Online Ceremony Builder - Atlanta Wedding Officiant

Bride/Partner #1 Name*
First Last
Groom/Partner #2 Name*
First Last
Email*
Wedding Date*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Ceremony Start Time:
Where are you getting married?
Estimated Number of Guests Expected
Emergency Contacts:
Names and phone numbers to call (if needed) on day of wedding:
Who should we contact if we need to reach your wedding party on the day of your wedding in the event of an emergency (such as traffic delays, weather issues, illness, etc.)

Describe The Type of Ceremony You Desire:
- Civil Ceremony (secular, non-religious)
- Contemporary Christian Ceremony (mentions God, but no prayers or scripture readings)
- Traditional Christian Ceremony (Includes prayers and scripture readings)
Please describe the general feel you are looking for in your ceremony... A Secular-Civil Ceremony, Contemporary Christian Ceremony, a Traditional Christian Ceremony, or something else. (Use the "Other" field to describe what you are looking for)
Describe our vision of the ceremony
Please try to describe how you would like your ceremony to feel... are you looking for one that is "short and sweet"? Solemn and serious? Lighthearted and happy? Please list any adjectives that describe your vision for the ceremony.

Officiant's Welcome to Family and Friends: (Select One)
- CIVIL CEREMONY WELCOME #1: We are gathered here today, in this beautiful setting, to celebrate the love that GROOM______________________ and BRIDE ______________________ have for each other, and to witness their decision to journey forward together as husband and wife.
- CIVIL CEREMONY WELCOME #2: We are gathered here today, in this beautiful setting, to celebrate the love that GROOM_________________ and BRIDE_____________________ have for each other, and to witness their decision to journey forward together as husband and wife. Today’s ceremony is about love. -The love between the two people before you, -The power of love to heal and transform, -And the belief that with love, all things are possible.
- CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN WELCOME: Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together in this beautiful setting, before God – to join together GROOM_____________ and BRIDE_______________ in holy matrimony.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN WELCOME: God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Please select the how you would like your officiant to welcome your family and friends. You can write your own version in the "Other" field

Is the bride being given away?*
- Yes
- No
If Yes, who is giving her away?
If the bride is being given away, your officiant will ask "Who Gives This Woman In Marriage To This Man?" Select the response you want from your escort below:
- "I do"
- "Her Mother and I Do"
- "I do on behalf of our family"
- "I do on behalf of everyone here today"
There are lots of ways for your Father or Escort to answer this question. Select a response above, or write your own in the "Other" field. We will advise your escort how to answer this question.

Officiant's Opening: (Select One)
- CIVIL CEREMONY OPENING: GROOM__________________ and BRIDE________________________, your marriage today is the public and legal joining of two lives that have already been united as one in your hearts. Marriage will allow you a new environment to share your lives together, to face life and the world, hand-in hand. Marriage will expand you as individuals, define you as a couple, and deepen your love for one another. To be successful you will need strength, courage, patience… and, it helps to have a really good sense of humor! So let your marriage be a time of waking each morning, and falling in love with one another all over again.
- CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN OPENING: Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is an opportunity for both husband and wife to be happier together, than they ever could be on their own. Marriage is also an important framework for a full life experience. It means helping and comforting each other during times of adversity… as well as celebrating your victories together during the good times. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving family may be attained. Through marriage, GROOM______________ and BRIDE________________ make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s shortcomings. GROOM______________ and BRIDE________________ will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other. We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their new life together. And now – through me – The Lord joins you together in one of his holiest bonds.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN OPENING: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in God's presence at this beautiful location to witness and to celebrate the marriage of GROOM___________________ and BRIDE_____________________, and to ask God to bless them so that they may be strengthened for their life together as one. God gave us marriage for the full expression of love between a man and a woman so that husband and wife may cherish and delight in one another; comfort and help each other in sickness, trouble and sorrow; provide for each other, pray for and encourage each other in the things that pertain to God; and live together faithfully for all of their days.
- WATERFALL WEDDING OPTIONAL OPENING: As we stand here today before each other and this beautiful flowing waterfall, we are celebrating a New Beginning. A marriage. Two people that fell in love and have decided to unite their lives. Much like this waterfall, a marriage must be constant and flexible to survive. Each day brings with it infinite possibilities It is standing together and facing those possibilities, both good and bad, that makes a marriage work. It is not only marrying the right person – it is being the right partner.
Please select how you would like your officiant to begin the ceremony. You can use the "Other" field to write your own version of the opening.

