Wedding Ceremony Script – Template One

Welcome Pre-Procession

• Here is where I can do an acknowledgement to Country, explain if ceremony is ‘unplugged’ (no photos), and advise guests on instructions post ceremony (e.g. confetti toss, canapes gathering, group photos).

• (INSERT HERE – Couple’s optional pre-ceremony message to guests):
  E.g. a short welcome, a thank you to travelling guests, a fun line about dress code, or what today means to them.

Everyone, please stand. 

Procession

Welcome

Good afternoon and welcome everyone to the wedding of [Couple's Names], where we will bear witness to the merging of two lives, two families, and two [Netflix accounts].

My name is Jessica McDougall, authorised marriage celebrant and I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.

Today is one of the most momentous days of [Couple's Names] lives. The day they commit to a lifetime of adventure, friendship, and [dirty dancing in the kitchen].

If you’re here today, looking all fancy, it means that for one reason or another, our couple think you’re pretty special, and they couldn’t imagine celebrating without you.

(INSERT HERE – What the couple love most about their people):
E.g. You may have watched them grow up, went to school or work with them, or been a support to them during life’s tough times.

However you know [Couple's Names], please know you have affected their lives greatly, and they thank you for your love and friendship - past, present and future.

(INSERT HERE – You may like me to add a gratitude message):
A brief ‘thank you’ note written by the couple for Celebrant to read.

Giving Away

(INSERT HERE – Only if the couple want to add a giving away):

e.g. If you've ever taken a moment to reflect on life's deeper questions, you may have asked yourself, "What truly matters?" The answer varies from person to person, but for many, the greatest source of happiness comes from our relationships with others.

Life feels richest when it's filled with love, connection, and cherished moments with family and friends. Among these, one of the most profound bonds is that between parent and child.

Today, [X] is incredibly fortunate to have [Parent’s name] by their side, just as [Parent’s name]  is privileged to walk their [daughter/son]  down the aisle. Before he/she gives his/her hand to [X] in marriage, we invite him/her to answer this timeless question:

"Who gives [X] to be married to [X] "

Ritual

• Depending on the chosen ritual. The position of the ritual in the script may change

• Script to be provided based on ritual chosen. You may choose a ritual from the Planning Portal.

• You can opt out of rituals.

(INSERT HERE – Couple’s chosen meaning behind the ritual):
A short statement about why they chose this ritual or what it symbolises for them.

Introduction

The beautiful thing about love is that it’s an experience we share with all humans around the globe.  And yet, to anyone who falls in love it is the most unique, and precious experience in the world

Marriage offers opportunities of sharing and growth, that no other human relationship can equal. It is a physical, emotional, and spiritual joining that is promised for a lifetime. It is something beyond the initial excitement and romance of your relationship.  It is caring as much about the wellbeing and happiness of your partner, as that of your own.

Every great couple has a defining moment that shifts the relationship from ‘like’ to ‘love’. For these two, that moment came when…

(INSERT HERE – Couple write their story moment)
E.g. “when they realised they both put hot chips on their burgers,” “when they survived their first IKEA trip,” “when X showed up at Y’s house with soup and Panadol.

(INSERT HERE – Love Story in 5–7 sentences, and I’ll refine it)

• How you met

• First impressions

• First date

• The moment you realised it was “more”

• Best quirks of each other

• The proposal

• Why today matters

Readings

• a family member/friend or I (your celebrant) can read

• You may like to choose an alternative reading from the Planning Portal or provide one of your own choosing

(INSERT HERE – Why this reading?):
A brief explanation from the couple about why they chose this reading or who it reminds them of.

“Like a river” By Whitney Hanson

They say sometimes love starts with a spark,

And that might be true,

But if I were to wish you a love,

I wouldn’t wish fire for you,

You see fire is powerful,

It burns bright then it’s gone,

It’s beautiful and warm,

But it doesn’t last long,

So instead of wishing you,

A love that burns,

I wish you love like a river,

That twists and turns, 

It changes and flows,

It is powerful and free,

But it consistently finds it way,

Back to the sea.

And so like the water,

I hope your love is ever growing, ever changing,

I hope your love is powerful and free,

And may you always find each other,

Like the river finds the sea.

