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 Tuesday, Mar. 18th, 2025
A wedding ceremony for a second marriage can look, feel, and sound a lot different than the one you planned for your first marriage. After all, you’ve learned more about yourself, and about marriage, since then – and your wedding script will reflect that.
With this in mind, here are a few things to consider when writing a wedding ceremony script for second marriages.
One of the best things about a second marriage – and a second marriage ceremony – is the chance to let go of traditions and expectations that don’t serve you. If you felt pressured into specific wedding elements by your family or faith the first time around, this is your opportunity to reflect on what truly matters to you – and let the rest go!
Second marriages can allow for more personal choice and freedom of expression. Bring that same energy into your ceremony by including unique wedding readings, a quirky personalized unity ceremony, or written wedding vows. Leave out any wording or traditional elements that no longer resonate with you.
On the other hand, if you missed out on some traditional wedding elements the first time around and have always regretted it, this is your second chance! Couples marrying for a second time often have a larger budget to work with, making it easier to plan the traditional wedding of your dreams.
If you're celebrating the start of a blended family with kids, consider special traditions like exchanging family vows, choose a family unity ceremony, or ask children to deliver a special reading -- whatever feels right! (Photo: SolStock / iStock)
You might want to honor a first marriage, first spouse, and any children from previous marriages / relationships during your wedding ceremony. A meaningful way to do this is by simply mentioning them in the wedding ceremony script, or by asking them to participate in a blended family unity ceremony.
Related: Fun Ways to Include Kids in Your Elopement Plans
A few popular blended family unity ceremony ideas are family wedding vows (where children and parents make vows to each other); a unity sand ceremony with a different color of sand for each person; a unity painting ceremony; or exchanging unity necklaces or bracelets. Previous spouses / partners can also be included in these unity ceremonies, depending on your unique circumstances and everyone’s comfort level.
Consider a moment of remembrance to honor a previous spouse who has passed away, or place a framed photo on a special table or seat at the front of the ceremony. Your wedding officiant can work with you to find just the right words to say to lift up and honor the memory of a lost / past spouse.
Related: All About Unity Sand Colors: Meaning & Magic on the Wedding Day
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Many couples choose to keep their second marriage ceremony short and sweet, forgoing the frills and flourishes that make their first weddings so stressful (and so expensive).
If a simple wedding ceremony sounds like a dream come true to you, our advice is to keep your focus on the essentials. Maybe you want to emphasize your wedding vows, or a meaningful ring exchange, or get straight to the point with a quick set of ‘I do’s before you sign the marriage license. After all, this wedding is just the first day of your new marriage – you have the rest of your lives to celebrate your love!
Looking for the perfect wedding dress for a second marriage? Older bride in search of just the right style? Click the article linked above for a simple guide to finding the perfect dress! (Photo: ielanum / iStock)
Personalize your wedding ceremony even more by having a friend or family member serve as your wedding officiant! Friends can officiate a wedding by getting ordained online with American Marriage Ministries. Our ordinations are free and it only takes a couple seconds to complete the online application to become a minister.
ORDAINED MINISTER ONLINE APPLICATION
Why choose AMM? American Marriage Ministries is an inclusive nondenominational internet church that ordains and trains ministers to officiate marriage ceremonies. We are a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit church, and help people from all backgrounds and beliefs become ordained ministers for weddings. Our online ordination is free, accessible, and never expires.
AMM Ministers can legally officiate weddings in every state* (it's much harder in Virginia, where we're looking into our options). After getting ordained with AMM, you might need to register your ordination with your local county clerk’s office. Click the link above to get started!
Become an ordained minister online with American Marriage Ministries and officiate wedding for friends and relatives. (Photo: Anchiy / iStock)
Become a Wedding Officiant with Our Free Online Ordination!