You know I love a themed wedding!! They are so much fun! Below is my Renaissance Themed wedding Ceremony.

Example of a wedding ceremony with a Renaissance Faire Theme
All ceremonies can be changed to religious/non-religious and to reflect same-sex couples 
You may include whatever elements you like. In some cases, I have given additional examples.
This ceremony has the groom’s sword and the brides cup, along with a handfasting and the ringing of a bell. It begins with casting a scared circle. There are many ways to include children, parents, bride’s maids and grooms’ men as well as other family members and guests.
 
If you’re looking for a way to include a child, then have him/her signify the beginning of the ceremony by blowing a horn

​The greeting: 

Officiant: Lords, Ladies and Fair Children, we are honored and grateful to be present here today to witness the sacred vows of marriage between ____ and _____, who were brought together by love’s divine appointment and we rejoice with them as they take their first step in their new life together as husband and wife (as a married couple)
 
Casting Circle:
Officiant: In many religions when a sacred ceremony such as a wedding, is not held inside a spiritual building such as a church or temple, it is customary to create a scared space in which to hold the ceremony. So, we will begin by creating a sacred circle here amid the beauty of God’s creation, in which to hold this beautiful ceremony.
 
The circle itself is an infinite thing. It is magical and never-ending, never changing and yet always adaptable, a ring with no beginning and no end. Like the circle, true love itself is infinite. It goes on, knowing no boundaries or restrictions. It flourishes and blooms in the light and in the dark, laying down no ultimatums, making no demands at all. Love, in its infinite form, is something that cannot be forced. It cannot be taken away. It is a gift we give to ourselves, and an honor we give to others from the bottom of our hearts and souls. 
When two people come together and give one another this gift, this most sacred gift of all, it is certain the universe is sitting back and smiling upon us, laughing and showering us with every possible blessing. 
 
Blessing:

Officiant: Let us now pause to establish ourselves in the consciousness of the Holy Presence as we pray,

We acknowledge Thy Presence and Thy Power, Blessed Spirit. We pray that Thy loving presence will encircle this wedding service. We pray that Thy blessing will encircle the marriage of _____ and ___.
 
We give thanks that these two souls have been drawn together by divine appointment and will be held together by the power of divine love. We rejoice that through this mystical union, these two, now become one, will experience soul satisfaction and fulfillment. 

We call upon the Heavens to bless this union now and always. Amen

On behalf of the bride and groom, I would like to express thanks and gratitude to you, and to all those very important persons involved in their lives that are not with us physically but remain with us spiritually in our hearts. For it is the love, strength, support, and encouragement of all these friends and family that has helped to carry _____ and ___ to this glorious day. The love that is shared and expressed here today is inseparably joined to the love that has created and molded their unique lives.

​Charge to Bride and Groom (the charge is address to the bride and groom. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take):

Officiant: _____ and ___the estate of wedlock is a holy one, one not to be entered into lightly, but only under the guidance of Infinite Wisdom and the inspiration of Divine Love. 

Dear Ones, you are entering into that relationship, which is the expression of the uniting, harmonizing power of divine love. Marriage is the uniting of two souls already attuned to each other. When there is a true bond such as this, it is proper that public acknowledgement of it be made. We are here to bear witness to your entering into this closer relationship of husband and wife, and we believe you are already one in spirit.

A wise man once said that while we do not have power over all the all the elements of our lives- by our acts we have power to decide their meaning. This is our gift of magic. Therefor marriage like life itself, shall become what we make of it by our actions. Marriage begins with love but to flourish must be sustained by honor, duty, kindness and strength of purpose. These things sustain love beyond mere attraction and make of marriage a sacred ground. 
 
Here my words and take heed (or- With this in mind I now ask you)
 
Betrothal/Declaration of intent (this is when you declare your action or intent to marry is a matter of free will):

Officiant to _____: Noble Lord _____, do you come before this gathering to proclaim your love and devotion for this Fair Lady ___? Do you take her to be your lawfully wedded wife and in doing so do you promise to respect her and care for her during times of joy and hardship- and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live?

_____ Responds: I do

Officiant to ___:Fair Lady ___, do you come before this gathering to proclaim your love and devotion for this Noble Lord_____? Do you take him to be your lawfully wedded husband and in doing so do you promise to respect him and care for him during times of joy and hardship- and forsaking all other, keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live?

