WEDDING CEREMONY #1

WEDDING CEREMONIESNote: Feel free to “pick and choose” from the wedding ceremonies and sample vows in this document.

Wedding Ceremony #1 . . . . . . . page 2Wedding Ceremony #2 . . . . . . . page 5Wedding Ceremony #3 . . . . . . . page 8Wedding Ceremony #4 . . . . . . . page 11Wedding Ceremony #5 . . . . . . . page 14Wedding Ceremony #6 . . . . . . . page 17Wedding Ceremony #7 . . . . . . . page 20Wedding Ceremony #8 . . . . . . . page 23Wedding Ceremony #9 . . . . . . . page 26Wedding Ceremony #10 . . . . . . page 29Wedding Ceremony #11 . . . . . . page 31Wedding Ceremony #12 . . . . . . page 33Wedding Ceremony #13 . . . . . . page 36Wedding Ceremony #14 . . . . . . page 39Wedding Ceremony #15 . . . . . . page 42Wedding Ceremony #16 . . . . . . page 44Wedding Ceremony #17 . . . . . . page 47Wedding Ceremony #18 . . . . . . page 52Wedding Ceremony #19 . . . . . . page 55Wedding Ceremony #20 . . . . . . page 58Wedding Vows . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 62WEDDING CEREMONY #1

Introductory remarks

Question

Pastor -- Who gives __________ to be married to __________?

Bride's Father -- Her Mother and I do.

Guests seated

Challenge to Bride and Groom

__________ and __________, our God of love has established marriage as the symbol of Christ's perfect relationship to His Body, the Church. We have come to bring you as one before Him. __________ God has ordained the man as the spiritual head, as the responsible provider, and as the initiator of love in this human relationship. By His enablement, your strength must be _______'s protection, your character her boast and pride, and you must so live that she will find in you the haven for which the heart of a woman truly longs.

__________, it is God's purpose that you be a loving wife, that you respond to ________'s love in tenderness with a deep sense of understanding, through a great faith in Christ who brought you together. It is His desire that you have that inner beauty of soul that never fades; that eternal youth that is found in holding fast the things that never age.

__________ and __________ ,Christian marriage is not living merely for each other; it is two uniting and joining hands to serve God. Seek His kingdom first, and His righteousness, and He will add all other things to you. Do not expect perfection from each other, perfection belongs solely to God. You need not minimize each other's weaknesses, but always be swift to praise and magnify each other's points of comeliness and strength and see each other through kind and patient eyes.

God will lead you into such situations as will bless you and develop your characters as you walk together. He will give you enough tears to keep you tender, enough hurts to keep you compassionate, enough of failure to keep your hands clenched tightly in His, and enough success to make you sure you walk with Him. May you never take each other's love for granted, but always experience that wonder that exclaims "Out of all this world you have chosen me." When life is done, may you be found then as now, hand in hand, still thanking God for each other. May you ever serve Him happily, faithfully, together until you return to glory or until at last one shall lay the other into His arms. And all this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Vows

Pastor -- __________ have you in the quiet hours of your companionship considered what is your Christian duty as a husband?

Groom -- I have.

Pastor -- __________ have you in the quiet hours of your companionship considered what is your Christian duty as a wife?

Bride -- I have.

Pastor -- _________ and _________, you stand before us as the children of God, redeemed through Jesus Christ. Is it your purpose to establish a home that is truly Christ-centered, where the Word of God is read and obeyed; a home that is welded together by prayer in which the Holy Spirit is your constant guide?

Bride and Groom -- It is.

Pastor to groom -- And now, in token that your hearts are joined together in love, will you please join your right hands.

__________, this woman whom you hold by the hand is to be your wife. She has given you one of the most sacred things under heaven: a woman's life and a woman's love. You may bring her great joy or cause her deep sorrow. It is not what you bring her in a material way that will make true happiness--riches without love are nothing. The gift without the giver is bare. The practice of those virtues as husband that you have shown as her lover will keep her heart won to your heart. Do you vow here, as you have promised __________ that you will be true and loyal, patient in sickness, comforting in sorrow, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her so long as you both shall live?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to bride -- __________, this man whom you hold by the right hand is to be your husband. On your life, your love and devotion he will lean for strength and inspiration. He is going to look to you for encouragement, for cheerfulness and confidence. No matter what the world may say or think, people may forget him, lose confidence in him, and turn their backs upon him, but you must not. May your life and your love be the inspiration that will constantly lead him to greater dependence upon our Lord Jesus Christ. Do you vow here, as you have promised __________ that you will be loyal in adversity, ministering to him in affliction, comforting him in sorrow, and forsaking all others, keeping yourself only unto him so long as you both shall live?

Bride -- I do.

Pastor -- You may now share your vows with each other.

Prayer of dedication

Embrace

Presentation of couple

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #2

Opening Remarks

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of this company, to unite ___________ and ___________ in holy matrimony. Marriage was ordained by God in Eden and confirmed in Cana of Galilee by the presence of the Lord Himself, and is declared by the inspired Apostle Paul to be honorable among all men. It is therefore, not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly; but reverently, soberly and in the fear of God. It is fitting, therefore, that we should on this occasion, begin by asking God's blessing on this marriage service. Let us pray.

Presentation of Bride

Pastor -- Who gives this woman to be married to this man?

Bride's Father -- Her mother and I do.

To the Congregation

Marriage is a joyous occasion. It is connected in our thoughts with the magic charm of home, and with all that is pleasant and attractive as being one of the most important events of our lives. It its sacredness and unity it is like the mystical relation between Christ and His Church and is therefore the most significant and binding covenant known in human relations.

From the Story of Creation in the book of Genesis: For God created man in His own image . . . then the Lord formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being . . then the Lord God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a helper fit for him" . . . So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs, and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib which the Lord God had taken from the man He made into a woman and brought her to the man. Then the man said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.

Again, let us hear the Word of God from the New Testament, the writings of Paul: "Live life then with a due sense of responsibility, not as men who do not know the meaning and purpose of life but as those who do. Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don't be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of our Lord. Thank God at all times for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. And 'fit in with' each other, because of your common reverence for Christ."

"You wives must remember to adapt yourselves to your husbands, as you submit yourselves to the Lord, for the husband is the 'head' of the wife in the same way that Christ is the Head of the Church and Savior of His body . . . but remember, this means that the husband must give his wife the same sort of love that Christ gave to the Church when He sacrificed Himself for her . . .

In practice what I have said amounts to this: Let every one of you who is a husband, love his wife as he loves himself, and let the wife honor and love her husband."

To the Bride and Groom

It is your duty, ___________, to be to ___________ a considerate, tender, faithful, loving husband: to support, guide and cherish her in prosperity and trouble; to thoughtfully and carefully enlarge the place she holds in your life; to constantly show to her the tokens of your affection, to shelter her from danger, and to cherish for her a manly and unalterable affection, it being the command of God's Word, that husbands love their wives, even as Christ loved the Church and gave His own life for her.

It is your duty, ___________, to be to ___________ a considerate, tender, faithful, loving wife; to counsel, comfort and cherish him in prosperity and trouble; to give to him the unfailing evidences of your affection; to study, as time passes to make the place he holds in your heart, broader and deeper; to reverence and obey him, and to put on the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is, in God's sight, an ornament of great price. His Word commanding that wives be subject unto their own husbands even as the church is subject unto Christ, and forsaking all others to cling to him with a love which fails not as long as you both shall live.

Let me charge you both to remember, that your future happiness is to be found in mutual consideration, patience, kindness, confidence, and affection. It is the duty of each to find the greatest joy in the company of the other; to remember that in interest as in affection you are to be henceforth one and undivided.

Wedding Vows

If you are ready to assume the obligations and duties before God, as I have defined them, you will unite your hands and pledge your love and your lives to each other.

Pastor -- Do you, ___________, standing in the presence of God and these witnesses, solemnly pledge your faith to ___________ . Do you promise to live with her according to God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, and through God's grace to promise to be to her a faithful and devoted husband as long as you both shall live?

