Do you officiate weddings outside of Nashville?

Yes, I travel to officiate weddings throughout Middle Tennessee, including Franklin, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, and more.

Can we customize our ceremony?

Absolutely. I offer a detailed 10-page ceremony planner that lets you choose your vows, readings, tone, and any special elements you’d like to include.

Do you offer premarital counseling or courses?

Yes. My online marriage preparation course is included free if I'm your officiant, and it qualifies for a $60 discount on your Tennessee marriage license.

You can contact me directly at Ralph.Griggs@gmail.com or call 615-500-5747. I'll follow up with next steps and availability.

Interactive Ceremony Planner - Nashville Wedding Officiant

Wedding Ceremony Planner

Revised Edition 16.0, Written by Ralph Griggs, M.Th.

▶ How to use Your Ceremony Planner:

Use this interactive guide to make your ceremony selections/edits. It will keep your entries if you leave the page and come back later – as long as you use the same computer, same browser and don’t clear your cache.
You can make a choice (a checkbox) under each heading.
You can edit any of your choices. Cut/paste them into the Custom box and make your changes. Caps or strikethroughs help my eye catch your changes. You can also use the Custom boxes for something entirely different.
Then be sure to click that box so it’s included in the final ceremony generation (see that button at the end).
At the end there is also a box for new additions and personalizations to the ceremony from you.
When you generate your ceremony at the end and copy/paste it into a document, you can cut/paste the “new” items where you want them in the ceremony. Actually, you can edit to your heart’s delight: move things around, add, delete, include notes. Then email that to me.

Couple’s Information:

Bride’s Name (as to be used in ceremony – this will populate the planner at generation):

Groom’s Name (as to be used in ceremony – this will populate the planner on generation):

Wedding Date/Time/Location: Phone someone would answer the day of:

PRESENTATION OF BRIDE

Standard Presentation:

If there is a “giving of the BR”, the officiate asks: “Who gives this woman in marriage?” – or – “Who blesses this union by presenting this woman in marriage?”

Escort makes appropriate statement such as “her mother and I do”, places BR’s hand on GR’s elbow as GR pivots around to stand beside his BR. (BR’s father may want to kiss his daughter & shake GR’s hand. BR & GR stand side by side facing the officiate, BR holding GR’s elbow or hand and her bouquet (up until the vows). BR’s mother sits to signal guests or officiate instructs.

Option idea: Mother’s Rose Presentation:

“Today, as GR & BR embrace one another in love, so do they also embrace their families, whose love & nurture has brought them to this time in their life. As a token of their love for their families, GR & BR would like to offer these symbols of eternal love, these roses to their mothers, [Mother’s Name 1] & [Mother’s Name 2].”

Your Custom Presentation Script:

OPENING AND WELCOME

Standard Opening & Welcome:

“GR & BR, from your friendship a mutual love has developed as each of you has seen in the other those qualities of character that form the basis for a permanent life together. And so, you have made the decision to be joined together as husband and wife. GR & BR want to thank each of you for coming today to share in this very special time in their lives.”

Option idea: Say a special thank-you to your guests:

“As family & friends, each of you has contributed something precious to the lives of GR & BR. They want you to know that your love, guidance, encouragement, & friendship will forever be valued. It is fitting that you should share in this celebration of their commitment to one another to live their lives as one; and they are happy that you are here.”

Looking for ways to personalize your ceremony? Take a look at my interactive guide for doing that here.

Your Custom Opening Script:

THE MARRIAGE MESSAGE

Below are samples of what could be said. You may choose from these thoughts, or you may have a special reading or other thoughts you’d write about marriage. You can mix these, or choose only religious or only romantic thoughts. The message is generally designed to last three to five minutes.

Religious oriented thoughts:

“GR & BR, your marriage will bring you all the joy you can imagine as both of you decide to love each other every day. And we decide to love each other each day in much the same way that Christ decided to love the church. His love is sacrificial because he gave his life. And his love endures because he never stops loving his church. When you decide to love each other in these ways, sacrificially and enduringly, you bring out the best in each other.”

“The Bible tells us in very practical terms just what love is: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (I Corinthians 13:4-8).”

Romantic thoughts:

“GR & BR, you’ve decided to be married today because you want to commit your love and your lives to one another. You believe that you can meet each other’s deepest needs for love and companionship. You’ve chosen each other to share in an intimate & trusting way all the hopes, joys and dreams of life.”

“You understand that love is more than the warm glow of romance. It is caring as much about the welfare & happiness of your partner as your own. Your love for one another does not cause you to lose your own identity, but unites you in life’s goals and purposes.”

