Write a Personal Wedding Pronouncement Using This Outline

“By the power vested in me…” 

 

 

The wedding pronouncement is the part of the ceremony when an officiant announces a couple married, making it one of the most exciting moments of the entire ceremony! 

 

It’s also one of the few parts of the ceremony that you’re legally required to include, along with a Declaration of Intent and a signed marriage license – but the exact wording is up to you. 

 

You’ll probably recognize a traditional pronouncement, which usually sounds something like this: 

 

"By the power vested in me by the State of California and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss each other! Friends, it’s my honor to introduce you to Marcus and Keegan Williams.” 

 

 

 

"You may now kiss!" 

 

 

This phrasing is used to reflect the fact that marriage can be both a spiritual and legal event, and that the authority to solemnize marriage is regulated by the government. 

 

But traditional phrases – and traditional weddings — simply won’t work for everyone, for many different reasons. 

 

Thankfully, you can write any kind of pronouncement you want! Pronouncements can be funny, religious, non religious, gender neutral, same-sex, spiritual, or capture any other tone or feel you can think of! 

 

So let’s get creative…

 

 

This basic outline will help you get started: 

 

 

• “By the power vested in me by…” who?

 

• “I now pronounce you…” what? 

 

• “You may now kiss…” who? 

 

• “Guests, it is my honor to introduce you to…” who?  

 

 

At each step, you can choose which words describe you and your unique bond the best. 

 

You can also leave out any parts you don’t like, as long as you still include the actual pronouncement or proclamation of marriage. “I now pronounce/ declare/ proclaim you…”

 

 

That 'First Kiss' magic!

Photo by Tallie Robinson

 

 

To spice things up, your officiant can also mention: 

 

• Your exchange of promises (vows) and rings
• Reflect on earlier parts of the ceremony, such as the symbolism of the location or day
• Those who have joined you, such family and friends
• Those who could not join you, such as a lost loved one or parent
• Children
• A simple blessing for the future 
• Anything else you choose!

 

A few examples: 

 

Here are a few examples of how this outline can be used to create an authentic pronouncement. 

 

Next: 12 Creative Pronouncement Ideas for Your Wedding Ceremony

 

Example 1: 

 

“(Name of partners) have exchanged promises and rings, and pledged their love and faithfulness to each other here in our presence. Now, by the power given to me by the State of Florida and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you married! You may kiss! Friends, it’s my honor to introduce you to (Dr. Sam Warner and Mr. Bennet Smith, Partners for Life.)”

 

 

Example 2: 

 

“(Names of partners), here, in this beautiful garden, surrounded by those who know you best, it’s my great honor to declare you wife and wife. Kiss each other! Everyone, I’m overjoyed to introduce (Mrs. and Mrs. Smith-Turner).” 

 

Example 3: 

 

“By the power vested in me by the State of Hawaii, American Marriage Ministries, and the Universal Spirit, I now declare you united in eternal matrimony! You may now kiss your spouse. Brothers and Sisters, let me be the first to introduce to you, (Names of Partners), as they begin a new life joined in love.”

 

 

---

 

You might also like: