Writing a secular wedding ceremony can be challenging, given that most sample ceremonies —and articles with advice on writing your own — are laced with religious language. For the non-religious, this part of the wedding planning process can present quite a headache.
The first step in writing any ceremony is to make an outline. Most ceremonies follow a prescribed formula, starting with a welcome greeting by the officiant, readings, vow exchange, ring exchange and closing remarks. You’ll need to decide at this point whether you want to follow the traditional formula or strike out on your own. Many non-religious ceremonies forgo the use of readings, but it’s fairly easy, too, to find secular poems, quotes and book excerpts that discuss love and commitment without discussing religion or God.
You and your partner should sit down and think of some common threads you’d like to touch on. Maybe you’d like your ceremony to focus on a certain theme or concept. Jot down a few words and phrases that will help you incorporate that theme into the ceremony.
The next step is to research secular ceremony samples online. Luckily, the Internet is a great resource with a slew of examples of different ceremonies — ones that mix religious traditions, eschew religion altogether or are completely non-traditional and out-of-the-box. Once you have a handful of samples, find the passages that speak the most to you. You can copy them word-for-word if they really fit what you are looking for, tweak a few words and phrases or simply use the spirit of the sample for inspiration to write your own.
Weave your theme or concept throughout the entire ceremony, interspersing your previously chosen words and phrases to stick to your theme. Read through it several times before the big day to make sure it all flows.
Read This Next
Honeyfund, An Alternative Wedding Registry
How To's
Dec 1, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedDestinations / North America
Nov 21, 2024Art Basel Happenings at Miami’s The Ritz-Carlton Hotels
Art Basel Miami Beach takes place Dec. 6–8. This iconic international art fair features works from worldwide established and emerging artists. To celebrate the event, The Ritz-Carlton Bal Harbour, Miami, and The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, host special programming with a focus on female artists.
Sponsored Content
Seoul: Your Favorite Worldwide City
Seoul is the place for your next bleisure destination.
Travel Goods
Nov 21, 2024Never Lose an Item Again with Apple’s New Share Item Location Feature
It’s your worst nightmare: Your plane is taxiing and you’re looking out the window, only to realize you’ve left your iPad or laptop in the airport. Thanks to a new feature from Apple, these fears can be allayed, ensuring we always know where our valuables are, whether traveling or at home.
Dining/Entertainment
Nov 20, 2024Experience the Only Restaurant Made Entirely of Ice in America
You’ve heard of ice hotels, but what about ice restaurants? When ice Hôtel de Glace de Québec opens in January 2025, it will be home to the only restaurant made entirely of snow and ice in America thanks to a partnership with Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.
Sponsored Content
Discover Greece’s Tower Towns: A Journey Through History
Greece's tower towns offer a captivating blend of history, architecture and stunning landscapes that make them perfect for curious travelers. These towns, particularly found in the Mani region of the Peloponnese, are defined by stone towers built during the medieval period. Constructed for both defense and as symbols of family pride, the towers stand as a testament to the region's turbulent history and its residents’ resilience.
Destinations
Nov 20, 2024What Destinations Are Trending in 2025?
Luxury travel company Scott Dunn looks ahead to 2025 with predictions of hot destinations to visit. These focus on under-explored locations, sustainable tourism and exclusive experiences.
ShareThis