generic script sample provided by humanist canada

Wedding script sample

Introduction

Good afternoon, we are here for the wedding ceremony for __________ and __________. My name is Chris Kirby and I am a Marriage Officiant appointed by Humanist Canada and licensed by the Province of Ontario to legally solemnize marriages. Humanism is.... an ethical and secular philosophy based on reason, equality and freedom, an ethical, secular life stance based on rational thought, a strong moral sense, compassion, fairness and respect for all.

“It is often said that it is love that makes the world go round. However, without doubt, it is friendship that keeps our spinning existence on an even keel. True friendship provides so many of the essentials for a happy life-it is the foundation on which to build an enduring relationship, it is the mortar which bonds us together in harmony, and it is the calm, warm protection we sometimes need when the world outside seems cold and chaotic. True friendship holds a mirror to our foibles and failings, without destroying our sense of worthiness. True friendship nurtures our hopes, supports us in our disappointments, and encourages us to grow to our best potential. __________ and __________ came together as friends. Today, they pledge to each other not only their love, but also the strength, warmth and, most importantly, the fun of true friendship.” Today, they pledge to each other not only their love, but also the strength, warmth and, most importantly, the fun of true friendship. 

As guests you have an important responsibility here today: to act as witnesses for this ceremony. It is your task to witness everything that needs to be said and done, gets said and done. So, I ask you, are you willing to support this couple today and for the rest of their married life? If so, please respond with an enthusiastic, “We Do” 

Declaration

__________ and __________, you have invited us to witness the happiness that you have found in each other. Did you come here freely and are you ready to make the pledges to which you commit yourselves to each other in love? (Answer: "Yes, or “We do") 

Reading

(insert reading provided by couple)

Vows

__________ (name of partner), do you take __________(other partner), to be your __________ (husband/wife/partner/life partner/spouse...) 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, for as long as you both shall love? Answer: “I Do” 

Exchange of Rings

The exchange of wedding rings is a centuries-old wedding tradition. It signifies the never-ending love between two spouses and also serves as an affirmation of the vows exchanged between them during their marriage ceremony. 

“I give you this ring as a symbol of the unending union of my life with yours and as a symbol of my commitment to you. I shall always love, honour and cherish you.” 

__________ and __________ have pledged themselves to each other and have declared this symbolically by their vows. I, Chris Kirby by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Marriage Act of Ontario, do pronounce them legally married.

I invite you to now share your first kiss as married partners. 

(Signing of marriage documents)

Friends, family, I am pleased to introduce the newlyweds, __________ and __________ .