What to Say When Officiating a Wedding (Examples)
The hardest part of officiating for the first time is figuring out the actual words. Below is sample wording for each key moment. Use it as a starting point and personalize it to the couple.
The welcome
Something like: "Good evening, everyone, and welcome. We're gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of [Partner A] and [Partner B], and to witness them commit their lives to each other. On behalf of the couple, thank you for being here to share this moment."
Then add a line or two about the couple, who they are, how they met, what this day means, drawn from what you learned talking with them.
A few words about marriage
A short reflection on love and partnership, tailored to the couple's tone. Keep it genuine and brief. This is where you can be personal, funny, or moving depending on what fits them.
The declaration of intent
This is a legally meaningful moment. Traditionally: "[Partner A], do you take [Partner B] to be your [wife/husband/partner], to have and to hold, from this day forward?" They answer, "I do." Repeat for the other partner. You can modernize the wording, but keep the clear question and the clear "I do."
The vows
If the couple wrote their own, invite them to share: "[Partner A] and [Partner B] have written their own vows. [Partner A], whenever you're ready." If they want traditional vows, lead them line by line for each partner to repeat.
The ring exchange
"These rings are a symbol of the promises you've made today, unbroken, enduring, and worn as a daily reminder of this commitment. [Partner A], place the ring on [Partner B]'s finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love."
The pronouncement
The other legally meaningful moment: "By the power vested in me by the state of [State], it is my honor to pronounce you married. You may kiss!"
Then present the couple: "Friends and family, it's my joy to introduce, for the first time, the newlyweds!"
A note on personalizing
These are templates. The ceremony people remember is the one that clearly knew the couple. Weave in their story, their humor, their values. The structure stays the same; the personality is what makes it theirs.
CeremonyDesk drafts a full personalized ceremony from a few details about the couple.
Start free.Frequently asked questions
What do you say at the beginning of a wedding ceremony?
Welcome the guests, state that everyone is gathered to celebrate the couple's marriage, thank them for coming, and add a personal line or two about the couple.
What does the officiant say for the pronouncement?
A common version: "By the power vested in me by the state of [State], I pronounce you married. You may kiss." Confirm your state's expected wording where relevant.
Do officiants have to use traditional wording?
No. Aside from keeping the declaration of intent and pronouncement clear and legally sound, you can personalize the language to match the couple's tone.