Wedding Ceremony Sample 13

Introductory 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