Prayer or Officiant Guidance to Bride and Groom: (Select One)
- CIVIL CEREMONY GUIDANCE: GROOM___________________ and BRIDE______________________, in the days and years ahead of you, you will experience times of great joy. You will celebrate victories and enjoy times together that you would never have experienced on your own. But life is not perfect. There will also be tough times. Ask any married couple and they will tell you being happily married during good times is relatively easy. But it’s the challenges you will face during difficult times that will really test your marriage. In the days and years ahead, you will remember today as one of the best days of your life. You are deeply in love, the future is bright, and all things are possible. So if times ever turn difficult, I ask that you think back upon today and reflect on these words of advice: • Let your love be stronger than your anger. • Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend than to break. • Look for the best in your spouse, rather than the worst. • Confide in your partner, and ask for help when you need it. • Treat your spouse with the same kindness and courtesies that you bestow on your friends. • Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. • And most importantly, Say "I love you" each and every day.
- CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN GUIDANCE: GROOM_______________ and BRIDE__________________, in the days and years ahead of you, you will experience times of great joy. You will enjoy moments together that you would never have experienced on your own. But unfortunately, life is not perfect. There will also be tough times. Ask any married couple and they will tell you being happily married during good times is relatively easy. But it’s the challenges you will face during difficult times that will really test your marriage, and your faith. But let me also point out the challenges you will face can be an opportunity if you look at things right. I recently interviewed a couple who has been married 65 years and I asked them the secret to a long marriage. They told me that over those years they had celebrated life’s victories, and they faced difficult times just like every other couple. But it was interesting was hearing them say that it wasn't the good times that kept them together... it's been the tough times. It’s been about learning to work together and stretch a dollar when money is tight, or a job goes away. It’s been about learning new ways to properly raise their kids and grandchildren in a rapidly changing society. It's been about learning to forgive, and accept each other’s shortcomings and mistakes. And most importantly, it has been about trusting God, and allowing him to lead you to better days. So, my charge to you is to be sure to stare down life’s challenges together and look at every problem as an opportunity to grow stronger as a married couple.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN PRAYER #1: Let us pray. Almighty and ever-blessed God, whose presence is the happiness of all of life’s blessings: We ask you to be present and favorable unto this couple who comes to us in love, that they may be truly joined in the honorable estate of marriage, in the covenant of God. As you have brought them together by your providence, sanctify them by your Spirit, giving them a new frame of heart fit for their new life together as one; enrich them with all grace, whereby they may enjoy the comforts, undergo the cares, endure the trials, and perform the duties of life together, under your guidance and protection; through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN PRAYER #2: In acknowledgment of this holy purpose and of the power of this occasion, let us pray. Eternal God, who gives us the longing for love and the capability of loving, we give you thanks for Bride______________ and Groom_______________, for their open hearts and willing spirits, and for the example of love that they embody here in our presence. Be with them on this joyous occasion of showing their love and making their vows; and be with us, their witnesses, that we may all be changed by what is said and witnessed here. In these things we pray, Amen
- CUSTOM READING : 1 CORINTHIANS 13 The Bible has given us what may be the world’s best definition of what it means to love. I’d like to share with you a well-known passage from 1 Corinthians 13, and offer it as a model to you for the new life you are creating here today: Love is patient and kind, it is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offence and is not resentful. Love takes no pleasure in other people’s faults, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope. It is always ready to endure whatever comes. True love does not come to an end.
- CUSTOM READING: “ Art of Marriage” A Good Marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage, the little things are the big things; It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, "1 love you," at least once each day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives; It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is speaking of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right partner. It is being the right partner.
(Please make one selection.) Here your officiant will provide guidance to the bride and groom or recite an opening prayer or custom reading. If you have your own wording you may add it to the "Other" field.