Groom -- I do.

Ring Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ________ , have you a token of your love for ___________ ?

(The best man hands the ring to the Minister.)

Pastor to Bride -- ________ , do you receive this ring in pledge of the same on your part?

Bride -- I do. (Groom puts ring on bride's finger.)

Pastor to Bride -- ________ , have you a token of your love for ___________ ?

(The maid of honor hands the ring to the minister.)

Pastor to Groom -- ________, do you receive this ring in pledge of the same on your part?

Groom -- I do. (Bride puts ring on groom's finger.)

The wedding ring is the outward and the visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites two hearts in endless love. The circle, the emblem of eternity; the gold, the type of what is least tarnished and most enduring--it is to show how lasting and imperishable is the faith now pledged. Let the ring, a fit token of that which is unending, continue to be to you both a symbol of the value, the purity, and the constancy of true wedded love, and the seal of the vows in which you have both pledged your most solemn and sacred honor.

Pronouncement

By the authority committed unto me as a Minister of the Gospel of the Church of Christ, I declare that ___________ and ___________ are now husband and wife, according to the ordinance of God and the law of the State of ___________ , in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Charge to newlyweds

Dear Ones, I strongly charge you both as husband and wife, to preserve sacredly the privacies of your own home, your marriage state, and your heart. Remember our Lord's urgent counsel: "What God hath joined together let not man put assunder". Therefore, let no one ever presume to come between you, or to share the joys or the sorrows that belong to you two alone.

WEDDING CEREMONY #3

Opening Remarks

Dearly Beloved, we are assembled here in the presence of God, to join ___________ and ___________ , in holy marriage; which is instituted of God, regulated by His commandments, blessed by our Lord Jesus Christ, and to be hold in honor among all men. Let us therefore reverently remember that God has established and sanctified marriage, for the welfare and happiness of mankind. Our Savior has declared that a man shall leave his father and his mother and cleave unto his wife.

By His apostles, He has instructed those who enter into this relation to cherish a mutual esteem and love; to bear with each other's infirmities and weaknesses; and to comfort each other in sickness, trouble, and sorrow; in honesty and industry to provide for each other, and for their household, in temporal things; to pray for and encourage each other in things which pertain to God; and to live together as the heirs of the grace of life.

Prayer

Giving away of bride

Pastor -- Who gives ___________ to be married to ___________ ?

Father of the Bride -- Her mother and I do.

Pastor -- No other human ties are more tender, no other vows are more sacred than these you are about to assume. You are entering into the holy estate which is the deepest mystery of experience, and which is the very sacrament of divine love.

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, will you have ___________ to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others keep yourself only for her so long as you both shall live?

Groom -- I will.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, will you have ___________ to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him so long as you both shall live?

Bride -- I will.

Wedding Vows

Pastor -- ___________, will you repeat your vows?

Groom repeats vows.

Pastor -- ___________, will you repeat your vows?

Bride repeats vows.

Ring Vows

Pastor to groom -- ___________, what token do you give of the vows you have made?

Groom -- This ring

Pastor -- Bless this ring, O Lord, that he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in Thy peace, and continue in Thy favor, unto their life's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Groom to Bride -- ___________ I give you this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of my vows. (Groom places ring on bride's finger.)

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, what token do you give of the vows you have made?

Bride -- This ring.

Pastor -- Bless this ring, O Lord, that she who gives it and he who wears it may abide in your peace, and continue in your favor, until their life's end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bride to Groom -- ___________ I give you this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of my vows. (Bride places ring on groom's finger.)

Pastor -- The Soul of marriage can be a trusting place where two people can come together from the struggles of the world and feel safe, accepted, and loved . . . or it can be a battleground where two egos are locked in a lifelong struggle for supremacy, a battle which is for the most part invisible to the rest of the world. If you are to have the first in your marriage you must work toward it by cultivating your mutual interests and aspirations.

Pronouncement

Pastor -- Forasmuch as ___________ and ___________ have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, by the authority committed unto me as a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I declare that ___________ and ___________ are now Husband and Wife, according to the ordinance of God, and the law of the State of Washington: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

(Pastor asks bride and groom join right hands) Whom therefore God hath joined together, let no man put assunder.

Pastor -- The Lord bless you, and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace: both now and in the life everlasting. Amen.

Prayer/Song

Embrace

Introduction

And now it is my happy privilege to congratulate and introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. _________. I further charge you as a Christian man and woman, to invite Jesus Christ to take His rightful place as Lord of your lives, individually and together. You are not to live selfishly as single persons do, protecting their own rights, making their own plans, but rather the Apostle tells us "Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ," and truly, the more each of you loves Jesus Christ, the richer will be your love for one another. He tells us what that love is like with the words from I Cor. 13:4-8a.

"Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right. Love bears all thing, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails."

Benediction

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #4

Introductory remarks

Friends, we come together in this holy place to share with ___________ and ___________ a most important moment in their lives. Marriage was instituted by God in the Garden of Eden when He saw that it was not good for man to be alone. Christ beautified marriage with His presence in Cana of Galilee when He wrought His first miracle. It is commended by the Apostle Paul who likened it to the holy union which exists between Christ and His Church, in which our Lord Jesus is called the Bridegroom and His Church, the Bride.

Prayer

Opening Remarks

We have been invited to hear ___________ and ___________ promise to face the future together as husband and wife. __________ and _________, you must recognize that this covenant is more than a legal contract. This is a bond of union made in heaven. It is to be entered into with reverence. You are about to assume mutual relationships and responsibilities and to promise undying devotions. Nothing is easier than saying words, nothing harder than living them day by day.

Love between a Christian man and wife means caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about yourself. You will be looking in the same direction together. Burdens will be lighter because you divide them. Joys will be more intense because you share them. No other human tie is more tender, no other vows more sacred than these you are about to assume. Now as you stand in the presence of God, you must remember the responsibilities of a Christian man and wife.

Wedding Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, you are to love ___________ as Christ loved the Church. You are to be the head of your wife. You are to respect and comfort her. Will you take ______ for your wife?

Groom -- I will.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, your duty as a Christian wife is to submit to ___________. You are to be his helpmate. You are to obey, serve, and honor him. Will you this day take ___________ as your husband?

Bride -- I will.

Prayer

Giving away of Bride

Pastor -- Who is bringing ___________ to be united to ___________?

Father of the Bride -- Her mother and I.

Pastor to Bride's Parents -- Mr. and Mrs. ___________ are you willing now and always to support and strengthen this marriage by upholding ___________ and ___________ with your concern?

Bride's Parents: We are.

Pastor to Groom's Parents: Mr. and Mrs. ___________ are you willing now and always to support and strengthen this marriage by upholding ___________ and ___________ with your concern?

Groom's Parents: We are.

Ring Vows

Pastor -- ___________ and ___________, do you have tokens of the sincerity of these vows?

Bride and Groom -- We do.

Pastor to Groom -- What token do you give of the vows you have made?

Groom -- This ring.

Pastor -- Bless this ring, O Lord, that he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in Thy peace, and continue in Thy favor, unto their life's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Groom to Bride -- ___________ I give you this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of my vows. (Groom places ring on bride's finger.)

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, what token do you give of the vows you have made?

Bride -- This ring.

Pastor -- Bless this ring, O Lord, that she who gives it and he who wears it may abide in your peace, and continue in your favor, until their life's end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bride to Groom -- ___________ I give you this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of my vows. (Bride places ring on groom's finger.)

Pastor -- You, ___________ and ___________ have pledged your devotion to each other. It is not these words that have made your marriage real, but the God of love, who has welded your hearts together as one. He has said, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joined unto his wife and the two shall become one flesh."

Kneel for Prayer

Solo

Pronouncement

Ministering in the name of the Lord Jesus, I now pronounce you husband and wife. May Christ be the Head of your home. May He be the unseen Guest at every meal, the Listener to every conversation. May Christ's love rule your hearts and lives.

