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Parts of a Wedding Ceremony

Photo taken at the Scottish Rite Cathedral
​by Halee Betzner Photography 

Pre-Ceremony Announcements

2/22/2023

 

Things to know before we begin...

Wedding Ceremony Scripts Marry Me In Indy! LLC
Making announcements before, during and after a wedding ceremony is very common.  Sometimes it's as simple as asking couples to be seated so the ceremony can begin.  Depending on what is going on after the ceremony, those few minutes before the ceremony can be a time when you have everyone's attention. As a wedding officiant, I think it can be a good time to welcome everyone and set the tone of the ceremony. ​

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Unplugged Ceremony Scripts

2/22/2023

 

Please Turn Your Phones Off During the Wedding Ceremony!

The Unplugged Wedding Ceremony.  Marry Me In Indy! LLC
Couples may choose to announce an unplugged ceremony for several reasons.  And there are several reasons they might not. Some people say, "There's a sign to tell people to turn their phones off."  That's true!  But, it's also a cute sign that may be more eye-candy than a serious request. ​

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Photo Moment Scripts

2/22/2023

 

We'd love to see our ceremony from your point of view! 

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Social media is important to a lot of people and some couples look forward to having their wedding blasted on social media by their photographer, vendors, and wedding guests! (Some don't, and that's OK too!)  The Photo Moment gives your guests an opportunity to take photos at a specific time during your wedding ceremony. It also gives the couple an opportunity to see their wedding from their guests point of view. I would make an announcement before the ceremony begins to let people know it's coming, and then again during the ceremony.  I would want to make sure that I have a good rapport going on with the guests so this can be really fun.  

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The Presentation and Declaration of Support

2/22/2023

 

Do We Have Your Blessing for this Marriage?

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Traditionally, the bride is escorted down the aisle by her father and then we ask, "Who gives this woman to be married?"  That still happens, but a lot less often than it used to.  Yes, the bride is usually walked down the aisle by someone.  It might be her dad, stepdad, or both!  She may be escorted down the aisle by both parents.  She may be escorted by a brother, uncle, her children, or she may choose to walk alone.  Not to mention grooms! Grooms get to have their moment too!  Many grooms walk down the aisle with their parents. It may not be quite the same fanfare as a traditional bride, but it's still a thing!

If two men or two women are getting married, they may each have their own idea of what they want on their wedding day.  One partner may take on a traditional role, but sometimes they both want to have their moment walking down the aisle on their wedding day.  There is no right or wrong, only possibilities!  

I may ask who gives this woman to be married?  Or, who presents this woman to be married? I may ask nothing at all.  More often, we are asking ALL of the parents for their formal blessing.  You can check out some options below. 

Keep in mind, the "presentation of the bride" has always traditionally been the first thing we say during a ceremony.  If we are asking for a parents blessing, I usually work it into the ceremony a little later where it flows better and makes more sense.  

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Opening Prayers

2/22/2023

 

Opening prayers for your wedding ceremony.
​We gather here today in the name of Love. 

Opening Prayers for your wedding ceremony.  Marry Me In Indy! LLC
I perform a lot of semi-religious wedding ceremonies.  Often, an opening prayer might be the only Christian element added to an otherwise non-religious ceremony.  Here are some wonderful options. 


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The Welcoming

2/22/2023

 

Welcome to the Wedding!

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I like to start a wedding ceremony by welcoming your guests to your wedding.  It can be done before the ceremony actually begins with opening announcements, after an opening prayer.  I start all of the ceremonies I perform by welcoming the couple quietly, and then welcoming the guests.

Below are some great ways to welcome your family and friends to your wedding ceremony.  I often look at them as writing prompts. 

​Sometimes, I like to begin with,
"family, friends, honored guests, I'd like to warmly welcome you to the celebration of the marriage of Name and Name..." 

Other times,
"Welcome to Name and Name's Wedding! Together, they have built an amazing life, today we celebrate with joy, their choice to keep building a more amazing life as a married couple!" 

After that, I may add something more personal about the group gathered. 

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A Moment of Silence

2/22/2023

 

Let us take a moment to remember...

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A moment of silence in your wedding  is a highly personal choice.  Some couples always want to remember those who have passed away during their wedding.  For some families it shows respect for their loved ones and it would be disrespectful not.  Other couples really don't care.  It's a day of joy and celebration for them, what's done is done, no reason to bring up the dead.  If I'm your wedding officiant, it's your decision.  I don't care either way.
When is a Moment of Silence a Good Idea?
If you have a grandparent who has recently passed away and their widow is present, it can be very meaningful. They probably talked and dreamed about being at your wedding together.  Acknowledging they are there in spirit is appropriate and very sweet.  

