The Basic Civil Ceremony

The Classic Civil Ceremony

For as many civil ceremonies as I perform, I very rarely perform this particular ceremony. Sometimes couples will specifically request this ceremony but I have other short and sweet options with the same sentiment written in a different way that may better express the couple and their relationship.  

I think that most wedding ceremony scripts are built with this at the base.  Personally, I think it's romantic!  When you think about a wedding ceremony, you usually think about these words.  It's simple and sometimes, that's all you want and need.  You are welcome to replace the vows, ring meaning, and ring exchange from my options, if you choose. Link are included at the bottom!

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Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here to join together Name and Name in Marriage; which is an honorable estate, and therefore, not entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly, and with joy.  Into this Estate, these two persons present come now to be joined.

Vows
This is the only thing you have to legally do when you get married - you just have to consent to the marriage.

Name, do you take Name to be your lawful wedded spouse, to live together in the Estate of Matrimony? Will you love, comfort, honor, and keep Name in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto Name as long as you both shall live?
 
I do
 
Name, do you take Name to be your lawful wedded spouse, to live together in the Estate of Matrimony? Will you love, comfort, honor, and keep Name in sickness and in health; and, forsaking all others, keep you only unto Name as long as you both shall live?

I do
 
Ring Exchange
Not required. You don't need rings to get married!

The marriage ring seals the vows of marriage and represents a promise of eternal and everlasting love.
 
Name, as you place the ring on Name's finger, please repeat after me:

 I, Name, take thee, Name, to be my wedded spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever.  With this ring, I marry you. 

Name, as you place the ring on Name's finger, please repeat after me:
 
 I, Name, take thee, Name, to be my wedded spouse, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever.  With this ring, I marry you. 

Those who have chosen to be joined together, let no one put asunder.

Forasmuch as Name and Name have consented together in wedlock, and have witnessed the same before this company of witnesses, and there to have given their pledge, each to the other, and have declared the same by giving and receiving a ring, and by joining hands; by the power vested in me by the State of Indiana, I now pronounce you married.

​You may seal this marriage with a kiss!
You may kiss your Bride/Groom!
You don't have to kiss at all...​

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** Elopement Ceremony 1 ** Elopement Ceremony 2 ** Elopement Ceremony 3 ** Elopement Ceremony 4 ** Elopement Ceremony 5 ** Elopement Ceremony 6 ** Elopement Ceremony 7 ** Elopement Ceremony 8 ** Elopement Vows ** Elopement Ring Meanings ** Elopement Ring Exchanges **