___ Responds: I do

Officiant:  So be it

Presentation of the sword:
 
Officiant to groom: ____ you have come bearing the sword, which is fitting for this occasion. The sword represents strength and protection which a husband offers to his wife and family. The sword is also a symbol of unyielding intent and the banishment of fear and doubt. 
It is by removing all fear and doubt that our acts and decisions have their rightful power. 
Like the steal of the sword let your commitments to each other be strong and enduring
 
_____ as you present the sword to your bride repeat to her after me these words:
(Groom offers his sword to the bride)
 
I offer this sword to your service 
that our life together may be protected
I will stand by your side even unto death 
 
___ accept the sword and repeat to _____ after me these words
(Bride places her hand on the sword and says):
I accept this gift 
and commit to you in kind
(Groom puts sword away)
 
Officiant: So be it then, that the two of you and your family shall be protected and
Your commitment to each other shall be held steadfast .

Sharing the common cup (This is example is with water in the cup passed on by the mother of the bride-I have others to choose from)
 
Officiant to mother of the bride: Mother of the bride please pass the cup to your daughter
 
Mother of the bride hands the cup/goblet with water to her daughter and says:
With this cup I give my blessing
 
Officiant: The cup is a symbol of substance, goodness and love. it is fitting that the cup is passed from mother to daughter for as the mother once gave sustenance, kindness and love to the daughter so shall the daughter pass on the same to her husband and children.
The water held by this cup represents the life-giving essence to those who partake of the sharing of the cup and binds you to the giving of love and kindness which creates more than its measure in return. 
 
Officiant to bride: Share this cup as a sign of your promise to share that which is good and kind between you. As you do repeat to your groom after me these words:
 
Bride hands the cup to her groom and says: 
 
Please accept this cup
as my promise of goodness and love 
 
(Groom takes a sip and hands cup back to bride, who then hands back to her mother)
 
**You may replace the above sharing the cup of water with the sharing of a cup of wine. The wine sharing ceremony is a delightful ceremony embracing traditions that began well before the medieval period. During those times a bride and groom would celebrate their pledge to each other by drinking wine from a single cup which symbolized one blood, one family and one kin. 

​Handfasting:

Officiant: Now that the bride and groom have declared their intentions, they be joined together in a handfasting ceremony-the eternal joining of two people in love.

I ask you now to cross your hands over each other and take one another's hands. 

Officiant wraps the cord around the bride and grooms wrists, binding them together loosely and tying a knot.

Officiant to groom:  What is your name?
Groom Answer _____
Officiant to groom:  And what is your desire?
Groom Answer: To join with ___, whom I love.
Officiant to groom:  Will you seek to do her harm?
Groom Answer: I will not.
Officiant to groom:  And if harm is done, will you seek to repair it?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom:  Will you seek to be honest with her in all things?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom:  Will you support her in times of distress?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom:  Will you temper your words and actions with love?
Groom Answer: I will.
Officiant to groom:  These things you have promised to your partner, before this company and the Gods. May you ever be mindful and strive to keep the vows you have spoken.

Officiant to bride:  What is your name?
Bride Answer ___
Officiant to Bride:  And what is your desire?
Bride Answer: To join with _____, whom I love.
Officiant to Bride:  Will you seek to do him harm?
Bride Answer: I will not.
Officiant to Bride:  And if harm is done, will you seek to repair it?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride:  Will you seek to be honest with him in all things?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride:  Will you support him in times of distress?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to Bride:  Will you temper your words and actions with love?
Bride Answer: I will.
Officiant to bride: These things you have promised to your partner, before this company and the Gods. May you ever be mindful and strive to keep the vows you have spoken.

___ and _____, Just as your hands are bound together so now are your lives and spirits joined in a union of love and trust.

Above you are the stars and below you is the earth. 
Like the earth should your love be a firm foundation from which to grow stronger through the seasons. 
Like a star should your love be a constant source of light.
Like a flame should your union be warm and glowing with love in your hearts. 
Like the wind may you sail through life safe and calm. 
Like water should your relationship remain clean and soothing, that it may never thirst for love. May this union always be blessed. May all who encounter it be blessed with love.
May your lives be full, and your hurts be few. 
By the Winds that bring change, by the Fire of love, by the Seas of fortune and the strength of the Earth do I bless this union.

Officiant will remove the cord while saying:

___ and _____, this cord symbolize so much. It is your life, your love, and the eternal connection that the two of you have found with one another. Yet the knots of this binding are not formed by these chords- but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union. 
 
