The standard ceremony is traditional but with contemporary language. It is simple yet still relevant and moving. Use it in its entirety or as a base to work from. Many add their own vows, or a poem or reading to give it a personal touch.

The Shared Life script opens with a description of marriage that describes the importance of the marriage commitments once the wedding is over. While still formal it is more sentimental than the traditional ceremony.

This script closes with a description of love as a constant that moves us through life’s unpredictability, not just the love of the marriage, but of family and friends as well. Although life is unpredictable, we can always rely on the constant of love.

At the end of this ceremony, family and friends are invited to repeat a toast to the couple and everyone raises a glass. It is a great way to honour the significance of the guests who have been invited, and a great way to move from the formality of the ceremony into the celebration that follows.

Many couples choose to have a simple signing ceremony before heading out of the country for a destination wedding. Because it can be difficult to work around the legalities of marriage in another country, small backyard or kitchen ceremonies allow couples to start the wedding with the legal paperwork before finishing the ceremony on a beach in paradise.

This ceremony is for couples who have already built a life together or are coming together later in their lives. The standard ceremony just doesn’t quite fit because you are at a different stage in your life or relationship. This script honours the significance of the change in your relationship rather than the start of a new one.