The pronouncement is a memorable moment in any wedding ceremony. It’s that magical sentence when your officiant finally declares you married in front of all your loved ones. Whether you’re dreaming of a classic “I now pronounce you husband and wife” or a modern alternative like “partners in life,” this small but powerful moment reflects your personalities and values, giving you the perfect beginning to your marriage.
Traditionally, this is the “I now pronounce you husband and wife” line, followed by the highly anticipated kiss. The pronouncement symbolizes the start of the couple’s life together and lets guests join in celebrating the new marriage. While some couples prefer the classic wording, others want a more personalized or inclusive touch. Here’s how to choose a pronouncement that aligns with your vision, whether that’s traditional, modern, or somewhere in between.
Short & Sweet
I now pronounce (Name) and (Name), (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Adventurers
And now it is time for me to declare you married. From today your family, friends, community, and indeed the whole world, will know you as co-travellers through life, adventurers, soul-mates, (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Rejoice
Since (Name) and (Name) have grown in knowledge and love of one another, and because they have agreed in their desire to go forward in life together, seeking an even richer, deepening relationship, and because they have pledged to meet sorrow and joy as one family, we rejoice to recognize them as (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Witness
(Name) and (Name), you have publicly promised your commitment to each other for all time. I call upon all gathered here to witness that you are now (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Consented Together
(Name) and (Name) have consented together in marriage, declaring their love for one another. They are now (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Valid & Binding
In the presence of your family and friends, you have joined yourselves in marriage. I declare your marriage is valid and binding and rejoice to recognize you as (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
So They Are
(Name) and (Name) have promised each other, publicly, in front of family and friends, that they want to be married. So they are! (Optional kiss line)
Blossoms
As you have both accepted the vows of the other, you may now go forth and fulfill your vows with the same love and devotion which now blossoms between you. You are now (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Guests’ Support
You have united two families and two sets of friends. I ask them now to promise that they will support your marriage with joy, love and optimism. All those who wish to promise their support say “I do!” (Guests respond “I do!”) With the blessing of everyone who is present here today, I now pronounce you (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Kiss is a Promise
(Name) and (Name), you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you (preferred titles). You have kissed a thousand times, maybe more. But today the feeling is new. No longer simply partners and best friends, you have become (preferred titles) and can now seal the agreement with a kiss. Today, your kiss is a promise. (Optional kiss line)
Summary
Now that (Name) and (Name) have given themselves to each other by solemn vows, with the joining of hands and the giving and receiving of rings, I pronounce that they are (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Express Your Love
(Name) and (Name), you have expressed your love to one another through the commitment and promises you have just made. It is with these in mind that I pronounce you (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Good Company
In the presence of this good company, By the power of your love, Because you have exchanged vows of commitment, We recognize you as (preferred titles). (Optional kiss line)
Religious
Now that (Name) and (Name) have given themselves to each other by the promises they have exchanged, I pronounce them to be (preferred titles), in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. (Optional kiss line)
Religious (Formal)
(Name) and (Name) through their words today, have joined together in holy wedlock. Because they have exchanged their vows before God and these witnesses, have pledged their commitment each to the other, and have declared the same by joining hands and by exchanging rings, I now pronounce that they are (preferred titles). Those whom God hath joined together, let no one put asunder.