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Simple & Sweet, A Courthouse Wedding Ceremony Script

Published Wednesday, May. 25th, 2022

Plan a wedding that’s as quick and easy as getting married at the courthouse or city hall! This sample ceremony script is inspired by a traditional courthouse wedding outline, to help couples and their officiant plan a short, simple wedding ceremony.

A simple wedding ceremony script inspired by real courthouse wedding ceremonies

This short wedding ceremony script was written for couples who want the simplicity and ease of a courthouse wedding… without the courthouse.

Courthouse weddings are popular in large part because they are a simple, respectable, and time-honored method of tying the knot for couples that don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on their wedding.

Many professional wedding officiants offer the same style of quick and easy marriage services that courthouses do, such as a 'sign and go' ceremony or elopement, and a friend or family member can get ordained online to perform a simple civil ceremony.

Read about Sign & Go ceremonies: Say 'I do,' sign the marriage license, and go!

This simple script follows the same format and outline of a typical courthouse marriage ceremony. It only takes a few minutes to perform, and includes a brief welcome, a few words on the meaning of marriage, a statement of intent to marry, an exchange of rings and vows, and the pronouncement of marriage. It is non religious and secular.

No matter what sort of wedding you have planned, this ceremony captures the timeless simplicity of a courthouse wedding with its no-nonsense declaration of commitment and love.

What is a courthouse wedding?

Courthouse weddings are formal civil ceremonies performed by a judge, justice of the peace (JP), or a clerk of court, and are usually only attended by the couple and a few witnesses and friends. After the ceremony, the government official signs the couple’s marriage license, making the union official. Couples often choose to get married at a courthouse to save time, money, and energy, and to avoid the religious or ceremonial aspects of a traditional wedding.

A Courthouse Style Wedding Ceremony Script

Sample script inspired by real courthouse marriage ceremonies

Officiant:
We’re here today to witness the union of (Partner A) and (Partner B) in marriage.

Today, you begin a new life together, founded in love, laughter, honesty, respect, and friendship. The promises you make to each other today should not be taken lightly. A marriage is more than a ceremony – it is a lasting and lifelong commitment.

The future promises many happy days ahead, filled with unique opportunities, adventures, and challenges. It is through trust, love, and the unfailing support of each other that you will meet these inevitable ups and downs.

Do you, (Partner A), take (Partner B) to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat them with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

Partner A: Yes, I do.

Officiant:
And do you, (Partner B), take (Partner A) to be your spouse and to live together as partners, to treat them with love and respect, and to build a marriage that grows stronger and more loving as time passes?

Partner B: Yes, I do.

Officiant:
If you have rings, please take them out now.

The wedding ring represents the promises and potential of marriage. It has no beginning and no end, and is a timeless symbol of the love and commitment you have pledged. As you wear your ring, let it remind you of the love you feel here today.

(Partner B), please place the ring on (Partner A’s) finger, and repeat after me:

I give you this ring
As a symbol of my love and devotion,
As we join our lives together,
Today,
Tomorrow,
And for as long
As our love shall last.

(Partner B repeats each line after the Officiant)

And (Partner A), please place the ring on (Partner B’s) finger.

I give you this ring
As a symbol of my love and devotion,
As we join our lives together,
Today,
Tomorrow,
And for as long
As our love shall last.

(Partner A repeats each line after the Officiant)

Officiant:
True marriage is more than just a ceremony or a piece of paper – it is a lasting bond that joins two lives and two hearts. Marriage is love. Companionship. Trust. And Respect. May you always find strength in each other, laugh with each other, and find safety and comfort in each other’s words and company. May you celebrate many joyful seasons together, support each other when days are difficult, and continue to learn and grow closer together with each passing year.

By the virtue of the authority vested in me by the State of (Name of State) and American Marriage Ministries, I now pronounce you married.

You may kiss!

Congratulations!