. 

 What is so impressive and awe-inspiring about this marriage is the intention with which you two approached this day. By choosing to stand before your friends and family and commit, you are not only strengthening the bond between you two, but acknowledging that it’s truly does take a team to summit a mountain.

So speaking of mountains, you two took a trip together this year. And from Chamonix to Zermatt, you literally roped yourselves to one another and traversed some of the most beautiful terrain on this planet. Your preparation was at times stressful.   You were no doubt pushed to your physical and mental limits.  But you did make it and came back better than ever…with some pretty amazing photos to boot!

Now for all you mountaineers out there, you know there are 3 rules of mountaineering. “It’s always further than it looks. It’s always taller than it looks. And it’s always harder than it looks.”  And so you would be wise to prepare.

The manner with which you two prepared for that trip is indicative of how you got here today. Your sense of adventure, compassion for each other and ability to approach things as a united front is exactly what made that trip so memorable and what will make this marriage an incredible journey.

Exchange of Vows

[written by couple]

Reading

[optional]

Exchange of Rings

Now that we’ve warmed the rings, it’s time to exchange them. These rings represent your marriage. They were created for you both and shine with memories of your family. Let them serve as a gentle reminder of your love, happiness, and may they temper you in challenging times.

_______: This ring is a symbol of your commitment to ______ and this partnership.  Do you promise to:

• Support
• Encourage
• Walk with ______ and Love her in all times on this journey?

Place the ring on her finger.

______: This ring is a symbol of your commitment to _____ and this partnership.  Do you promise to:

• Respect
• Encourage
• Embrace the honesty snd Love him in all times on this journey?

Place the ring on his finger.

Declaration of Marriage

_______ and _____, today you have stood before your friends and family and with each other. Let this public display of your commitment burn bright in your memory as you move forward together.

“May your mountains rise into and above the clouds” so that the journey never truly ends.

So! On this day, ________: It is my distinct honor to now pronounce you husband and wife,  _______ and _______.

 ______, you can _____ your bride!

Sample 4: Time ~20 minutes

Processional

Welcome

Welcome everyone, and please be seated. 

Today is a celebration.  We are all here to celebrate __________ and ________– the love that they share and the commitment that they are making to each other today.

________ and ________ are grateful that they are able to share this day with all of you, their most cherished family and friends. 

They chose this place to marry because they wanted all of us to experience what they feel when they are out in nature, in the mountains.  The beauty and sacredness of this landscape, the feeling of being surrounded by something bigger than oneself, the feeling of awe. 

It’s the reason they chose this spot to marry, any why they have decided to build their lives here. 

So thank you all for being here – for literally scaling a mountain – to celebrate with them. 

We also want to take a moment to remember those who are not here today.  We carry those loved ones in our hearts, and their memory serves as a reminder about how precious life is and also just how lucky we all are to be here together. 

And to ___________ and _________ – welcome to your day! I am so honored to be a part of it and I know that everyone here is excited to watch you take this next step and to help celebrate with you.   

Your Story

And before we get to that next step, I want to take a moment to look back at how __________ and ________’s story began.  __________ and _________ met at work and their relationship began as a friendship, and working together gave them some time to get to know each other. 

When I asked them both about that time, they each shared similar memories.  They both talked about having a mutual respect for each other, they described each other as being hard working, and they recalled some funny memories traveling for work together, including spending one evening after work watching adults play recreational hockey somewhere outside of Pittsburgh. 

And that’s how their relationship began, as co-workers and friends.  And of course with these sorts of things timing is everything, and it just wasn’t their time yet. Then a few years passed, and two things happened. 

First, ________ and ________ both found themselves single at the same time. 

And second, _______ found herself with an extra ticket to the Dave Mathews and Snoop Dog concert. 

And when _________ asked around to see if anyone wanted to go with her, _________ – perhaps playing it cool - said, “If you can’t find anyone, I’ll go.”  ________, on the other hand, said she was definitely hoping he would take the ticket.  And on that day, _______ and _______’s timing was finally right.

From that day forward, ________ and _________ have been together, slowly falling in love and building a life together.

When you talk to _________ and __________, or when you are around them, it’s clear that these are two people that genuinely love and care for one another and really enjoy being around each other.  When I asked _________ what he loves about _______ he said, “Everything!  She’s my best friend.” 

When _________ talked about _________ she said, “He’s everybody’s homebase.”  And she talked about ________ as having a really big heart, someone who is a constant source of stability, someone that she can always count on.    

And this is a couple who have shared a pretty adventurous life together.  They have some awesome stories about the places they have traveled.  When _______ was recalling their last few years together he said, “There’s no one else I’d rather take a helicopter into the middle of nowhere in Alaska and float out with” than _______. 

And while they love to travel, they really are home bodies at heart and both value family above everything else.  ________ and ________ are fiercely loyal to the people that they love, including their sweet dog Bob. 

And so I think it’s fitting that _______ chose his family’s cabin in Montana, one of their favorite places in the world, to propose to ________.  And he proposed while they were fishing, which is one of their favorite things. 

And that brings us to today, to this moment.  And any good love story is not just one moment – it’s the culmination of all the moments that a couple has shared and all of the moments to come.  The big ones like today and perhaps, even more importantly, it’s the thousands of little moments that fuse together into one beautiful life. 

Reading

Now, ______ and _______ would like to invite their niece ________ to come forward to share a reading she chose especially for today.

            Two Happy Lovers (Pablo Neruda)

            Two happy lovers make one bread,
            a single moon drop in the grass.
            Walking, they cast two shadows that flow together;
            waking, they leave one sun empty in their bed.

            Of all the possible truths, they chose the day;
            they held it, not with ropes but with an aroma.
            They did not shred the peace; they did not shatter words;
            their happiness is a transparent tower.

            The air and wine accompany the lovers.
            The night delights them with its joyous petals.
            They have a right to all the carnations.

            Two happy lovers, without an ending, with no death,
            they are born, they die, many times while they live:
            they have the eternal life of the Natural.

Thank you _______. 

Vows

I think that reading highlights the beauty that comes when two people choose to share their lives together.

Because love is a choice. 

And today, we all have the honor of witnessing the beginning of a new family, inspired by _____ and ______, who have chosen to share their lives together. 

_______ and _________, you are both here today not because you can’t live apart, but because you have found that life is better when you are together. 

As partners, you choose to take on everything together, your brightest days and darkest, knowing you will always have each other to lean on. 

All of us are here today to celebrate that choice that you have made.

Now, ________ and __________ would like to invite their niece, _________, to come forward with the vows that they have written together.

Over the last four years the two of you have build a solid foundation for your relationship.  Today, you affirm – in front of all the people you hold dear - your commitment to each other.

_________ -

Today I make the most sincere promise my heart can make. I promise you    that my choices, actions, and words are guided by my unconditional love for you.
I am committed to grow, guided by your unconditional love for me.
I will always keep faith in our love, whether our journey is effortless or whether it is challenging.
I promise that you will never be alone, I will be your home, your calm, your comfort.
I will listen to you, and I will nurture you.
I will walk beside you as your rock, share your dreams, and give you room to grow.
Whatever adventure awaits us, it awaits us together.
You invigorate my life, and today I join that life with yours.”

_________ –

Today I make the most sincere promise my heart can make. I promise you    that my choices, actions, and words are guided by my unconditional love for you.
I am committed to grow, guided by your unconditional love for me.
I will always keep faith in our love, whether our journey is effortless or whether it is challenging.
I promise that you will never be alone, I will be your home, your calm, your comfort.
I will listen to you, and I will nurture you.
I will walk beside you as your rock, share your dreams, and give you room to grow.
Whatever adventure awaits us, it awaits us together.
You invigorate my life, and today I join that life with yours.”

Exchange of rings

Before the ceremony all of you were able to see the rings that ________ and ________ have chosen to wear, and you placed your blessings, good intentions, and well wishes upon those rings.  Now, ______ and ______ would like to invite their nephew ____ forward with the rings.

______ and ______, you have chosen to wear rings as a symbol of the promise that you make to each other today – the promise to love each other and to share your lives together.  As you look at your rings over the years, let them remind you of this amazing day, of the love you have for each other, and of the commitment that you’ve made to each other. 

_______, please place the ring on ________’s finger and repeat after me…

“_______, with this ring, I promise that I will love you, each and every day, for all the days of my life.”

______, please place the ring on ______’s finger and repeat after me…

“______, with this ring, I promise that I will love you, each and every day, for all the days of my life.”

Declaration and blessing of the marriage

Today, the two of you have confirmed that you belong not just together, but to each other. 

Your sense of adventure, your loyalty and commitment to each other, your compassion and joy for life is exactly what made your journey to this day so memorable and it is also what will sustain your bond and make it unbreakable. 

The next chapter in your great adventure begins now.  And so, with the authority granted to me by the great and gorgeous state of Colorado, I now pronounce you husband and wife.  ______, kiss your bride. 

Introduction of the couple

______ and _____ – everyone’s hearts are full today.  Go forward and continue to build a beautiful life together, never forgetting just how lucky you are to have each other.  If you both could please turn and face everyone.  And could everyone please stand.

It is my great privilege and honor to present, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. ______ and ________   ___________!

Recessional