Below you will find a collection of Wedding Ceremony Samples, which will help you and your partner build your dream wedding ceremony.
Sections in bold are in traditional wedding ceremonies and are represented in the traditional order. You may click on any of the ceremony headings for examples of a particular ceremony as it might be conducted during your wedding.
| Opening Words and Introduction The Opening Words and Introduction of the wedding ceremony sets the tone for the wedding. It’s a statement about the occasion, its importance, the significance to the world as well as the couple getting married. Chuppah Ceremony A chuppah, also huppah, chupah, or chuppa, is a canopy under which a Jewish couple stand during their wedding ceremony. A chuppah symbolizes the home that the couple will build together. While a Jewish marriage is still considered valid in the absence of a chuppah, a chuppah is still considered a basic requirement for a Jewish wedding. Prayers and Blessings A prayer or blessing can be religious or non-religious. Some couples invite a family member or friend to say a prayer or blessing. Blessing to the Four Directions The Blessing to the Four Directions has its roots in Native American culture. It is the belief that human beings are tied to all things in nature. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the four cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. Handfasting Ceremony A handfasting ceremony is an ancient marriage ritual. Today, a handfasting ceremony is a beautiful and unique way to represent your union and honor your heritage. The ritual takes place during the ceremony, before the rings are exchanged. Giving Away the Bride or Couple The giving away of the bride is a traditional part of the ceremony that allows the parents of the Bride and the Groom to be part of the wedding ceremony. Those With Us In Spirit Those With Us In Spirit allows a moment to remember those who have passed away. Readings, Poems Wedding Ceremony Readings & Poems – There are no rules here. You may pick traditional readings, a favorite poem, lyrics from a song that are meaningful to you both. Feel free to see some examples for inspiration. Hands Ceremony A Hands Ceremony explains the importance of the hands of the couple being married while the couple are simply facing each other while holding hands. Declaration of Consent (“I Do’s”) The Declaration of Consent, also known as the “I Do’s” is when the bride and groom legally agree to be married. Mother’s Rose Ceremony The Mother’s Rose Ceremony is a great way of honoring the Bride & Groom’s mothers or other family members during a wedding ceremony. The Rose or Flower ceremony allows the bride and groom a way for them to show gratitude for the love bestowed upon them. Introduction to the Exchange of Vows The introduction to the wedding vows is when the officiant prepares the bride and groom for the promises they are about to make. Exchange of Wedding Vows The exchange of wedding vows are when the bride and groom make their sacred promises to each other. (Thinking about writing your own vows, but do not know where to start? Click here for 15 questions to ask yourself before writing your own wedding vows.) Ring Warming Ceremony Before you say your vows and exchange your rings, the wedding officiant will ask everyone, including your wedding party to participate in a ring warming. The ring warming is an opportunity to send the bride and groom good luck and love through a silent wish to the rings when passed to them. Introduction to the Exchange of Rings The Introduction to the Exchange of Rings of a wedding ceremony explains the symbolism and meaning behind the giving of the rings to the bride and groom. Exchange of Wedding Rings The Exchange of Wedding Rings represent the vows and promises the bride and groom have exchanged. They signify to the world that that they belong to someone special and someone special belongs to them. Blessing of the Rings The wedding ring is the outward sign of an inward commitment, signifying to everyone the uniting of this couple in marriage. | Family Medallion Ceremony The Family Medallion ceremony is a way to include children in the wedding ceremony. This is a great way to build a bond between step-parents and step-children. It is a symbol of your family commitment. Seven Blessings The seven blessings are the heart of the Jewish wedding ceremony. Seven different blessings are bestowed upon the couple when they are standing under the chuppah. Veil, Cord, Coins A Veil symbolizes the oneness of marriage. A Cord symbolizes the unbreakable bond of marriage. The Coin or “Arras” ceremony is traditional in some Hispanic cultures. Jumping the Broom Jumping the broom is a phrase and custom where the couple jumps over a broom. The tradition of Jumping the Broom symbolizes sweeping away the old and welcoming the new–a symbol of a new beginning. Wine Ceremony The bride and groom drink from a single glass of wine. This symbolizes drinking from the cup of life and sharing all of its experiences together, both bitter and sweet. Unity Candle Ceremony Lighting a Unity Candle during your wedding ceremony is a special way to symbolize your two lives joining together as one. Sand Ceremony A Sand Ceremony or Blending of the Sand is a unique way to symbolize two lives becoming one in a wedding ceremony. Unity Canvas Painting Ceremony A fun alternative to the traditional unity candle ceremony or sand ceremony, the Unity Canvas Painting Ceremony lets the couple celebrate their unity ceremony in an artistic way that truly represents themselves. Rose/Flower Ceremony A Rose/Flower ceremony is a romantic way for the bride and groom to exchange their first gifts as husband and wife. Quaich Ceremony A Quaich ceremony (pronounced Quake), is a Scottish tradition. The Quaich is often referred to as the love cup as the bride and groom each take a handle to take a drink. Affirmation of the Community The Affirmation of Community is where family and friends can voice their support. Love Letter and Wine Box Ceremony A Love Letter and Wine Box ceremony will serve as a lasting reminder of the commitments made to one another. Heartfelt letters, encapsulating your thoughts and feelings are locked away in a wine box to be revealed several years into your marriage. Bride and Groom Thank You During the ceremony the bride and groom are facing each other. The Bride and Groom Thank You provides an opportunity to turn and face friends and family while the officiant thanks everyone for all their support. This is a beautiful way to treasure the moment of seeing everyone being there for you on your special day. Blessing of the Marriage The Blessing of the Marriage is the conclusion to a wedding ceremony and comes just before the bride and groom are pronounced husband and wife. Pronouncement of Marriage The Pronouncement of Marriage of a wedding ceremony is when the officiant pronounces the Bride and Groom as husband and wife. Afterwards the couple kisses! Ribbons, Doves, Butterflies & Bubbles Ribbons, Doves, Butterflies and Bubbles are a fun way of ending the wedding ceremony. This takes place just before the bride and groom recess down the aisle as husband and wife. Breaking of the Glass Couples include this tradition in their wedding ceremony as it symbolizes the absolute finality of the marital covenant. Presentation of the Couple The Presentation of the Couple is where the bride and groom are introduced as husband and wife for the first time. |
