Order of ceremony for a marriage
View our order of ceremony for a marriage, and find out what legal declarations you'll have to make.
Order of ceremony for a marriage
- Pre-registration schedule check by Marriage Registrar
- Welcome by the Celebrant Registrar
- Opportunity for a reading, poem or music
- Opening words
- Legal declarations
- Opportunity for personal vows
- Exchange of rings
- Opportunity for reading, poem or music
- Pronouncement and congratulations
- You and your witnesses will sign the schedule and commemorative certificate.
- Brief opportunity for photographs
- Closing words
- Presentation of commemorative certificate
Legal Declarations (vows)
Two legal declarations must be spoken by each party to the marriage – these will be repeated after the registrar. You can choose whether you wish to use the modern, traditional or short versions of the declarations.
First declaration
Modern: I declare that I know of no legal reason why I (name) may not be joined in marriage to (name)
Or
Traditional: I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I (name) may not be joined in matrimony to (name)
Or
Short: Registrar asks ‘Are you (name) free lawfully to marry (name)’ – answer ‘I am’
Second Declaration
Modern/Short: I (name) take you (name) to be my wedded wife/husband
Or
Traditional: I call upon these persons here present to witness that I (name) do take thee (name) to be my lawful wedded wife/husband
Exchanging rings
Many couples choose to include the exchange of rings in their ceremony. The wedding ring is usually placed on the third finger of the left hand of the bride or groom. This is a traditional declaration of commitment to each other.