12 Examples of Wedding Ring Exchange Wording for the Creative Officiant

1. Heartfelt Ring Exchange Wording

Full wedding script: Traditional Wedding Ceremony Script with Rings Exchange

Pro Tip for Officiants: Add a few silicone rings in different sizes to your ‘wedding emergency kit.’ If the couple forgets to bring their wedding rings, you’ll have backups for them to use so that the ceremony can continue without delay. You’ll look like a hero, and the couple will be less stressed as they take their vows. (Costume jewelry works too, but silicone will eliminate any worry over metal allergies.)

OFFICIANT: 

“The couple will now exchange rings as a symbol of the promises of marriage.

 A ring has no beginning or end. Its path is endless and a symbol of your endless love and respect for each other.

By placing these rings on each other's fingers, you are promising to not just to love each other, but to honor each other, to be compassionate, patient, and understanding as you build your future together. 

You can both feel the love in this room. These rings represent this love. Not just your love for each other, but from everyone here today. Let these rings be a reminder of that love, what you are feeling today.”

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A:

“[PARTNER A] place the ring [PARTNER B] 's finger and repeat after me:

[PARTNER B], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love and support you today, tomorrow, always, and forever."

PARTNER A REPEATS THE PHRASE & PLACES THE RING ON PARTNER B'S FINGER.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B:

"And now, [PARTNER B] place the ring on [PARTNER A]'s finger and repeat after me:

[PARTNER A], I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge to love and support you today, tomorrow, always, and forever."

PARTNER B REPEATS THE PHRASE & PLACES THE RING ON PARTNER A'S FINGER.

Photo: Jeongim Kwon  Add an acknowledgement of family and friends to your wedding ring exchange script to show your gratitude for their continuing love and support.

2. Sweet & Simple Ring Exchange Wording

Full wedding script:

Lighthearted Wedding Ceremony Script with Funny Reading on Marriage

OFFICIANT: 

“The couple will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and devotion.” 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A: 

“Please place this ring on (Partner B)’s finger and repeat after me:

This ring is a token of my love for you. Let it remind you that you’re always in my heart.” 

PARTNER A REPEATS THE LINES & PLACES THE RING.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B:

“Please place this ring on (Partner A)’s finger and repeat after me:

This ring is a token of my love for you. Let it remind you that you’re always in my heart.” 

PARTNER B REPEATS THE LINES & PLACES THE RING.”

Photo: Désirée Fawn  Want to let the ring exchange symbolism speak for itself! Keep your wedding ceremony ring exchange script simple with the sweet example above. 

3. “With this Ring…” Classic Ring Exchange Wording

Full wedding script:

Basic Non Religious Wedding Ceremony With Rings Exchange

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION:

"[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have chosen rings to exchange with each other as a symbol of their unending love."

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A:

"[PARTNER A], as you place this ring on [PARTNER B]'s finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge you my love, now and forever."

PARTNER A REPEATS THE PHRASE & PLACES THE RING ON PARTNER B'S FINGER.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B:

"[PARTNER B], as you place this ring on [PARTNER A]'s finger, please repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed, and pledge you my love, now and forever."

PARTNER B REPEATS THE PHRASE & PLACES THE RING ON PARTNER A'S FINGER.

The wedding ceremony ring exchange isn't required for your marriage to be legal, but this tradition has been around for a very long time! The 'tried-and-true' wording above is timeless and beautiful.

4. “Always With You” Ring Exchange Wording

Full wedding script:

Simple Wedding Ceremony Script for Older Couples

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE:

“These rings are a symbol of your continued love and commitment. When you look at your ring, let it be a reminder that this bountiful love is a choice you make each day, to nurture and grow together. Let them remind you that your partner is always with you, in body and spirit.” 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A:

“Please place this ring on [PARTNER B]’s finger and repeat after me.  

I give you this ring,

As a symbol of my deep and unconditional love. 

I promise to devote myself to you, 

To honor, and cherish you 

From now until the end of life.” 

PARTNER A PLACES THE RING & REPEATS EACH LINE.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

“Please place this ring on [PARTNER A]’s finger and repeat after me.  

I give you this ring,

As a symbol of my deep and unconditional love. 

I promise to devote myself to you, 

To honor, and cherish you 

From now until the end of life.” 

PARTNER B PLACES THE RING & REPEATS EACH LINE.

Photo:  zelle duda Wondering what to say during wedding ring exchange? The example above is perfect for couples who are nervous speaking in front of a crowd: Your officiant reminds you what to say at the start of each line, so all you have to do is repeat the words and focus on the love!

