The Pronouncement

The pronouncement is the moment when the officiant declares what the entire ceremony has been leading toward: the couple is married.

The vows have been spoken. The rings or other tokens have been exchanged. The commitments have been made. Now, in the presence of family and friends, the officiant announces that the marriage has taken place.

It is an important moment, but it does not need to be a long one. In fact, the pronouncement is usually most meaningful when it is simple and direct.

The kiss, or another sign of affection

The pronouncement often includes one more memorable moment: an invitation for the couple to kiss, embrace, or otherwise express their affection.

You will notice that I have generally avoided the traditional phrase, “You may now kiss the bride.”

Why should only the groom be invited to kiss the bride? Might the bride be equally invited to kiss the groom?

Something as simple as “You may now kiss each other” or “Greet each other with a kiss” makes the moment mutual. Of course, not every couple needs to end the ceremony with a kiss. Choose an expression that feels natural and appropriate for the two of you.

What about signing the marriage documents?

There is one practical matter that may still need attention after the pronouncement: the marriage license, certificate, or other legal documents.

Exactly when these documents are signed, and who must sign them, depends on the laws where the marriage takes place. Your officiant should know the local requirements and can help you decide when the signing will occur.

In some ceremonies, the documents are signed immediately following the ceremony while guests are making their way to the reception. In others, the signing may take place at another appropriate time.

The important thing is to plan for it in advance so that a legal requirement does not become a last-minute distraction.

Religious, spiritual, or secular pronouncements

Many of the pronouncements I have used over the years acknowledge God and understand marriage within a religious or spiritual context. I have included several of those examples below because they may be exactly right for couples whose faith is an important part of their marriage.

But the pronouncement should reflect your beliefs and your ceremony.

For a secular ceremony, the officiant can instead acknowledge the authority under which the marriage is being solemnized, the commitments the couple has made, and the family and friends who have witnessed them.

For example, a religious pronouncement might say:

“And now, under God’s ordinance and in the presence of this company, I pronounce you husband and wife.”

A secular version might say:

“And now, having witnessed the vows and commitments you have made to one another, I pronounce you married.”

Whether your ceremony is traditional, religious, spiritual, contemporary, or secular, the purpose of the pronouncement remains the same: this is the moment when the officiant declares that you are married.

Wedding pronouncement examples

There is no single right way to pronounce a couple married. The words can be traditional or contemporary, deeply religious or simple and understated.

The examples below offer several different approaches. Use one as written, adapt the wording to fit your ceremony, or let these examples help you create a pronouncement of your own.

6. A warm pronouncement before family and friends

Tap to read

As witnessed by your family and friends, and having made your promises to one another, you are now joined together in marriage before God.

It is my joy to pronounce you husband and wife.

You may now embrace and celebrate your marriage.

What comes after the pronouncement?

The pronouncement is often the final declaration of the marriage, but it does not always mean the ceremony is quite finished.