Category Archive

Alternative Wedding Ceremony Ideas & Examples

We’ve got SO much wedding ceremony advice like how to officiate a wedding, tons of wedding ceremony readings, a bazillion wedding ceremony scripts, and even wedding vow examples! We’ve also got info about handfasting and other unity ceremonies. You’ll want to start here: Wedding Ceremony 101.

0566 OLAS P8A3910 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

The joy in simply existing: wedding vow ideas from two fanfic writers

“I love how much joy you find in every day experiences, whether it’s snuggling the cats, going for a walk, or singing along with the themes to our favorite TV shows. You’ve reminded me that there’s joy in simply existing, no matter the circumstance.”

A quirky rooftop elopement in Las Vegas (with special guest Chewbacca!)

11 expert tips on how to perform and officiate your first wedding

Congratulations, you’ve been asked to officiate a wedding ceremony for a loved one! Preparing to officiate your first wedding can be daunting, but we’ve got expert tips covering “What do you say as a wedding officiant?” to “What do I even wear?” Let’s get your ready to perform and officiate your first wedding!

jessiecasey 21 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Beautiful non-traditional wedding vows between an Elf and her Ranger

Melanie and Eric’s Middle Earth fantasy wedding was fantastic enough, but their vows tell the rest of the story. Bonus: pictures from their equally epic engagement at Breitenbach Castle!

Queer burlesque handfasting Heather Schofner Photography46 e1678859615124 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Non-traditional wedding vows samples that will inspire you to write

Trying to find the right words for your non-traditional wedding vows? These examples from real alternative weddings can help!

hospital wedding for terminally ill on offbeat wed alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

Vow ideas for terminally ill people + advice for hospital weddings

From a reader: “It’s very hard to find vow renewal scripts for terminally ill people. We’ve been through so much and the fight has just began AGAIN and this time is the last. We need these.” We’re here to help.

Kiowa Irish punk handfasting wedding 33 alternative wedding ideas from Offbeat Wed (formerly Offbeat Bride)

The vows from this Native American / Irish handfasting wedding will make you cry

We wanted to celebrate both of our families — Irish/Scottish on my side, Kiowa on his — so our ceremony was a handfasting wedding, held on Mark’s family’s allotment land. One of the things that tie both our families and cultures together is a love of horses, so including “wedding horses” felt perfect to us.