Parent Blessing (Optional)
- PARENT BLESSING (Optional): Since the dawn of man, people have been united in marriage in all lands and cultures. In marriages everywhere, this is a time for two individuals to leave the families that raised them, and to begin a new family. At this time, we ask the parents of the GROOM____________ and BRIDE________________ to stand and bless this marriage. Do you, _______________ and _______________ and _______________ and _________________, who have lovingly raised and nurtured these two individuals, offer your blessing for their marriage, promising to support them, guide them, understand them, and encourage them in the years ahead? If you agree, please say, "We do". (Parent's respond.)
- No. We do not want a parent blessing
This is an optional way to recognize the parents of the bride and groom. Be sure to type in the name of all parents into the blank spaces above if you want this blessing.
List first names of parents who will bless your marriage
Ex: Sally- Mother of Bride
Children's Blessing (Optional)
- YES: CHILDREN BLESSING: Of course today is more than just the marriage of GROOM____________________ and BRIDE_________________________. Today we are creating a new family. At this time, we ask the children of GROOM____________________ and BRIDE________________________ to stand and bless this marriage. Do you, _______________ and _______________ and _______________ and _________________ and________________________ and______________________ and_________________________, offer your blessing for their marriage, promising to love them, respect them, and encourage them in the years ahead? If you agree, please say, "We do". (Children respond.)
- NO: No Children Blessing
This is an optional way to recognize and involve children of the bride and groom in your wedding. It is also a step in the formation of your new family. Be sure to type in the name of all your children in the blank spaces above if you want this blessing.
Please list the first names and ages of the children who will bless your marriage.
Ex: John - Age 6

Will you write and recite your own Vows to each other?
- YES- We are writing our own vows
- No- We we will NOT write our own vows and will make a selection below
Writing your own vows does add romance, sincerity and feeling to your ceremony. As an Officiant I love it when couple take the time and effort to reflect upon why they are getting married. However, this can be very emotional and it not for everyone. It you are writing your own vows I suggest you make notes on index cards and let me hold them for you until the proper time in your ceremony. If your ARE writing your own vows you may skip the next section.
Standard Exchange of Wedding Vows:
- CIVIL CEREMONY EXCHANGE OF VOWS: GROOM____________ and BRIDE________________, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift. It is a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another fully, freely and unconditionally. (TO GROOM) With this understanding, do you GROOM______________________, take BRIDE______________________ to be your beloved wife? -Do you promise to be a tender, faithful husband? -Do you promise to love and cherish her, -in sickness and in health, -for richer, for poorer, -for better, for worse, -and keep yourself only unto her? If so, please answer, “I Do” (TO BRIDE) With this understanding, do you BRIDE___________________, take GROOM_________________________ to be your beloved husband? -Do you promise to be a tender, faithful wife? -Do you promise to love and cherish him, -in sickness and in health, -for richer for poorer, -for better for worse, -and keep yourself only unto him? If so, please answer, “I Do”
- CHRISTIAN CEREMONY EXCHANGE OF VOWS: GROOM________ and BRIDE__________, I remind you that marriage is a precious gift. It is a lifelong dedication to love and a daily challenge to love one another fully, freely and unconditionally. (TO GROOM) With this understanding, do you GROOM____________, take BRIDE ____________ to be your beloved wife? -Do you promise, before God and these witnesses to be a tender, faithful husband? -Do you promise to love and cherish her, -in sickness and in health, -for richer, for poorer, -for better, for worse, -and keep yourself only unto her? If so, please answer, “I Do” (TO BRIDE) With this understanding, do you BRIDE____________, take GROOM ____________ to be your beloved husband? -Do you promise, before God and these witnesses to be a tender, faithful wife? -Do you promise to love and cherish him, -in sickness and in health, -for richer for poorer, -for better for worse, -and keep yourself only unto him? If so, please answer, “I Do”
Select the option above that best fits your needs. Your officiant will recite the passages above and ask each of you to say "I Do".

