Ceremony Script!

I think it's becoming common for couples to write their own ceremony so it is more personal. Check Offbeat Bride and A Practical Wedding for resources

Just a note: I went to a wedding recently where the ceremony was an hour long. It was not a mass or anything. Totally secular with lots of readings, a long and thoughtful address, and the couple saying their own vows. It was beautiful and so heartfelt that it remained engaging despite the length. So I think 30 minutes is fine!

Hire an officiant who will personalize your ceremony for you. That's their job. I never understand why people are willing to let a family member (who does not officiate for a living) take charge of the most important of the day. The ceremony is why everyone is there. I recently watched a wedding video where the officiant was a friend "who spoke well." He missed so many key points. IMO, just get a professional.

It's not more personal. In most cases, it's cobbled together from various chunks of text they found online and the only personal thing is that the person doing it knows you. And their lack of expertise has given you (at least) one more job.

It's one thing to have a friend who is already an officiant marry you, but having an amateur strikes me as very risky, especially with regards to ensuring all the legalities are met, but also the public speaking part. And if they aren't even interested enough to writing the script, I'd be even more concerned. Will they even be familiar with the script by the wedding or are they just planning on reading it for the first time at the ceremony?

My uncle is a pro officiant BUT he is SUPER religious and I wanted to make it more secular so I wrote ours with the help of lots of different examples I found online along with the usual stuff you usually hear in a ceremony-

I then sent it to my uncle to go through and make sure all of the LEGAL wording, etc is in there and in the right place- he gave input and advice and I finally got it perfect.

Nothing wrong with having your cousin do it but they have to know what they are doing for sure.

ETA: We are also writing our own vows so that changes things a bit as well- but that is what makes it more personal- not the ceremony script itself

Snippet and Ink blog has scripts to inspire you

Celia's most recent post needs more likes!

I am glad i viewed this post. I will contact my officiant and get the order of the service.