Jumping The Broom Wedding Ceremony Script

PROCESSION / PROCESSIONAL

• Ceremony begins.

HOUSEKEEPING ANNOUNCEMENTS

Officiant to guests

Hello Everyone! At the request of the bride and groom (or substitute "partners" / etc.), I would like to kindly asked that you hold all photos and videos until the end of the ceremony. Also, traditionally guest are asked to stand during the bride's entrance ( or substitute "the couple's walk down the aisle"), but I would kindly ask that you remain seated. Thank you so much! 

INVOCATION & WELCOME 

Officiant to guests

Good afternoon family, friends, and honored guests. We are gathered together here to join (Partner A) and (Partner B) in the spiritual union of marriage. 

This contract is not to be entered into lightly but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. Please remember that love, loyalty, and understanding are the foundations of a happy and enduring home. 

VOW EXCHANGE

Officiant to guests

(Partner A) and (Partner B) will now share their vows. 

• If the couple has written personal vows, this is when they will read them to each other. Otherwise, the officiant will continue on to the next section.

Officiant to Partner A

Do you, (Partner A), take this (woman/ man/ person), (Partner B), to be your lawfully wedded (wife/ husband/ spouse), to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto (her/ him/ them) for as long as you both shall live? 

• Partner A makes a statement of affirmation. 

Officiant to Partner B

Do you, (Partner B), take this (woman/ man/ person), (Partner A), to be your lawfully wedded (wife/ husband/ spouse), to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, in good times and bad, for richer or poorer, keeping yourself unto (her/ him/ them) for as long as you both shall live? 

• Partner B makes a statement of affirmation. 

RING EXCHANGE

Officiant to Guests

(Partner A) and (Partner B) will now exchange rings as a symbol of their love and commitment.

• The officiant asks the attendant with the rings to step forward, or motions to them.

Officiant to Attendant

(Name of Attendant), the rings please.

• The attendant hands the couple their rings, and they exchange rings.

JUMPING THE BROOM UNITY CEREMONY 

OFFICIANT TO GUESTS AND COUPLE

We end this ceremony with the African American tradition of jumping of the broom.

As our bride and groom (or substitute "happy couple") jump, they physically and spiritually cross the threshold into the land of matrimony. Today it represents great joy and at the same time serves as a reminder of the past. 

It marks the beginning of making a home together. It symbolizes the sweeping away of the old and the welcoming of the new; the sweeping away all negative energy, making way for all things that are good to come into your lives. It is also a call of support for the marriage from the entire community of family and friends. 

The leap they take together over the broom is a gesture they take of dedication to working together through the tough times ahead, as well as the easy times. They leave behind the past and jump into the future together secure in their love. 

The bride and groom (or substitute the couple's names) will now begin their new life together with a clean sweep! 

• The broom is laid on the floor, the Partners hold hands and jump over the broom together.

PRONOUNCEMENT 

oFFICIANT TO THE COUPLE

And now by the authority vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of (Name of Wedding State), I now pronounce you husband and wife! (or substitute: "I now pronounce you married!" )

You May Kiss!

PRESENTATION / INTRODUCTON OF THE COUPLE 

oFFICIANT TO GUESTS

I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Williams! (Substitute the couple's married name, or any variation they prefer.

• guests clap and cheer

Recession 

• Ceremony ends.