Are you in search of sweet ideas for your non-denominational wedding ceremony? You’re in the right spot!
If you’re not totally sure, let’s go over what a non-denominational wedding ceremony is. For starters, it’s not totally religious. Or at least, it’s not aligned with a specific religion. It’s not that these ceremonies can’t pull ideas from Christian wedding practices, though. Many of them do, they just aren’t overtly focused on a religious base. They may be spiritual, and emotional, and what the couple makes of them.
The great thing about having a non-denominational wedding ceremony is that you and your partner can make it what you want to make it. There are no real rules, other than those of your venue and common decency. Yes, you can pull from religious wedding traditions, but you have the freedom to modify to match your style and taste. This can create a meaningful ceremony, when done right.
Sweet Ideas For A Non-Denominational Wedding Ceremony
This post is going to share with you sweet ideas for a non-denominational wedding ceremony. None of these are prescriptive. And, none of these have to be taken at face value, either. If you see an idea that you like, but want to put a spin on it, go for it. As mentioned before, as long as it’s not against the rules of your venue, or rude, you should do what feels right.
Let’s get into it.
IS IT OKAY TO HAVE AN NON-DENOMINATIONAL WEDDING CEREMONY?
Before we get started, let’s talk a little about having a non-denominational wedding ceremony.
Many non-denominational wedding ceremonies are based in Christian traditions. This means that they may include a prelude, where everyone walks into the ceremony in a certain order, an exchange of words, vows, and rings, a kiss, and then a big party to follow. If you grew up incredibly religious, and your family is shocked that you want to veer away from what they are used to, let them know it won’t be that different.
And then do what you want.
I jest. Of course, some families will have problems if you don’t get married in a church, or include the mention of God in your vows. My best advice is to be empathetic to their feelings, but true to yourself. This is your wedding, your way. They will move on eventually.
DEFINE WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO BOTH YOU AND YOUR PARTNER
Before you get started planning your non-denominational wedding ceremony, talk to your partner.
In a relaxed, calm setting, with no judgement, you should each talk about what will be important for you to include in your ceremony. Ideally, this would be done pretty early on in wedding planning. Be sure to ask each other questions about the music you’d like to have played, the ideal officiant for you, and any quotes or readings that you may want.
At this point, jot down all your ideas, and come back to them later. You’re just brainstorming and dreaming. Nothing set in stone. And, if your partner doesn’t care, or doesn’t have opinions, just share your own. The key here is to make sure you both are aware of what your ceremony could include.
Okay, on to the actual sweet ideas for a non-denominational wedding ceremony.
WELCOME YOUR GUESTS TO YOUR NON-DENOMINATIONAL WEDDING CEREMONY WITH MEANINGFUL MUSIC
The first idea on the list is to welcome your guests with some meaningful music. This will be different for each wedding. Perhaps there is recorded music that you and your partner could play before the ceremony. Or, you may know a musician who is talented and able to play live as guests arrive.
Music is welcoming, enjoyable, and a sweet way for guests to enter your space. It can set the tone for the energy everyone should have, too.
HAVE YOUR OFFICIANT GIVE A FEW WORDS TO THE GUESTS ONCE THEY ARE SEATED AND THE CERMEONY IS KICKED OFF
One sweet idea for your non-denominational wedding ceremony is to have your officiant start off the ceremony right.
Now, “right” is all up to you and your partner. It may mean that your officiant sets the tone for your ceremony with a quote, dedicated to your guests. Or, they give some words about being present at the ceremony. Perhaps they tell guests why they are there, and make everyone feel good in that respect. No matter what is said, it should be directly for the guests, who are often just witnesses to the ceremony and not actual participants.
ASK SOMEONE IMPORTANT TO YOU TO DO A READING OF A BIBLE VERSE, QUOTE, OR STORY YOU AND YOUR PARTNER APPRECIATE
Alright, back to you and your partner.
During a non-denominational wedding ceremony, it can be very popular for an honored guest to do a reading. Of course, your ceremony may be non-religious, but that doesn’t mean that a bible verse here or there will not be well received. A quote, story, or even reading a passage from a favorite book can all be sweet ideas, too.
Remember, this reading doesn’t have to be at the start of your ceremony. It can be at any point that seems appropriate.
HAVE LIVE MUSIC PLAYED WHILE YOU AND YOUR PARTNER EXCHANGE PRIVATE VOWS
Personally, I love it when a couple exchanges personal vows at their wedding. Ones that they wrote. That they mean. It’s a super special moment to witness.