“Marriage is love walking hand in hand together. It’s laughing with each other about silly little things, and learning to discuss big things with care and tenderness. In marriage, love is trusting each other when you are apart. It’s getting over disappointments and hurts, knowing that these are present in all relationships. It is the realization that there is no one else in this world that you’d rather be with than the one you are married to. It’s thinking of new things to do together; it’s growing old together. Marriage is being in love for the rest of your life.” (by Chris Arids)

Want additional options for readings? Check the “Favorite Readings” section later for the text of time-tested readings. Readings may be read by the officiant, or some other person of your choosing. They may be placed anywhere in the ceremony you believe they fit best. The same is true of additional music.

Your Custom Marriage Message:

THE VOWS CEREMONY

Optional preface to the vows:

“Before you exchange your vows, let’s remember what a vow truly is. It’s a solemn promise, a binding commitment of heart, mind, soul, and body. Your marriage becomes your top priority – a commitment that says, “I will never leave you,” and one that will overcome any challenge. These aren’t just more words; they are one of life’s greatest gifts, to give and receive. We listen with awe as you make these promises.”

At this time, the BR hands her bouquet to the maid of honor. GR & BR, would you please turn to face each other now and join hands as you prepare to make these vows of love to one another.

Choose traditional or contemporary vows. You can repeat these vows phrase by phrase after me – or I ask it in question form and you say “I do.” If you don’t tell me you want to repeat it, I will do it as a question.

Traditional Vows:

“l (or Do you…) GR/BR take you BR/GR to be my wedded wife/husband.”

“And I do promise, before God & these witnesses, to be your loving & faithful husband/wife. In plenty & in need. In joy & in sorrow. In sickness & in health. For as long as we both shall live.”

Contemporary Vows:

“I (or Do You…) GR/BR, offer myself completely to you, BR/GR, to be your husband/wife in marriage. I promise to love you with all my heart, to be true and faithful, to be kind and caring, and to be unselfish in my love. I promise to stand beside you always in good times and in difficult times. I pledge myself and all that I am, to you and you alone.”

You don’t have to send me your vows — just indicate you are doing them. If you need some help writing your own vows, take a look at my Guide for Crafting Your Vows.

Your Custom Vows:

THE RING CEREMONY AND VOWS

Comments for the Bride’s Ring:

“GR will you now take the ring you have for BR. GR, you are giving this ring to BR as a symbol of your love her. The ring is a circle so that it has no end. In a like manner, your love for BR will have no end, but continue all the days of your life. You may now place the ring on BR’s finger & repeat these vows.”

Comments for the Groom’s Ring:

“BR will you now take the ring you have for GR. BR, you are giving this ring to GR as a symbol of your love him. The ring is a circle so that it has no end. In a like manner, your love for GR will have no end, but continue all the days of your life. You may now place the ring on GR’s finger & repeat these vows.”

GR & BR will repeat vows to one another, phrase by phrase (as shown) after the officiate. You may select from these wordings or write you own.

Traditional Ring Vows:

“With this ring, I thee wed,”

“and I pledge to you my love,”

“my devotion & my faithfulness,”

“until death do us part.”

Contemporary Ring Vows:

“”This ring I give to you, “to symbolize the union of my life with yours.” “Your dreams are my dreams.” “Your hopes are my hopes.” “Your fears are my concerns.” “Your affection is my joy.” “Your love is my blessing,” “always and forever.””

The Blessing of the Rings:

“GR & BR, let these rings serve as a constant, silent reminder of your love & commitment. When you look at them, let them bring a smile to your face as you remember that there is someone you love more than anyone else in the world; and that there is someone who loves you more than anyone else in the world.”

Your Custom Ring Ceremony Script:

OPTIONAL EXTRAS TO ENHANCE YOUR CEREMONY

(none required just an option)

Option 1: UNITY CEREMONY

“UNITY CEREMONY: Unity Candle, Wine Box Ceremony, etc. There are many choices here. Maybe you have seen something unique that you want to include.”

Option 2: THE HANDS CEREMONY

“GR and BR would you please join hands where you may see the gift they are to one another.”

“GR, these are the hands of your best friend that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick, or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together, these hands will build a home, create a family, and make a future.

BR, these are the hands of your best friend that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he pledges his love and commitment to you all the days of your life. These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will hold you when you are afraid. These are the hands that will give you support as he encourages you to chase down your dreams. Together, these hands will build a home, create a family, and make a future.”

Your Custom Optional Extra Script:

ADMONITION AND PRAYER

Admonition:

“GR & BR, may you not try to change each other, for then you will lose what you fell in love with. Instead, each day find something new about your mate to fall in love with. When individual differences come into conflict, resolve them without hurting, and do not store up a single day of resentment. May the challenges of your life together be met with courage & optimism. May you learn from your failures & grow in your achievements. May the spirit of love be ever a part of your lives, so that the union we celebrate here today be worthy of continued celebration in all of life’s tomorrows.”