If you were in the military and spoke of being at each other's weddings someday ​and some of you didn't make it  home, it's appropriate to remember those people.  

If everyone present is emotionally over a recent death.  It's a joyful and happy occasion to remember everyone as part of your family.

Often, something magical happens during the ceremony at the mention of the deceased loved one.  True story!!

When is a Moment of Silence Not a Good Idea During Your Wedding Ceremony?
If someone has recently passed away and will be hurt.  Sometimes it's just too soon.  I had a bride that had literally planned most of her wedding with her grandmother and she passed away before the wedding.  She was wearing her grandmother's wedding ring and carrying her memories on her bouquet.  She had a hard time keeping the tears back in general.  

In another situation, there was another family member that would completely lose it when the deceased family member was mentioned.  We just chose to keep it out.  ​

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The Declaration Of Community Support

2/22/2023

 

We Support You.  Today and Always. 

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This is a nice option to ask not only your parents to support you in marriage, but your friends and family as well. I think it makes them feel like they are part of your ceremony and keeps them engaged - instead of bored.  NO BORING CEREMONIES!!! 

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Words About Love And Marriage

2/22/2023

 

The Reasons Why We Choose To Marry.

Words about Love and Marriage for your wedding ceremony script.  Marry Me In Indy! LLC
A wedding ceremony often begins with talking about why the couple is choosing to get married.  This can be different as the couple getting married.  There are many reading about love and marriage that can be incorporated into introductions like these.  

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Non-Religious Readings

2/22/2023

 

Traditional, Secular Readings for Your Wedding Ceremony.

Marry Me In Indy! LLC.  Traditional, secular readings for your wedding ceremony.
These are readings for a traditional wedding.  They may have been read at your parents wedding!  I would consider these to be g-rated, traditional wedding -friendly. 

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Non-Traditional, Secular Wedding Readings

2/22/2023

 

Express yourself and your love. 

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There is so much that has been written about love, life, and relationships.  These passages can be used as a reading in your wedding ceremony, or the words can be used as inspiration in creating your ceremony.  The more wedding ceremonies I read online, the more I see passages from different readings weaved together to make something unique.  I invite and encourage you to do the same!

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Christian Readings and Scripture

2/22/2023

 

Bible Readings and Christian Poetry

Christian Readings for your wedding ceremony.  Marry Me In Indy! LLC  Wedding Ceremony Pro!
There are many different scriptures that talk about marriage and love.  There are independent authors and poets that write based on their faith. 

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Spiritual and Multi-Faith Readings

2/22/2023

 

Spiritual, Hindu, Asian, Native American Readings.

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There are many spiritual paths and cultures represented in our world and many of them might be represented on your wedding day.  Sometimes, couples will find something in this list that's perfect for them.  From a Native American blessing, Irish Blessing, Rumi, or other Eastern traditions. 

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Cats and Dogs in Your Wedding Ceremony

2/22/2023

 

Falling in love is like owning a dog.

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Our Furry Friends are important!  Often, they are the first "children" a couple may have.  More and more venues are allowing dogs to be at your wedding ceremony and it can be adorable and a lot of fun!  Cats may also be a big part of your life but not a good fit for a wedding ceremony!  If you are personalizing your wedding ceremony, there are some interesting ways to incorporate your animals.  

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Harry Potter Quotes for Your Wedding.

2/22/2023

 

After all this time?  Always.

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Harry Potter and the unbreakable vow is definitely a great way to add personality to your wedding ceremony!  I've written two different wedding ceremonies incorporating the magical wizzarding world.  You can read those here.  Below, are also some great quotes you can use to incorporate any way you like.  

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Pop Culture Quotes for Your Wedding Ceremony

2/22/2023

 

TV and Movie Quotes, Star Wars, Dr. Who, The Beatles, Pooh Bear.

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Quotes from pop culture can make a wedding a LOT of fun.  It really depends on the couple and the weddings.  Some quotes are sweet and some are iconic.  Star Wars, The Office, Princess Bride, there are so many options!

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The Declaration of Intent - Secular, Non-Religious "I Do's!"

2/22/2023

 

I Do!

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​The "I Do's!" 

The only thing I really have to do when I marry a couple is as for their verbal consent to the marriage. 

"Do you?" "I Do!"  "Do you?"  "I Do!"  "We're done!"  Or, I now pronounce you married! 