5. Best Friends Ring Exchange Wording

Full wedding script:

Fall Wedding Ceremony Script with Reading From "Harvest Moon"

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE:

“Your ring exchange will visibly seal the vows you just expressed to each other. Notice that your wedding rings are a circle, the ancient symbol of wholeness. Wear these precious rings as a reminder that your souls are united in your hearts.” 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A:

“[PARTNER A], place the ring on [PARTNER B]’s left ring finger, and repeat after me:
[PARTNER B], I give you this ring as a symbol to the world that you are my lover and you are my best friend - in all times and in all ways.”

PARTNER A PLACES THE RING & REPEATS THE WORDS. 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B

“[PARTNER B], please take the ring you have selected for [PARTNER A]. As you place it on her finger, repeat after me:

[PARTNER A], I give you this ring as a symbol to the world that you are my lover and you are my best friend - in all times and in all ways.”

PARTNER B PLACES THE RING & REPEATS THE WORDS. 

Photo: Tiago Felipe Ferreira Need more with how to exchange rings during a wedding? Check out this useful section of our Wedding Officiant Training online: The Rings Exchange Explained      

6. Written Vows Ring Exchange Wording

Full wedding script:

Simple Wedding Script with Tree Planting Unity Ceremony

Pro Tip for Officiants:

If a wedding guest will be holding the rings during the ceremony, make sure they’re seated in the front row (or close to the altar) so that they’re close by when it’s time for the ring exchange. This will help keep the ceremony moving smoothly. 

OFFICIANT TO RING HOLDER:

“May I have the rings, please?” 

THE GUEST PLACES THE RINGS IN THE OFFICIANT’S OPEN PALM.

OFFICIANT TO GUESTS AND THE COUPLE:

“[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have chosen to exchange rings as a sign of their commitment. 

The circle represents the earth, the sun and the universe. It symbolizes wholeness, perfection and unity. Like circles, these rings have no beginning and no end. They are a fitting symbol, then, to link these two souls forever.” 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A:

“[PARTNER A], please place [PARTNER B]’s ring on (her/ their/ his) finger and make your vow to (her/ them/ him).” 

PARTNER A PLACES THE RING AND READS OR RECITES THE PERSONAL VOWS THEY'VE WRITTEN.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B:

“(Partner B), please place (Partner A)’s ring on (her/ their/ his) finger and make your vow to (her/ them/ him).”

PARTNER B PLACES THE RING AND READS OR RECITES THE PERSONAL VOWS THEY'VE WRITTEN.

Photo:  Nick Karvounis We love a 'Wedding Vows Ring Exchange' combo! This ring exchange script includes an exchange of written wedding vows for a meaningful ceremony. Write wedding vows that are true to YOU for a vows and ring exchange that's offbeat, sweet, funny, and memorable!

7. “Show Those Rings!” Second Wedding / Vow Renewal Substitute for a Ring Exchange

Full officiant script:

Sequel Wedding Ceremony Script: What to Say During a Couple’s Second Ceremony 

Pro Tip for Officiants:

If the couple is already married and has already exchanged rings during an earlier marriage ceremony, ask them to ‘show off’ their rings during the second ceremony. This is a common practice for ‘sequel weddings,’ when couples marry in a courthouse wedding or in a small private elopement, followed by a large second wedding for friends and family (called a ‘sequel wedding.’)

OFFICIANT TO GUESTS:
 
“This is the part of the ceremony when we’d usually do a ring exchange, but [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]  beat us to it…” 

 THE COUPLE HOLDS UP THEIR HANDS HAPPILY, TO SHOW THE GUESTS THEIR WEDDING BANDS. 

“So instead, we’ll move on to the really wonderful part… Friends and family, let me officially introduce you to this beautiful couple, [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], Partners in Love!”

Photo: Lombe Kapaya  Do you exchange rings at a vow renewal? It's up to you! You can exchange new rings if you want to (and some couples do!), or use the alternative to a ring exchange given above and just show off the rings you have! 

8. Witchy Ring Exchange Before a Handfasting

Full wedding script:

A Witchy Halloween Wedding Ceremony Script with Handfasting

Pro Tip for Officiants:

It’s usually recommended that the couple exchange wedding rings before the handfasting cord is tied. In this case, ask the couple to exchange their rings and then have them clasp hands to begin the handfasting.

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE 

“You may place the rings and clasp your hands.” 

THE COUPLE EXCHANGES RINGS, AND THEN LINK HANDS IN FRONT OF THE ALTAR.

OFFICIANT TO RECEPTION:

“To honor this unbreakable bond on this and all planes, material and ethereal,  ______ and ______ will now bind their hands as part of a traditional handfasting.”

Photo: micheile henderson Planning a handfasting with ring exchange? The sample officiant script above is a great start! This ring exchange happens right before the handfasting cord is tied. Personalize it any way you like for a ceremony that's uniquely YOU! 

9. Lighthearted Ring Exchange After a Handfasting

Full wedding script:

Summer Solstice Ceremony with Honey Wine Toast and Handfasting

Pro Tip for Officiants:

In general, it’s recommended that the couple exchange rings before tying the handfasting cord. However, some couples may choose to exchange rings after a handfasting ceremony, instead. In that case, make sure to tie the cord in a way that keeps the couple’s ring fingers free (by binding only the opposite hands), or remove the cord before placing the rings.

