How to Create a Wedding Ceremony That Feels Like You

How to Build a wedding ceremony

Let’s talk about the part of the wedding day that sometimes gets overlooked: the ceremony.

Everyone’s excited about the dress, the photos, the party, and yes, the cake. But the ceremony? That’s the part that really matters. It’s where you stand in front of the people who love you most and say, “This is it. I choose you.”

So how do you make it meaningful? How do you make it feel like it’s yours, not just some script you found online?

Here are some ideas we’ve seen over the years. Real things from real couples that can help you create a ceremony that actually sticks with people (including you).

1. Write Your Own Vows

If you’re up for it, nothing beats personalized vows. They don’t have to be perfect or poetic. They just have to be honest. Talk about the weird stuff you love about each other. Talk about your hopes, your promises, the little things. The words don’t have to be big. They just have to be yours.

And if that’s too much pressure, write letters to each other the night before. Keep them private. It’s just as special.

2. Do a Unity Ceremony (But Make It You)

Candle lighting. Sand pouring. Handfasting. We've seen couples plant trees together or mix cocktails as part of their ceremony. Whatever you pick, just make sure it feels like it means something to you. Not just something to check off a Pinterest board.

3. Bring in the People Who Matter

Let your favorite people be part of it. Have your best friend read a poem. Ask your grandma to do a blessing. Have your little cousin play the ukulele. These moments are what make it feel real.

4. Ditch the Generic Music

You don’t have to use classical music unless you want to. Walk down the aisle to a song you both love. Or pick one that brings back a memory: your first concert, your late-night road trip playlist, whatever feels like you two.

5. Include Your Traditions

Got family traditions or cultural roots you want to honor? Bring them in. Whether it’s a prayer in another language or a special outfit or a specific ritual, it adds layers of meaning that really stay with people.

6. Remember Those Who Can’t Be There

It’s okay to acknowledge the people who aren’t with you. A photo, a flower, a candle, even just a few words. You’ll feel them with you, and so will your guests.

7. Use Nature if You’ve Got It

Michigan has some pretty amazing outdoor spots: trees, lakes, sunsets. Use what’s around you. Even for indoor weddings, you can bring in greenery, wooden touches, or soft lighting to warm it up.

8. Make Your Entrance Yours

Don’t feel stuck with the traditional aisle walk. Have your dog walk you in. Have both your parents by your side. We’ve even seen couples walk in together. That was powerful. Do what feels right.

9. Start with a Warm Welcome

Before you dive into vows, take a second to thank everyone for showing up. Share a little bit of your story. Acknowledge the journey. People love feeling like they’re part of something real, not just watching it.

10. Let Guests Join In

Let your guests touch the rings during a ring-warming ceremony. Invite them into a group vow or a moment of silence or cheer. These little things make a big difference in how connected everyone feels.

11. Go Out with a Bang

The end of your ceremony is your big exhale. Kiss, cheer, toss confetti, play music, hug your family on the way out. One couple we photographed had a dance party down the aisle. Another rode away in a vintage truck. Make it a moment.

12. Seal It with a Love Letter Box

Here’s one we love: write letters to each other the night before your wedding, seal them in a box with a bottle of wine, and open them on a future anniversary. Super sweet, super meaningful, and something to look forward to.

13. Choose the Right Officiant

This one matters more than people think. Whether it’s a friend, a pastor, or someone you hired, make sure they know you. Make sure they care. A good officiant can make the whole thing feel relaxed, heartfelt, and personal.

14. Don’t Be Afraid to Be Yourselves

This is your wedding. If you're both goofballs, lean into it. If you're more quiet and sentimental, lean into that too. One couple surprised everyone by playing rock-paper-scissors to see who said their vows first. It was silly and perfect. And it felt exactly like them.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, there’s no right or wrong way to plan a wedding ceremony. What matters most is that it feels like you. That it reflects your story, your style, and your connection.

We’re Jodi and Bryan. We’ve stood behind the lens for hundreds of ceremonies like these. And let us tell you, when it’s real, when it’s personal, when it’s got heart? That’s the good stuff.

Want us there to capture yours?

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