A Wedding Ceremony Outline

I’m Josh Withers and I’ve officiated thousands of weddings across Australia and the world. What I’ve learned about wedding ceremonies is this:

The ceremony isn’t the thing you rush through to get to the party.
It is the reason the party exists.

You don’t get married because you’ve got a reception booked.

You throw a reception because you just did something beautiful, powerful, and meaningful: you got married.

So what should actually happen during a wedding ceremony?

Let’s outline it — but not just for the sake of structure. Let’s give every moment a reason to be there.

What is a wedding ceremony for?

At its core, the ceremony is the bit where you go from “not married” to “married.”

It’s a moment of change, of commitment, of meaning.

And the absolute peak of the ceremony — the summit we’re all climbing toward — is your vows.

Your vows are the point.

Not the flowers, not the playlist, not the petal-strewn aisle.
The vows. (And I’ve got a heap more on how to write awesome vows all over my wedding blog.)

So the ceremony structure? It’s a build-up to that moment. Everything before is a gentle on-ramp. Everything after is a celebration of what you just did.

Wedding Ceremony Outline

This is a general outline that works for both civil and faith-based weddings. It’s flexible — you can adapt it to feel more formal, relaxed, spiritual, funny, or whatever suits your style. But the bones stay the same.

1. Welcome & Introduction

The celebrant (hopefully me) welcomes everyone, says hi, breaks the ice and makes everyone feel comfortable.
Acknowledges what today is about: not just romance, but commitment. Not just feelings, but choosing each other. On purpose. Every day.

2. Why Marriage?

We talk about what marriage means. Not in a dusty, legal kind of way — in a real, human, future-facing way.
I don’t spend much time rehashing how you met or what your first date was — everyone in the ceremony should know that already, otherwise why are they there?
Instead, let’s look ahead. What are you building together? What’s changing today? What is your marriage for?

3. Optional: Readings, Rituals, or Stories

This is where you might include a reading, a prayer, or a symbolic ritual (like a handfasting or unity candle — but only if it actually means something to you).
Or we might share a little story about the two of you — not to “fill space” but to add texture.

4. The Vows

This is the moment.
You speak your promises to each other.
There are legal words required (I’ll walk you through those), but beyond that: they should be true, honest, and deeply you. Nothing fancy. No Oscar speeches. Just real words, from you to them.

More help on vows? Head to these blog posts on vows for a bunch of guides.

5. Ring Exchange (Optional)

If you’re doing rings, now’s the time.
It’s a physical symbol of what you’ve just promised — not necessary, but meaningful for a lot of people.

6. The Pronouncement

I’ll say some variation of:
“By the power given to me by the Commonwealth of Australia, I now pronounce you husband and wife / husband and husband / wife and wife / legally hitched legends…”
You kiss. Everyone cheers. You’re married.

7. Signing the Paperwork

We step aside for two-ish minutes to sign your marriage certificates with your two witnesses.
Your guests can vibe to some music or enjoy the scenery. No awkward silence — we can get some music on my PA system.

8. Presentation & Exit

I introduce you as a married couple for the first time.
We can present you as whatever couple title you like. Mr and Mrs Smith, The smiths,
Everyone cheers again.
You walk down the aisle together and the party begins.

Ceremony Tips

Don’t include something “just because.” If it doesn’t mean anything to you, it doesn’t belong.
Remember who’s there. No need to explain your life story to your best mates — they know it already.
Focus forward. Talk about the future. That’s what you’re promising.
Keep it human. Keep it honest. Keep it you.