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New Script! A Forest Themed Elopement Ceremony with Ring Warming Unity Ritual

Published Wednesday, Jul. 27th, 2022


A groom and bride stand side by side at the entrance to a majestic forest on their wedding day. They look very small compared to the towering trees, filled with green and yellow leaves, lit in the sunlight. The photo is taken from behind, showing the view as they walk into marriage together.

A poetic wedding ceremony that captures the wild and wondrous spirit of the wilderness and the nature of true love.

 

 

We’ve added a new wedding script to our library! 

 

 

 

Each section of this woodland themed wedding ceremony, written by AMM Minister Chanelle Carlin, is crafted with the natural beauty of the forest in mind. Colorful imagery and poetic language capture the quiet beauty of deep green canopies, the melodic call of songbirds, and the magic of wild and untouched natural spaces. 

 

The script begins with a moment of loving reflection, followed by a passionate quote from environmentalist John Muir on our oneness with the natural world, and a few words on the couple’s unique love story. 

 

"Wonderful how completely everything in wild nature fits into us, as if truly part and parent of us. The sun shines not on us but in us. The rivers flow not past, but through us, thrilling, tingling, vibrating every fiber and cell of the substance of our bodies as well as our souls, and every bird song, wind song, and tremendous storm song of the rocks in the heart of the mountains is our song, our very own and sings our love." (John Muir)

 

 

Next, the wedding officiant leads the couple through an exchange of promises, with sample wording for exchanging both written and traditional wedding vows, followed by a ring warming unity ritual, an original wedding blessing, the pronouncement, and a presentation of the newlyweds to their witnesses or guests.

 

From the script: 

 

“You've shared your promises to each other from the heart, but words once spoken are carried away on the winds and wings of the birds that live in this forest. You have therefore chosen to symbolize your vows with an exchange of rings…

 

May these rings remind you that your love, like the sun, warms all that it touches, like the moon, brightens up the night, like the eye, is a gateway to your innermost soul. And your love, like the arms that embrace you, makes everything right with the world.”

 


This script was designed with an outdoor elopement or small ceremony in mind, but is easily modified for a larger gathering. It’s non-religious and modern, with many creative natural elements and opportunities for guest participation. 

 

It’s perfect for an outdoor wedding ceremony or rustic indoor setting, such as a hiking or camping wedding, cabin, mountain or lakefront resort, or wooded community center. Use it to plan a themed fairyland or elvish wedding, or add a tree planting or tree watering ritual... Make it your own! 

 

This custom wedding ceremony script was written by AMM Minister and experienced wedding officiant Chanelle Carlin, based in Washington State and serving destinations across the scenic Pacific Northwest. 

 

 

See the full wedding script here. 

 

 

Not what you're looking for? 
 

Visit the Wedding Ceremony Script Library.

 

We know that writing a ceremony from scratch can be a daunting process, especially if you’re officiating on short notice.
 
To make things easier, we keep our Sample Script Library well stocked with wedding ceremony templates and sample scripts for you to choose from. These scripts are a great starting point, with sections to add to, leave out, or reorganize, as you personalize a ceremony. 
 
You'll find a variety of religious and non-religious ceremonies to choose from, including several nature focused ceremony scripts, including a Winter Solstice Ceremony Script With Candle Lighting, and this Spring Equinox Flower Ceremony Script.
 

 



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Painted illustration by artist Jessica Levey of a scenic red rocks and rolling hills with blue sky

Illustration by Jessica Levey

 

From Plan a Wedding Ceremony in a National or State Park During COVID-19, in 5 Steps

 

Have your winter or spring wedding in a national park! 5 steps to plan a safe outdoor wedding ceremony during COVID-19 in a state park or national park. READ NOW

 


 

 

Asked to officiate?  

 

You only get one shot to deliver a perfect wedding ceremony.

 

There’s no ‘take-two’ when it comes time for a couple to say ‘I do’--  Wedding officiants only get one shot to perform a perfect wedding ceremony. 

 

 

PROFESSIONAL WEDDING OFFICIANT CERTIFICATION COURSE 

 

 

 

 

 

Give yourself the tools and training you deserve to succeed as a wedding officiant, so that you can stand beside the lucky couple with complete confidence on their big day. 

 

 

LEARN MORE

 

 


 


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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