Groom's speech: examples, a template, and who to thank
The groom's speech is mostly a thank-you: to the guests, to both families, to the wedding party, and above all to the person you just married. It doesn't need to be funny or long. It needs to sound like you, and to end with a toast that makes your spouse feel like the only person in the room. Below are four sample speeches, a fill-in template, and a simple checklist of who to thank.
- How long
- 3 to 5 minutes, about 400 to 700 words. Shorter is fine; the thank-yous add up fast.
- Structure
- Welcome and thanks → both families → wedding party → a word for anyone missing → to your spouse → the toast.
- Tone
- Grateful and warm. A little self-deprecating humor works well.
- Avoid
- Exes, honeymoon jokes, long lists of names, and inside jokes only the groomsmen get.
Who to thank in a groom's speech
- The guests, especially anyone who traveled a long way.
- Your spouse's parents, by name: for welcoming you, and for raising the person you married. If they hosted or helped pay, thank them for that too.
- Your own parents, by name, with one specific thing they gave you.
- The wedding party, and your best man or best person by name. A short line each is plenty; you don't need to list everyone.
- Anyone who helped: a relative who baked the cake, a friend who officiated.
- Anyone who couldn't be there. A gentle sentence for a grandparent or parent who has passed is often the most moving moment of the speech.
- Your spouse, last. End with them, and with the toast.
Example speeches
Heartfelt groom's speech
Good evening, everyone. On behalf of my wife and me (I've been practicing that line for about six months), thank you all for being here.
To Claire's parents, Steve and Diane: thank you for welcoming me into your family long before today, and for raising the most thoughtful person I've ever met. I promise to take care of her, and to keep losing to Steve at cribbage.
To my mom and dad: thank you for everything. For the early-morning hockey practices, the late-night phone calls, and for showing me every day what a good marriage looks like. I hope we do half as well.
To my groomsmen, especially my brother, Sam: thank you for standing up here with me, and for getting me here on time, more or less.
And to everyone who traveled, some of you from across the country: it means more to us than we can say.
Claire, the first time I met you, you were standing in line at a coffee shop, telling the barista exactly how much you loved her earrings. You didn't know her. You just thought she should know. I remember thinking, I want to be around someone who notices the good in people like that. I still do. Every day.
You make me braver, and kinder, and you make our home the best place I know. I can't wait to spend my life noticing things with you.
Everyone, please raise your glasses. To my wife, Claire.
A sample we wrote by hand. The people in it are made up. Yours is written from your own stories.
Funny groom's speech
Hi, everyone. I'm Cody. I'm the groom, which means for the first time in this relationship, I get to talk without being interrupted. Rachel, I'm going to enjoy the next three minutes.
First, thank you all for coming. We know a lot of you drove a long way, and some of you flew, and one of you, Uncle Jim, took a bus for nine hours because he "doesn't trust planes." Jim, we appreciate the commitment.
To Rachel's parents, thank you for raising an incredible daughter, and for not asking too many questions on our first dinner, when I spilled a full glass of red wine on your white tablecloth. You handled it with grace. Rachel's dad handed me a napkin and said, "Happens to everybody." It does not happen to everybody. Thank you for lying.
To my parents: thanks for the life lessons, the patience, and for only mentioning the tablecloth story every other holiday.
Rachel, when we met, you told me you didn't date guys who couldn't cook. So I lied and said I could cook. Then I spent three weeks learning one recipe, chicken parmesan, and I made it for you on our fourth date. You took one bite and said, "You learned this for me, didn't you?" I said yes. You said, "That's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me. It's a little dry."
That's us. Honest, a little dry, and a lot of love. Thank you for marrying me anyway.
Please raise your glasses. To my wife, Rachel. And to chicken parmesan.
A sample we wrote by hand. The people in it are made up. Yours is written from your own stories.
Short groom's speech
Good evening, everyone. Ana and I want to thank you all for being here. To our parents, thank you for your love and your support, today and always. To our wedding party, thank you for everything this year.