(*If you prefer, I have many handfasting wording options to choose from including the cord of 4 ribbons etc.…)

Exchange of rings:

Officiant “May we now have the rings”
​
Officiant: The circle is the symbol of the sun, earth, and universe. It is the symbol of peace. Let this ring be the symbol of unity and peace in which your two lives are joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, return unto one another and to your togetherness.

To _____: And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you _____, may place a ring on the finger of your bride, and as you do, repeat to her, after me, these words

I give you this ring,
 (_____ says) I give you this ring, 

As I give you myself,
 (_____ says) as I give you myself,

With love and affection. 
(_____ says) with love and affection.

Wear it in peace always
 (_____ says) Wear it in peace always.

To ___: And now as a token of your love and of your deep desire to be forever united in heart and soul, you ___, may place a ring on the finger of your groom, and as you do, repeat to him, after me, these words

I give you this ring,
 (___ says) I give you this ring, 

As I give you myself,
 (___ says) as I give you myself,

With love and affection.
 (___ says) with love and affection.

Wear it in peace always.
 (___ says) Wear it in peace always.

Exchange of crowns
 
Officiant: These crowns represent _____ and ___ for they are the King and Queen of their kingdom, their home -they must work together, to rule with wisdom, justice and integrity. 
 
Officiant hands bride’s crown to the groom, and says: place this on your bride’s head and as you do repeat to her after me these words: 
 
(Bride may kneel or curtsey)
With this crown I name thee Queen of my heart. 
(Groom says): With this crown I name thee Queen of my heart. 
None other shall rule there 
(Groom says): None other shall rule there 
so long as we both draw breath.
(Groom says): so long as we both draw breath.
 
Officiant hands bride’s crown to the groom, and says: place this on your bride’s head and as you do repeat to her after me these words: 
 
(Groom may kneel)
With this crown I name thee King of my heart. 
(Bride says): With this crown I name thee King of my heart. 
None other shall rule there 
(Bride says): None other shall rule there 
so long as we both draw breath.
(Bride says): so long as we both draw breath.

Prayer (Prayer of blessing upon your new marriage ):

Officiant:  May you be blessed with harmony, happiness, prosperity, and peace. 
May your love for each other become deeper and more wonderful with every passing year. May you draw forth, each from the other, the highest and the best. 
May you be open and receptive to divine inspiration and guidance. 
May you express poise, patience and understanding with each other.
 May your lives blend together in harmony and joy and may your days be good and long upon the earth. 
 
Officiant will then remove the crowns and say: , Accept their crowns in Your Kingdom unsoiled and undefiled; and preserve them without offense to the ages of ages
 
(*Note some crowns are connected by a ribbon to show that two now become one. If you have these kinds of crowns, then we will assign a bride’s maid and grooms man to place them on your heads. We will include wording about the ribbon and two becoming one)
 
Ringing of the bell (This is sometimes done with a kiss instead of a bell-kiss three times)
 
Officiant: Before I proclaim you joined, we will ring the bell 3 times
Once for luck, Twice for Love and Thrice for Long life.  
 
(Someone/good job for a child rings a bell 3 times)
 
Officiant: From this day onward whenever you hear the chime of a bell may it remind you of the vows you have taken on this sacred day, your wedding day.

Pronouncement:

Officiant: Thou hast pledged of thy own free will and sworn upon the Sword, Thou hast exchanged rings and been bound together by the ritual of the cords and have crowned each other thy King and thy Queen. By the Power vested in me by the Realm, I now pronounce you Lord _____ and Lady ___ to be  Husband and Wife.
May it be granted that what is done before the gods be not undone by man.
 
You may now seal your marriage with a kiss!

 It is with great honor I present to you Mr. and Mrs. ______________

​I love a good themed ceremony! With Halloween right around the corner I thought I would share my Halloween Themed Ceremony.
 
I had the joy to perform this ceremony five years ago. It was a large wedding, and everyone came in costume. It was so much fun! I was a witch.
 
My sister, Michelle and I wrote this ceremony together. Michelle was a huge heavy metal fan back in the day and she took a few lines from a Black Sabbath or Pantera song and we built from that. 
You may also consider substituting the vows or other wording from The Nightmare before Christmas.

