Please see the order and structure of the marriage ceremony below, which you can use as a starting point to write your own personalised ceremony, with the legal words that must be said in bold:

 

Entrance of the bride/ groom/ couple

Welcome from the registrar to couple and guests

(Traditionally includes this wording within it: This place in which we are now met, has been duly sanctioned, according to law, for the celebration of marriages. Before you are joined in matrimony, I have to remind you of the solemn and binding contract of the vows you are about to make. Marriage in this country means the union of two people, voluntarily entered into for life, to the exclusion of all others. If there is any person here present who knows of any lawful impediment to this marriage, then they should declare it now.)

Wording about the meaning of marriage/ personal details about the couple (OPTIONAL)

[1ST READING (OPTIONAL)]

Legal wording: Both partners must use one of the following three declaratory words:

  1. I do solemnly declare, that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (your name) may not be joined in matrimony to (your partner’s name).
  2. I declare that I know of no legal reason why I (your name) may not be joined in marriage to (your partner’s name).
  3. The Registrar asks: “Are you (your name) free, lawfully, to marry (your partner’s name)?” You reply “I am.”

[2ND READING (OPTIONAL)]

Legal wording: Both partners must use one of the following three declaratory words:

  1. I call upon these persons, here present, to witness that I (your name) do take thee (your partner’s name) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband.
  2. I (your name), take you (your partner’s name) to be my wedded wife/husband.
  3. I (your name) take thee (your partner’s name) to be my wedded wife/husband.

[PERSONAL VOWS (OPTIONAL)]

[RINGS (OPTIONAL)]

  • Registrar’s words about the meaning of rings
  • Ring words repeated by both partners as they exchange rings

[3RD READING (OPTIONAL)]

[SIGNING OF THE SCHEDULE]

Registrar’s concluding words and pronouncing the couple to be husband/wife and wife/husband.

[COUPLE DECLARED AS THEY WISH- i.e. John and Jane or Mr and Mr Smith]

Exit of the couple and guests

The latest from our social media