THE OFFICIANT TIES THE HANDFASTING CORD. 

OFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE:

“Keep this cord with you for the years ahead, and let each knot remind you of the promises you made here today.”

OFFICIANT TO THE RECEPTION:

“Of course, it would be hard to go through life physically tied together wouldn’t it? As a lasting symbol of these promises, [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] have also chosen to exchange rings.”

OFFICIANT TO THE RING BEARER

“[RING BEARER],  will you present the rings?

THE GUEST HOLDING THE RINGS PASSES THEM TO EACH PARTNER.
 
THE COUPLE SLIPS THE RINGS ON EACH OTHER’S FINGERS.

THE HANDFASTING CORD IS SLIPPED OFF NOW, IF IT HASN’T BEEN ALREADY, AND IS PLACED ON THE ALTAR OR PASSED TO A GUEST FOR SAFE KEEPING.

Photo: Tetiana SHYSHKINA

10. “Forged By Fire” Ring Exchange Wording

Full wedding script:

Vikings Themed Wedding Ceremony Script

OFFICIANT

“Wedding rings are symbols of a couple's journey taken together, a completion of one story and beginning of another. They are forged by the fires of compassion, compromise, and love, and cannot be easily destroyed. 

The circle of each ring represents your infinite love for one another, and is an outward symbol of your love for all the world to see. As I hold these rings, may they be Blessed, and may they carry your eternal love with them.

Please repeat after me then place the ring on your spouse’s finger.”

EACH PARTNER REPEATS THE PROMISE & PLACES THE RING ON THE OTHER'S HAND.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A:

“I, [PARTNER A], present you, [PARTNER B], with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. With this ring, I pledge my love to you.”

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B:

“I, [PARTNER B], present you, [PARTNER A], with this ring as a symbol of our everlasting love. With this ring, I pledge my love to you.”

We love a Viking ring exchange! Click here for a full length Viking Wedding Ceremony Script. Then visit our article on Viking wedding traditions for more ideas and inspiration: Viking Weddings: Magic, Swords, Runes, Ritual Sacrifice, and More

11. “In Times of Darkness and Light” Solstice Themed Ring Exchange Wording

Full wedding script:

Winter Solstice Wedding Ceremony Script With Candle Lighting

OFFICIANT: 

“[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] will exchange rings as a symbol of their love and loyalty to each other.” 

TO THE RING HOLDER: 

“Do you have the rings?”

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A:

“[PARTNER A] please place the ring on [PARTNER B] 's left hand and repeat after me: With this ring I join my life to yours, in times of darkness and light, bound in love.”

PARTNER A PLACES THE RING AND REPEATS THE PROMISE.

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B:

“[PARTNER B] please place the ring on [PARTNER A] 's left hand and repeat after me: With this ring I join my life to yours, in times of darkness and light, bound in love.” 

PARTNER B PLACES THE RING AND REPEATS THE PROMISE.

Photo: @felipepelaquim  Do you light the unity candle before exchanging rings? Usually, the unity candle is lit right after the exchange of vows and rings. But this isn’t set in stone! Check out this useful article on the ins and outs of a unity candle ceremony! FAQs About the Unity Candle Ceremony, Including When, How, Who, Where, and Why!
 

12. Funny Pirate Themed Ring Exchange Wording

Full wedding script:

Pirate Themed Wedding Ceremony Script with Reading & Rum Toast

OFFICIANT TO RING HOLDER:

“May I have the gold, er, the rings, plundered from a sunken chest?”

THE WEDDING RINGS ARE GIVEN TO THE OFFICIANT BY A MEMBER OF THE WEDDING PARTY.

OFFICIANT TO COUPLE: 

“Your wedding rings are a circle. They represent your love which, just like the shape, is never-ending.”

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER A:

“[Partner A], as you place the ring on [Partner B]’s finger, please repeat after me:

With this ring, I choose you:
With my loving heart.
With my willing body.
And with my eternal soul.
I pledge this commitment to you, today, tomorrow, and forever.” 

PARTNER A REPEATS EACH LINE AFTER THE OFFICIANT 

OFFICIANT TO PARTNER B:

“[Partner B], as you place the ring on [Partner A]’s finger, please repeat after me:

With this ring, I choose you:
With my loving heart.
With my willing body.
And with my eternal soul.
I pledge this commitment to you, today, tomorrow, and forever.” 

PARTNER B REPEATS EACH LINE AFTER THE OFFICIANT.

Looking for ring exchange wording offbeat and funny? This pirate wedding theme script takes a lighthearted approach, mixed with sincere and heartfelt wording for a ceremony that's both sweet and entertaining.

Photo: Mihail Macri