If you’ve ever been to a wedding or seen one in the movies, you’ve heard a wedding pronouncement. The typical pronouncement from the big screen goes like this, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride!” It’s when the officiant announces the marriage and sets the stage for the big smooch.
But did you know there’s more than one way to pronounce a couple? If you’re looking for something less traditional or more formal, there are options. If you want something more feminist or more inclusive, there are options. If you’re looking for something unique that speaks to you as a couple, then you’re in the right place.
Below we’ve gathered 15 wedding pronouncements to inspire you to find the right one for your nuptials.
Before we get into the wedding pronouncements, an important note:
Many traditional pronouncements are written for a husband and wife (or “man and wife”). But if that language doesn’t resonate with you, ditch it. Don’t let traditional language and outdated ideas hold you back from creating a pronouncement that represents who you are. Here are some other titles you can use instead of husband and wife:
- Wife and Husband
- Husband and Husband
- Wife and Wife
- Legally Wed
- Married
- Spouses for Life
- Partners for Life
- (insert your own awesome titles here!)
Most wedding pronouncements end with the line, “You may now kiss the bride!” If that gives you the icks (and we totally get why it might), you don’t have to include it. You can remove the line altogether or change it to:
- You may seal your promise/union/marriage with a kiss
- And now for your first kiss as a married couple
- You may kiss
- You may now kiss each other
- I invite you to seal your promise with a kiss
- Let’s begin the adventure of marriage with a kiss
- Now might be a good time to kiss
- (insert your own awesome line here!)
Photo and feature image by Erica Miller Photography
Religious
Now that (Name) and (Name) have given themselves to each other by the promises they have exchanged, I pronounce them to be (preferred titles), in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Optional kiss line)
Religious (Formal)
(Name) and (Name) through their words today, have joined together in holy wedlock.
Because they have exchanged their vows before God and these witnesses, have pledged their commitment each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by exchanging rings, I now pronounce that they are (preferred titles). Those whom God hath joined together, let no one put asunder.
Rejoice
Since (Name) and (Name) have grown in knowledge and love of one another, and because they have agreed in their desire to go forward in life together, seeking an even richer, deepening relationship, and because they have pledged to meet sorrow and joy as one family, we rejoice to recognize them as (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Witness
(Name) and (Name), you have publicly promised your commitment to each other for all time. I call upon all gathered here to witness that you are now (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Consented Together
(Name) and (Name) have consented together in marriage, declaring their love for one another. They are now (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Photo by Emily Nicole Photos
Valid & Binding
In the presence of your family and friends, you have joined yourselves in marriage. I declare your marriage is valid and binding and rejoice to recognize you as (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
So They Are
(Name) and (Name) have promised each other, publicly, in front of family and friends, that they want to be married. So they are! (Optional kiss line)
Blossoms
As you have both accepted the vows of the other, you may now go forth and fulfill your vows with the same love and devotion which now blossoms between you. You are now (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Guests’ Support
You have united two families and two sets of friends. I ask them now to promise that they will support your marriage with joy, love and optimism.
All those who wish to promise their support say “I do!” (Guests respond “I do!”)
With the blessing of everyone who is present here today, I now pronounce you (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Kiss is a Promise
(Name) and (Name), you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you (preferred titles).
You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more. But today the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become (preferred titles) and can now seal the agreement with a kiss.
Today, your kiss is a promise. (Optional kiss line)
Photo by Erica Miller Photography
Summary
Now that (Name) and (Name) have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Express Your Love
(Name) and (Name), you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Good Company
In the presence of this good company,
By the power of your love,
Because you have exchanged vows of commitment,
We recognize you as (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Adventurers
And now it is time for me to declare you married. From today your family, friends, community, and indeed the whole world, will know you as co-travellers through life, adventurers, soul-mates, (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Short & Sweet
I now pronounce (Name) and (Name), (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
How will you be pronounced as a married couple?
Find the perfect officiant to share your wedding pronouncement with your guests. Get in touch to book your wedding officiant today!
Riana Ang-Canning has been working with Young Hip & Married since 2017. She is a professional content writer with experience in travel, lifestyle and weddings. Riana not only writes Young Hip & Married blog posts but is also involved with the company's internal communications, social media, copywriting and more. She knows YHM, and the wedding world, inside and out!
