Short Wedding Ceremony Scripts: 10-20 Minute Options

Short wedding ceremonies—lasting 10 to 20 minutes—are increasingly popular for elopements, second marriages, intimate gatherings, and couples who prefer meaningful brevity over traditional lengthy formats. A 15-minute ceremony is the median duration for modern weddings in 2025, according to ceremony timing data¹. Quality of content matters far more than ceremony length.

How Long Should a Short Wedding Ceremony Be?

Most short ceremonies last 10-20 minutes including processional and recessional. The legal minimum—covering declaration of intent, vows, and pronouncement—takes 5-7 minutes. Courthouse ceremonies average 10-15 minutes². Adding one reading or unity ceremony extends duration to 20-25 minutes.

The sweet spot for short ceremonies is 15 minutes: long enough to feel intentional, short enough to maintain emotional focus. Guests appreciate brevity—most can't recall specifics from 45-minute ceremonies but remember meaningful 15-minute ones³.

Ceremony Duration by Type

For reference, average ceremony lengths vary significantly by cultural and religious tradition.

Complete 10-Minute Ceremony Script

This minimalist script covers all legal requirements and works for courthouse weddings, elopements, or ultra-intimate ceremonies.

Opening & Welcome (1 minute)

Officiant: "We're gathered today to witness [Name] and [Name] as they commit to marriage. This moment represents the love they share and the life they're choosing to build together. Let's begin."

Declaration of Intent (2 minutes)

Officiant: "[Name], do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded spouse? Do you promise to love, honor, and care for them in all circumstances?"

Partner 1: "I do."

Officiant: "[Name], do you take [Name] to be your lawfully wedded spouse? Do you promise to love, honor, and care for them in all circumstances?"

Partner 2: "I do."

Ring Exchange (3 minutes)

Officiant: "The rings you exchange symbolize your unending commitment—circles with no beginning and no end."

Partner 1 (placing ring): "With this ring, I marry you and commit my life to you."

Partner 2 (placing ring): "With this ring, I marry you and commit my life to you."

Pronouncement (2 minutes)

Officiant: "By the authority vested in me by [State/Country], I now pronounce you married. You may seal this commitment with a kiss."

Kiss, followed by brief applause

Closing (2 minutes)

Officiant: "Ladies and gentlemen, I'm honored to introduce [Name] and [Name], married!"

Exit music begins as couple walks down the aisle

Complete 15-Minute Ceremony Script

This expanded version adds warmth and context while maintaining brevity. Ideal for intimate weddings with 15-30 guests.

Processional & Welcome (2 minutes)

Music plays as wedding party and couple enter

Officiant: "Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. Thank you for being here to support [Name] and [Name] on this extraordinary day. Your presence means the world to them.

We're here because [Name] and [Name] found in each other a partner, a best friend, and a love that makes life richer. Today, they formalize what their hearts already know—that they're meant to walk through life together."

About Marriage (2 minutes)

Officiant: "Marriage is both simple and profound. It's choosing one person, every day, even on the hard days. It's building a life where individual dreams strengthen collective purpose.

[Name] and [Name], you've already built a foundation of trust, laughter, and shared experiences. Today, you're promising to continue building—not just for yourselves, but for the family you're creating together."

Vows (4 minutes)

Officiant: "[Name], please face [Name] and repeat after me:

'I, [Name], take you, [Name], to be my partner in life. I promise to love you in sunshine and storm, in health and sickness, in joy and sorrow. I will support your dreams, celebrate your victories, and comfort you in difficulties. I choose you, today and always.'"

Partner 1 repeats

Officiant: "[Name], please repeat after me..."

Partner 2 repeats same vows

For couples writing custom vows, see our guide on how to write wedding vows.

Ring Exchange (3 minutes)

Officiant: "The rings you exchange today are symbols of continuity and commitment. [Best Man/Maid of Honor], please present the rings.

[Name], as you place this ring on [Name]'s finger, repeat after me: 'With this ring, I thee wed. Wear it as a symbol of my love and faithfulness.'"

Partner 1 places ring and repeats

Officiant: "[Name], as you place this ring on [Name]'s finger..."

