Nature Inspired Wedding Ceremony Script

Nature Inspired Wedding Ceremony Script for the Officiant

WEDDING PROCESSION

• Guests are seated, the wedding party enters, the ceremony begins. 

OPTIONAL: GIVING AWAY THE BRIDE / GROOM / COUPLE

• this is a modern alternative to a traditional wedding element. the Officiant says this part after the wedding party enters, when both partners have reached the front of the aisle.

WEDDING OFFICIANT

“Who supports this (woman / man / person) in marriage?

• The partner’s parent/s or friend-of-honor steps up to present them, saying “I do,” or “we do.”
• Officiant repeats this for the second partner if the couple wishes, with their parent/s or friend-of-honor doing the same.

WEDDING OFFICIANT’S OPENING WORDS

WEDDING OFFICIANT

“Welcome, loved ones and friends. We are gathered here today to celebrate the marriage of [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B]. Some of us have been waiting for this special day for quite a while, but none longer than [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] themselves – who knew after just a few dates that their love would last a lifetime.

• Personalize the following section with natural elements surrounding the couple’s chosen wedding venue. If you haven’t been there before, look at photos online, check out Google street view, or plan a visit to the location and take notes for your script!

"It’s fitting that we find ourselves in such a beautiful place today, surrounded by a hundred bright shades of green, birdsong, the smell of pine in the air, the mountains on the horizon. Like these tall trees, love needs strong roots and a strong foundation to flourish. Like birdsong, love takes two voices, harmonizing and not competing. Love takes an occasional airing out too, to welcome new ideas and perspectives. And like the mountains, love shifts with the seasons but never loses its shape.

The natural world also reminds us that no living thing thrives on its own. Instead, each living thing supports another, needs another, makes all others possible. Nature is the strongest community, one that all of us here reflect as we gather here to celebrate and support [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B].

• PERSONALIZE THE following section with details from the couple's love story – ask the couple for their favorite memories together in nature. Camping, hiking, sitting on the porch, birdwatching, gardening, etc. Then write a personalized paragraph to use instead of the one below that shows how these outdoor experiences brought the couple closer together, or defined important aspects of their relationship. Get creative!

“It was a shared love of nature that first attracted [PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B] to each other. The outdoors is a place where both of them find meaning and joy, and they couldn’t wait to explore it together. 

Unfortunately, they had different ideas of ‘exploring nature.’ When [PARTNER B] asked [PARTNER A] on a hiking date, (he / she / they) swooned, imagining cute selfies under the canopy. 

But [PARTNER A] soon learned that [PARTNER B]’s idea of a ‘quick hike with a cool view,’ was a rocky, 7-mile trek with a 2,000 foot elevation gain in the Cascades. The view was definitely cool, true, but it wasn’t quick. [PARTNER B] nearly had to carry [PARTNER A] back down the trail five hours later. 

But over the years, these two have learned how to match each other’s passions perfectly, compromising, encouraging, adapting to each other, growing – and learning to ask better follow-up questions before agreeing to anything.

In that same spirit, I’ll take this moment to ask you both a follow-up question, before you head out on this next big adventure together."

DECLARATION OF INTENT: the wedding 'i do's

• This is the spoken/signed part of the ceremony where the couple confirms they are willing to marry each other. This part of the wedding is required in most states, but you can personalize the wording to fit your tastes – as long as the officiant asks the couple if they want to get married and they express agreement.

WEDDING OFFICIANT

[PARTNER B], knowing [PARTNER A] as deeply as you do, and having spent the past [amount of time] together, do you willingly and enthusiastically take [him / her / them] to be your [wife / husband / spouse], to cherish and support them, for all the days of your life?”

[PARTNER B]

“I do!”

WEDDING OFFICIANT

“[PARTNER A], knowing [PARTNER B] as deeply as you do, including [his / her / their] love of Facebook Marketplace camping finds, and having spent the past [amount of time] together, do you willingly and enthusiastically take [him / her / them] to be your [wife / husband / spouse], to cherish and support them, for all the days of your life?”

[PARTNER A]

“I do!”

EXCHANGE OF WEDDING RINGS

WEDDING OFFICIANT

“We are all very happy to hear this! As a symbol of this commitment, the two of you have chosen to exchange wedding rings.”

• If the couple has chosen to exchange nature inspired wedding bands, describe their special meaning in this section. Otherwise, describe the timeless symbolism of the wedding ring: a circle representing the lasting nature of love, with no end and no beginning.

OFFICIANT TO RING BEARER

“May we have the rings?”

• The friend / relative with the rings steps forward, and passes them to the officiant or the couple themselves.

WEDDING OFFICIANT

“These rings symbolize the strength of your love, and what makes you special as a couple. 

The circle of each ring represents the unbreakable bond you share, a companionship and connection without a beginning or end.

The rings' materials have special meaning, too. 

[PARTNER B], the ring you give to [PARTNER A] today is made of silver, wrapped around a strip of red cedar, which you chose because cedar is a sacred wood that’s both soft and strong. 

[PARTNER A], the ring you give to [PARTNER B] today is made of gold, holding a unique stone in its setting – a small piece of Mahogany Obsidian, which [PARTNER B] found while hiking together, and carried home in [his / her / their] pocket, a precious treasure.

As you place these rings on each other's fingers, infuse them with the love you feel today. Wear them proudly, and let them be a daily reminder of your commitment, your adventures, and the joys yet to come.

• The couple exchanges rings.

PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE

WEDDING OFFICIANT

“[PARTNER A] and [PARTNER B], carry our love with you too. All of us here in the audience, your loved ones new and old, we give you our full support as we celebrate you! We are your strongest community, today and always.

By the power vested in me by American Marriage Ministries and the State of [Wedding State], I pronounce you married.

Kiss each other!”

• The newlyweds kiss; guests cheer.

WEDDING RECESSION

• The wedding party exits, and the ceremony ends. Don’t forget to sign the marriage license now that the ceremony is over!

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIGNING THE MARRIAGE LICENSE: 

• Completing The Marriage License: How to Sign the Marriage License as a Wedding Officiant