Complete Officiant Speech Template For A Wedding In 2024

The officiant’s speech is one of the most significant components of a wedding ceremony. It sets the tone, creates a memorable experience, and celebrates the love story of the couple. Whether you are a seasoned officiant or a bride trying to craft a speech that is both heartfelt and eloquent, this post is going to be super helpful! Here, you will find a comprehensive template that covers every aspect of the officiant’s speech, from the initial welcome to the final declaration of marriage.

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Officiant Wedding Ceremony Speech Outline Template

I. Invocation (Welcoming Guests Before Ceremony)

• Greet the guests
• Explain the purpose of the gathering
• Acknowledge and thank the guests for their time
• Request for guests to put their phones away (optional)

II. Processional

• Processional Music
• Announcement: “Please stand.”
• Entrance of Bride

III. Officiant Speech

• Ask guests to be seated
• Short note about the union
• Note about loved ones who have passed
• Additional words about ceremony

IV. Poem (Optional)

• Introduction to Poem
• Recitation of Poem

V. Vow Exchange

• Introduction to Vows
• Groom’s Vows
• Bride’s Vows

VI. Ring Exchange & Declaration of Intent

• Introduction to Ring Exchange
• Groom’s Ring Exchange
• Bride’s Ring Exchange

VII. Pronouncement

• Official Declaration: “By the power vested in me by the state of [State], I now pronounce you husband and wife!”

VIII. First Kiss

• Introduction: “You may now kiss the bride.”

IX. Closing Remarks

• Presentation of Couple: “It is my distinct honor to present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]!”

X. Recessional

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Sample Officiant Speech For A Wedding Ceremony

Below is a great sample officiant speech for a wedding ceremony. Feel free to modify it for your own wedding!

Invocation (welcoming guests before ceremony)

Good evening, everyone! We are gathered here today to celebrate the love, joy, and togetherness of [Bride] and [Groom] on their wedding day.

Each person here holds a special place in [Bride] and [Groom]’s hearts. Whether you’ve been a part of their journey for many years or joined more recently, your presence is a cherished gift. Thank you for being here!

On behalf of the bride and groom, we kindly ask that you put away your cameras and phones during the ceremony. [Bride] and [Groom] want you to be fully present as they share this unforgettable moment with you.

Processional

[Processional music plays and processional begins]

Officiant Announces “Please stand”

[Bride’s walking down the aisle song plays]

Bride enters with parent/s.

Parent/s hands off [Bride] to [Groom]

[Music stops]

Officiant Speech

Please be seated.

Today marks a significant milestone in the lives of [Bride] and [Groom]. It is a day where they pledge to always support and cherish one another in front of their closest loved ones.

Let us take a moment to honor those who can’t be with us today, whether due to distance or having passed on. They remain with us in spirit, forever part of our lives and memories.

This ceremony does not create a relationship that didn’t already exist. Instead, it symbolizes the promises [Bride] and [Groom] make to each other as they continue to grow and strengthen their bond. No matter what challenges arise, they will face them together, and no matter the successes, they will share them. The love between them unites them as one.

Poem (Optional)

I would like to share a poem titled “Love’s Journey,” which captures the essence of your shared path ahead.

“Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.”

Vow Exchange

You’ve chosen to be with someone who enriches your life, who makes you think, makes you smile, and brightens every day. You are about to make promises to each other that you intend to keep. These promises are simple but profound: you’re vowing to be there for each other.

[Groom], do you take [Bride] to be your lawfully wedded wife from this day forward – to have and to hold, in good times and in bad, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health; will you love, honor, and cherish her for as long as you both shall live?

“I do”

[Bride], do you take [Groom] to be your lawfully wedded husband from this day forward – to have and to hold, in good times and in bad, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health; will you love, honor, and cherish him for as long as you both shall live?

“I do”

Ring Exchange & Declaration of Intent

The couple will now exchange rings as a physical symbol of the promises they are making today.

[Groom], please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my eternal love for you, and my unbreakable connection to you. With it, I promise to love you, cherish you, and stand by you in good times and in bad, for as long as I live.

Groom repeats and puts ring on Bride’s finger

[Bride], please repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my eternal love for you, and my unbreakable connection to you. With it, I promise to love you, cherish you, and stand by you in good times and in bad, for as long as I live.

Bride repeats and puts ring on Groom’s finger

Pronouncement

By the power vested in me by the state of [State], I now pronounce you husband and wife!

First kiss

Closing Remarks

It is my distinct honor to present to you, for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]!

Everyone rejoices

Recessional music plays

Bride and Groom exit

Wedding party exit

Guests exit

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Concluding Thoughts: Crafting the perfect officiant speech is both an art and a heartfelt responsibility. It’s an opportunity to honor the love story of the couple, to connect with wedding guests, and to create a memorable and meaningful ceremony. By following this complete template, you can confidently deliver a speech that celebrates the unique journey of the couple and their special day. Remember, while this template provides a comprehensive structure, the most impactful speeches are those personalized with stories, anecdotes, and sentiments that reflect the couple’s relationship. Don’t be afraid to add your own touch to make the ceremony truly special!