Exchange of Rings
- CIVIL CEREMONY EXCHANGE OF RINGS #1: GROOM____________ and BRIDE____________ have chosen rings as outward symbols of the commitment they make today. From earliest times, the ring has been a universal symbol of wedded love. An unbroken and never-ending circle symbolizes a commitment to love that is also never ending. Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know, and thus bringing you closer together forever. (TO GROOM) GROOM ____________, take the ring which you have selected, place it on BRIDE____________'s finger, and repeat after me: -This ring, -a gift for you, -symbolizes my desire -that you be my wife, -from this day forward.”
- CIVIL CEREMONY EXCHANGE OF RINGS #2: TO GROOM: GROOM _______________, please place the ring on BRIDE_________________'s finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring, To wear upon your hand, As a symbol of my endless commitment And love for you. TO BRIDE: BRIDE________________________ , please place the ring on BRIDE_______________________'s finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring, To wear upon your hand, As a symbol of endless commitment And love for you.
- CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN EXCHANGE OF RINGS: GROOM________ and BRIDE__________, have chosen rings as outward symbols of the commitment they make today. From earliest times, the ring has been a universal symbol of wedded love. An unbroken and never-ending circle that symbolizes a commitment to love that is also never ending. May I have the rings please? I will now bless the rings and the role they will play in this marriage. May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. And like these rings, these two lives are now joined together in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may GROOM________ and BRIDE__________, always return to one another. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be a place of love and happiness. Let these rings serve not as locks binding you together, but as keys, unlocking the secrets of your hearts for each other to know. (TO GROOM) GROOM_________, take the ring which you have selected, place it on BRIDE ___________'s finger, and repeat after me: -This ring, -a gift for you, -symbolizes my desire -that you be my wife, -from this day forward. (TO BRIDE) BRIDE____________, take the ring which you have selected, place it on GROOM_____________'s finger, and repeat after me: -This ring, -a gift for you, -symbolizes my desire -that you be my husband, -from this day forward.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN EXCHANGE OF RINGS: TO GROOM: GROOM _______________, please place the ring on BRIDE_________________'s finger and repeat after me: With God as my witness, I give you this ring, To wear upon your hand, As a symbol of my endless commitment, And love for you. TO BRIDE: BRIDE________________________ , please place the ring on BRIDE_______________________'s finger and repeat after me: With God as my witness, I give you this ring, To wear upon your hand, As a symbol of my endless commitment, And love for you.
- FOR ALL CEREMONIES: TO GROOM: Repeat after me as you place this ring on the hand of your beloved, With this ring I thee wed, and with all I am, and all I have, I will honor you forever. TO BRIDE: Repeat after me as you place this ring on the hand of your beloved, With this ring I thee wed, and with all I am, and all I have, I will honor you forever.
Your Officiant will read these word in short sentences for you to repeat after him as you place the rings on your beloved.

Unity Sand Ceremony (Optional)
- YES- We will conduct a Unity Sand Ceremony
- No- We will NOT conduct a Unity Sand Ceremony
The Unity Sand Ceremony has emerged as a popular alternative to the traditional Unity Candle. It is also a great way to allow the children to participate in the ceremony and form a family.
Unity Sand Ceremony Vow Options
- CIVIL CEREMONY - UNITY SAND WORDING: BRIDE_________________ and GROOM ____________________, today you join your separate lives together. The two separate bottles of sand symbolize your separate lives, separate families and separate sets of friends. They represent all that you are and all that you'll ever be as an individual. They also represent your lives before today. As these two containers of sand are poured into the third container, the individual containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be."
- CHRISTIAN CEREMONY - UNITY SAND WORDING: (BRIDE) and (GROOM) will now come together for the Mixing of the Sands. Just as Jesus Christ is the Lord of their lives and the Rock of their Salvation, He will now be the solid foundation that holds their marriage firm. This is symbolized by the white sand in the bottom of the bottle. (Bride/Groom) and (Groom/Bride) both have sands that symbolize their individual lives and selves. As they pour their sands in together, it shows how their lives- once separate- are now becoming intertwined as one. Just as it would be impossible to separate these sands once poured, their union shall make them insepreable as well. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
- SAND CEREMONY FOR CREATION OF A FAMILY: Now we will celebrate the creation of a family. The (three/four/etc.) vials of sand here represent (BRIDE), (GROOM), and (child/children/family members). As each pours in the sands, they show how the individual colors create a beautiful masterpiece of love and mutual respect. Just as the sands are forever intermixed, so are the lives of the people being celebrated today. As we join this couple in marriage, we are also reminded of the significant role that (child/children/family members) play in this marriage. Today, a new unified life is shared within this family
Please select the wording your would like your Officiant to use to explain the Unity Sand Ceremony to your guests.

