This is a sample order of service for Secular, Non-denominational Christian and Interfaith Weddings. A very short ceremony can be created by omitting all of the optional elements. Click on each category for a list of possible options. Your creativity is limited only by your imagination!(Examples: Lighting alter candles or side Unity candles by family members, unrolling aisle runner, ringing of bells, scattering of flower petals, Native American sage smudging to sanctify space, etc.)
(Click on "Procession" for explanation of processional options, including "Presentation of the bride".)
(Something general to set a respectful, spiritual tone.)
(Officiant welcomes guests and thanks them for coming. Exchanging Catholic "Peace be with you" greetings would be appropriate here. The Officiant may explain unfamiliar symbols in an interfaith wedding. The Officiant stresses importance of community support to a marriage, The Officiant may ask for a "community vow of support".)
(Mention them, give a moment of silence, or present a flower near their framed photo, etc.)
(In a Christian wedding, this is a very common place to insert 1st Corinthians 13. In a Jewish or interfaith wedding, the Shehechyanu might be recited here.)
(Blessing of the Wine or sweets, exchange of bridal crowns, garlands or leis, handfasting, etc.)
(Officiant speaks about significance of marriage and about the couple he/she is marrying. In a religious ceremony, the Officiant may deliver a sermon.)
(Officiant asks if the couple comes to be married spiritual and legally free, and without reservation. Traditional vows may be exchanged at this point. )
(May be combined with, or substituted for traditional vows).
(For marriages involving children, family vows may be exchanged, with or without a token gift, such as a piece of jewelry. If you prefer, the family vows cand come after the couple's rings and pronouncement.)
(Officiant explains symbolism and significance of rings, *or leis, or whatever is to be exchanged, and blesses them.)
(Lighting of the Unity candle, Unity bouquet or Rose Ceremony, Sand Ceremony, Covenant of Salt, Blessing of the Hands, signing the ketubah or marriage license, etc. Appropriate music might accompany the ritual chosen.)
Official pronouncement of Husband and Wife may be marked by the Jewish breaking of the glass, release of doves, butterflies or balloons, ringing of bells, etc.)
(The Apache Wedding Blessing, Jewish Seven Wedding Blessings, or personal blessing by Officiant, are popular here. Click on "Closing Blessing" above to see options.)
(Be sure to tell your Officiant the exact way to pronounce you: For example: Mr. and Mrs. Robert Smith, or Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Sasha Smith, or Mr. Robert Smith and Ms. Sasha Goldman, etc.)
(Usually in this order - Bride and groom first, then flower girl(s) and ring bearer(s), Matron of Honor and Best Man, other Attendants as couples, Officiant, then Parents and Grandparents, and rows from front to back)
(Extinguishing alter candles, re-rolling aisle runner, etc.)
Note: InterfaithOfficiants.com does not recommend completely writing your own ceremony. Experienced, ordained clergy are necessary for making sure your wedding ceremony will be professional, beautiful, logistically practical, official, and in most states, legal. Nothing is more important than your wedding day! You want the experience of an expert to make sure your ceremony is perfect. However, most celebrants welcome and encourage your choice of readings, poems, and music. Together with your experienced, ordained Officiant, you can create the ceremony of your dreams! "Design your own wedding ceremony" information offered courtesy of Reverend Nancy Cronk, listed under "Colorado" on InterfaithOfficiants.com. Opinions expressed are hers exclusively.
