SAMPLE SCRIPT WRITTEN BY CHRIS KIRBY

Nicole and Kevin

*This ceremony took place at the couple's home.  They have a large yard and had a tent erected for the reception.  The couple opted to sign the documents in the house while their guests got a refreshment.  I have included the direction ‘Smile’ in a few spots to remind myself of exactly that.

(Officiant - takes place at front of gathering with Kevin)

(SMILE!)

Welcome

Friends and family, it is my pleasure to extend to each of you a welcome on behalf of Nicole and Kevin. My name is Christopher Kirby and I am certified by Humanist Canada and licensed by the Province of Ontario to solemnize marriages in Ontario. Humanism is a philosophy or life-stance based on a respect for human dignity and the belief that we are all ultimately accountable to ourselves and to society.

After the recessional, the bride and groom invite you to move to the tent beside us for appetizers and cocktails where they will join you after they sign the license.

Today is an exciting day and an important one, not just for the couple but also for all of us gathered here to support them. Nicole and Kevin request that everyone put their cell phones away for the ceremony and be present with them in the moment. 

Nicole and Kevin thank you very much for your presence and support. For those that couldn’t be with us today, we know how proud they would be.

PRELUDE -  BILLIE EILISH - OCEAN EYES

MUSIC STARTS HERE

Parents

Bridesmaids

PROCESSION - WEDDING CANON IN D

Nicole and father

Opening Words

(SMILE!)

Nicole and Kevin are here today, with you, their family and friends, to declare publicly their love for one another, and to be joined in marriage.  Esther Perel tells us that love is a verb, not a permanent state of enthusiasm. Marriage is about finding the right person, being the right person and showing up for one another. Nicole and Kevin have a wonderful love story and today they begin their life story together as husband and wife.

Declaration of Intentions

Nicole and Kevin, do you come willingly to be legally joined in marriage?  Do you dedicate yourselves to one another, promising to be respectful, kind and truthful? Do you commit to listening to each other and giving grace whenever possible?

Reply:  We do.

Vows

(SMILE!)

Nicole and Kevin, you have come to love each other deeply and sincerely.  That love has given you the desire to unite in marriage and to establish a life together.  In this ceremony you are dedicating yourselves to each other.  Your marriage is an act of trust. Your vows today are a declaration of your devotion. Today you announce your love for each other in the presence of family and friends.  We celebrate with you and wish you well.

Kevin please repeat after me:

Nicole, I take you as you are/ 

loving who you are and trusting in who you will become/ 

I promise from this day forward/ 

to cherish and appreciate our life together/ 

to be generous with my love and my attention/ 

to love you completely/ 

These things I pledge to you/

From this day on, I am proud to be your wife

Nicole, please repeat after me:

Kevin, I take you as you are/ 

loving who you are and trusting in who you will become/ 

I promise from this day forward/ 

to cherish and appreciate our life together/ 

to be generous with my love and my attention/ 

to love you completely/ 

These things I pledge to you/

From this day on, I am proud to be your wife

Exchange of Rings

Please present the rings

Your wedding rings are a symbol of the promise you make to one another today. They are an unending circle of love and commitment. A promise that wherever you may go, you will always return to each other.

Kevin, as you place this ring on Nicole‘s finger, repeat these words after me:

This ring symbolizes my love for you/ 

and the commitments we made today/

I choose you to be my wife/

my partner and my best friend/

for as long as we both shall live

Nicole, as you place this ring on Kevin‘s finger, repeat these words after me:

This ring symbolizes my love for you/ 

and the commitments we made today/

I choose you to be my wife/

my partner and my best friend/

for as long as we both shall live

Pronouncement

By the power vested in me by Humanist Canada and the Province of Ontario, I now pronounce you to be married.

Nuptial Kiss 

You may now kiss. 

(OFFICIANT STEPS OUT OF THE WAY FOR OPTIMAL PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES!)

We will now retire to the house to sign the documents.  Please make your way to the tent for a refreshment after the recessional has gone by.

RECESSIONAL MUSIC - JUSTIN BEIBER - ANYONE

(Nicole and Kevin leave with the best man, maid of honour and officiant to sign the license in the house.  Rest of bridal party leads gathering to the refreshment tent beside the house.)

(Once documents are signed , the Officiant will bring bride and groom to the top of the stairs leading towards the tent.)

Friends and family, it is with immense pleasure that I present to you Nicole and Kevin as partners in marriage. Enjoy the rest of this wonderful day and best wishes for the rest of your married lives.

(Bride and groom descend stairs and join guests)