Optional Reading to Consider:
- WATERFALL WEDDING READING: GROOM_________________ and BRIDE________________________ I would ask that you always treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together today. Take a moment now to stand in awe of the persistence of the water flowing behind us. The obstacles placed in its way do not stop the flow. Instead it seeks and creates new paths. May you both be as persistent as this water and remember to take time each day to stand in awe of each other and this life you are creating together.
- NATIVE AMERICAN BLESSING: GROOM__________ and BRIDE___________ the Mountains of North Georgia were once home to Native American Indians. They walked the very ground where we stand today. I will now bless your marriage with an native blessing that remains timeless and applies to married couples of all cultures. -Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other. -Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. -Now there will be no loneliness, for each of you will be companion to the other. -Now you are two persons, but there is only one life before you. -May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead, and through all the years, -Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. -Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your connection deserves. -When frustration, difficulty and fear assail your relationship - as they threaten all relationships at one time or another - remember to focus on what is right between you, not only the part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives - remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. -And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
- CONTEMPORARY READING: “ Art of Marriage” A Good Marriage must be created. In the Art of Marriage, the little things are the big things; It is never being too old to hold hands. It is remembering to say, "1 love you," at least once each day. It is never going to sleep angry. It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives; It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is speaking of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget. It is giving each other atmosphere in which each can grow. It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful. It is not only marrying the right partner. It is being the right partner.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN PRAYER #1: Let us pray. Most merciful and gracious God, in whom we live and have our being, bestow upon these, your servants, the seal of your approval, and benediction; granting unto them grace to fulfill, with pure and steadfast affection, the vow and covenant between them made. Guide them together, we ask, in the way of justice and peace, that, loving and serving you, with one heart and mind, all the days of their life, they may be abundantly enriched with the tokens of your everlasting favor, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN PRAYER #2: Based on The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi: Lord, make us instruments of your peace Where there is hatred, let us sow love Where there is injury, let us bring the spirit of forgiveness Where there is discord, let us bring harmony Where there is doubt, let us bring faith Where there is despair, let us bring hope Where there is darkness, let us bring light Where there is sadness, let us bring joy For it is in giving that we receive It is in forgiving that we are forgiven It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN PRAYER #3: Eternal God, we beseech you to be strength and refreshment for the journey (bride and groom) are beginning through this marriage. As they travel down life’s path together, may they never veer to the left nor to the right. May they rejoice in the good times and give thanks also for life’s valleys, so vital to maturity and growth. Thank you, oh Lord we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN PRAYER #4: THE LORD’S PRAYER: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
Here are optional readings and prayers that you might consider at this point in the ceremony.

PRONOUNCEMENT OF MARRIAGE
- CIVIL CEREMONY PRONOUNCEMENT: GROOM____________ and BRIDE____________, having witnessed your vows for marriage with all who are assembled here, and by the authority vested in me by the State of Georgia, I announce with great joy that you are now husband and wife. Kiss: You may kiss your bride
- CONTEMPORARY PRONOUNCEMENT: GROOM________ and BRIDE__________, have consented together in marriage before God and before this company of family and friends. They have pledged their faith, and declared their unity by the giving and receiving of rings. What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man separate. GROOM________ and BRIDE__________, you have pronounced yourselves husband and wife, but remember to always be each other’s best friend. And so, by the power vested in me by the State of Georgia and Almighty God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. May your days be good and long upon the earth. You may now kiss the bride.
- TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN PRONOUNCEMENT: By the power invested in me by the will of Christ, I declare that GROOM______________ and BRIDE _________________ are now Husband and Wife, according to the ordinance of God, and the laws of the State of Georgia; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen Benediction: As the power of God has joined these two together in love; let no one ever part them. May the grace of Christ attend you, and the love of God surround you, may the Holy Spirit keep you, that you may live in faith, abound in hope, and grow in love, both now and forever. Amen. You many kiss the bride.
Select the closing comments your Officiant will use to bring your ceremony to a close. Feel free to type your own text into the "Other" box if you have your own wording you would like to us.

Presentation of Bride and Groom:
- PRESENTATION #1: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, for the first time as husband and wife: Mr and Mrs (GROOM'S LAST NAME)_________________
- PRESENTATION #2: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, for the first time as husband and wife: Mr and Mrs (GROOM'S FIRST AND LAST NAME)_________________
- PRESENTATION #3: "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to present to you, for the first time as husband and wife: GROOM'S FIRST NAME__________________ AND BRIDE'S FIRST NAME______________________________ GROOM'S LAST NAME______________________________
Please select how you want to be introduced as a married couple.
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