6 Wedding Objection Stories – Funny Prank or Bad Idea?

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 is kept in the wedding script as part of a traditional religious wedding 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: Handling Wedding Ceremony Interruptions (for the Officiant)

 

What do you think? Is a 'funny' wedding objection worth it, or just unfortunate?

 

So, what do you think? Does a ‘joke’ wedding objection 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! 

 

What happens when someone objects at a wedding? Legally, nothing. But a wedding objection can sometimes change the mood of the wedding ceremony, for better or for worse.

 

 

6 Examples of funny wedding objections from real weddings

 

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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More Tips on Funny Wedding Ideas & Inspiration:
 

• Who's Laughing Now? – How to Use Humor in the Wedding Ceremony
   
• Are the Words, “Speak Now or Forever Hold Your Peace...” Really Necessary?

 

• Funny Wedding Ceremony Script with Simple Unity Ritual
   

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Let a Loved One Officiate Your Wedding Ceremony! 

 

Good things happen when friends and relatives help out at the wedding ceremony! Having a friend officiate your elopement is a great way to ensure the wedding day is as intimate and personal as it can be. When the guest list is small, every moment means more! 

Ask a friend or family member to officiate your wedding with free online ordination through American Marriage Ministries (AMM). 

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Why AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.

 

Officiating weddings is an incredible honor, and a great way to show your love and support for the people getting married. As a wedding officiant, you will help to create memorable ceremonies and memories that last a lifetime.

AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started! 

 

 

Become an ordained minister online with American Marriage Ministries and officiate wedding for friends and relatives. (Photo cropped: AS Photo Family / Adobe Stock)

 

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