Monitum

(INSERT HERE – Optional one-liner about the couple’s philosophy on marriage):
E.g. “To them, marriage means choosing each other every day, even when the coffee runs out.”

Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.  

[Couple's Names], before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.” 

More than love, marriage is about vulnerability, forgiveness and being there for your partner day in, day out, come rain or shine, good mood or bad.

The Asking

(INSERT HERE – these promises are all editable/you can skip the asking if you don’t mind not saying “I do”-  just read personal vows to each other.

[X], do you promise to keep [X] as your favourite person - to laugh with them, go on adventures with them, support them through life’s tough moments, be proud of them, grow old with them, and find new reasons to love them every day?”

([X]: “I do.”)

[X], do you promise to share your life with [X], to comfort and care for them, to support and have fun with them, and be committed to not just loving them, but working as a team with them?

([X]: “I do.”)

Legal Vows

•  You can add personal vows, but the below must be included (verbatim).

I ask everybody here 

To witness that I [Full Name]

Take you [Full Name]

To be my lawful wedded wife/spouse/partner

I ask everybody here 

To witness that I [Full Name]

Take you [Full Name]

To be my lawful wedded husband/spouse/partner 

Ring Exchange

You’ve both chosen to wear rings as a reminder of these promises. As you look at these rings over the years, I hope you remember this: together you’ve created something invaluable, and just as I know you’ll protect these rings, I’m confident you’ll protect the commitments you’ve made to one another today.

[X], [X] would like to place this ring on your finger as a daily reminder of their love and commitment to you and your marriage together. Just as this ring is round and without an end, [X] promises their never-ending love to you. With this ring do you accept [X]’s love, support, and commitment, and promise the same in return?

Or…

(INSERT HERE – Couple’s unique ring wording):
E.g. “With this ring, I choose you today and all the days after,” or a humorous twist.

Each exchange rings

The Pronouncing/ Kiss

Today is about the love…

(INSERT HERE – Optional short line describing the couple’s future dreams):
A sentence the couple write about what they’re looking forward to most.

[Couple's Names], you have so much to look forward to, but I’m sure what you are most looking forward to is sealing this marriage. So, you may kiss.

Celebrant moves for kiss.

Signing of the register

• We can do this at this point of the ceremony…or we can skip for now and find a quiet place to sign, after you’ve made your ceremony exit and have been congratulated by family and friends.

• Along with your two witnesses, you will be required to sign two copies of the Official Certificate of Marriage and your Form 15 Marriage Certificate. Please provide me with the names of your witnesses so I can invite them to the signing table at this time.

• You may like to arrange to have music played whilst you are signing your certificates.

• Your witnesses must be over 18 years of age.

• Don’t know who to ask to be witness? Someone special like a parent/grandparent or best friend is a great choice.

• You may like to add an additional ritual at the conclusion of your certificate signing.

(INSERT HERE – Signing music choice):
Song + artist

Congratulations

Without further ado, a round of applause please, [and get that confetti ready], for… 

Brisbane’s newest newlyweds…[Couple's Names],

• You choose how you’d like to be presented. Check out the Planning Portal Script suggestions for more options.

Recessional

• This is where you will depart the ceremony to have photography/be congratulated by guests.

• Music is usually played. If you have a wedding party, it is tradition that they follow.

• You may like to offer your guests confetti/sparklers/bubbles to help create an atmospheric congratulatory exit.

• Alternatively, I can invite guests up to congratulate you.

Wedding Ceremony Script – Template Two

Welcome Pre-Procession

• Here is where I can do an acknowledgement to Country, explain if ceremony is ‘unplugged’ (no photos), and advise guests on instructions post ceremony (e.g. confetti toss, canapes gathering, group photos).

• (INSERT HERE – Optional pre-welcome message from the couple):
  A short heartfelt or funny thank-you message you’d like me to read.

Everyone, please stand. 

Procession

Welcome 

Good afternoon family and friends, to this magnificent venue, on this beautiful day. Thank you for making the journey here.

My name is Jessica McDougall, authorised marriage celebrant and I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.