Prayer of Blessing:

“Our Father in heaven, we thank you for all the blessings you bring into our lives. Our thoughts now are especially of the gift of marriage, because we know that marriage is a gift of your love, given to us as a blessing to fulfill our need for companionship, intimacy, and family. We pray for GR & BR as they begin their life together as husband and wife. We pray that you would bless their home, their family, and their life together. May their love grow stronger each day, and may they always find joy and happiness in each other. Amen.”

Your Custom Admonition/Prayer:

PRONOUNCMENT, KISS, PRESENTATION, FINAL REMARKS

Pronouncement:

“GR & BR because you have made these vows of love & commitment to one another in the presence of God and these witnesses, and with the blessings of family & friends, by the authority vested in me I now pronounce you to be husband and wife.”

Kiss (You know what to do.):

“GR, you may now kiss your BR! After kiss, BR turns to maid of honor to get her bouquet. BR & GR turn to face audience; maid of honor helps with positioning of BR’s dress.”

Presentation of the Couple:

“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my distinct honor to present to you for the very first time as husband and wife, Mr. and Mrs. [Groom’s Last Name]!” (or any other way you want to be introduced)

Final Remarks:

“Thank you all for being here today to celebrate with GR & BR. Please join them for a reception at [Reception Location]. Enjoy the rest of your day!”

Your Custom Pronouncement/Kiss/Presentation/Final Remarks:

FAVORITE READINGS OPTIONS

The Art of Marriage (Wilford Peterson)

“A good marriage must be created. In the art of marriage, the little things are the big things. It’s never being too old to hold hands. It’s remembering to say ‘I love you’ every day. It’s never going to sleep angry. It’s having mutual values and common objectives. It’s forming a circle of love that encompasses another family. It’s speaking words of appreciation, demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It’s having the capacity to forgive & forget. It’s giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow. It’s finding room for the things of the spirit. It’s a common search for the good and the beautiful. It’s establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual, and the obligation is reciprocal. It’s not only marrying the right partner, it’s being the right partner.”

The Lord’s Prayer

“Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.”

The Apache Blessing (unknown)

“Now for you there is no rain, for one is shelter to the other. Now for you there is no darkness, for one is light to the other. Now for you there is no pain, for one is counsel to the other. Now for you, there is no cold, for one is warmth to the other. It is that way today, tomorrow, forever. Now, it is good and there is always shelter. And now there is always warmth. And now there is always comfort. And there is no loneliness. Now, forever, forever, you are as one.”

Ruth 1:16-17:

“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”

On Friendship (Roy Croft)

“I love you, not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you, not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out; I love you for putting your hand into my heaped-up heart and passing over all the foolish, weak things that you can’t help dimly seeing there, and for drawing out into the light all the beautiful belongings that no one else had looked quite far enough to find. You have done it without a touch, without a sign. You have done it by being yourself.”

A Loving Relationship (Chuck Swindol)

“A loving relationship is one in which individuals trust each other enough to become vulnerable, secure that the other person won’t take advantage. It neither exploits nor takes the other for granted. It involves much communication, much sharing, and much tenderness. A loving relationship is one in which one can be open and honest with another without fear of being judged. It’s being secure in the knowledge that you are each other’s best friend and no matter what happens you will stand by one another. A loving relationship is one in which the individuals involved grow in their understanding and acceptance of each other’s differences. A loving relationship is one that offers forgiveness when mistakes are made and grace when failures occur. A loving relationship is one in which both individuals are committed to the growth and well-being of the other. It is a relationship that is built on a foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and unconditional love.”

The Union (Robert Fulghum)

“You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some moment, you knew you were meant to be together. There was a time when alone was enough. Now you have reached this place where you are at home with each other. You have found in each other a soul mate, a kindred spirit, a companion for life. You are two separate people, but you are also one. The mountain does not make the valley less, but more; and the valley is more a valley because it has mountain towering over it. So let it be with each of you. May you need one another, but not out of weakness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you entice one another, but not compel one another. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another. May you succeed in all-important ways with one another, and not fail in the little graces. May you look for things to praise, often say, ‘I love you!’ and take no notice of small faults. If you have quarrels that push you apart, may both of you hope to have good sense enough take the first step back. May you enter into the mystery which the awareness of one another’s presence – no more physical than spiritual, warm and near when you are side by side, and warm and near when you are in separate rooms, or even distant cities. May you have happiness, and may you find it making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it loving one another.”

Your Custom Reading:

FINAL ADDITIONS & PERSONALIZATIONS

Once completed, please email the ceremony document to: ralph.griggs@gmail.com