Crafting a wedding ceremony script
Couple: Rhona and Graham
Location: Sssh! That’s a secret
Opening and Welcome
Celebrant Janine stands with the couple, smiling at the guests.
Good afternoon, everyone! On behalf of Rhona and Graham, welcome! We are gathered here today to celebrate their love story—a journey that began in a most unexpected place, Didcot Railway Station!
Fate (or perhaps the train timetables) conspired to bring these two together. Rhona kept missing the train, but little did she know, each delay was leading her straight to Graham. And, much like the tides of Cornwall where they love to beachcomb, their love has been a constant force, shaping their journey together.
Graham has also quizzed the “what-if” scenarios many times - what if Rhona had not missed that first train on a wet Monday morning and shouted, drawing his attention. He chuckled, she glared at him. Then she did the same on Tuesday and Wednesday. This was the ice-breaker and he asked if he could send her an alarm message to get her to the station on time. The exchange of mobile numbers sealed their destiny.
Why did Rhona miss the train? Make up.. her mascara in particular.
Thankfully, she had the support from her bridesmaids to get ready today, and she is now standing before Graham.
The Love Story
From train platforms to Cornish shores, their love has been an adventure. Together, they’ve found beauty in the little things—the thrill of discovering hidden treasures on the beach, the laughter in life’s unexpected detours, and the joy of simply being by each other’s side.
And so, today, they stand before us, ready to embark on their greatest adventure yet—marriage. A commitment built on love, laughter, and maybe the occasional missed train!
The Exchange of Traditional Vows
Celebrant Janine guides the couple through their vows.
Marriage is built on promises—spoken from the heart and carried forward through a lifetime. Rhona and Graham, as you exchange your vows today, may they be a reminder of the love and commitment you share. You have chosen the traditional vows to remember your grandparents who cannot be here today.
(Each partner repeats after the celebrant:)
"I, [Rhona/Graham], take you, [Rhona/Graham], to be my wedded [husband/wife], to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, “til death do us part."
Handfasting Ceremony
Celebrant Janine introduces the ritual while draping the three ribbons over their hands.
Handfasting is an ancient tradition symbolizing the binding of two lives. Much like the waves that shape the coastline, love shapes us, strengthens us, and binds us together.
Today, we're using blue, white, and green ribbons, picked by you. Each colour symbolises the promises you make. Blue stands for patience, devotion, and sincerity. White represents peace and truth. Green signifies wealth, health, and love.
Rhona and Graham, as I wrap these ribbons around your hands, let it be a symbol of your unity, your love, and the lifelong adventure ahead.
(Celebrant Janine wraps the braiding and ties a knot.)
With this knot, you are bound by love, by promise, and by the shared dreams of a beautiful future together.
Exchange of Rings
Rhona and Graham's exchange ring as a symbol of their commitment.
These rings are like the sea glass you find on your beachcombing adventures—shaped by time, smoothed by experience, and made ever more beautiful by the journey. May they always remind you of the love you share and the adventures still to come."
(Rhona and Graham place the rings on the other’s finger and repeat:)
"With this ring, I thee wed."
Pronouncement and Celebration
By the love that has brought you together, the vows you have made, and the hands now bound, it is my absolute joy to pronounce you husband and wife for life!
Rhona, Graham —you may now kiss!
Final words
This brief insight gives you an idea of how I use your history to plan a personal wedding ceremony for you. Rhona and Graham initially completed the online enquiry form. I contacted them, and via Zoom, we spoke for 45 minutes. I asked a few questions to draw out their story. They didn’t know what sort of ceremony they wanted as there would be a few friends, Rhona’s sister and Mum, Graham’s two brothers and parents, and the extended family.
They were receiving advice from their parents, who were also keen on a church wedding and on using traditional vows. This is not how Rhona and Graham had envisaged their day.
My suggestion to marry in the garden of Rhona’s Mum, which had been the family home for four generations and was ample enough, was the idea that broke the deadlock on the notion of the church. Honouring the past, thinking of the grandparents, and using the traditional vows was another thumbs up from the parents.
It is not always easy to have the wedding of your dreams without some resistance from significant others. That is where a Celebrant can help explore a variety of suggestions based on experience and creative thinking.
Rhona was keen to introduce the handfasting ceremony as she had enjoyed it at a friend’s wedding.
If you are planning a wedding and wish to be unique, please get in touch; I look forward to learning more about you both.
