The Perfect Ceremony Script Template for a Modern Wedding (With Real Examples)
Planning your wedding ceremony is one of the most meaningful—and occasionally overwhelming—parts of wedding prep. Between selecting readings, deciding who says what, and figuring out how to make it all feel uniquely you, it's no wonder so many couples Google: "wedding ceremony template." Good news: you've come to the right place.
Whether you're crafting a secular, spiritual, religious, modern, or blended ceremony, a thoughtfully structured ceremony script makes all the difference. And no, you don’t need to be a poet or a seasoned officiant to pull it off. You just need the right template and tools.
Why to Start with a Wedding Ceremony Template
A solid wedding ceremony script template ensures your celebration flows seamlessly—from the moment your guests take their seats to the final joyful pronouncement. It helps your officiant (whether it’s your BFF, sibling, or a professional) feel confident, and it ensures nothing important gets left out (like, say, your vows).
It also offers you room to customize, so your personalities, love story, and shared values shine through every word.
Wedding Ceremony Script Template: The Standard Outline
While every couple’s ceremony will be different, here’s a tried-and-true ceremony outline template that works for most weddings. We’ve included robust examples throughout to help you see what each section might sound like in your own voice.
1. Processional
Your wedding begins here. This is when the wedding party enters and takes their places. Think: music, pacing, and who walks in when.
Optional variations:
- Grandparents, parents, or other VIPs enter first
- Bridesmaids/groomsmen walk solo or in pairs
- One or both partners walk down the aisle alone or with loved ones
Example cues:
- Partner A’s entrance song: "Canon in D" by Pachelbel (traditional) or “Lover” by Taylor Swift (modern)
- Officiant enters before or with the wedding party
2. Welcome + Officiant’s Address
Your officiant sets the tone, welcomes your guests, and shares a few words about your love story or what marriage means to you both. This combo of greeting and personal message sets the emotional tone for everything that follows.
Example (secular and modern):
"Welcome, everyone. Today we’re here to celebrate something that doesn’t happen every day—the joining of two extraordinary people, [Partner A] and [Partner B], in marriage. Their journey together began over coffee and small talk, and has grown into a life filled with laughter, long hikes, and competitive board games. We’re here not just as witnesses, but as supporters of this next chapter in their story."
Example (spiritual):
"As we gather in this sacred space, surrounded by love and community, we honor the divine connection between [Partner A] and [Partner B]. Today they step forward to affirm what their hearts have long known—that they are each other’s home."
For more, check out our article on Crafting the Perfect Wedding Officiant Speech.
3. Readings or Rituals (Optional)
This is a great place to include a meaningful poem, cultural tradition, or personal ritual (like lighting a unity candle or handfasting).
Example (poem reading):
"Now, [Name], a dear friend of the couple, will read an excerpt from 'The Art of Marriage' by Wilferd A. Peterson."
Example (romantic pop culture reading):
"From the movie The Notebook: ‘It wasn't over, it still isn't over!’"
Example (ritual):
"[Partner A] and [Partner B] will now perform a sand ceremony, combining different colored sands to represent the blending of their lives and families."
Looking for the perfect reading or ritual? Explore Provenance’s free library of 600+ options including:
- Love poems (classic and modern)
- Religious blessings and scripture
- Quotes from movies, novels, and song lyrics
- Cultural and unity rituals
Here are some of our favorite readings and rituals to add to your wedding ceremony script.
4. The Declaration of Intent
This is the legal and emotional heart of the ceremony—the moment you each affirm your choice to marry.
Example (traditional):
"[Partner A], do you take [Partner B] to be your lawfully wedded spouse, to love, honor, and cherish from this day forward?"
Example (customized):
"[Partner B], do you choose [Partner A] as your partner in life, promising to support them, laugh with them, and stand beside them through every season to come?"
For more on this part of the ceremony script, check out this article: What Is the Declaration of Intent? Modern and Traditional Examples
5. Vow Exchange
You can write your own, repeat after the officiant, or do a mix. This is your moment—make it count.
Example (personalized vows):
"I promise to support your dreams and share in your joys. I will walk beside you through whatever life brings us—on the mountaintops and in the valleys. I vow to listen, to learn, and to laugh with you, always."
Example (romantic & funny):
"I vow to love you more than tacos, to laugh with you even when your jokes are bad, and to never skip the intro when we’re watching our favorite shows."
Example (classic repeat-after-me):
"I, [Partner A], take you, [Partner B], to be my spouse. I promise to love and cherish you all the days of my life."
For more tips on writing personal wedding vows, check out our complete guide here: How to Write Wedding Vows: Traditional, Modern Examples & Templates Guide
6. Ring Exchange
Short and sweet. You can repeat traditional lines or write your own.
Example (traditional):
"With this ring, I thee wed."
Example (modern):
"With this ring, I give you my heart, my soul, and my Spotify password."
Example (emotional):
"This ring is a symbol of everything we’ve built together—and everything we will continue to build."
7. Pronouncement
The grand finale! Your officiant declares you officially married.
Example (classic):
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Example (inclusive):
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss your partner!"
What Is a Pronouncement at Your Ceremony? Modern and Traditional Examples
8. Recessional
Cue the music and happy tears. You’re married—time to celebrate.
Example songs:
- “You Make My Dreams” by Hall & Oates
- “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder
- “Home” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
- Instrumental covers of meaningful songs
How to Customize Your Wedding Ceremony Script
Even with a perfect wedding ceremony template, there’s still room (and need!) to make it feel like you. Here’s how:
Choose a Ceremony Style
Decide if you want your tone to be:
- Light-hearted and fun
- Romantic and emotional
- Spiritual or religious
- Minimalist and modern
Add Personalized Moments
Consider:
- Inside jokes in your vows
- A nod to shared traditions
- Guest readings from favorite books or movies
- Referencing shared interests or values (e.g. travel, dogs, Taylor Swift lyrics)
Write Your Own Vows
We know, this part can be intimidating. But the good news? Provenance can help. The Provenance Vow Builder helps you capture the unique love you feel for your partner, while also ensuring your vows balance your partner's in length and tone.
FAQs About Wedding Ceremony Templates
What is a wedding ceremony script?
A wedding ceremony script is the written version of what your officiant (and sometimes you!) will say during the ceremony. It ensures your ceremony flows well and includes all important elements.
How long should a wedding ceremony be?
Most ceremonies run between 20–30 minutes. Long enough to be meaningful, short enough to keep everyone’s attention.
Do I have to write my own vows?
Nope! But if you want to, Provenance offers tools to guide you. You can also use traditional vows or personalize a few lines.
How to Write Wedding Vows: Traditional, Modern Examples & Templates Guide
Can we include nontraditional elements?
Absolutely. From readings to rituals to humor and cultural touches, your ceremony should reflect you. You can find plenty of inspiration in popular poetry, music, or cultural traditions—just make sure it feels meaningful to you.
What if my officiant has never done this before?
No worries. Provenance provides officiant-friendly templates and guides to make them feel like a pro.
Make It Official—with Confidence
Your ceremony is the heart of your wedding day. It deserves care, attention, and yes—a thoughtful script. Whether you’re writing your own vows, including a special ritual, or wondering how to end with a bang (cue the kiss), using a structured wedding ceremony template gives you the confidence to enjoy every second.
The best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
Try Provenance’s Ceremony Builder to generate a customized ceremony script in minutes based on your values, preferences, and relationship story. No guesswork. No stress.
Start building your ceremony today at Provenance Ceremony Builder
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