Partner 2 places ring and repeats

Pronouncement & Kiss (2 minutes)

Officiant: "Because [Name] and [Name] have consented to marriage before these witnesses, and have pledged their commitment through vows and rings, by the power vested in me by [State/Authority], I now pronounce them married.

[Name] and [Name], you may kiss!"

Kiss and applause

Recessional (2 minutes)

Officiant: "Friends and family, it is my joy and privilege to introduce to you, for the very first time, [Name] and [Name], married!"

Recessional music begins as couple exits

Complete 20-Minute Ceremony Script

This version adds one reading or unity ceremony while staying concise. Perfect for couples wanting slightly more substance without a lengthy ceremony.

Processional & Welcome (2 minutes)

Music as wedding party enters, then couple

Officiant: "Welcome, everyone. We're gathered on this [season] day to celebrate [Name] and [Name] as they unite in marriage.

Marriage is a profound commitment—one that [Name] and [Name] enter with joy, intention, and deep love for each other. Let's witness their promises."

Reading (3 minutes)

Officiant: "[Name of reader], please share the reading [Name] and [Name] have chosen."

Reader: Shares selected reading—poetry, excerpt from literature, or meaningful passage

Popular brief readings: "Union" by Robert Fulghum (2 minutes), excerpt from "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" by Louis de Bernières (2 minutes), or "Love" by Roy Croft (2 minutes).

About the Couple (2 minutes)

Officiant: "[Name] and [Name] met [brief story—one or two sentences about how they met]. What began as [initial connection] has grown into a partnership defined by [shared values/qualities—name 2-3].

Today, they're choosing to make official what they've known for [time period]: that they're better together than apart."

Vows (4 minutes)

Officiant: "Now, [Name] and [Name] will exchange the vows they've written for each other.

[Name], please share your vows."

Partner 1 reads personal vows (60-90 seconds)

Officiant: "[Name], your vows."

Partner 2 reads personal vows (60-90 seconds)

Understanding what wedding vows are helps couples craft meaningful promises.

Ring Exchange (3 minutes)

Officiant: "The wedding ring is an ancient symbol, worn on the finger believed to hold the vein that leads directly to the heart.

[Name], take [Name]'s ring and repeat after me: 'I give you this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness. Wear it and think of me.'"

Partner 1 places ring and repeats

Partner 2 does the same

Optional: Unity Ceremony (2 minutes)

If including a unity ceremony such as candle lighting, sand blending, or handfasting, insert here. Keep it brief—no more than 2 minutes including explanation.

Example—Sand Ceremony: Officiant: "[Name] and [Name] will now blend sand from two vessels into one, symbolizing their two lives becoming one family while retaining their individual selves."

Couple pours sand together into single vessel

Pronouncement & Kiss (2 minutes)

Officiant: "[Name] and [Name] have declared their love before family and friends, exchanged vows and rings, and symbolized their union [through the unity ceremony]. Therefore, by the authority vested in me, I pronounce them married.

You may kiss your spouse!"

Kiss, applause

Closing (2 minutes)

Officiant: "Ladies and gentlemen, [Name] and [Name]!"

Couple exits to recessional music

Regional Variations in Short Ceremonies

United States

Short ceremonies are legally valid across all 50 states with no minimum duration. Requirements vary by state but typically include:

• Officiant authorized by the state (judge, ordained minister, or registered celebrant)
• Declaration of intent ("Do you take...")
• Pronouncement ("I now pronounce you...")
• Two witnesses (in most states)
• Marriage license signed immediately after ceremony

Courthouse ceremonies typically last 10-15 minutes. Many couples choose courthouse marriages followed by larger celebrations later⁴.

United Kingdom

UK ceremonies have stricter regulations than the US:

Registry Office Ceremonies:

• Booked in 30-minute time slots
• Actual ceremony is approximately 20 minutes
• No religious content permitted (no hymns, prayers, or religious readings)
• Must take place in approved venues with registrar present
• Two witnesses required

Religious Ceremonies:

• Can be shorter or longer depending on denomination
• Must include legal vows prescribed by law
• Registrar must be present or certificate issued by religious official

Couples must give notice at their local registry office at least 29 days before the ceremony.

