Maryland Wedding Ceremony

Usually, the last thing the officiant says is, "I present to you Mr./Mrs. and Mrs./Mr. (last name)," if one party is changing their name or, "I present to you the newly married couple, (name) and (name)," if they are not.

'I, (name), take you, (name), to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God's holy law.

Ceremonies can be performed by an official of a religious order (such as an ordained minister), the Clerk of the Circuit Court, a deputy clerk designated by the county administrative circuit court judge, a judge. See Family Law 2-406 for further detail. Maryland does not require celebrants to register with the state.

Once you and your partner have made promises to each other in the form of vows, there's another part of the ceremonythe declaration of intent. Especially if you are writing your own vows, it's important to keep in mind that the declaration of intent is legally required to pronounce you married.

Start with Structure. A traditional wedding script often sticks to the same basic structure, guiding the timing and momentum of the ceremony. Simplicity in Storytelling. Make it About the Couple. Keep Your Audience in Mind. Run it by a Proofreader.

Wedding VowsOfficiant: Please face each other as you declare these vows to one another. ________, you may start. Bride: I, ________, take you, ________ to be my wedded husband. I promise to stay by your side through good and bad times, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health.

According to Maryland state law, any official of a religious order or body authorized by the rules and customs of that order or body to perform a marriage ceremony can legally officiate a wedding.

The requirements are pretty simple, says Diane Smith-Hoban, executive director of non-denominational officiant group Journeys of the Heart: A legal ceremony includes a signed, state-issued marriage license and "an exchange of promises"-which leaves you plenty of flexibility to create a wedding ceremony that's as unique

When it comes to wedding ceremonies, there's a general outline that's usually followed: Processional, welcome, readings, vows, kiss, pronouncement, recessionalyou're married!