Sample Protestant Wedding Ceremony Script

The Procession

Ceremony begins, prelude, wedding party enters and walks down the aisle.

Processional order (optional) : 

- The officiant, groom, and best man stand next to the wedding altar (at front)
- Groomsmen (may accompany bridesmaids)
- Bridesmaids 
- Ring bearer and flower girl (or flower boy, flower children)
- Honor attendant/s (maid or matron of honor)
- Bride with her escort (may be accompanied by father, who will stand next to her to present her during the Presentation)

The Invocation

Officiant to the Congregation 

Dearly beloved, we’re gathered here today in the presence of God to witness and bless this union as (Partner One) and (Partner Two) join together in Holy Matrimony. 

The sacred covenant of marriage was established by God to join together a man and woman in love and prosperity, so they might weather the ups and downs of life with a constant friend, and build a family that’s made strong and joyful in faith. 

This holy bond is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, thoughtfully, and in accordance with those purposes for which God created it. 

Interrogation & Charge to CouplE

Officiant to the Congregation 

(Partner One) and (Partner Two) met while volunteering during a breakfast event at Hope Church two years ago. Their faith, love of family, and shared fondness for pancakes with whip cream and strawberries made them instant best friends.

Over the past two years they’ve traveled together, laughed together, and learned what it means to be partners, growing closer every step of the way.

• Customize the above section with details from the couple's relationship and unique love story.

Now they stand before us, ready to take the biggest step of all – into marriage. 

If anyone present knows of any reason why this couple should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.

• pause here

Officiant to the Couple

(Partner One) and (Partner Two), here in the presence of God and friends, if either of you know any reason why you should not marry, do now confess it.

• pause here

Presentation (Giving Away the Bride)

Officiant to the congregation

 Who presents this woman to be married to this man?

Father/ Elder to the Officiant and the Congregation 

Her mother and I do. 

• The bride's father or escort may choose to present the bride to the groom by placing her hand in his.

The Declaration of Intent & Vow Exchange

Officiant to Couple

Please face each other and join hands. 

• If they are already holding hands, simply ask them to face each other.

Officiant to Partner One
 
(Partner One), if it’s in your heart, please repeat after me. 

In the name of God, 
I, (Partner One), take you, (Partner Two), 
to be my (wife/ husband/ spouse), 
to have and to hold from this day forward,
for better for worse, 
for richer for poorer, 
in sickness and in health, 
to love and to cherish, 
until we are parted by death.
This is my solemn vow.

• Partner One repeats each line as the Officiant recites it. 

Officiant to Partner Two 

(Partner Two), if it’s in your heart, please repeat after me. 

In the name of God, 
I, (Partner Two), take you, (Partner One), 
to be my (wife/ husband/ spouse), 
to have and to hold from this day forward,
for better for worse, 
for richer for poorer, 
in sickness and in health, 
to love and to cherish, 
until we are parted by death.
This is my solemn vow.

• Partner Two repeats each line as the Officiant recites it. 

The Rings Exchange

Officiant to the Couple

You will now exchange rings as a symbol of these vows. As you look upon these tokens of your commitment, remember the promises you’ve made, and never despair, for life’s challenges and joys are all part of His great plan. 

Lord, bless these rings as you would bless this union, in your light and infinite wisdom, today, tomorrow, and always. Amen.  

• The couple and the congregation may wish to answer, Amen.
• Partner One places a ring on Partner Two’s hand and says the following.

Partner One to Partner Two

I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to honor and cherish you, in God’s name. 

• Partner two places a ring on Partner one’s hand and says the following.

Partner Two to Partner One

I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and devotion. With all that I am, and all that I have, I promise to honor and cherish you, in God’s name. 

You may wish to add an additional reading or selection of Bible verses here:

10 Popular Bible Verses about Marriage, Love, & Commitment.

The Pronouncement

Officiant to the Couple 

(Partner One) and (Partner Two), remember to love each other faithfully, just as Christ loved the church, for marriage is a lasting promise of kindness, patience, forgiveness, and love. Trust in God with all your heart, and your path forward will be filled with joy and light for all the years to come. 

By the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the beautiful state of (Name of State), in the presence of God and the witness of friends and family, it is my great privilege to pronounce you husband and wife! (or, “I now pronounce you married!”)

You may kiss! 

• The Officiant may wish to introduce the new couple to the Congregation, for example, "It is my honor to present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Smith."

The Recession

• Ceremony ends.