Benediction

Embrace

Introduction

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you: Mr. and Mrs. ___________

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #5

Opening prayer

Opening remarks

Friends, we have been invited here today to share with ___________ and ___________ a most important moment in their lives. In the time they have been together their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured. Now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.

Parents and people are seated

We have been invited to hear ___________ and ___________ as they promise to face the future together, accepting whatever may lie ahead. For the world that God has created for them, with its beauty and grace that is all around, with the strength that it offers and the peace that it brings, makes them truly grateful.

___________ and ___________, nothing is easier than saying words and nothing harder than living them day after day. What you promise today must be renewed and redecided tomorrow. At the end of this ceremony legally you will be man and wife, but you still must decide each day that stretches out before you, that you want to be married.

Real love is something beyond the warmth and glow, the excitement and romance of being deeply in love. It is caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about your own. But real love is not total absorption in each other; it is looking outward in the same direction --together. Love makes burdens lighter, because you divide them. It make joys more intense because you share them. It makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone.

Both sets of parents stand

Pastor -- Who brings ___________ to stand beside ___________ ?

Bride's parents -- We do.

Pastor to both sets of parents -- Parents, are you willing, now and always to support and strengthen this marriage by upholding both ___________ and ___________ with your love and concern?

Both sets of parents respond -- We are.

Pastor -- Then you, you may be seated.

Wedding Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, will you take ___________ to be your wife? Will you love and respect her? Will you be honest with her always? Will you stand by her through whatever may come? Will you make whatever adjustments are necessary so that you can genuinely share your life with her?

Groom -- I will.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________ will you take ___________ to be your husband? Will you be honest with him always? Will you stand by him through whatever may come? Will you make whatever adjustments are necessary so that you can genuinely share your life with him?

Bride -- I will.

Ring Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, what token do you give of the vows you have made?

Groom -- A ring. (Groom repeats his ring vows and places ring on bride's finger.)

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, what token do you give of the vows you have made?

Bride -- A ring. (Bride repeats her ring vows and places ring on groom's finger.)

Pastor:___________ and ___________ ,we have heard you promise to share your lives in marriage. We recognize and respect the covenant you have made. It is not a minister standing before you that makes your marriage real, but the honest and sincerity of what you have said and done here before your friends and relatives in the sight of God.

Pronouncement

Forasmuch as ___________ and ___________ have consented together in holy wedlock, and have witnessed the same before God and this company, by the authority committed unto me as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I declare that ___________ and ___________ are now husband and wife, according to the ordinance of God and the law of the State of Washington: in the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Whom therefore God hath joined together, let no man put assunder.

Embrace

Now the ceremony is over and the experience of living day by day as married people is about to begin. Go forth to meet it, gladly, love life so it will love you. May blessings of God be with you.

Introduction

I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. ___________

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #6

Introductory Remarks

We learn from the inspired record that the Lord Jesus honored the marriage ceremony with His presence working there the beginning of His miracles. These miracles indicate that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the Sovereign and the Creator of the universe, and the wedding ceremony was the first used to demonstrate this glorious fact.

His purpose on earth was to "seek and to save that which was lost," As the scriptures declare, "God commended His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The one who sanctifies the marriage union is the Savior of the universe. And the scripture says, "neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." And therefore His invitation to all who witness the wedding ceremony is to "come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.", "And Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out."

The Bible, which is the Word of God declares marriage to be honorable. It was ordained of God in the time of man's innocency, before he had sinned against the Lord. Since marriage has always been a divine institution, it is to be entered into soberly and discreetly, as in His sight.

God Himself united the first members of human family, which fact alone should abolish all light and frivolous views of marriage. The bridegroom and bride are partners in life, each forsaking mother and father to cleave unto the other. They share a common name, a united household, a common experience, and a love which blesses and transcends all the cares and trials of life. The mathematics of love--Add and multiply joys while subtracting and dividing the sorrows.

___________ and ___________ You now have common interests and occupations. You've become co-workers for common ends. You hold property and possessions in common, and you have essentially one history and one destiny. Inscribed in the Word of God is the counsel you will need for this mutual and blessed relationship. The vows are to be broken only by death.

In token of having chosen each other as partners for life, you may now join your right hands.

Wedding Vows

Pastor to Groom -- Do you, ___________, take ___________ whom you hold by the right hand to be your lawful and wedded wife?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to Groom -- Do you promise to love, to cherish, to honor to protect, forsaking all others, in sickness as well as in health. In adversity as well as in prosperity. For better or for worse, and to cleave only to her so long as you both shall live?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to Bride -- Do you, ___________, take ___________ to be your lawful and wedded husband?

Bride -- I do.

Pastor to Bride -- Do you promise to love, to cherish, to honor, to obey, forsaking all others, in sickness as well as in health, in adversity as well as in prosperity, for better or for worse, and to cleave only to him so long as you both shall live?

Bride -- I do.

Giving away of Bride

Pastor -- Who giveth ___________ to be married to ___________ ?

Bride's Father -- Her mother and I.

Ring Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, What token do you give to show that you will faithfully perform these vows?

Groom -- A ring.

Pastor -- The circle which forms this ring is the emblem of eternity, and the beautiful metal out of which it is wrought is the type of that which is least tarnished and most enduring. It is to show how lasting and imperishable, the faith now mutually pledged. You will place this ring on ___________ 's finger and repeat after me . . . "WITH THIS RING . . . I PLEDGE MYSELF TO THEE . . . WITH ALL THE AFFECTIONS OF MY HEART . . . SO LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE."

Pastor to Bride -- And, ___________, what token do you give to show that you will faithfully perform these vows?

Bride -- A ring.

Pastor -- Please place your ring on your Groom's finger and repeat after me. "WITH THIS RING I PLEDGE MYSELF TO THEE . . . WITH ALL THE AFFECTIONS OF MY HEART..SO LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE."

Prayer

Let us unite in Prayer. We thank Thee, heavenly Father, for this home that is now called into existence, and we ask Thy blessings upon ___________ and ___________ all the days of their lives. That as unite into one family, they might glorify thee. That they might serve Thee acceptably, and that their lives together, might present the glorious truth of God's Word--the union of Christ and the Church. Bless them to this end, for we ask it in the name of the Kind of Kings and Lord of Lords, even Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.

Pronouncement

The scripture declares love is forbearing and kind; love knows no jealously, love does not brag, is not conceited. She is not unmannerly, nor selfish, nor irritable, nor mindful of wrongs. She does not rejoice in injustice, but joyfully sides with the truth. She can overlook faults. She is full of trust; full of hope; full of endurance. Love never fails.

Having heard the pledges of your affection, and the vows of your fidelity, I do therefore by virtue of the authority invested in me by the laws of the State of ___________, before God, whose grace to you is unmeasured, and before these witnesses, pronounce you husband and wife, and what God hath joined together, let no man put assunder.

Benediction

Embrace

Presentation of Bride and Groom

Ladies and Gentlemen; May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. _______________.

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #7

Introductory Remarks

Dearly Beloved, we are assembled here in the presence of God to join this man and this woman in holy marriage. Marriage is one of the oldest and most sacred institutions of God. It was established in the garden of Eden, graced by the personal presence of Christ at Cana of Galilee, likened by the Apostle Paul to the mystical union which exists between Christ and the Church, and is declared in Holy Scripture to be honorable before all men.

Our Savior has declared that a man shall forsake his father and mother and cleave unto his wife. By His eternal Word, He has instructed those who enter into this relation to cherish a mutual esteem and love; to bear with each other's infirmities and weaknesses; to comfort each other in sickness, trouble, and sorrow; in honesty and industry to provide for each other in the things which pertain to God; and, to live together as the heirs of the grace of life.

Giving away of Bride

Pastor -- Who giveth this woman in marriage?

The one giving away the bride replies

Ceremony

Listen to the words of Holy Scripture as recorded in Ephesians chapter five, verse twenty-two through thirty- three.

