Last Updated on January 9, 2022 by Guillermina
Today, we’re going to look at I Now Pronounce You alternatives. You’ll likely already be familiar with the typical pronouncement of marriage, “I pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride”. While this is the traditional way of pronouncing a marriage, some couples find it outdated, or just want something a little more unique. So whether you’re looking for an alternative to “I now pronounce you” or “husband and wife”, we’ll be covering it all in this post.
What Is A Pronouncement?
A pronouncement of marriage is simply when an officiant pronounces the happy couple as husband/wife, wife/wife, or husband/husband. It’s often followed by the statement, “you may now kiss the ___”.
Pronouncement Alternatives
“I Now Pronounce You” may not be something you’re comfortable with, or you may just want something more unique for your own wedding. If you’re stuck off ideas – never fear, we have so many I now pronounce you alternatives you may like to consider. Take a look at some of our pronouncement examples.
Simple Alternatives
- I Pronounce You…
- May I Present to You All…
- Ladies and Gentlemen, it gives me a Great Pleasure to Introduce, for the Very First Time…
- Standing here today, in front of family and friends, as husband and wife/husband and husband/wife and wife
- I now present to you, the newly married…
- Let’s now present to you, the newest married couple in (location here)…
- I now declare you to be married…
- I pronounce you to each other as…
- It’s time to announce you as…
As long as it’s a pronouncement, you can make it as fun, or as serious as you wish. It’s important to remember that it’s your wedding day, and you need to be as comfortable as possible with your vows and any declarations you’re making.
Unique Alternatives
The above examples were short, sweet, and to the point. However, you may want something a little more wordy and meaningful; particularly if you’re having a religious ceremony. Here are some alternatives you may want to consider:
- Now that (name) and (name) have exchanged their vows, and made their promises, I pronounce them to be (choose your titles)
- You have chosen to stay committed to one another for the rest of your lives. I call upon your friends and family gathered here today to witness that you are now (choose your titles)
- In a display of their love for one another, (name) and (name) have consented in marriage. They are now (choose your titles)
- In front of family and friends, (name) and (name) have shown their love and commitment in the way of marriage. And they’ve done it here today!
- It’s clear to see the love that is blossoming between you both, and we all hope that love continues to grow throughout the years. You are now (choose your titles)
- It is time to declare you as married. From today forward, you’ll not just be best friends, soulmates, and adventurers, but also (choose your titles)
- It is with the greatest privilege and joy, that I can now declare you as married (or choose your titles)
- (Bride/Groom), you are now (choose your titles) in the eyes of God, and everyone gathered here today
If you’re looking for a speech to precede the pronouncement, there’s a great selection of ideas over on Pinterest, that I’d highly recommend.
Declaration of Marriage
The most traditional options for the declaration for marriage, are “husband and wife”, or “man and wife”. However, there’s no reason why you can’t choose your own. Here are some alternatives you may want to consider, that are more modern – and not quite as outdated.
- Wife and Husband (who says the husband has to go first?!)
- Husband and Husband
- Wife and Wife
- Married
- Legally Wed
- Partners for Life
- Spouses for Life
- Soulmates for Life
- Partners in Crime
- Duly Married
- Married at Last
- Wifey & Wifey
- Hubby & Hubby
- Spouse & Spouse
Alternatives to “You May Kiss the Bride”
One of the most infamous phrases you’ll hear at a wedding ceremony is “you may kiss the bride”, but much like “I now pronounce you”, it can be seen as outdated. Most venues will be happy to consider any suggestions that you have in mind, so don’t be afraid to make it fun. As long as you discuss with your officiant before the ceremony, many requests will be accepted.
Some ideas to consider are:
- Your new journey together has now begun (this one takes away the pressure of kissing! And symbolizes the start of your new chapter together in a profound way)
- We can now toast to the new couple (not only does it take away the pressure of “the kiss”, but you can relax after the ceremony, as it’s usually the most nerve-wracking part of your day)
- Think now’s the time for that kiss (it’s a bit more lighthearted, but far more inclusive and fun)
- Let’s applaud your new marriage (what better time to clap than after a wedding ceremony)
- You may now kiss your lifelong partner (another inclusive option that remains serious and as close to the original as possible)
- You may seal this union with a kiss (yet another inclusive, more traditional option)
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you to become more familiar with I now pronounce you alternatives. And even some different suggestions for you may now kiss the bride. It’s important to make your wedding ceremony your own, in any way you can. So I’d highly recommend opting for one of our choices for your own ceremony, to make it as unique as possible.
Did you choose your own pronouncement at your wedding? Or do you now plan too? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below what option you’re choosing – especially if it didn’t make it onto our list. You may be inspiring fellow brides and grooms with ideas for their own wedding day.