AMERICAN WEDDINGS BLOG
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers.
Published Wednesday, Jul. 27th, 2022
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.
“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.
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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.
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
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.
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.
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!