However, not all couples want their vows to be public. They may want to write and say them, but they don’t want everyone to hear them. One workaround to having them, but making them private, is to have music play while you and your partner exchange your private vows. Live music is probably most ideal, but having music played from a recording is good, too. This way, guests can see you saying something, and they can see the emotion behind it, but they can’t hear it.
SAY VOWS FROM YOUR HEART TO EACH OTHER
Let’s touch a little more on personal vows.
If you are having a non-denominational wedding ceremony, you have the freedom to say and do what feels right during it. With this, personal vows are right up there with curating a meaningful ceremony. Your personal vows can include stories, promises, definitions of love, or goals for the future. They can also include mention of spiritual beliefs, if that feels right to you.
If you need help with your personal vows, or figuring out your style, this is my free guide to help you. It’s filled with tips, quizzes, and templates to help you design your vows.
PRESENT EACH OTHER WITH CARDS OR GIFTS
During a non-denominational wedding ceremony, you and your partner may want to present each other with cards or gifts.
This can be a really sweet moment between two people. And, depending on the gift, it may even be humorous and entertaining. Cards are cute, and easy to bring to a ceremony, and gifts may be trickier. However, exchanging gifts is an outside-the-box idea that will leave you with a sort of souvenir from your ceremony. Plus, your guests will never forget it.
ASK YOUR WEDDING PARTY, FAMILIES, OR ALL OF YOUR GUEST TO “WARM YOUR RINGS”
Have you heard of ring warming?
It’s where you pass your wedding rings around during your ceremony. They may go to just your families, just your wedding party, or all of your guests. The “warmers” spend a couple of seconds holding the rings in their hands, and passing along wishes of luck, or blessings, onto the rings. Once the rings make it back to the couple, the thought is that they have more power and energy than if they were “cold”.
DO SOME SORT OF UNITY CEREMONY
I once wrote a post on unity ceremonies, and you can find it here.
In the post, I list out all the sweet ideas that any couple can do during their wedding to symbolize the joining of their union. For example, lighting a candle together is popular. So is tying a knot, combining sand, painting a picture, or even drinking tea or wine. The key here is to take two separate items and making them one. How you do it is up to you.
HOLD AN OATHING STONE WHILE SAYING YOUR VOWS
This is something I wanted to do at my wedding, but at the last minute we couldn’t find the stone and had to scratch it.
The premise is simple, and dates back to ancient Celtic times. While saying your vows, the couple will hold a stone in their hands. The stone is meant to help strengthen the vows. Afterwards, the stone can be displayed in a place of honor in your home, which is kind of cool, too.
ASK YOUR GUESTS TO TOAST WITH YOU
A group toast? Nothing wrong with that!
Some weddings will serve refreshments ahead of the wedding ceremony. Many guests will sip on lemonade or champagne while witnessing it. If this is the plan for your wedding, make sure to have a drink for yourselves. You can have your officiant instruct everyone to get ready for a toast, after they, or another guest, says some sweet words. This is a really fun way to engage everyone during the ceremony, without too much coordination.
SPEND A FEW MOMENTS IN SILENCE DURING YOUR NON-DENOMINATIONAL WEDDING CEREMONY
Last sweet idea for a non-denominational wedding ceremony.
Before your ceremony starts, or at some point during your ceremony, have your officiant direct everyone to do a few moments of silence. This can be to honor those who are not physically present at your wedding. Or, it could be so you and your partner can look out over everyone at your ceremony and take it all in. The point of it is to be completely present for just a few moments, because weddings go by super fast. Being intentional about enjoying them is crucial.
THOUGHTS ON SWEET IDEAS FOR A NON-DENOMINATIONAL WEDDING CEREMONY
Friends, there are so many ways to have a sweet non-denominational wedding ceremony. The key is to make it your own. Include ideas that feel feasible, and right, and omit what doesn’t. Don’t worry about being too sentimental or cheesy, this is your wedding. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to join together with another human. With that, it’s okay to design your ceremony to be exactly what you want it to be, and have no regrets later on. Happy wedding planning!
More On Wedding Ceremonies From Hummingbird Wedding Advice
12 Unity Ceremony Ideas & Customs
Why You Should Have An Unplugged Ceremony
Why Being A Bridesmaid Is Such An Honor
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