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6 Wedding Objection Stories – Funny Prank or Bad Idea?

Published Tuesday, Feb. 1st, 2022


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What happens if someone objects at a wedding… as a joke? 

 


“If anyone knows why this couple should not be lawfully joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

 

 

This phrase used to be a staple at weddings, but it isn’t part of most modern ceremonies. 

 

That’s because these days, there aren’t any legal grounds for someone to oppose a marriage, so any objection will only cause discomfort and drama – not actual delays. So most couples and wedding officiants leave it out. 

 

When it is included, it’s often with a funny twist, such as, “If anyone here thinks this couple should not be married, you can go ahead and see yourself out,” or as part of a traditional or religious ceremony. 

 

Even when an officiant doesn’t ask, sometimes a guest objects anyway – usually in jest. 

 

In general, we think it’s a very bad idea to object during a wedding ceremony, even when you’re trying to be funny, unless the interruption is planned and approved by the couple themselves. 

 

But not everyone agrees with us… We’ve heard many stories of wedding guests speaking up for a laugh – from lighthearted hecklers, to small children shouting objections at hilarious intervals, and even intricate pranks involving multiple friends and elaborate costumes.

 


Related: Rock the Mic Like an AMM Minister -- Handling Ceremony Interruptions

 


What do you think?

Are joke objections funny or unfortunate?

 

 

So, what do you think? Do ‘joke’ objections make a funny addition to a ceremony? Or is any interruption bound to be a  mood killer? 

 

Below are 6 real world stories of funny folks objecting at wedding ceremonies, gathered from the depths of Reddit… 

 

You decide! 

 

 


1. A ‘childish’ prank:

 

Not my wedding but at a friends, a family member paid some kid $20 to run in and say "Daddy don't marry that woman!" like it was his child. Did not go over well as a prank at all.... 
( bourbonisall )


2. A lawful objection: 

 

I was at my cousin’s wedding and someone screamed at the top of their lungs “OBJECTION, your honor” because my cousin is a judge.
(Day283)


3. Sidelined by Shrek: 

 

I was at my mum's friend's wedding and when the dude said 'Any objections' my dad (Who was the ultimate jokester) burst in through the church doors dressed as Shrek and shouted 'I OBJECT!' and [everyone] laughed. Thank goodness everyone knew it was a joke. Would've been tragic without the costume.
( Spanishdepresso123


4. Pistols and pirates: 

 

Two people objected. The best man shot one and the bride shot the other.
We were married on stage at a pirate festival, it was awesome.
(UnethicalFood)


5. Mother Nature interjects :

 

At our friends marriage, there was a storm building outside. When the "does anyone object" part came up, there was a flash of lightning and a huge thunderclap. The power went out, and by candlelight the pastor said "I'm not counting that," and finished the ceremony. 
(Plethorian)


6. A shrewd negotiator: 

 

My step brother and I were in the wedding party. He was about 6, I was 10. The preacher asks if anyone objects and my brother raises his hand so very politely. My dad asks why, and my step brother replies, "because I want you to promise to take me fishing whenever I want, first."
( Jeffrey93125 )

 

 


 

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Jessica Levey
Jessica Levey

Lead Staff Writer & Illustrator

Jessica loves exploring the history and magic of ritual, the connections between people and places, and sharing true stories about love and commitment. She's an advocate for marriage equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and individuality, and is an ordained Minister with AMM. When she’s not writing or illustrating for AMM, she enjoys city hikes, fantasy novels, comics, and traveling.

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