Ephesians 5:22-33 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. 24 But as the church is subject to Christ, so also the wives ought to be to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her; 26 that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, 27 that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she should be holy and blameless. 28 So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself; 29 for no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 because we are members of His body. 31 For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let each individual among you also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see to it that she respect her husband. (NASB)

Forasmuch as these two persons have come hither to be made one in this holy estate, if there be any here present who knows any just cause why they may not lawfully be joined in marriage, I require him now to make it known or ever after hold his peace.

I charge both of you, before God, the Searcher of all hearts, and before the Lord Jesus Christ, who shed His precious blood to redeem you from all sin, that if either of you know any impediment why you may not lawfully be joined together in marriage, you do now confess it. For, be well assured that, if any persons are joined together otherwise than as God's Word allows, their union is not blessed by Him.

Prayer

Wedding Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, do you take ___________ whom you hold by the hand to be your lawfully wedded wife, and do you covenant to be true to her, to love, cherish, and protect her, in sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, until death do you part?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, do you take ___________ whom you hold by the hand to be your lawfully wedded husband, covenanting to be true to him, to love, cherish, and honor him, in sickness and in health, in poverty or in wealth, until death do you part?

Bride -- I do.

Ring Vows

Pastor: What token do you give in pledge that you will faithfully perform these vows?

(Ring silently passed to the officiating minister.)

Pastor -- May this ring henceforth be the chaste and changeless symbol of your evermore pure and unending affection.

(Officiating minister passes the ring to the groom who places it on the finger of the bride.)

Pronouncement

Pastor -- As a minister of the gospel, and by the authority invested in me by the State of __________, I pronounce you to be to each other, husband and wife. Whom therefore God hath joined together, let no man put assunder.

Prayer of Commitment and Benediction

Embrace

Introduction of Bride and Groom

May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. __________.

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #8

Introductory Remarks

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses, to join ___________ and ___________ in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocency, signifying to us the mystical union which is between Christ and His Church. Which holy estate Christ adorned and beautified with His presence at the first miracle which He wrought in Cana of Galilee; and is commended of the Apostle Paul to be honorable among all men, and is therefore not to be entered into lightly or inadvisably, but reverently, discreetly, and in the fear of God.

Into which holy estate ___________ and ___________ come now to be joined and to unite two hearts and lives, blending all interest, sympathies, and hopes. I charge and entreat you, therefore, in entering upon and sustaining this hallowed union, to seek the favor and blessing of Him whose favor is life, whose blessing maketh rich and addeth no sorrow. Let us now seek His blessing.

Prayer

Our Heavenly Father, we beseech Thee to come by Thy grace to this marriage. Give to these who marry a due sense of the obligations they are now to assume, so that with true intent, and with utter unreserve of love, they may plight their troth, and be henceforth helps, meet for each other while they journey through life. This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.

Giving away of Bride

Pastor -- Who is giving ___________ in Holy Matrimony to ___________ ?

Father of the Bride -- I do.

Pastor -- I charge you both as you stand in the presence of God, to remember that true love and loyalty alone will avail as the foundation of a happy home. If the solemn vows you are about to make be kept inviolate, and if you steadfastly endeavor to do the will of your heavenly Father, your lives will be full of joy, and the home you are about to establish will abide in peace.

No other human ties are more tender, no other vows are more sacred than those you are about to assume. You are entering into the holy estate which is the deepest mystery of experience, and which is the very sacrament of divine love.

Wedding Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, will you have ___________ to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; will you love her, comfort her, honor, and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her, so long as you both shall live?

Groom -- I will.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, will you have ___________ to be your wedded husband to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; will you submit to him, serve him, love, honor, and keep him, in sickness and in health, and, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him, so long as you both shall live?

Bride -- I will.

Ring Vows

Pastor to Groom -- What pledge do you give of the sincerity of your vows?

Groom -- A ring.

Pastor to Bride -- Do you accept this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of ________'s vows?

Bride -- I do.

Groom -- WITH THIS RING I THEE WED. AND WITH ALL MY WORLDLY GOODS I THEE ENDOW. IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER., AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, AMEN.

And may this circlet of pure gold which has no end, be henceforth the chaste and changeless symbol of your evermore pure and changeless affection.

Pastor to Bride -- What pledge do you give of the sincerity of your vows?

Bride -- A ring.

Pastor to Groom -- _________, to you accept this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of _______'s vows?

Groom -- I do.

Bride -- THIS RING I GIVE YOU...IN TOKEN AND PLEDGE..OF MY CONSTANT FAITHFULNESS AND ABIDING LOVE.

Pastor -- And may this ring given, be the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites your two hearts in love that has no end.

Forasmuch as ___________ and ___________ have consented in holy wedlock, and have thereto confirmed the same by giving and receiving each one a ring; by the authority committed unto me as a minister of the Church of Jesus Christ, I now declare you husband and wife according to the ordinance of God, and the laws of the State of ____________, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

(The minister suggests that the couple shall kneel and continues)

Dearly beloved ones, this day marks a new era in your lives now united. From henceforth you travel life's pathway not alone, but together. Let love be forever enthroned in your hearts. As members of the church of Jesus Christ, we earnestly commend you to our Heavenly Father, asking Him that according to His abundant grace, He may bestow upon you both the Spirit of Grace, enabling you to establish a Christian home where the voice of prayer and praise shall be as sweet incense continually ascend unto Him who hath purchased you with His own precious blood.

May you experience as you travel down life's pathway together, be like unto the experience of the two disciples who journeyed together from Jerusalem to Emmaus, of whom we read that Jesus Himself drew near and went with them. And may heaven's constant benediction crown your union with ever-increasing joy and blessedness and true affection of a happy marriage.

Prayer of Dedication

Let us all bow our hearts in prayer of dedication.

O God, our heavenly Father, Thou alone art the Source and Author of life. Thou art the Protector and Guide on life's pathway. Thou alone art the Builder and Maker of homes. Now grant, we pray Thee, the blessings of Thy promises, and the aid of Thy Holy Spirit to these dear ones, enabling them to honor Thee, and to be ever true to the pledges made to each other. May Thy grace in abundant measure be theirs, helping them to walk in Thy truth, to abide in Thy fellowship, and to live in perfect peace and love with each other until their earthly life shall end in Thy glorious presence. This we ask in the blessed name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

And now, may the Lord bless thee and keep thee. May the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee, May the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace. Amen.

(At this point while the couple still kneel, the soloist may sing an appropriate prayer hymn of consecration).

Introduction of new Couple

Pastor -- And now it is my happy privilege to congratulate and introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. ___________

(The organist will immediately strike up the recessional with the entire wedding party marching briskly down the aisle to the rear of the church.

WEDDING CEREMONY #9

Challenge

From God's Holy Book we read these words: From the beginning of the creation God made them male and female. And the Lord God said, "It isn't good for man to be alone; I will make a companion for him, a helper suitable to his needs. This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife in such a way that the two become one spirit. You wives must submit to your husbands' leadership in the same way you submit to the Lord. For a husband is in charge of his wife in the same way Christ is in charge of His body the church. (He gave his life to take care of it and be its Savior!) So you wives must willingly obey your husbands in everything, just as the church obeys Christ.

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. So again I say, a man must love his wife as a part of himself; and the wife must see to it that she deeply respects her husband reverencing, praising and honoring him.

You, ___________, (bride) and you, ___________ (groom), have come to me signifying your desire to be formally united in marriage.

Wedding Vows

(Please join your right hands.)

Pastor -- ___________, in taking the woman whom you hold by the right hand to be your lawful and wedded wife, I require you to promise to love and cherish her, to honor and sustain her, in sickness and in health, in poverty as in wealth, in bad that may darken your days, in the good that may lighten your ways, and to be true to her in all things until death alone shall part you. Do you so promise?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor -- ___________, taking the man who holds you by the right hand to be your lawful and wedded husband, I require you to promise to love and cherish him, to honor and sustain him, in sickness and in health, in poverty as in wealth, in the bad that may darken your days, in the good that may lighten your ways, and to be true to him in all things until death alone shall part you. Do you so promise?

Bride -- I do.

