Christian Wedding Ceremony
Sample 13
Introduction
(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 com-plete by being of the same mind, maintaining the
same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Have this atti-tude
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 ten-derness 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 encour-agement, 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 forsak-ing 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