I could start this ceremony with the traditional words “we are gathered here today”, but I’m pretty sure you all know why we are gathered.  

You’re all here looking so fancy and smiling from ear-to-ear, because we are about to witness the marriage between [Couple's Names].

(INSERT HERE – Couple’s personality intro):
A 1–2 sentence description of you both in your own words — warm, funny, playful, or simple.

Today is a celebration. A celebration of love, of commitment, of friendship, of family, and of two people who are in it for forever.

All of you are the most special people to [Couple's Names]. The people that have, throughout their lives, shared with them, loved them, and experienced with them. 

Through this union today, they will have an expansion of people to love, to share life’s greatest moments with, and to face life’s toughest challenges with.

(INSERT HERE – Any special family acknowledgements):
Optional mention of grandparents, chosen family, or important figures.

Giving Away

• Option A:

Today, no goats will be traded, [X] will not be given away in the traditional manner, instead [Couple's Names] wholly and without reservation give themselves to one another. They would, however like for their parents to affirm their support of this marriage.

[Parent’s Names] do you support this union?

Parents: We do!

(INSERT HERE – A short line the couple want read about independence or modern approach) (optional)

• Option B:

Family and friends, do you promise to always nurture this marriage by providing [Couple's Names] with your continued love and support?

All Guests: We do!

(INSERT HERE – Add a humorous or heartfelt line about community support) (optional)

• Option C:

Life feels richest when it's filled with love, connection, and cherished moments with family and friends. Among these, one of the most profound bonds is that between parent and child.

Today, [X] is incredibly fortunate to have [Parent’s name] by their side, just as [Parent’s name]  is privileged to walk their [daughter/son]  down the aisle. Before he/she gives his/her hand to [X] in marriage, we invite him/her to answer this timeless question:

"Who gives [X] to be married to [X] "

(INSERT HERE – A personalised line about parent–child relationship or gratitude)

Ritual

• Depending on the chosen ritual. The position of the ritual in the script may change

• Script to be provided based on ritual chosen. You may choose a ritual from the Planning Portal.

• You can opt out of rituals.

(INSERT HERE – The couple’s personal meaning behind the ritual):
Why they chose it, or what they hope it symbolises.

Introduction

Love is an amazing force. Love makes burdens lighter and joys more intense because you share them with each other. Being loved makes you feel stronger and more prepared to reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone.

Before us, stand two extraordinary people who have found a love so strong, and so unwavering.

(INSERT HERE – Fun or heartfelt descriptor of the couple’s relationship):
E.g. “They balance each other perfectly — one brings the snacks, the other brings the chaos.”

They have looked at one another and said, "You know what? You're the one I choose—today, tomorrow, and for all the years to come." Even when time has had its way, when laughter lines have deepened, gravity has set in, their hair has greyed, and their skin has wrinkled - their love will remain untouched—because this is a truly special kind of love. And true love isn’t about perfection; it’s about choosing each other, every single day.

The story of how two became one for [Couple's Names] is a tale as old as time. They met…

(INSERT HERE – Love Story in 5–7 sentences, and I’ll refine it)):
Your own words — short, long, sweet, or funny.

• How you met

• First impressions

• First date

• The moment you realised it was “more”

• Best quirks of each other

• The proposal

• Why today matters

Marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A married couple are each other's best friend, confidant, lover, teacher and listener.

[Couple's Names], know that love…

(INSERT HERE – A shared value or belief the couple holds about love/marriage):
E.g. teamwork, adventure, equality, humour, patience.

Or…

is not being totally absorbed in each other, it is looking outward together in the same direction. Together they strive to grow, in their differences for mutual happiness. They are committed to achieving their common ideals, and they recognise in each other individual lives to be lived, beliefs to be maintained and talents to be developed.

Readings

• a family member/friend or I (your celebrant) can read

• You may like to choose an alternative reading from the Planning Portal or provide one of your own choosing

(INSERT HERE – Why this reading?):
A brief explanation the couple would like shared about why they chose this poem/piece.

Blessing of the Hands – anon

These are the hands of your best friend, full of love for you.

They are holding yours on your Wedding Day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you, when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorry and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands, that when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch.