Ana, you are my best friend and the best decision I've ever made. I love you.
Please raise a glass. To family, to friends, and to my wife.
A sample we wrote by hand. The people in it are made up. Yours is written from your own stories.
Groom's speech remembering a late parent
Good evening. I'm Luke, and I'm the luckiest guy in this room.
Before anything else, thank you all for being here. To Grace's parents, Mark and Jennifer, thank you for welcoming me into your family, and for trusting me with your daughter. To my dad: thank you for being my best man in every way that matters, long before today.
Most of you know my mom passed away four years ago. She would have loved today. She'd have cried through the vows, danced to every song, and introduced herself to every single person here by the end of the night. When I told her about Grace, early on, she said, "Bring her to dinner. I need to see how she treats the waiter." Grace was wonderful to the waiter. Mom called me the next morning and said, "Okay. Don't mess this up."
I'm trying, Mom.
Grace, you've made me a better man. You're patient with me, honest with me, and you make every ordinary day feel like something to celebrate. I know my mom would have loved you. I know because I do.
So please raise your glasses. To Grace, my wife. And to the people we wish were here, who are with us anyway.
A sample we wrote by hand. The people in it are made up. Yours is written from your own stories.
Fill-in template
Copy this into a document and replace each [bracketed] part with your own words. Then read it aloud and cut anything that doesn't sound like you.
Good evening, everyone. [Optional: a light opening line, like "On behalf of my wife/husband and me..."] Thank you all for being here. [A thank-you to guests who traveled.]
[Thank your spouse's parents by name: for welcoming you and for raising your spouse.]
[Thank your own parents: one specific thing they gave you.]
[Thank the wedding party and anyone who helped make the day happen.]
[Optional: a brief, gentle mention of anyone who has passed away.]
[Speak to your spouse: the moment you met or knew, and what they've brought to your life. Be specific.]
Please raise your glasses. To [my wife / my husband], [name].
Tips for writing a groom's speech
- Save your spouse for the end. Thank everyone else first, so the last thing people hear is what you love about the person you married.
- Tell one real story about your spouse. How you met, a moment you knew, or a small thing they do. Specific beats sweeping.
- Joke about yourself, not them. Your cooking, your nerves, your spilled wine. Keep it kind.
- Keep the thank-yous tight. Group people where you can ("everyone who helped set up today") and save individual thanks for the people who matter most.
- If you're giving a joint speech with your spouse, split the thank-yous and take turns. Practice the handoffs once or twice.
Delivery
- Practice out loud at least twice, and time it.
- Look at your spouse when you speak to them. Look at the room for everything else.
- Use cue cards or a printed page. Everyone expects notes.
- Go easy before your speech. You'll want to remember this one.
Frequently asked questions
Does the groom give a speech at the wedding?
Often, yes. Many grooms speak at the reception to thank guests, both families, and the wedding party, and to toast their new spouse. Some couples give a joint speech instead.
How long should a groom's speech be?
About 3 to 5 minutes, or 400 to 700 words. Thank-yous take time, so keep each one short.
Who should the groom thank in his speech?
The guests, your spouse's parents, your own parents, the wedding party, anyone who helped, and finally your spouse. A brief mention of loved ones who have passed is often appreciated.
When does the groom give his speech?
Usually at the reception, often after the parents and before or after the best man. Ask your planner or DJ to set the order.
How should a groom end his speech?
Speak directly to your spouse, then ask everyone to raise a glass: "To my wife, Claire," or "To my husband, Daniel." Then sit down and enjoy it.
Can Said It Well write a groom's speech?
Yes. In the wedding questionnaire, choose "Bride or groom" as your role and share how you met, who you want to thank, and a story or two. We write a speech at the length you choose, and you can read the opening free. The full speech, unlimited revisions, a PDF, and printable cue cards are $24 one time.