Skip to content

Nashville Wedding Officiant

Ralph Griggs, MTH

Menu
  • Rates & Dates
  • Custom Ceremonies
  • TN License Info
  • Save $60 on the license
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Legal-Sign Only
  • Elopements
  • Free Resources
  • Mary’s Weddings
  • Home
  • Contact
  • New! Vow Generator App
Menu

Category: Wedding Ceremony

Best Bible Verses for Your Wedding Ceremony

Posted on February 15, 2026October 25, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

Getting married is huge—it’s the biggest, most sacred promise you’ll ever make! If you and your partner want to anchor your ceremony in faith, choosing the right Bible verse isn’t just a tradition; it’s a powerful way to set the blueprint for your life together. While I’ve often said to couples that there aren’t as…

Read more

What Do You Do If Some of Your Wedding Guests Don’t Speak English?

Posted on February 1, 2026October 24, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

As a wedding officiant, I have the privilege of standing at the very heart of hundreds of ceremonies. I’ve seen countless couples from diverse backgrounds, and time and again, I’ve witnessed one simple truth: every single guest should feel completely included. But that is not always the case. Most often it seems, some of the…

Read more

A New Twist on the Unplugged Ceremony

Posted on January 16, 2026October 23, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

It’s become a regular request for me to enter for the ceremony first and remind everyone that the couple had requested an Unplugged Ceremony. Something like this: Hello everyone and welcome! We have a couple ready to get married. Just a friendly reminder that the couple has requested this to be an Unplugged Ceremony. So…

Read more

Wedding Ceremony Music: Finding the Perfect Soundtrack for Your “I Do”

Posted on January 2, 2026October 23, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

So, when you close your eyes and picture your wedding ceremony, what’s the soundtrack playing in your head? Is it the elegant notes of a string quartet? The soulful voice of a live singer? Or maybe it’s your song playing softly as you walk down the aisle. Music is one of those magical details that…

Read more

7 Wedding Ceremony Mishaps I See and My Fixes

Posted on December 15, 2025October 29, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

After officiating more weddings around Nashville than I can count — from elegant barns in Franklin to rooftop “I do’s” downtown — I can tell you this: something could go sideways on your wedding day. And honestly, those little mishaps often become the moments you’ll laugh about for years. So, from one who’s stood front…

Read more

What Do You Do If No One Brought the Rings to the Ceremony?

Posted on November 23, 2025October 26, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

Let me tell you something: for as many weddings as I’ve officiated, I’ve learned one universal truth — something will go sideways. It might be the weather, a boutonniere, or in this case… the wedding rings. Yep, it happens. You’re standing there, music fading, everyone smiling, and I say, “May I have the rings?” Then…

Read more

Contract vs Covenant Wedding Message

Posted on September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

Below is a message I delivered at Matthew and Christine’s wedding a couple of years ago at Scarritt Bennett in Nashville showing the differences between a contract and covenant understanding of marriage. Welcome Now, Matthew and Christine, I invite you to take a moment and look around at all the friends and family gathered here…

Read more

Petals, Pillows & Panic Attacks: Setting Up Kids for Aisle Success

Posted on August 23, 2025August 23, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

Including little ones in your wedding can add charm, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But let’s be honest—kids are unpredictable. With the right prep, though, your ring bearer and flower girl can shine in their roles instead of melting down mid-aisle. Here’s how to make it work: 1. Keep Expectations Realistic Don’t expect perfection. Kids under…

Read more

Things Your Guests Notice That You Don’t

Posted on August 22, 2025August 22, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

Wen you’re the couple, the wedding day can feel like a blur. You’re focused on the vows, the photos, the food, and making it through the schedule. But your guests? They pick up on little details you don’t even realize. Here are a few things guests always notice (and often talk about later): 1. The…

Read more

Worried you’ll ugly-cry through your vows?

Posted on August 21, 2025August 21, 2025 by Ralph Griggs

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about saying your vows in front of family and friends. For most couples, this is the most personal part of the entire wedding—and suddenly all eyes are on you.  As an officiant, I’ve seen plenty of shaky hands, nervous laughter, and even a few “deer in headlights” moments. The…

Read more

Posts pagination

  • Previous
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • Next
  • Simple Guide to Writing Your Own Vows: Whether done privately during a first look or in your ceremony, my simple guide will make it look easy.
  • Your Most Important Wedding Hire: Well, you know who that is! But here are the reasons.
  • A No-Snooze Ceremony Guide: Ideas to nix the yawns.
  • My Tips for the Unplugged Ceremony: Including my most important pro tip.
  • Worried You'll Cry-Ugly During Your Vows? - 6 tips to calm the nerves
  • Things Your Guests Notice That You Don't - the things that get overlooked
  • Pedals, Pillows & Panic Attacks: Setting Up Kids for Aisle Success
Ralph & Mary in Mazatlan MX 2024
South Hall Farm
Southall Farm
Opryland Hotel
Vine St Christian Church
CJ's Off the Square
Nashville Zoo
Cedarwood Mansion
Drakewood Farm
Titans Game
Preds Game
Nashville Hotel

Tips and Guides:

  • Marriage
  • Marriage License Tips
  • Wedding Ceremony
  • Wedding Planning
  • Wedding Venues
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Where to next?

  • Rates & Dates
  • Custom Ceremonies
  • TN License Info
  • Save $60 on the license
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Legal-Sign Only
  • Elopements
  • Free Resources
  • Mary’s Weddings
  • Home
  • Contact
  • New! Vow Generator App
© 2026 Nashville Wedding Officiant | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme