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 Thursday, Dec. 14th, 2023
This original wedding ceremony script captures the magic and stillness of the Winter Solstice and celebrates the joy and light that lies ahead in marriage.
It begins with a warm welcome from the Officiant, followed by a few words on the meaning of the winter solstice and a moment of reflection:
“The winter solstice brings the longest night of the year, and with it, the spark of intuition and reflection. From the sweet embrace of night a new dawn is born, with new beginnings, the start of a new cycle, and a new adventure.
Tonight, mother nature takes a breath and we share a moment of stillness in joyful anticipation of the happiness and light that lies ahead. Tomorrow, we’ll wake to a world that is a bit brighter, and a bit lighter, because of the love we’ve shared here.
Before we continue (today’s / tonight’s) joyful celebration, let’s pause for a moment, to reflect on the innumerable small joys and discoveries that (Partner A) and (Partner B) have found on their journey to this day, and how very blessed we are to witness their love as they begin this new season together.”
Next, the Officiant leads the couple in a simple but sweet Declaration of Intent, followed by a reading of Nick Drake’s timeless song ‘Northern Sky.’ These moving lyrics bring to mind bright winter nights, brisk winter mornings, the beauty of nature, deep love and belonging, and of finding a true home in the company of a lover.
From the script, an excerpt from the lyrics of Nick Drake’s ‘Northern Sky’:
“I never felt magic crazy as this,
I never saw moons, knew the meaning of the sea,
I never held emotion in the palm of my hand,
Or felt sweet breezes in the top of a tree
But now you're here –
Brighten my northern sky…
Oh, if you would and you could
Straighten my new mind's eye,
Would you love me for my money?
Would you love me for my head?
Would you love me through the winter?
Would you love me 'til I'm dead?”
(Note: Many couples choose to wedding readings from songs, scripture, and literature that are important to them, and that reflect their values and beliefs. We've included lyrics from Drake's Northern Lights as an one example; this example can be modified, shortened, or replaced with alternate lyrics or literature that are special to you.)
A heartfelt exchange of marriage vows and wedding rings follows this unique reading, with the Officiant speaking about the meaning of each in context of the solstice. These are delivered in a familiar ‘repeat after me’ style, but with nontraditional wording to reflect the winter season.
The ceremony ends with a final blessing from the Officiant and a pronouncement of marriage, and is sealed with a kiss.
Related: 12 Creative Pronouncement Ideas for Your Wedding Ceremony
This officiant script is perfect for couples who marry on the Solstice, but can be easily modified for any winter wedding ceremony. It can be performed during the day or night, and personalized with details from the ceremony’s natural surroundings – such as local flora, landscapes, and views.
This script was written for a spiritual wedding ceremony performed for spiritual, Pagan, or non-denominational couples. It is non-religious and non-denominational with lightly spiritual elements and references to nature.
Read next:
Make your winter wedding special with a creative seasonal ritual. Read the full article here.
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