Many think of these as wedding vows, and they are.  Some couples think of weddings vows as something you write yourself, your thoughts and feelings about each other.   We often use these options as the declaration of intent, followed by your own vows, or just use these options and they very easily serve as both the Declaration of Intent, and the vows.  

A lot of couples may use these as prompts for writing their own vows - because sometimes you need a little help to get your own feelings to flow!

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The Declaration of Intent - Christian "I Do's!"

2/22/2023

 

I Do!

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Here is a collection of Christian marriage vows and declaration of intent I have gathered.  At some point during the wedding ceremony, you need to say "I do" and consent to the marriage.  It's pretty much the only thing you have to do when you get married. Many denominations have their standard vows written in their prayer books. 
Non-Denominational Declaration of Intent 1

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Wedding Vows

2/22/2023

 

The Vows of Marriage

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Wedding vows come from the heart. Couples often ask if I will proof-read their vows and let them know they are OK.  I always say I will read them, but I would NEVER give any sort of negative feedback.  I'm a firm believer in speaking your own heart and mind in your own way!  Everyone expresses themselves differently and your vows are not a competition!  I've had one partner share pages, and pages, and the other a short paragraph.  They said almost exactly the same thing, in two different ways.  It was perfect! 

I have a guide for writing your own vows that you can use here.  

How to Write Your Own Wedding Vows

Below, are some pop-culture vows you are welcome to use as inspiration, or just read and feel the feels!!

If you are looking for the "I do's"  They are called the Declaration of Intent, and can be found here:

The I do's!

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Meaning of the Wedding Rings -Secular

2/22/2023

 

The Meaning of Your Wedding Rings.

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Wedding rings. What do they mean?  What do you say about them?  What do you say when you exchange them? Do I have to wear a ring at all?   My answer as a professional wedding officiant is, you don’t have to wear a ring, that’s between the two of you.  Your wedding rings have any meaning you choose to give them and you can say that any way you want!  But, that may leave it a little too wide open for some people so here are some options I’ve collected to inspire you. Feel free to use any of them as they are or re-write any of them to best express you and your relationship. ​

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Christian Ring Meaning and Blessings for the Rings

2/22/2023

 

The Blessing of the Wedding Rings.

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Most couples exchange rings.  Many simply exchange them with no words, knowing their implied meaning.  Some couples share their own vows while exchanging rings.  Others choose specific meaning for their rings and what they symbolize to them and their marriage. For some, the blessing of the rings during your ceremony is important.  Being able to look at your rings over your lifetime and remembering the blessing your marriage is can be very powerful.  Over the years I've had couples specifically ask for ring blessings. 
Here are some great options.

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Exchange of Rings - Secular

2/22/2023

 

Secular Ring Exchange Scripts

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What you say when you exchange your rings is up to you.  Some couples choose to say nothing, most couples speak some sort of vow as placing the ring on their spouses finger.  Some couples don't exchange rings!  it's up to you!

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Exchange of Rings - Christian

2/22/2023

 

Christian Ring Exchange Scripts

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Christian ring exchanges are generally based on religious prayer books.  Most religions use the same basic statement while exchanging rings.  I think you can mix one of these with some of the secular options to give your rings more meaning.  

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Secular Blessings

2/22/2023

 

Final Words of Encouragement for the Couple

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Irish and Scottish Blessings

2/22/2023

 

Traditional Celtic Blessings for Your Marriage.

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Diversity Statement
We are open to marrying any couple. It is our goal to meet each couple where they are and help them to have a positive wedding experience.  In order to meet you where you are, we approach every wedding with an open mind - we don’t know anything about you until you tell us and that’s only if you choose to tell us.  Wedding ceremony scripts have been written for years for brides and grooms. Now, bride and bride or groom and groom are very common. Some couples are choosing to forego traditional gender roles altogether and are using the terms spouse or partner. If you have made the choice to use non-traditional pronouns, please let us know, and we will be happy to honor your preferences.   Any wedding ceremony script can be changed to reflect those personal preferences.​
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  • Home
    • Directions
    • How to Get Married In Indy!
  • Prices
    • Schedule Now
  • About
    • LGBTQ
    • Awards and Reviews
  • Contact
  • Civil Ceremony
    • Marriage License
    • Monument Circle Elopements
  • Elopements
    • Where to Elope In Indy
    • Elopement Ceremony Script Guide
  • Formal Weddings
    • It's All About the Ceremony! >
      • Formal Ceremony Scripts
  • Consulting
  • Photographers
  • Prison Weddings
  • Site Index