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)
WELCOME / INTRODUCTION
(Celebrant welcomes the guests on behalf of the couple)
READING 1
MARRIAGE ADDRESS
(Celebrant highlights the importance of marriage and commitment)
READING 2
THE ASKING
(Celebrant asks the bride and groom to declare their intention to marry)
EXCHANGE OF PERSONAL VOWS
GIVING OF RINGS
PRONOUNCEMENT
(Celebrant pronounces the couple ‘husband and wife’)
SIGNING OF THE CERTIFICATE
(Bride, groom, celebrant and two witnesses)
CLOSING WORDS
(Celebrant)
PRESENTING THE NEWLYWEDS
(Celebrant)
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.