Fall Wedding Ceremony Script with Reading From "Harvest Moon"

Processional

• Guests are seated. Ceremony begins.

Welcome & Invocation 

Officiant to Guests

Welcome! We gather on this divine autumn day to celebrate the love discovered between (Partner A) and (Partner B). 

Like the color of leaves in the fall, their relationship is changing – and we mark that significance with their wedding today. Autumn leaves also remind us that transition is in our very nature. This ceremony will symbolize (Partner A) and (Partner B)'s transition to their next chapter.

Before we continue today’s celebration, let’s take a few moments to become truly present as the couple readies to enter this new season in their lives.

Mindfulness Exercise

Officiant to couple

First, I turn to you, (Partner A) and (Partner B). I’d like you to hold hands and meet each other’s gaze. Now, pause for a moment.

Notice your heart beat. Feel your feet on the ground, and just be right here, in this moment, with each other.

(Pause)

As you gaze at each other, take a moment and notice the feelings of love, joy, contentment, and whatever else comes up.

(Pause)

Now, I’d like you both to look at your families and friends. Notice their love and support for you here on your wedding day.

• Officiant turns to guests

Officiant to guests

Now, loved ones. Look at the couple you have traveled to witness enter into marriage. Take in the moment, as you observe (Partner A) and (Partner B) on one of the happiest days of their lives. 

• Officiant turns back to couple

Officiant to couple

Now I’m going to turn back to you, (Partner A) and (Partner B), to look at each other once more, as you return to this present moment together.

Declaration & Statement of Intent

Officiant to couple

Now I ask you, (Partner A) and (Partner B), have you come here without reservation to welcome each other as (husband/ wife/ spouse and husband/ wife/ spouse), offering your love, trust, and respect, today, tomorrow, and always?

Couple to officiant

We have.

Wedding Reading

• This reading is taken from the lyrics of the song “Harvest Moon,” written by Neil Young

"Come a little bit closer
Hear what I have to say
Just like children sleepin'
We could dream this night away
But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon
When we were strangers
I watched you from afar
When we were lovers
I loved you with all my heart
But now it's gettin' late
And the moon is climbin' high
I want to celebrate
See it shinin' in your eye
Because I'm still in love with you
I want to see you dance again
Because I'm still in love with you
On this harvest moon"

Exchange of Vows

Officiant to couple

Your wedding vows are an outward sign of your love and commitment. While there is a legal aspect of this wedding, a signed document does not create a marriage. What creates a marriage is the promises made and kept in your hearts.

As you look lovingly at each other, you’ll speak the promises that you’re pledging for a lifetime.

Officiant to Partner A

(Partner A), please repeat after me:
 
Today, I give you my heart to hold and my life to keep
I take you as my partner in life and with this promise:
I will support you and encourage you, during the good times, and the trying times.
I will laugh with you, and cry with you, 
And love you faithfully, for all the days and seasons ahead of us both.

• Partner A repeats after the officiant

Officiant to Partner B

Now Partner B, please repeat after me:
 
Today, I give you my heart to hold and my life to keep
I take you as my partner in life and with this promise:
I will support you and encourage you, during the good times, and the trying times.
I will laugh with you, and cry with you, 
And love you faithfully, for all the days and seasons ahead of us both.

• Partner B repeats after the officiant

Exchange of Rings 

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 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 REPEATS THE WORDS 

Closing Words & Blessing

• The wedding blessing below is often quoted online, but its exact origins are unknown.

Officiant to couple

(Partner A) and (Partner B), in closing my wish for you is this:

"May the sun bring you new energy by day,
May the moon softly restore you by night;
May the rain wash away your worries;
May the breeze blow new strength into your being;
May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life."

Pronouncement 

Officiant to couple

(Partner A) and (Partner B), having pledged your lifelong commitment to each other, in front of these witnesses here today, it’s my delight to pronounce you Married. Congratulations! 

You may celebrate with a kiss!

Recession

• The ceremony ends