​Halloween Ceremony with Goth Style Handfasting Vows 
The greeting:
Officiant: I address the couple & the guests:
Dearly Beloved and distinguished guests, the damned and the cursed
The holy and the blessed
As we witness ____ and _____ their souls and their very beings,
To be united on this hallows haunted day, 
A sacred vow forever their love to stay,
For true love is like a ghost, often mentioned but rarely seen.
Charge to Bride and Groom (the charge is addressed to the Bride and Groom. It is a preparation for the vows you are about to take)
Officiant:
_____ and ___It is believed that the veil between this world and the next is thinnest on Halloween night. This makes tonight the perfect time to join two souls in matrimony lasting not only in this life but also the next.
Dear Ones, it’s now the haunting time, the moon so luminous will shine
with stars embedded in the sky ye shall rise up from yonder nigh.
As you journey together for a lifetime on earth beware, for below your feet is Hades turf.
Forever and ever  as you marry on this day and united together
your souls will stay.
The Pledge or Betrothal
Officiant:
To groom: ______ , will you have _____ to be your wife, to live with her, respect her, to love her, and to haunt and howl at the moon together as long as you both shall live?
Groom Responds: I will
Officiant:
To Bride:________ , will you have ______ to be your husband, to live with him, respect him, To love him, and to haunt and howl at the moon together as long as you both shall live?
Bride responds: I will.

Vows:
Officiant:
Now that you have declared your ghastly intentions, I invite you to share your vows with one another
_______, repeat to ______ after me these words:
 I will stand by your side,
Hunt at your back
And fly within your Soul.
I will stand between you 
And all which would harm you
I will shield you from the Light of Day with my flesh.
I will never betray you, 
For you are my Heart, my Soul and my Life.
You take me as your husband
And I take you as my wife

_____ repeat to _____ after me these words: 
I will stand by your side,
Hunt at your back
And fly within your Soul.
I will stand between you 
And all which would harm you
I will shield you from the Light of Day with my flesh.
I will never betray you, 
For you are my Heart, my Soul and my Life.
I take you as my husband
And you take me as your wife
​

​Exchange of Rings 
Officiant: 
May we now have the rings. 
Officiant: 
These rings you take are not to bind but to show that you are of same like mind
To have and hold from this night on In madness and in raging fun.
Take these now and show the throng how love of each other has made you strong.
 
To Groom: ________will you take this ring and place it upon the left bone of _____’s hand, and as you do, repeat after me, these words:
_____ I give you this ring 
As a symbol of our linked hearts 
And the covenant of undying faithfulness 
Which we make today and seal with our vows.
 
To Bride: _____ will you take this ring and place it upon the left bone of _____’s hand, and as you do, repeat after me, these words:
 
_____ I give you this ring 
As a symbol of our linked hearts 
And the covenant of undying faithfulness 
Which we make today and seal with our vows.

Handfasting
(Goth style for Halloween Ceremony, traditionally cloth or cord is used, chain, or plastic faux chain can be used for a Halloween or Goth look)

Officiant: (lines 1 1nd 2 are taken from lyrics to Black Sabbath/Pantera, Planet Caravan)

_______ And _______  Have chosen to seal their union traditional handfasting and wine ceremony
Now, I bid you look into one another's eyes and hearts. I ask you now to cross your hands over each other, and take one another's hands. 
Stars shine like eyes, the black night sighs.
From the night we come, to the night we go.
Cursed or blessed to walk the Moonlight alone.
Sometimes another soul walks our path,
then two become one, in love everlasting.
Within each other, these two are found,
bear witness as their souls are bound.

The Officiant binds the couple's left wrists together with the chain or cloth. The binding takes place over a goblet of red wine.

Officiant:Stand now as ye will stand forever,
Like this chain your hearts are tethered,
This goblet's wine is your blood of devotion,
So sip from this the dedication potion.
The couple takes turns drinking from the goblet with their right hands.

Officiant:As both your arms and the chain (or cloth) form the symbol of eternity, may your love endure through this life, and all others.

Pronouncement 
Officiant:The final sealing with a kiss
in death as well as in this life,
I now declare you husband and wife
Officiant will remove the cord while saying:
The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union. 

You may kiss the bride!

Dearly beloved, 
the cursed and blessed, 
vampires and werewolves, ghouls, goblins
and all of the souls at unrest……
It is with great pleasure I present to you, Mr. and Mrs._________
​

​The vows from A Nightmare Before Christmas:
 
My dearest friend, if you don't mind,
I'd like to join you by your side.
Where we could into the stars
And sit together now and forever
For it is plain as anyone can see,
that we're simply meant to be.
And with these hands
I will lift your sorrows.
Your cup will never empty,
for I will be your wine.
I will light your way in darkness,
I will take you as you are,
And for who you are,
In sickness and in health,
for the remainder of my life.
You are my strength
I can conquer the whole world
With one hand tied behind my back
As long as the other is holding yours