Pastor -- Again from God's Word. A new commandment I give unto you, that you also love one another. Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable or touchy. It does not hold grudges and will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out. If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your ground in defending him. Love never fails, for love is of God. And now abides faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.

Ring Vows

Pastor to Groom -- What pledge do you give of the sincerity of your vows?

Groom -- A ring.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, do you accept this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of his vows?

Bride -- I do.

Pastor to Groom -- THIS RING I THEE GIVE...IN TOKEN AND PLEDGE..OF MY CONSTANT FAITH AND ABIDING LOVE.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________ what pledge do you give of the sincerity of your vows?

Bride -- A ring.

Pastor to Groom -- ___________ do you accept this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of her vows?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to Bride -- THIS RING I THEE GIVE..IN TOKEN AND PLEDGE..OF MY CONSTANT FAITH..AND ABIDING LOVE.

Pastor -- And may these rings given, be the outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual bond which unites your two hearts in love that has no end.

Light Memory Candle.

Kneel, prayer, solo

Pronouncement

Pastor -- Having pledged your faith in, and love to each other, and having sealed your solemn marital vows by giving and receiving the rings, acting in the authority vested in me by the laws of this state, and looking to heaven for divine sanction, I pronounce you husband and wife in the presence of God and these assembled witnesses. What God has joined together, let not man put asunder.

And now may the God of peace prosper and bless your new relationship, and may the grace of Jesus Christ abound unto you now and forevermore.

You may kiss the Bride.

Introduction

And now it is my happy privilege to congratulate and introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. ___________

Solo

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #10Wedding Vows

Pastor -- _________, will you now speak your marriage vow to your wife, __________?

Groom -- My ___________, I have prayed for you as my wife and as God has truly answered my prayers, I praise and thank Him for His faithfulness for I have delighted in knowing you and loving you. I look forward to being your Christian husband for as long as we both shall live. I will love you as Christ loved the church and died for her. I will love you during the good times and the difficult times for we know the Lord is our Savior and our guide. You shall always be my bride and I give myself to you this day. I love you, ___________.

Pastor -- And ___________, will you now speak your marriage vow to your husband, ___________?

Bride -- Dear ___________, I thank God for a man such as you, strong in the faith of the Lord, loving the Word, I know that it has been the will of God to bring us together to this day and I praise God for His goodness to me in bringing you to my side. I will love you and will submit to you as to the Lord. I give myself to you this day, I love you, ___________.

Ring Vows

Pastor to Groom -- __________, do you have a ring for ___________

Groom -- Yes, I do.

Pastor -- This ring is a circle symbolizing the never ending love that you have pledged to ___________. Would you place the ring at this time on her third finger, left hand, and repeat after me? As a pledge and in token of the vows we have made, with this ring I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Pastor to Bride -- ____________, do you have a ring for _______________?

Bride -- Yes, I do.

Pastor -- This ring is a circle symbolizing the never-ending love that you have pledged to (Man), would you place the ring at the time on the third finger of his left hand and repeat after me? As a pledge and in token of the vows we have made, with this ring I thee wed. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Solo/Special Music

Dedication of Marriage to the Lord

Pastor -- You have exchanged your wedding vows and we come to the second part of this marriage ceremony and that is the dedication of your marriage and your newly formed family to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Man -- Your mother and I have taught you from the beginning of your life about the Lord Jesus Christ and His love for you, His death and His resurrection. We have instructed you in His Word and we know that you have given your life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Woman -- I know your parents as God fearing, Christ loving people. I know they have taught you of Christ's Word and I know your testimony of your own salvation and love for the Lord Jesus Christ. A marriage is more than a union between two people, a man and a woman, who love each other, but it is also a union of two families, the bride's family and the groom's family, and your marriage establishes a relationship between the two families.

Parent -- We welcome you, __________, into our family and ___________'s family welcomes you, _________, into their family. And because we are all part of the family of God through the Lord Jesus Christ, I am asking you now to dedicate your marriage and your future to the Lord. Will you please repeat after me this vow:

Groom -- I do dedicate my marriage to ___________ to the Lord Jesus Christ and I will raise my children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord according to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ . . . in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Prayer

Song

Benediction - Pastor

Pronouncement

Pastor -- As _________ and ___________ have consented together in holy wedlock and witnessed it before God and this congregation and have vowed their love to each other and dedicated their marriage to the Lord Jesus Christ, I now pronounce that they are man and wife, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Pastor -- Would you like to kiss your bride?

Introduction

I am very happy to introduce to you Mr. and Mrs. ___________ .

Lighting Candles

Uniting the families by Bride and Groom lighting candle from their candles.

WEDDING CEREMONY #11

We have come together at the invitation of ___________ to celebrate the uniting in Christian love--their lives and hearts. This is possible because of the love God has created in them, through Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." This abundant life, for many people, is an impossible dream, yet God wants us all to have this abundant life and proved His love for us by giving His Son that we might have this life.

Another way that God provides for this "full" life is creating those who will love us. ___________ such a one in ___________ Their hearts and spirit were drawn together before today by the Lord of all creation. Two lives are not united by ceremony, but only in the power, love and grace of God.

___________ and ___________are here to publicly declare that because of Jesus Christ's love; they too can truly love one another. As God demonstrated His love in Jesus, our Lord ___________ and ___________ will demonstrate this God given love by giving themselves to one another and one for the other.

They have not reached this place alone, each has been given life by their parents. These who gave to them life, love, provision, are and will be, a vital part in their continued lives. Their love has borne fruit in __________ and ___________ Love and respect for these will continue as they grow in their love made possible by their parents.

Questions

Pastor -- Who then has prepared this woman for marriage to this man? ( or "Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?")

Father of Bride -- "Her family and I have prepared her for marriage." ( or Father or Bride's escort replies, "Her family and I do." )

Pastor -- I sometimes counsel with the couple and ask them to write what they wish to say in their vows one to another, expressing their love and commitment to each other. They learn this and I allow them to express it without too much if any prompting. One service I had, the girl did not remember what she wanted to say so she blurted out "Jim, I have forgotten what I wanted to say to you - I'm afraid - but I do love you deeply - with my whole heart!" - the wedding service was successful!

Ring Vows

Pastor to Bride -- A ring is more than a symbol of your marriage. It is a seal of the vow you have given to one another! The circle of the ring is, as far as human eye can see, a perfect circle--with no beginning or end--so God too has perfect love for you and wants you to love one another in His grace--never, never ending. This ring is made of precious metal. You also are precious in God's sight and now in the love of (groom) ___________. When you are absent one from another, the presence of the ring reminds you to be faithful to and to fulfill your vow to (groom) ___________.

Rings have historically been the sign of authority--used to seal documents and proclamations, you now accept this authority in your life. (See memo sheet for sealing statement.)

Pastor to Groom -- This ring is a seal of ____________'s vow to you. She presents this to you as a token of her submission to you in Jesus Christ. This is a symbol of leadership and privilege. God has placed you as the head of the family. You must lead in worship, works and fellowship. As the weaker vessel she depends upon you for strength.

Charge the couple to respond to the Scripture of 1 Peter 3 and Ephesians 5.

Pastor to Groom -- __________, are you now prepared to love (Bride)___________ as Christ loved the church, are you willing to love, cherish, provide, protect her, in sickness and sorrow--joyfully, etc. according to the Word of God will you cherish and love her as your wife until death separates you? (Answer "I will).

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, are you prepared to be subject to (Groom) ___________ as described in the Word of God? As your husband will you respect him, love him, etc. (Answer, "I will").

Prayer

Perhaps ask the best man to pray for the Groom and Maid of Honor to pray for the Bride.

