Sample Order of Ceremony
Below are the typical elements that make up a symbolic wedding ceremony. Your celebrant will create a first draft of your unique ceremony, based on the responses in your wedding questionnaire and additional elements that may be appropriate for you.
Together, you refine the ceremony to create a text that reflects your personalities, involves those people special to you (readings or music) and creates a magical occasion. A typical ceremony lasts 15-25 minutes from the bride’s entrance to the recessional.
ENTRANCE OF THE BRIDE
(Bride and escort/entourage enter to music)
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WELCOME / INTRODUCTION
(Celebrant welcomes the guests on behalf of the couple)
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READING 1
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MARRIAGE ADDRESS
(Celebrant highlights the importance of marriage and commitment)
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READING 2
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THE ASKING
(Celebrant asks the bride and groom to declare their intention to marry)
EXCHANGE OF PERSONAL VOWS
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GIVING OF RINGS
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PRONOUNCEMENT
(Celebrant pronounces the couple ‘husband and wife’)
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SIGNING OF THE CERTIFICATE
(Bride, groom, celebrant and two witnesses)
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CLOSING WORDS
(Celebrant)
PRESENTING THE NEWLYWEDS
(Celebrant)
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RECESSIONAL
(The newlyweds exit to music)
Music adds atmosphere and a sense of occasion to the ceremony and allows the couple to select pieces meaningful to them for the entrance and exit of the ceremony.