A Simple Buddhist Wedding Ceremony Script

PROCESSIONAL 

• The partners to be married enter the ceremonial space together, either walking down the aisle or entering from the side. 
• If a monk from a local temple has come to join in the celebration, they may sing after the couple enters, or lead a call and response style chant while the partners sit or stand in front of the altar. 

INVOCATION 

• If you are beginning with a few minutes of quiet meditation to bring a state of mindfulness, the Wedding Officiant will announce the start and end of the meditation period. 

Officiant to the reception
Friends and loved ones, we’ve come here today to celebrate the shared love between __________ and __________, and to witness their commitment to one another in marriage.

This is one of life’s most joyful occasions! 

Two people, choosing to walk together through life in loving harmony, growing and learning with each new day. 

The great gift of marriage is what you see around you here today --  the beauty of living fully and peacefully in the world as partners, surrounded and supported by two communities and families united as one. These are the teachings of the Buddha, the dharma, and the sangha, woven into each moment with boundless love! 

DECLARATION OF INTENT

Officiant to the couple 

As we begin, __________ and __________, are you ready to marry each other? 

Couple (together)

We are! 

Officiant to the couple

Then let’s start! 

VOWS EXCHANGE

Officiant to the couple

__________ and __________,  do you promise, as the Sigalovada Sutta asks, to honor each other as your equal, to meet each other with kindness and compassion, and to be attentive and courteous to each other?

Couple (together)

We do. 

Officiant to the couple

Do you promise to nurture harmony within your relationship through each word and action, taking good care of your home, your responsibilities, and each other?

Couple (together)

We do. 

Officiant to the couple

Do you promise to be welcoming and loving to each other's friends and family, to continue to grow your spiritual community, and to create moments of shared joy in these deep bonds with each other? 

Couple (together)

We do. 

Officiant to the couple

 And do you promise to give the gifts of forgiveness, patience, and love generously, always remaining faithful to the unique promises of marriage?

Couple (together)

 We do!

RINGS EXCHANGE

Officiant to the couple

__________ and __________, please exchange the rings you’ve chosen for each other. These bands will remind you of the promises you’ve made to each other today, and of the love and support that encircles you. 

• The couple exchanges rings

PRONOUNCEMENT

Officiant to the couple

As you leave here today, keep the warmth and joy that you feel now in your hearts. It will be reflected back to you in each step of your journey together. 

And now, with the help of all those here today, and by the power vested in me by the State of __________ and American Marriage Ministries, I pronounce you married! 

You may kiss! 

• They do!

RECESSIONAL 

• The ceremony is over. The couple leave hand in hand, and are joined by their guests for the reception celebration.