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Humanist Wedding Ceremony Script

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Newlywed brides embracing after humanist wedding ceremony
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  • ~12 Minute Ceremony

A humanist wedding ceremony is best for couples who believe more in the traditions of human nature than the mandates of a set religion. While some humanists are atheists, others are agnostic, and still others follow other spiritual traditions. This humanist wedding ceremony script seeks to cast a wide net in creating a fun, meaningful ceremony.

Introduction/Welcome/Wedding Sermon

Officiant (to guests):

We welcome everyone here today as we unite _______________ and _______________ in marriage. In our lives, we strive to find that special someone. Even if they are completely different from us, they are a complement to our lives almost like a mirror. Cue the Justin Timberlake song here.

Officiant (to couple):

But in all seriousness, let’s get you both married.

Reading

Officiant: I will now share a short reading on the nature of love.

There’s no combination of words

I could put it on the back of a postcard

No song that I could sing

But I can try for your heart

Our dreams,

And they are made out of real things

Like a shoebox of photographs

With sepia-toned loving

Love is the answer.

At least for most of the questions in my heart.

Like: “Why are we here?”, “And where do we go?”,

“And how come it’s so hard?”.

It’s not always easy,

And sometimes life can be deceiving

I’ll tell you one thing:

It’s always better when we’re together

- Better Together by Jack Johnson

Exchanging of Vows

Officiant (to couple):

As those famous lyrics illustrate, you will indeed be better together, as you form a team to unite and live your lives. No matter what you do together: have dinner at the kitchen table, decorate your home together, or do a hobby, it will be a love forever matched as long as you listen to each other and dedicate your time to one another while also remembering to refresh yourself so that you can be at your best.

Now that you both understand what it means to be “better together” let’s have you both exchange your vows so you can be happily married this fine day.

_______________, you may go first.

Partner 1:

It has always been better together with you, _______________: the way we laugh and share our thoughts and how we have grown closer as friends and lovers. I promise for us to keep our strong bond as better together through the good and the bad and the pretty and the ugly. I love you so much and I will be here for you through it all.

Officiant (to couple):

_______________, you can profess your vows now.

Partner 2:

I agree that it has always been better together with you, too: how you first noticed me and did not judge me for being shy. Even being shy yourself, you were not afraid to strike up a conversation with me. Just discussing everyday affairs was better together with you before we became closer friends and eventually started dating. I vow to be by your side through everything and remember that no matter what, being with you is better than facing this world alone.

Exchanging of Rings

Officiant (to couple):

Now that you have announced your vows, let’s exchange the rings.

Officiant (to Partner 1):

_______________, you can give your ring to _______________ now.

(Partner 1 gives the ring to Partner 2)

Partner 1: I promise to stay by your side through it all through the good and the bad.

Officiant (to Partner 2):

_______________, you can give your ring to _______________ now.

(Partner 2 gives the ring to Partner 1.)

Partner 2: I will always be with you no matter what as we navigate this world together.

Declaration of Intent

Officiant (to couple):

_______________ and _______________, take each other’s hands _______________, do you take _______________ to be your spouse?

Partner 1:

I do.

Officiant (to Partner 2):

_______________, do you take _______________ to be your spouse?

Partner 2:

I do.

Pronouncement

Officiant (to couple):

_______________ and _______________, you have come forward and shown your love to us all today.

By the power vested in me by the Universal Life Church Ministries, I now pronounce you married! Kiss each other!