Pastor closes in prayer

Pronouncement

WEDDING CEREMONY #12Opening Remarks

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the presence of God and this company to join (Groom ___________ and (Bride) ___________ in the holy bonds of matrimony. Marriage is an institution ordained of God when man's estate was that of innocence and supreme happiness. God prepared a perfect home for Adam and placed him in the midst of a beautiful garden rich in earth's choicest fruits. He gave him blessed employment, free from anxiety and toil, in caring for the garden. At first man was alone, having no human associate and helper. Birds and beasts and all the living creatures of earth could not bring him satisfaction. God is pictured as noting man's incompleteness and lack of perfect happiness apart from woman. Now follows the beautiful story of the forming of woman from the side of man. Let us not forget the great lessons God would teach by this story. Let us look at the proper relation between husband and wife, "that she was not made out of his head to rule over him; nor out of his feet to be trampled on by him; but out of his side to be equal with him; under his arm to be protected; and near his heart to be beloved." When God made woman He made her to be man's helper and companion. "I will make for him a help, as his counter-part," said God. What nobler mission could woman desire than this? God's thought about marriage is the union of one man and one woman in perpetual wedlock. We would naturally infer from our Savior's presence and the part He played at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, that he considered the act of matrimony well worth His own recognition; but when He selected the tie that binds husband an wife as a fit emblem of His relationship to His own ransomed church He broadened and deepened its significance until there is no tie on earth so binding and none so sacred, as that which binds men and women in the holy bonds of matrimony. Such a relationship then, should not be entered into thoughtlessly, insincerely or indiscreetly, but advisedly, thoughtfully, and in fear of God.

Presentation

Will the parents of the Bride and Groom please stand?

Pastor to Bride's Parents -- Who is bringing (Bride) ___________ to be joined in holy matrimony to (Groom) ___________ ?

Brides Parents -- We are.

Pastor to Groom's Parents -- Who is bringing (Groom) ___________ to be joined in holy matrimony to (Bride) ___________?

Groom's Parents -- We are.

Pastor to Parents -- Are you willing now and always to support and strengthen this marriage by upholding both (Bride) ___________ (Groom) ___________ with your love, your concern, your counsel, and your prayers?

Both Sets of Parents -- We are.

Pastor -- Thank you, you may be seated.

Wedding Vows

If therefore, it be your desire to be united in this holy bond, will you signify that fact by joining your right hands.

Pastor to Groom -- Do you ___________, take this woman whose hand you now hold, to be your true and wedded wife; and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to LOVE, CHERISH, HONOR AND PROTECT HER: to forsake all others for her sake; to cleave unto her, and her only, until death shall part you?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to Bride -- Do you ___________, take this man who now holds your hand, to be your true and wedded husband; and do you solemnly promise before God and these witnesses to LOVE, CHERISH, HONOR AND PROTECT HIM, to forsake all others for his sake; to cleave unto him and him only, and him forever until death shall part you?

Bride -- I do.

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, REPEAT AFTER ME: I, ___________ , take thee, (Bride) __________ be my wedded wife . . . to have and to hold...from this day forward . . . for better or worse . . . for richer, for poorer.. in sickness and in health . . . 'till death do us part . . . and thereto I plight my troth. (or pledge my faithfulness)

Pastor to Bride -- ___________ REPEAT AFTER ME: I, ___________, take thee, (groom) __________ to be my wedded husband . . to have and to hold.. from this day forward . . . for better, for worse . . . or richer, for poorer . . . in sickness and in health . . . 'till death do us part . . . and thereto I plight you my troth. (or pledge my faithfulness)

Solo

Prayer

Dear ones, may I invite you to kneel as you commit your lives to God in prayer. (Bride and groom may pray)

Pastor Prays

Ring Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________ what pledge do you give to (Bride) ___________

Groom -- A ring.

Pastor to Groom -- And this Ring, do you give to (Bride) _______ as a sign and seal of the endless affection with which you will cherish her, and the unbroken fidelity with which you will perform to her the vows of a husband? Do you?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to Groom -- _____________, As you place this ring on (Bride's) ___________ please repeat after me. WITH THIS RING I THEE WED; AND WITH ALL MY WORLDLY GOODS, I THEE ENDOW . . .

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, what pledge to you give (Groom) ___________?

Bride -- A ring.

Pastor to Bride -- And this ring, do you give to him as a sign and seal of the endless affection with which you will cherish him, and the unbroken fidelity with which you will perform to him the vows of a wife? Do you?

Bride answers -- I do.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, as you place this ring on (Groom's) _________ finger, please repeat after me, WITH THIS RING I THEE WED: AND WITH ALL MY WORLDLY GOODS, I THEE ENDOW . . .

Prayer sealing the Rings

Pronouncement

In consideration of these solemn and sacred pledges, I am authorized by the laws of the state of __________ in your marriage license and by the laws of God in His Holy Word, to pronounce you husband and wife. As I do this, let me remind you that henceforth you are one; one in interest, one in reputation and above all else one in affection. What God HATH JOINED TOGETHER, LET NO MAN PART ASUNDER.

Prayer (Kneeling)

Benediction

Embrace

Presentation

May I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. ___________

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #13Introductory Remarks to Audience

(Philippians 2:1, 2, 5) If there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make ___________ and ___________ more complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Have this attitude among yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.

Prayer

Father gives Bride away in traditional manner

Bridal party move up to altar

Wedding Vows

_________ and __________, our God of love has established marriage as the symbol of Christ's perfect relationship to His body, the church. We have come here to bring you as one before Him.

Pastor to Groom -- God has ordained the man as the spiritual head, as the responsible provider, and as the initiator of love in this human relationship. By His enablement, your strength must be (Bride's) protection, your character her boast and pride, and you must so live that she will find in you the haven for which the heart of a woman truly longs.

Pastor to Bride -- It is God's purpose that you be a loving wife, that you respond to (Groom's) love in tenderness with a deep sense of understanding, through a great faith in Christ who brought you together. It is His desire that you have that inner beauty that never fades; that eternal youth that is found in holding fast the things that never age.

Pastor to Bride and Groom -- Christian marriage is not living merely for each other; it is two uniting and joining hands to serve God. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and He will add all other things to you.

___________ and ___________, you stand before us as individuals redeemed through Jesus Christ. (Personalize) Is it your purpose to establish a home that is truly Christ centered, where the Word of God is read and obeyed; a home that is welded together by prayer, in which the Holy Spirit is your constant guide?

Bride and Groom answer -- It is.

Pastor -- And now that your hearts are joined together in love, will you please join your right hands.

Individual Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________ this woman whom you hold by the hand is to be your wife. She has given you one of the most sacred things under heaven: a woman's life and a woman's love. You may bring her great joy or cause her great sorrow. It is not what you bring her in a material way that will make happiness - riches without love are nothing. The gift without the giver is bare. The practice of those virtues as a husband that you have shown as a lover will keep her heart won to your heart. Do you vow here, as you have promised ___________ that you will be true and loyal, patient in sickness, comforting in sorrow, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her for so long as you both shall live?

Groom: I will.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, this man whom you hold by the right hand is to be your husband. On your life, your love, and devotion he will lean for strength and inspiration. He is going to look to you for encouragement, for cheerfulness and confidence. May your life and your love be the inspiration that will constantly lead him to greater dependence upon our Lord Jesus Christ. Do you vow here, as you have promised ___________ Groom, that you will be loyal in adversity, ministering to him in affliction, comforting him in sorrow, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only to him for so long as you both shall live?

Bride -- I will.

Ring Vows

Pastor -- You may share your vows with each other.

Groom to Bride -- Give Ring

Bride to Groom -- Give Ring.

Scripture and Brief Comments

Prayer

Light large candle

Vocal Solo

Pronouncement

Benediction

Embrace

Introduction

Organ music begins

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #14Introductory Remarks

We have come together at the invitation of (bride) ___________ and (groom) ___________ to celebrate the uniting in Christian love, their hearts and lives. This is possible because of the love God has created in them, through Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." This abundant life, for many people, is an impossible dream, yet God wants us all to have this abundant life and proved His love for us by giving His Son, that we might have this life.

Another way that God provides for this "full" life is creating those who will love us. (Groom) ___________ has found such a one in (bride) ___________ hearts and spirits were drawn together before today by the Lord of all creation. Two lives are not united by ceremony, but only in the power, love, and grace of God.

