Hope for the road ahead
Wedding Blessings: Meaning, Examples & Wording
A wedding blessing is an expression of affirmation, hope and goodwill for the couple and the marriage they are beginning together.
In a religious ceremony, the blessing may take the form of a prayer asking for God’s presence, guidance and care. In a nonreligious or secular ceremony, a blessing can express the hopes and good wishes of the family, friends and community gathered around the couple.
A blessing does more than celebrate what has happened on the wedding day. It looks forward. It expresses hope for the life the couple will create together: the love they will share, the difficulties they will face, the people they will become and the marriage they will build.
That is what gives a blessing its long lasting character. Blessings are a beautiful part of the ceremony because they say that what has happened, or is happening, is good, wonderful, and greater than the act itself.
A wedding blessing is one part of the complete wedding ceremony script, where each element helps move the ceremony from commitment toward celebration.
The quick version
- A wedding blessing is a gift of affirmation, hope, and goodwill for the couple’s new marriage.
- It can be a prayer in a religious ceremony or good wishes from loved ones in a secular one.
- Invite guests in by extending a hand toward the couple or placing a small granite heart in a basket.
- Keep any ritual simple so the symbol supports the meaning of the ceremony.
- Keep the guests’ response reverent here. The applause can come later.
In this guide
Five elements of a meaningful wedding blessing
A wedding blessing can take many forms, but the most meaningful blessings often share several characteristics.
A blessing conveys intimacy and sacredness
Whether the ceremony is religious or secular, a blessing invites everyone to recognize that something important has taken place.
A blessing expresses gratitude and affirmation
It speaks of commendation, appreciation and gratitude in a way that conveys the highest level of sincerity.
A blessing speaks to what matters most
The focus is not on possessions or outward success, but on love, character, faithfulness, compassion, friendship and the qualities that help sustain a marriage.
A blessing embraces both the present and the future
It celebrates the joy of the wedding day while expressing hope for all that lies ahead.
A blessing expresses active commitment
Rather than passive wishes, it gives a sense of truth and substance to the occasion. It can also remind family and friends that their love, encouragement, and support continue beyond the wedding day.
A blessing does more than celebrate what has happened on the wedding day. It looks forward.
Including family and friends in the blessing
A wedding blessing does not have to come only from the officiant. It can also become a meaningful opportunity to involve the family and friends who have gathered for the ceremony.
One simple option is for the officiant to invite guests to extend a hand toward the couple while words of blessing are spoken. The gesture can become a visible expression of the love and support surrounding them.
Another option is to give each guest a small granite heart when they arrive. These can be purchased for a modest price in bulk. After the vows, the officiant explains that everyone is invited to place their heart in a basket or treasure-type chest set at the front near the couple. It is symbolic of the love, support and blessing of those gathered. Appropriate music can play quietly in the background during this time.
If you use a ritual like this, keep it simple. The symbol should support the meaning of the ceremony rather than become the focus of it.
If you use a ritual like this, keep it simple. The symbol should support the meaning of the ceremony rather than become the focus of it.
There will be another chance after the pronouncement for a more robust response from the guests. The response here should keep a sense of reverence and sincerity, with dignity and awe, rather than turning into a moment for applause. That can come later.
Wedding blessing examples
The following are a few examples.
Example 1: A traditional Christian wedding blessing
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Now, (Name) and (Name), may the Lord bless your union.
May you dwell in God’s presence and feel God near to you throughout all your married life.
May you see in your friends and your family, God’s care. May you hear in the voices of others, God’s encouragement. May you feel through the touch of those close to you God’s love.
May the Spirit of God be with you. Amen.
Example 2: A short Christian wedding blessing
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(Name) and (Name), may the love of God, the presence of Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you from this day forward. Amen.
Example 3: A nonreligious wedding blessing
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To you, (Bride and Groom), we express our good wishes and joy for what has taken place today. Our joy continues with you as your life unfolds, as you create family, and as you both grow in yourself and in your relationship with each other as one. Our spirit joins with you this day, and in the days to come. Be assured of this, and draw from us support in knowing all that is good is before you. Be Blessed.
Example 4: A poetic blessing for married life
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Let us give our blessing to (Name) and (Name).
For the times they will share, may they be thankful.
For the times they will be apart, may they remember.
For the times they will talk, may they be listeners.
For the times they will be silent, may they be at peace.
For the times they will receive, may they be gracious.
For the times they will give, may they be generous.
For the times they will laugh, may they be joyful.
For the times they will cry, may they find strength.
And through all the times that make up a life together, may they continue to find in one another love, friendship, understanding and a place to call home.
May they be blessed.
Example 5: A wedding blessing inspired by Psalm 20
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(Name) and (Name), as you begin your married life together:
May God be near to you in times of trouble and protect you along the way.
May you find help when you need it and strength when the road is difficult.
May the hopes you carry in your hearts be fulfilled, and may the plans you make together be blessed.
May you celebrate life’s victories with joy and face its disappointments with faith and courage.
May God hear your prayers, guide you in the years ahead, and surround your marriage with love and grace.
Amen.
Inspired by Psalm 20:1–5
Example 6: A blessing for a lifetime together
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Let us give our blessing to (Name) and (Name).
Bless these lives, we ask. May God look upon (Name) and (Name) with favor and guide the path before them.
May they find abundance in the life they share and know the richness that comes from love, companionship and faith.
In the dawning of their marriage, may they look toward a life filled with love and joy.
In the noontime of their relationship, may they continue to discover new depths to their love and new reasons to cherish one another.
In the evening years, may they look back with full hearts, grateful for the life they have shared, the challenges they have overcome and the love that has accompanied them along the way.
And as people of faith, may their lives and their love bear witness to that which is greater than themselves.
May they be blessed.
Where does the blessing go in the wedding ceremony?
A blessing can appear in several places in a wedding ceremony depending on its purpose and the couple’s tradition.
A blessing may follow the exchange of vows, come after the exchange of rings, or be offered near the end of the ceremony before or after the pronouncement.
In the ceremony structure used throughout Our Wedding Guide, The Blessing follows the Wedding Vows and leads toward the Preface to the Exchange of Rings or Tokens.
There is no need to force every ceremony into exactly the same pattern. The placement should feel natural and reflect the meaning you want the blessing to have.
There is no need to force every ceremony into exactly the same pattern.
What comes next?
After the blessing, the ceremony moves toward another powerful symbol of marriage: the exchange of rings or other meaningful tokens.
Continue to: Preface to the Exchange of Rings or Tokens →