Note: this page was originally published in September 2022.
Throughout history, weddings have been predominantly conducted by religious officials. However, this is far from the only way to get married. Nonreligious wedding ceremonies and secular events have long been prevalent in many communities, with the trend having reached new heights of popularity in modern times.
If you’re looking to host or perform a nondenominational wedding ceremony, you may have a handful of questions about the ins and outs of writing a nonreligious wedding script. Our guide can help you put together the perfect words for the occasion.
What Is a Nonreligious Ceremony?
Nonreligious ceremonies are those that are not affiliated with any religious organization. Instead of incorporating the couple’s religious backgrounds and beliefs into the ceremony, they emphasize the union of the couple as the central reason for the wedding.
However, this doesn’t always mean that the celebration is completely devoid of any rituals or spiritual concepts. In fact, many couples prefer to blend personal traditions into the ceremony, without focusing on any religious connotations.
Who Officiates a Wedding If You're Not Religious?
When you're planning a nonreligious wedding, you’re not limited to having traditional clergy or religious leaders officiate your ceremony. Instead, you have the freedom to choose someone who aligns with your values and vision for the day.
Many couples opt for a friend or family member to officiate, especially someone who knows them well and can speak personally about their relationship. With free and instant online ordination through the Universal Life Church, your chosen officiant can become legally recognized in most states.
Alternatively, you can hire a professional secular officiant, such as a justice of the peace, a celebrant, or a notary public (in some states). These individuals specialize in civil ceremonies and can help guide you through both the legal and creative aspects of the event.
No matter who you choose, the most important thing is that your wedding officiant should reflect the tone and style you want for your ceremony, whether that’s warm and lighthearted, deeply emotional, or short and sweet.
What are the Basics of a Nonreligious Wedding Ceremony Script?
The nondenominational wedding script is a central element of a secular wedding because it shapes the flow and meaning of the event. Unlike religious weddings that follow specific rituals, a nonreligious wedding script is flexible and created collaboratively by the couple and the officiant.
Essentially, the script includes a brief backstory and general discussion of love by the officiant, followed by personalized vows and the final touches that bind the union. Typically, the vows are the emotional heart of the ceremony, allowing the couple to express their love and commitment to each other in a meaningful way.
Many people find that the best nonreligious wedding vows are those that keep the mood light and relevant. If the couple prefers a humorous tone, the officiant can include some jokes or anecdotes to break the ice and help the crowd feel comfortable. Reviewing different nonreligious wedding ceremony script outlines and templates can provide more perspective on how to weave some humor into the finished product.
Vows for a Nonreligious Wedding Ceremony
The biggest task the couple will face with the script is creating the personalized vows. This can be overwhelming for some people, especially anyone who has a natural aversion to speaking in front of a crowd. However, even those with exceptional public speaking skills should avoid “winging it.” Writing your vows in advance is key to your success, as is reading each draft aloud to catch awkward phrasing and timing the piece. Ideally, the vows should run about three minutes each person. You will find that keeping the message on the shorter side guarantees the crowd remains engaged.
Tips for Writing Your Nonreligious Wedding Script and Vows
When it comes to both the script and the vows, there are a handful of tips that can help you. Again, keeping things short is ideal. When an officiant carries on about the nature of love or the history of the couple, the guests’ minds can wander. When the message is quick, punchy, and sentimental, it will increase the odds of keeping everyone’s attention. Outside of short wedding ceremony script nonreligious options, be sure to consider the readings.
Since you aren’t following the parameters of any specific religious sect, you can use whatever texts you’d like in the ceremony. Whether it is an excerpt from a favorite book, a poem that resonates with your love, or a letter written by one of you during courtship, there’s nothing stopping you from including any kind of text as a reading in the event.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Nonreligious Wedding Ceremony
A nondenominational wedding ceremony offers couples the freedom to create a day that reflects their unique values, personalities, and love story, without adhering to any specific religious tradition. From writing custom vows to choosing a meaningful officiant, every element of the ceremony can be tailored to what matters most to you.
The Universal Life Church supports anyone who wishes to perform a wedding ceremony, regardless of their spiritual beliefs. Become ordained through the ULC and start officiating nonreligious wedding ceremonies with confidence and meaning.