(Groom) ___________ and (Bride) ___________ are here to publicly declare that because of Jesus Christ's love, they too can truly love one another. As God demonstrated His love in Jesus, our Lord, (Groom) ___________ and (Bride) ___________ will demonstrate this God given love by giving themselves to one another and one for the other.

They have not reached this place alone, each has been given life by their parents. These, who gave to them life love, provision, are and will be, a vital part in their continued lives. Their love has borne fruit in (Groom) ___________ and (Bride) . Love and respect for these will continue as they grow in their own love made possible by their parents.

Giving Away of Bride

Who then has prepared this woman for marriage to this man?

Father replies -- "Her Mother and I."

(Bride, Groom, Best Man, Matron of Honor, Pastor, all move up the stairs, front of pulpit area.)

Wedding Vows

Pastor to Bride and Groom -- ___________ and ___________ , no other human ties are more tender, no other vows are more sacred than these you are about to assume. You are entering into that holy estate which is the deepest mystery of experience, and which is the very sacrament of divine love.

Pastor to Groom: ___________, will you have ___________, to be your wedded wife, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for her so long as you both shall live?

Groom -- "I will."

Pastor to Bride -- ___________ , will you have __________ to be your wedded husband, to live together after God's ordinance in the holy estate of matrimony; will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, keep yourself only for him so long as you both shall live?

Bride -- "I will."

(Pastor can say a few words before vows.)

Pastor - (have Groom take Bride by her right hand)

Pastor asks groom to repeat his vows to his bride.

Pastor asks bride to repeat her vows to her husband.

Ring Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, what symbol do you bring as a pledge of that sincerity of your vows?

Groom -- "A ring."

Pastor to Bride -- Please remember, a ring is more than a symbol of your marriage. It is a seal of the vow you have made to one another. The circle of the ring is, as far as human eye can see, a perfect circle--with no beginning or end--so God too, has perfect love for you and wants you to love one another in His grace--never, never ending. This ring is made of precious metal. You also are precious in God's sight and now in the life of (Groom) ___________ . When you are absent one from another, the presence of the ring reminds you to be faithful and to fulfill your vows to (Groom) ___________.

Rings have historically been the sign of authority--used to seal documents and proclamations, you now accept this authority in your life.

Pastor to Groom -- You may now place your ring on your Bride's finger.

Pastor to Bride -- _____________, what symbol do you bring as a pledge of that sincerity of your vows?

Bride -- "A ring."

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, this ring is a seal of ___________ vow to you. She presents this to you as a token of her submission to you in Jesus Christ. This is a symbol of leadership and privilege. God has placed you as head of the family. You must lead in worship, works and fellowship. As the weaker vessel she depends upon you for strength.

Pastor to Bride -- You may now place your ring on your Bride's finger.

Pronouncement

For as much as (Groom) ___________ and (Bride) ___________ have consented in holy wedlock, and have thereto confirmed the same by giving and receiving each one a ring; by the authority committed unto me as a minister of the Church of Jesus Christ, I now declare you husband and wife, according to the ordinance of God, and the laws of the state of ___________; in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Prayer

Solo

Candle Lighting Ceremony

Groom helps Bride up and goes to top of alter

Pastor -- The two outside candles have been lighted by the parents to represent (Groom's) ___________ and (Bride's) ___________ lives to this moment. They are two distinct lights, each capable of going their separate ways. To bring bliss and happiness to (Groom's) ___________ and (Bride's) ___________ home, there must be a merging of these two lights into one light. This is what the Lord meant when He said, "On this account, a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall be one flesh." From now on their thoughts shall be for each other rather than for their individual selves. Their plans shall be mutual, their joys and sorrows shall be shared alike. As they take a candle and together light the center one, they will extinguish their own candles, thus letting the center candle represent the union of their lives into one flesh. As this one light cannot be divided, neither shall their lies be divided but a united testimony in a Christian home. May ;the radiance of this one light be a testimony of their unity in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Pronouncement

Presentation

Embrace

Benediction

Introduction

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you Mr. and Mrs. ___________

Recessional

WEDDING CEREMONY #15

We have come together at the invitation of ___________ and ___________ to celebrate the uniting in Christian love their lives and hearts. This is possible because of the love God has created in them, through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly." This abundant life, for many people, is an impossible dream, yet God wants us all to have this abundant life and proved His love for us by giving His son that we might have this life.

Another way that God provides for this "full" life is creating those who will love us. ___________ found such a one in ___________ Their hearts and spirits were drawn together before today by the Lord of all creation. Two lives are not united by ceremony, but only in the power, love and grace of God.

___________ and ___________ are here to publicly declare that because of Jesus Christ's love, they too can truly love one another. As God demonstrated His love in Jesus, Our Lord, ___________ and ___________ will demonstrate this God given love by giving themselves to one another and one for the other.

They have not reached this place alone, each has been given life by their parents. These who gave to them life, love, provision, are and will be, a vital part in their continued lives. Their love has borne fruit in ___________ and ___________. Love and respect for these will continue as they grow in their own love, made possible by their parents.

Giving Away of Bride

Pastor -- Who then has prepared this woman for marriage to this man? (or Who giveth this woman to be married to this man?)

Father answers -- Her family and I have prepared her for marriage. (or Her family and I.)

Wedding Vows

I sometimes counsel with the couple and ask them to write what they wish to say in their vows to each other. They learn this and I allow them to express it without too much (if any) prompting. One service I had the girl did not remember what she had planned to say so she blurted out, "Jim, I have forgotten what I wanted to say to you. I'm afraid, but I do love you deeply and with all my heart!" The wedding service was successful.

Ring Vows

Pastor -- A ring is more than a symbol of your marriage. It is a seal of the vows you have given to one another! The circle of the ring is, as far as human eye can see, a perfect circle--without beginning or end. So God too has perfect love for you and wants you to love one another in His grace--never, never ending. This ring is made of precious metal.

Pastor to Bride -- You __________, are precious in God's sight and now in the life of ___________. When you are absent one from another, the presence of the ring reminds you to be faithful to and to fulfill your vow to ___________ . Rings have historically been the sign of authority--used to seal documents and proclamations. You now accept his authority in your life.

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, this ring is a seal of ____________'s vow to you. She presents this to you as a token of her submission to you in Jesus Christ. This is a symbol of leadership and privilege. God has placed you as head of the family. You must lead in worship, works and fellowship. As the weaker vessel she depends upon you for strength.

(Charge the couple to respond to the scripture of 1 Peter 3 and Eph. 5.)

Pastor to Groom -- ___________, are you now prepared to love ___________ as Christ loved the church? Are you willing to love cherish, provide, and protect her, in sickness and health, in sorrow or in joy, etc. According to the Word of God will you cherish and love her as your wife until death separates you?

Groom -- "I will."

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, are you prepared to be subject to ___________ in the Word of God. As your husband will you respect him, love him, etc.

Bride -- "I will."

Prayer

Perhaps ask the best man to pray for the Groom and Maid of Honor to pray for the Bride.

Pastor close in prayer

Introduction of New Couple

WEDDING CEREMONY #16

(Involving children of Bride and Groom)

Preliminaries

Bride's children come down the aisle and face rear of chapel, standing on left side. Groom's children come down the aisle and stand on right side, facing rear of chapel. Groom and Pastor enter, down the aisle, and stand in the center, facing the rear. Bride enters with escort Escort sits down after they reach the front. Wedding party assembles, facing front.Pastor moves up on platform.

Introductory Remarks and Welcome

Introduce Families

As we share in this wedding ceremony, it is well that we remember that in the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth, He concluded, "It is not good for man to be alone." So, He created woman to share in man's life--to assist in man's striving--to satisfy man's need. He also created the woman to be loved, honored and appreciated by man.

This is marriage, and it is for the purpose of joining ___________ and ___________ in marriage that we have come together today. The marriage of two Christians is viewed by God as an occasion of great joy since it marks the beginning of a relationship that is second only to our personal relationship with the Lord Himself. BUT IT IS ONLY THROUGH CHRIST that marriage becomes what God intends it to be. Let us acknowledge His place in this ceremony and see His blessing on this union.

