Who Holds the Rings in a Wedding Ceremony? (And When Do They Hand Them Over?)

“With this ring, I thee wed” … Wait, who has the rings? 

 

 

Listen now: 

 

 

 

Many couples choose to exchange rings (or other jewelry) during their wedding ceremony, as a lasting symbol of their marriage vows and a daily reminder of their devotion to each other.

 

Rings are usually exchanged after the couple shares their marriage vows, although the ceremony’s exact order is up to the couple getting married. Some couples choose to exchange their rings and vows at the same time – reciting their vows as they place the ring on their partner’s finger – or before another unity ritual (like tying a handfasting cord).

 

• Learn more: The Rings Exchange Explained

 

No matter when the ring exchange happens, it’s essential to decide who will hold onto the rings during the ceremony. 

 

 

Photo: Oliver Li / Pexels

In a large wedding like this one, the wedding attendants closest to the couple usually hold onto the rings until it's time for the ring exchange. 

 

 

 

Who holds the rings during a wedding ceremony? 

 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

 

Here are a few common options: 

 

• A member (or members) of the wedding party, such as a Best Man or Person of Honor
• A beloved parent or elder 
• The Officiant (if they are comfortable doing this)
• The rings might be placed on a small table or altar until the exchange
• Or the couple might hold onto the rings themselves

 

And sometimes, this is a job for multiple people! This is where the ring bearer comes in…

 

Many traditional weddings include a ‘ring bearer’ – someone whose role it is to carry the couple’s rings down the aisle at the start of the ceremony (during the wedding procession). 

 

Often, a ring bearer is a child with a close relationship to the couple (such as a niece or nephew), but this can be anyone the couple chooses. 

 

After their walk down the aisle, the ring bearer will pass the rings to the ring holder, who will keep them safe until it’s time for the ring exchange. The ring holder might be asked to stand at the altar beside the couple, or they might take a seat in the front row. 

 

This episode of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood is a great way to show children what to do as a ring bearer in a ceremony... along with other great tips about attending a wedding! Watch now on PBS: Neighborhood Wedding

 

As you can see, it’s up to the couple and their wedding officiant to decide who will hold the rings during the ceremony. This is a great opportunity to have friends and family participate! Choose a loved one who’s responsible, comfortable in front of a crowd, and who won’t misplace the rings on the big day. 

 

…

 

Speaking of misplacing the wedding rings, read why every wedding officiant should keep a few fake rings around:  

 

How a Fake Wedding Ring Can Save the Ceremony

 

 

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Read Next: 

 

• The Wedding Ring Finger - Which Finger, Which Hand, and Why!

 

• Wedding Ring Alternatives: 5 Gifts to Exchange Instead of Rings at Your Ceremony

 

 

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