Australia

Australian ceremonies offer significant flexibility through the celebrant system:

• Minimum ceremony duration: approximately 10-15 minutes for legal requirements
• Must include monitum (legal statement about marriage), vows, pronouncement
• Two witnesses required (minimum age 18)
• Celebrant must be registered with the Attorney-General's Department
• Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) required at least one month before wedding

Australian celebrants have creative freedom, allowing highly personalized short ceremonies. Beach elopements with 10-minute ceremonies are particularly popular.

When to Choose a Short Ceremony

Ideal Scenarios for Brief Ceremonies:

Elopements: Couples marrying alone or with very few guests often prefer 10-15 minute ceremonies that feel intimate rather than performative.

Second Marriages: Couples marrying for the second time frequently choose shorter, simpler ceremonies that focus on commitment rather than tradition.

Courthouse Weddings: Legal marriages at courthouses or registry offices are inherently brief—typically 10-15 minutes.

Intimate Destination Weddings: When traveling with a small group, a 15-20 minute ceremony feels appropriate to the setting.

Non-Traditional Couples: Couples who aren't religious or don't connect with traditional ceremony structures often prefer meaningful brevity.

Budget Consciousness: Shorter ceremonies require less venue rental time, potentially reducing costs.

Guest Considerations: Elderly guests, young children, or guests with mobility issues benefit from shorter ceremonies.

Customizing Your Short Ceremony

Keep These Elements (5-7 minutes total):

• Welcome (30-60 seconds)
• Vows or declaration of intent (2-3 minutes)
• Ring exchange (2-3 minutes)
• Pronouncement (30 seconds)

Add ONE of These (2-4 minutes each):

• One meaningful reading
• Personal vows instead of traditional vows
• Brief unity ceremony
• Short welcome/opening remarks about the couple's story

Skip These to Save Time:

• Multiple readings (choose one maximum)
• Long welcome speeches about marriage in general
• Unity ceremonies requiring extensive explanation
• Songs or musical performances during ceremony (save for reception)
• Lengthy blessings or prayers

Personalization Tips:

1. Custom Vows (1-2 minutes each): Even in a 10-minute ceremony, personal vows create emotional impact. Keep them to 150-200 words each.

2. Meaningful Opening: Instead of generic statements about marriage, have your officiant share one or two sentences about your specific relationship.

3. Selective Readings: If including a reading, choose something that can be read in under 2 minutes. Excerpt longer pieces rather than reading them entirely.

4. Music Choices: Keep processional and recessional music to 2-3 minutes maximum. Skip instrumental interludes during the ceremony.

5. Ring Vows: Make ring exchange personal with custom ring vows (one sentence each) rather than traditional recitations.

Legal Considerations

All three jurisdictions (US, UK, Australia) require certain legal elements regardless of ceremony length:

Must Include:

• Clear declaration of intent to marry from both parties
• Vows or promises (can be simplified)
• Pronouncement by authorized officiant
• Witness signatures (typically 2 witnesses minimum)

Optional Elements:

• Readings, music, unity ceremonies
• Welcome remarks, introduction of couple
• Blessing or closing words

Check with your local marriage authority or wedding planning resources to confirm specific requirements for your location.

Making Your Short Ceremony Meaningful

Focus on Quality: A carefully chosen 2-minute reading has more impact than three mediocre ones. Select every word intentionally.

Embrace Silence: Don't feel pressure to fill every moment with words. A brief pause after vows or ring exchange allows emotional resonance.

Create Intimacy: Short ceremonies naturally feel more intimate. Make eye contact, hold hands, and stay present with each other.

Consider Your Audience: Guests appreciate brevity. They want to witness your commitment, not sit through lengthy speeches. A 15-minute ceremony followed by celebration is often more enjoyable than a 45-minute ceremony that tests attention spans.

Practice Timing: Run through your ceremony with your officiant. What reads as "5 minutes" on paper often takes 7-8 minutes when spoken aloud with pauses.

Short ceremonies aren't compromises—they're intentional choices. By focusing on essential elements and meaningful personalization, couples create ceremonies that feel complete, authentic, and memorable in 10-20 minutes.

Sources and References