A civil wedding ceremony script

Calling the room to order 30 sec

[The couple stands facing the officiant, with their witnesses beside them. The officiant waits for the room to settle.]

Good morning, everyone. We are ready to begin.

Statement of purpose 1 min

We are here to witness the marriage of [Partner A] and [Partner B], and to record it under the law of [state / jurisdiction].

A civil ceremony is brief on purpose, and what it gives up in length it does not give up in weight. In the next few minutes two people will make a promise in front of witnesses, and from that moment the law of this state will treat them as married.

Declaration of intent 1 min

[Partner A], do you take [Partner B] to be your [wife / husband / partner], to love and to care for, in good health and in poor, in comfort and in hardship, for as long as you both shall live?

[Partner A]: I do.

And [Partner B], do you take [Partner A] to be your [wife / husband / partner], to love and to care for, in good health and in poor, in comfort and in hardship, for as long as you both shall live?

[Partner B]: I do.

The vows 1–2 min

Please join hands. [Partner A], repeat after me.

I, [Partner A], take you, [Partner B], to be my [wife / husband / partner]. I promise to be honest with you, to be kind to you, and to stay beside you for the rest of my life.

And [Partner B], repeat after me.

I, [Partner B], take you, [Partner A], to be my [wife / husband / partner]. I promise to be honest with you, to be kind to you, and to stay beside you for the rest of my life.

The rings 1 min

[If there are rings, they are exchanged now. Otherwise the officiant goes straight to the pronouncement.]

[Partner A], place this ring on [Partner B]’s hand and say:

I give you this ring as the sign of what I promised today.

And [Partner B]:

I give you this ring as the sign of what I promised today.

Pronouncement 30 sec

[Partner A] and [Partner B], you have declared your intention and made your promises in front of these witnesses. By the authority vested in me by the [state / jurisdiction], I now pronounce you married.

You may kiss.

[The couple kisses. The officiant gives them a moment before speaking again.]

Signing the license 1–2 min

One more thing and you are done: the signatures. [Partner A] and [Partner B] here, our witnesses here, and mine underneath.

[The couple, the witnesses, and the officiant sign the marriage license. The officiant checks every field, including dates and printed names, before anyone leaves the room.]

Sending them off 30 sec

Congratulations, both of you. [Partner A] and [Partner B], you are married. Go and enjoy the rest of this day.

[The couple leaves together, with their witnesses.]