Civil Wedding Ceremony Script

Bride signing marriage license after civil wedding

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~12 Minute Ceremony

A civil ceremony is a non-religious event where the officiant legally marries two individuals in a simple proceeding. If a couple would prefer to get married right away without a long and drawn-out ceremony or do not prefer for the wedding to be overly religious, a civil ceremony would be the perfect fit. This script seeks to accomplish just that: simple and to the point.

Introduction/Welcome/Wedding Sermon

Officiant (to guests, even if only the couple present):

We are gathered here to unite _______________ and _______________ in lawfully wedded unity. Let’s witness the union of this couple.

Officiant (to couple):

Now let’s begin your marriage ceremony.

Reading

You can give without loving, but you can never love without giving. The great acts of love are done by those who are habitually performing small acts of kindness. We pardon to the extent that we love. Love is knowing that even when you are alone, you will never be lonely again. And great happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved. Loved for ourselves. And even loved despite ourselves.

- Les Miserables by Victor Hugo

Exchanging of Vows

Officiant (to couple):

We will now have you both read the vows that you have prepared for one another.

_______________, you may read your vows first.

Partner 1:

(Read the vows they have prepared or can go by the one below.)

I promise to love you forever and always, support you throughout the rest of our lives, and stay by your side.

Officiant (to couple):

_______________, It’s your turn to share your vows.

Partner 2:

(Read the vows they have prepared or can read the one below.)

I promise to love you forever and always, support you throughout the rest of our lives, and stay by your side.

Exchanging of Rings

Officiant (to couple):

At this time, you will both now exchange your rings.

Officiant (to Partner 1):

_______________, place your ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I promise to love and support my spouse forevermore.”

Partner 1:

With this ring, I promise to love and support my spouse forevermore.

Officiant (to Partner 2):

_______________, place your ring on _______________’s finger and repeat after me. “With this ring, I promise to love and support my spouse forever more.”

Partner 2:

With this ring, I promise to love and support my spouse forevermore.

Declaration of Intent

Officiant (to couple):

_______________ and _______________, join hands with one another at this time, please.

_______________, will you take _______________ to be your lawfully wedded partner?

Partner 1:

I do.

Officiant (to Partner 2):

_______________, do you take _______________ to be your lawfully wedded partner?

Partner 2:

I do.

Pronouncement

Officiant (to couple):

_______________ and _______________, you have come before (name of government building) today to show your love and become legally married.

By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church Ministries, I now pronounce you legally married! If you wish, you can now share a kiss.