Prayer

Giving Away of Bride

Pastor -- Who presents ___________ to be joined in marriage to ___________ ?

Escort -- "I do."

Wedding Vows

The essence of any marriage relationship is love. Much of what we call love is really self-centered response, which will never form an adequate foundation for marriage. Love, by its very nature, is active and giving, not self-oriented and self-serving.

Jesus Christ is the true example of love, and He has commanded us to love each other as He loves us. And how does He love us? First, He gives all for our sake, without hesitation or concern for Himself. In other words, love puts the needs of the one loved ahead of the needs and desires of the lover.

Next, from Christ's example, we see that love shares all. There are no secret compartments, no hidden rooms, no locked closets in a successful love relationship. There is only openness and, as a result, trust, when husband and wife truly love each other.

Finally, the Lord Jesus teaches us that love provides all. It provides security, it seeks to develop ability, and it shares the common purpose of obtaining what is best for the one loved. Such love is not merely impossible, it is supernatural. ONLY JESUS CHRIST can love this way, and we can only love this way if we submit to Him and depend on His Spirit to love through us.

Therefore, as marriage partners, you must continually allow Christ to exercise His Lordship in your lives because He, and His indwelling Spirit, will enable you to be a proper husband and good wife. Earlier I said that the essence of any marriage relationship is love, but when we understand what love really is, we must recognize that the essence of any marriage relationship is our spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, because without Him there is no real love.

The Apostle Paul gives us an additional description of love in God's Word: "This love of which I speak is slow to lose patience; it looks for a way of being constructive. It is not possessive; it is neither anxious to impress, nor does it cherish inflated ideas of its own importance. Love has good manners, and does not pursue selfish advantage. It is not touchy. It does not keep account of evil or gloat over the wickedness of other people. On the contrary, it is glad with all men when truth prevails. Love knows no limit to its endurance; no end to its hope. It can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the only thing that still stands when all else has fallen." (I Corinthians 13)

Pastor to Bride -- We must also realize that marriage is designed to be a picture of Christ and His relationship with those who believe in Him. In this picture, you ___________, as you give yourself in submission and dependence to ____________, portray the role of the Christian who also gives himself in submission and dependence to Christ.

Pastor to Groom -- On the other hand ___________, as you love and keep ___________ , you portray the love of the Lord Jesus as He expressed it toward the Christian. In view of this picture, there are specific instructions to both husbands and wives.

Pastor to Bride -- To the wife God says, "Wives, be subject to your own husbands as to the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the Head of the church.." ___________, this is the command of God in His Word and is designed to make your marriage relationship a thing of beauty and joy. So, in acceptance of this principle of God's Word, do you now commit yourself to ____________, to be his wife, to join your lives together in living, permanent union as Christ is to His church?

Bride -- "I do."

Pastor to Bride -- Then repeat after me: "I commit myself to you ___________, before God, to be your faithful and loving wife for all the years of our earthly life, to cherish our relationship in Christ and God's order for the family."

Pastor to Groom -- __________, the command of God to husbands is, "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave His own life for it." Loving as Christ loved is the key to the enjoyment of all that God designed marriage to be. Without His love the fullness you seek will turn into emptiness, the satisfaction into dissatisfaction. Therefore, do you willing express your desire and intent to fulfill God's command to husbands, counting on the enabling ministry of the Spirit of God, and do you now commit yourself to ___________ to be her husband?

Groom -- "I do."

Pastor to Groom -- Then repeat after me: "I do commit myself to you, __________, before God, to be your faithful and loving husband for all the years of our earthly life, to seek to love you even as Christ loves the church which is His bride."

Prayer

Ring Vows

As you exchange rings let them be to each of you a constant reminder of these commitments you have made.

Pastor to Bride -- Please repeat these words after me: "I give you this ring, ___________ , as a symbol of my love, and with it pledge my loyalty and devotion as long as we both shall live."

Pastor to Groom -- Please repeat these words after me: "I give you this ring, ___________ , as a symbol of my love, and with it pledge my loyalty and devotion as long as we both shall live."

Exchange Kiss

WEDDING CEREMONY #17

Introduction

Friends, we have been invited here to share with __________ and __________ in a most important time in their lives. In the time they have been together, their love for and understanding of each other has grown and matured. Now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.

Would you bow with me as we ask the Lord's blessing on our time together today?

Prayer

Our Father in heaven, Creator, Savior, and Designer of marriage, we turn to you this afternoon, asking that you be glorified by what takes place. That this ceremony would honor you, and reflect the seriousness of the vows to be spoken. Might this service be a reminder to us who have spoken similar vows to our spouses in the past. Might it be instructive to those yet considering such a commitment in their future. Might this ceremony be a fitting beginning for __________ and ___________ as they commit themselves before this company to pursue a Christ-centered life together. We ask it in Jesus' name, Amen. Thank you. You may be seated.

Giving Away of Bride

Pastor -- Who is giving this woman to be joined to this man?

Father of Bride -- Her mother and I are

Pastor -- Will the Bride's and Groom's Parents please stand?

Pastor to Bride's Parents -- _________and _________, are you willing, now and always, to support and strengthen this marriage, by upholding both _________ and ____________, with your love, your concern, your counsel, and your prayers?

Bride's Parents -- We are.

Pastor to Groom's Parents -- _________ and _________, are you willing, now and always, to support and strengthen this marriage, by upholding both ________ and __________ with your love, your concern, your counsel, and your prayers?

Groom's Parents -- We are.

Lighting Candles

As organ plays both mothers walk up to light two single candles

Wedding Vows

Bride and Groom approach pastor on platform

Our God of love has established marriage as the symbol of Christ's perfect relationship to His Body, the Church. We have come to bring you as one before Him.

Pastor to Groom -- _________, God has ordained the man as the spiritual head, as the responsible provider, and as the initiator of love in this human relationship. By His enablement, your strength must be your wife's protection, your character her boast and pride, and you must so live that she will find in you the haven for which the heart of a woman truly longs.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, it is God's purpose that you be a loving wife, that you respond to your husband's love in tenderness with a deep sense of understanding, through a great faith in Christ who brought you together. It is His desire that you have that inner beauty of soul that never fades; that eternal youth that is found in holding fast the things that never age.

Pastor to Couple -- Christian marriage is not living merely for each other; it is two persons, uniting and joining hands to serve God. Seek His kingdom first, and His righteousness, and He will add all other things to you. Do not expect perfection from each other--that belongs solely to God. You need not minimize each other's weaknesses, but always be swift to praise and magnify each other's points of comeliness and strength, and see each other through kind and patient eyes.

God will lead you into such situations as will bless you, and those which will develop your character as you walk together. That's another way of saying there will be difficult times you share as well. As you look to Him, He will give you enough tears to keep you tender, enough hurts to keep you compassionate, enough of failure to keep your hands clenched tightly in His, and enough of success to make you certain that you do walk with Him.

May He remain the central figure in your relationship together. May you never take each other's love for granted, but always experience that wonder that exclaims "Out of all in this world, you have chosen me!" When life is done, may you be found, then as now, hand in hand, still thanking God for each other. May you ever serve Him happily, faithfully, together, until Christ returns in Glory, or until at last one shall lay the other to rest in the arms of the Savior. And all this, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pastor to Groom -- __________, have you in the quiet hours of your companionship considered what is your Christian duty as a husband?

Groom -- I have.

Pastor to Bride -- ___________, have you in the quiet hours of your companionship considered what is your Christian duty as a wife?

Bride -- I have.

You both stand before us as children of God, redeemed by Jesus Christ through your trust in Him, and His substitutionary death for your sin. Is it your purpose to establish a home that is truly Christ-centered, where the Word of God is read and obeyed; a home that is welded together by prayer, in which the Holy Spirit is your constant Guide?

Bride and Groom -- It is.

Will you please, as an expression that your hearts are joined together in love, now please join your hands.

Pastor to