Giving and receiving
Exchange of Wedding Rings
The exchange of wedding rings or tokens is the final formal step in the marriage ceremony. It marks the conclusion of the formal ceremony and takes place just before the pronouncement, the “I now pronounce you . . .” part. It is also one of the simplest and most meaningful moments. After making their vows, the couple gives and receives rings as a visible symbol of the promises they have made to one another.
This section should be brief, since the ceremony is coming to a close. The words spoken during the ring exchange don’t need to be long. They can be traditional, contemporary, religious or very simple. Below are several wedding ring exchange examples that couples and officiants can use as written or adapt to fit the ceremony.
Before the rings are exchanged, the officiant may say a few words about the meaning and symbolism of the wedding rings.
The quick version
- The ring exchange is the last formal step, just before the pronouncement.
- Keep it brief, since the ceremony is coming to a close.
- Your words can be traditional, contemporary, religious or very simple.
- Pick wording that feels natural spoken aloud and goes well with your vows.
The words spoken during the ring exchange don’t need to be long.
Wedding ring exchange wording & examples
Example 1: Simple ring exchange
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Each person repeats after the officiant:
I give you this ring
to wear upon your hand
as a symbol of our love.
Example 2: A ring exchange about commitment
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Each person repeats after the officiant:
I give you this ring as a token of the
commitment and love we celebrate today.
Example 3: Love and unity
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Each person repeats after the officiant:
I give you this ring
as a symbol of our love and unity.
Example 4: Faithful love
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Each person repeats after the officiant:
With this ring, I marry you,
and give you my faithful love.
Example 5: A symbol of love and union
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Each person repeats after the officiant:
This ring is a symbol of our union,
a token of my faith and love.
Example 6: Officiant-led ring exchange
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Officiant (to the groom): What token do you bring as a symbol of the vows that you have taken?
Groom: I give you this ring, to wear upon your hand, as a symbol of our love.
Officiant (to the bride): What token do you bring as a symbol of the vows that you have taken?
Bride: I give you this ring, to wear upon your hand, as a symbol of our love.
Example 7: Classic “With This Ring” exchange
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Each person repeats after the officiant:
With this ring, I marry you.
There is no need to make the ring exchange long.
Choosing the right ring exchange words
The words you choose for the exchange of rings should feel natural when spoken aloud. Some couples prefer a single traditional sentence, while others want words that say more about love, commitment or faith. There is no need to make the ring exchange long. Choose wording that complements your wedding vows and fits the tone of your ceremony.
For help putting all the parts of your ceremony together, see our complete wedding ceremony script guide. Still choosing your rings? See wedding rings: choosing rings for the bride and groom.