15 What Words Must Legally Be Said at a Wedding Ideas to Make Your Ceremony Perfect
When you’re planning your wedding, you might start to wonder: what do I actually have to say for this thing to be legal?
Weddings are deeply personal, but there are a few crucial words and moments required to meet legal requirements.
Basically, you and your partner need to clearly say you both intend to marry, and the officiant has to officially declare you married. These basics keep your ceremony on track and make sure it’s all official.
If you want a full breakdown of the essential phrases, check out this guide.
1) Declaration of Intent by both partners
You and your partner need to say you intend to marry each other out loud.
This “declaration of intent” is what shows everyone you’re both entering marriage willingly.
You usually say this in front of your officiant and witnesses, and it’s a legal must in a lot of places.
You don’t have to stick to any set script, but you do need this declaration.
Want to dig deeper? Here’s more about the declaration of intent and why it matters here.
2) Officiant’s legal pronouncement of marriage
Your officiant has to say something that makes it clear you’re now married.
There’s no one phrase required by law, but the pronouncement needs to show your marriage has just started.
Usually, it’s something like, “I now pronounce you married.”
You can check out some examples of what officiants say in the legal wording requirements.
3) Exchange of wedding vows
At some point, you’ll exchange vows with your partner—your promises and commitment.
You can go with traditional vows or write your own.
There’s no law saying you have to use certain words, but your vows should make it clear you want to marry each other.
This is usually the most emotional part of the day. Want more? See what words must legally be said at a wedding.
4) Public acknowledgment of entering marriage
You’ll need to say out loud that you’re entering into marriage.
This is really just the declaration of intent again.
Both of you must state you’re agreeing to marry.
This shows everyone, especially your officiant, you’re both in this together.
5) Exchange of promises between partners
You’ll say promises to each other during your ceremony. These vows are your commitment and love in words.
You can use traditional lines or say something you wrote. Just make sure both of you are clearly agreeing to the marriage.
Legally, you have to express your consent to marry. This usually happens in the vows or the declaration.
Need ideas? Here’s a guide to wedding vow choices.
6) Signing of the marriage license
You and your partner have to sign the marriage license just as your names appear on the application.
This step is really important for legal reasons.
Your officiant and your witnesses also sign the license, usually during or right after the ceremony.
Once everyone signs, your marriage is official—no matter what was said during the ceremony.
If you’re curious, here’s how to fill out and sign a marriage license.
7) Officiant’s statement confirming legal authority
Your officiant needs to state they have the legal right to marry you.
Usually, this means they’re recognized by the government to perform weddings.
They might say, “I’m authorized to marry you in this state.” It’s a small detail but makes your marriage legally valid.
Without this, your wedding might not count—awkward!
8) Witnesses acknowledging the marriage
You need at least two witnesses at your ceremony. They’ll watch you exchange vows and confirm your marriage is legit.
Afterward, your witnesses sign the marriage license along with you and the officiant. That’s what makes it official.
Make sure your witnesses know what to do so things go smoothly.
9) Couple declaring they are freely entering marriage
You and your partner must say you’re marrying each other by choice. This is the Declaration of Intent.
It proves you both want to enter marriage freely and understand what you’re doing.
The officiant usually asks if you both want to marry, and you answer. That’s what makes it legal.
Want more info? Here’s what words must legally be said at a wedding.
10) Officiant declaring couple legally married
The officiant’s pronouncement is when your marriage becomes official. They’ll say something that clearly declares you’re now legally married.
This has to happen during the ceremony for your marriage to count. It doesn’t have to be exact, but the meaning has to be clear.
Once your officiant says it, you’re married.
11) Mutual consent expressed aloud
You and your partner have to say out loud that you both want to marry each other. This mutual consent is key.
Saying it out loud proves your agreement is real and not forced. That’s what makes it legal.
Usually, your officiant listens for your “yes” or “I do” to confirm.
12) Symbolic exchange of rings mentioned
The exchange of rings is a big moment.
It’s a symbol of your promise and commitment.
This usually happens after the vows. The rings stand for your love and everything you’re promising.
It’s not legally required, but mentioning it makes the ceremony feel complete. Want ideas? Look up ring exchange wording.
13) Reference to marriage as a legal contract
Marriage is a legal contract—no getting around that.
You’re agreeing to certain rights and responsibilities under the law.
The officiant usually confirms this by saying you’re entering a legal agreement.
You don’t need to recite any special lines, but your intention needs to be clear. More on legal wording here.
14) Officiant stating date and location of marriage
Your officiant has to say the date and place where your marriage is happening.
This makes the ceremony official for legal records.
Hearing when and where the marriage is taking place is required for the marriage certificate to be valid.
15) Couple stating intention to be husband and wife
At your wedding, you need to say out loud that you want to marry each other. This is called the Declaration of Intent.
Usually, the officiant will ask if you take each other as husband and wife. Your “yes” matters because it shows you agree.
This part actually makes the ceremony legally binding. It shows you both understand and accept the commitment you’re making.