Monitum

Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.  

[Couple's Names], before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.” 

More than love, marriage is about vulnerability, forgiveness and being there for your partner day in, day out, come rain or shine, good mood or bad.

The Asking

(INSERT HERE – these promises are all editable/you can skip the asking if you don’t mind not saying “I do”- just read personal vows to each other.

[X], will you take [X], to be your lawful [Husband/Wife/Partner], to share your life. Do you vow to love him/her fiercely, to dance through the good times, weather the storms together, and always keep him/her as your one and only, for all the days of your life?

([X]: “I do.”)

[X], do you choose [X] to be your partner-in-crime, and your best friend forever? Do you promise to stand by his/her side, to support his/her dreams, to laugh at his/her jokes (even the bad ones), and to lift him/her up when life gets tough?

([X]: “I do.”)

Legal Vows

[Couple's Names], you are now about to exchange your vows with one another. These vows are a combination of your intentions, values, beliefs and the promises you are pledging to each other for a lifetime. Throughout your married life there will be times of change and challenges when you will need to gently remind each other of these promises and draw upon your individual strength and resilience to provide the love and support you may both need.  It will be this love that will make burdens lighter and joys more intense because you share them with each other

• You can add personal vows, but the below must be included (verbatim).

(INSERT HERE – Personal vows section):
Do you want short, long, humorous, traditional, poetic? Add your personal vows here.

I ask everybody here 

To witness that I [Full Name]

Take you [Full Name]

To be my lawful wedded wife/spouse/partner 

I ask everybody here 

To witness that I [Full Name]

Take you [Full Name]

To be my lawful wedded husband/spouse/partner

Ring Exchange

[Couple's Names], you have chosen to exchange rings today.

Let these rings serve as a reminder of the feelings you have in your hearts at this very moment. There are times in life that we tend to focus on the things we have not yet accomplished, there will also be times of great loss. Yet as you look at your wedding band, remember the great gift that you have been given and all that you have in one another.

(INSERT HERE – Couple’s personalised ring sentiment):
E.g. “With this ring, I choose you every day,” or something playful.

Each exchange rings

The Pronouncing/ Kiss

As you start your next big adventure today, I would like you to take a moment to reflect on this new journey. In some ways today is no different to yesterday, nor tomorrow. It is, however, the start of your married life together, and will be a day that you cherish and celebrate every year for the rest of your days. Today is a celebration with all your closest friends and family, who will also play a part in this journey.

(INSERT HERE – 1–2 sentences about what you are most looking forward to in marriage):
Travel? Building a home? Being dog parents? Having quiet morning coffees?

[Couple's Names], you have kissed a thousand times before, maybe even more, but this time is different, because this time it will be your very first as a married couple.

It is my absolute pleasure to pronounce you [Husband & Wife/ Partners for Life etc.], you may seal your marriage with a kiss!

Celebrant moves for kiss 

Signing of the register

• We can do this at this point of the ceremony…or we can skip for now and find a quiet place to sign, after you’ve made your ceremony exit and have been congratulated by family and friends.

• Along with your two witnesses, you will be required to sign two copies of the Official Certificate of Marriage and your Form 15 Marriage Certificate. Please provide me with the names of your witnesses so I can invite them to the signing table at this time.

• You may like to arrange to have music played whilst you are signing your certificates.

• Your witnesses must be over 18 years of age.

• Don’t know who to ask to be witness? Someone special like a parent/grandparent or best friend is a great choice.

• You may like to add an additional ritual at the conclusion of your certificate signing.

(INSERT HERE – Music choice for signing):
Song & artist.

Congratulations

Without further ado, a round of applause please, [and get that confetti ready], for… 

Brisbane’s newest newlyweds…[Couple's Names],

• You choose how you’d like to be presented. Check out the Planning Portal Script suggestions for more options.

Recessional

• This is where you will depart the ceremony to have photography/be congratulated by guests.

• Music is usually played. If you have a wedding party, it is tradition that they follow.

• You may like to offer your guests confetti/sparklers/bubbles to help create an atmospheric congratulatory exit.

• Alternatively, I can invite guests up to congratulate you.