An Agnostic Wedding Ceremony for Religious Families

I recently had the pleasure of officiating a wedding for a couple with very religious families. Both families are Catholic. The Bride and Groom were both raised Catholic and no longer hold those views. They wanted a ceremony that spoke to the family in a way that was interpretive. Each family member hearing the best of the ceremony without being "preachy" or mentioning "God". I borrowed from many other ceremonies and added my own segments to come up with the following ceremony. Please feel free to use as you see fit. -- The Reverend Ralph Wical (Chaplain)

(Optional) OPENING ANNOUNCEMENTS (moments before start time):
Officiant: Hello everyone. On behalf of (Bride) and (Groom), I’d like to welcome you to this very special event. My name is (Officiants’ Name) and I’ve had the pleasure of working with (Groom) and (Bride) to help put together this ceremony. It is a deeply personal ritual that honors and celebrates their commitment to each other – as well as their hopes for the future. To help us all be more present, we invite you to double check your cell phones and other electronic devices to make sure they have been silenced.

Thank you. We will begin momentarily.

(Start Time of Wedding … example 11:00am)

Kids bring in flowers
(Bridesmaid) and (Groomsman) walk in
(Bridesmaid) and (Groomsman) walk in
(Maid of Honor) and (Best Man) walk in
Ring Bearer(s) walk in

Intro Music
(Groom) is being lead in by his parents: (Groom’s Mother) and (Groom’s Father)
(Bride) is being lead in by her parents: (Bride’s Mother) and (Bride’s Father)

 Opening Words:
Officiant: We are gathered here today to share with (Bride) and (Groom) in celebration of their marriage. A commitment that started as all great relationships do, as a wonderful friendship.
There are no vows more meaningful, no promises more precious, than the ones they are making today. Marriage is one of life’s most cherished experiences. I know they enter it thoughtfully. Married life is a give and take between two personalities, diminishing neither, enhancing both. A successful marriage requires trust and dedication. It is something that makes (Groom) and (Bride) more powerful together than either one could be separately. (Bride) and (Groom), each of you give of yourself, your life and your love, into the hands of each other. You do so trustingly and openly. In return, each of you receives the gift of love and commitment from the other. You receive this gift of love, not only from each other, but also from your parents who brought you into the world and raised you. You receive this gift from the friends and family who are with us here today, and from those who are with us today in spirit only.

It takes trust to know in your hearts that each of you wants only what is best for the other and for your relationship. The most fulfilling bond can only be achieved when both individuals have enough trust in each other to share their most intimate selves. You must therefore take care to nurture and strengthen your faith in each other.

(Groom) and (Bride) understand that a successful marriage will require dedication, effort and, at times, sacrifice. Today they make a promise to give this marriage the highest priority in their lives. They promise each other that they will always strive to communicate honestly and openly.
(Bride) and (Groom) know that their bond will be strongest when both partners are fulfilled as individuals. They will therefore encourage each other to improve all aspects of their respective lives. They promise to inspire strength and confidence in one another and will support each other’s dreams and motivations without hesitation. They will also accept gratefully the love and support of their family and friends, who are also affected in many ways by (Groom) and (Bride)’s union.

(Optional) Opening prayer offered by father/family of bride or groom
Officiant: At this time (Name of person) would like to share a prayer for the couple.

HONORING OF FAMILY:
Officiant: The foundation of their relationship began many years ago through the caring and wisdom of some people very important to (Bride) and (Groom). They wish to offer words of appreciation to their parents.

(Bride’s Father) and (Bride’s Mother), (Groom’s Father) and (Groom’s Mother), you have guided, nurtured and loved (Bride) and (Groom). They are who they are in part because of you. You have shared in their moments of joy and challenge, supporting and encouraging them. You have offered your best skill and wisdom in teaching them the art of love. Without you, this marriage would not, could not be possible.

(Groom) and (Bride) also see the longevity and depth of your relationships and hope to one day look back upon having built a relationship as strong and meaningful as yours.

Declaration of Intent (I dos):
Officiant: (Groom) and (Bride) as the two of you come together in this marriage as husband and wife, you affirm your faith in your relationship and your love for each other. I would ask you to always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, to respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another and to make time to enjoy each other’s company. Be patient with each other, be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live to the fullest each day that you share together.

(Groom), do you take (Bride) to be your wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever more?

(Groom): I do.

Officiant: (Bride), do you take (Groom) to be your wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish forever more?

(Bride): I do.

Officiant: Now, (Bride) and (Groom) will exchange the vows that they have written to each other. 
 
(Groom) and (Bride) will exchange vows
 
Exchange of Rings:
Officiant: (Bride) and (Groom) have also chosen to exchange rings as a lasting memory of the love and commitment they are expressing publicly, to one another, here today. The circle has no beginning or end. May it remind you that you are now a part of a love that has always been, and always will be.

(Groom), place the ring on (Bride)’s finger and repeat after me:
I give you this ring, and with it, all that I have, all that I am and all that I will become with you by my side.

(Groom): I give you this ring, and with it, all that I have, all that I am and all that I will become with you by my side.

Officiant: (Bride), place the ring on (Groom)’s finger and repeat after me:
I give you this ring, and with it, all that I have, all that I am and all that I will become with you by my side.

(Bride): I give you this ring, and with it, all that I have, all that I am and all that I will become with you by my side.

(Groom), (Bride) by the power vested in me by the state of (State), I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride/mate (or other title chosen by couple).
 
Kiss
 
(Optional) Closing prayer offered by father/family of bride or groom
Officiant: At this time (Name of person) would like to share a prayer for the couple.
 
Closing:
Officiant: These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another in their unity. May these two find in each other the love for which all people long. May they grow in understanding and compassion every day. May the house they establish be such a place of sanctuary that they will find peace in the most trying of times. And may these two rings symbolize the spirit of undying love in the hearts of them both. May they also be strengthened by the love and support of all those close to them. As we leave from here today, let us all be filled with the love and hope that (Bride) and (Groom) feel for each other.

Intro of Couple/The Newlywed couple:
Officiant: It is my honor and utmost privilege that I present to you Mr. and Mrs. (Name Chosen by Bride and Groom).


Walk back down the aisle to (Exit Music)

(Officiant or Coordinator: Announce further instructions for guests. Such as, instructions for the reception attendance and/or family photos)

 

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