The Pronouncement

Pronouncement 1

The pronouncement states that the marriage has taken place. The two key participants in the ceremony are officially joined together relationally, spiritually, and legally. They are marred!

The pronouncement declares that at this moment and at this place, the wedding ceremony's purpose has been accomplished.

The couple are officially married and recognized as a family unit.


As with the exchange of tokens, the pronouncement should be brief. Everything that has been planned and prepared to take place in the wedding ceremony has been accomplished.

Pronouncement 2

The Pronouncement includes an opportunity for a brief demonstration of love, relationship, and intimacy.

This is of course the invitation to kiss or embrace.

You will see in the examples below I have avoided saying, "You may now kiss the bride."  Might the bride be equally invited to kiss the groom?  It seems, "Greet each other in a kiss", may be a good option.

There is one other matter. Everything has been accomplished except for one important detail that I will simply mention here. When this takes place is up to the wedding officiant and you.

At some point the wedding certificate and legal documents need to be signed. This can be done at the conclusion of the ceremony as guests are making their way to the reception. Those who will be needed will be the bride, groom, officiant, and whoever is serving as the witness. This is usually the maid of honor and/or the best man.

Pronouncement 3

You will note in all of the Pronouncement suggestions below there is mention of God. God can be interpreted to be in alignment with that which gives us meaning and purpose, or a higher power or calling. If the bride and groom, as well as the officiant are not people of faith then the wording could be changed to acknowledge the legal authority of the state rather than God’s divine authority.

Pronouncement 4

As an example, the following Pronouncement could be adjusted to say: “And now, under the authority of the state of Colorado, and in the witness of this company, I pronounce you husband and wife."

Please see examples that follow . . . . 

Pronouncement 5


And now, under God’s ordinance, and in the witness of this company,

I pronounce you husband and wife.  You may now kiss.


What a tremendous moment!  Under God’s ordinance, and in the presence of your family and friends, I pronounce you husband and wife.  Greet each other to signify the beginning of your lives together. 



Pronouncement 6

Hear what God has done!  According to God’s law, and in accordance with the laws of this province, and through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Please greet your life's partner with a kiss.


(Bride and Groom), in the presence of this company, and according to what God has accomplished, I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Let what God has done give you both cause to rejoice.  

You may now greet each other in your new relationship, and seal your union with a sign of your affection and love.

Pronouncement 7




I now pronounce you husband and wife.  What, therefore, God has joined together, let no one put asunder. 

You may now kiss each other.





As witnessed by your friends and family, you are now one in God’s sight.  You may now embrace to celebrate your union as husband and wife.

Pronouncement 8