Christian Wedding Ceremony
Sample 15
Introduction
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
abun-dant 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 an-other! 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 proclama-tions. 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 de-pends 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. Accord-ing 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
Pastor close in prayer
Pronouncement
Embrace
Introduction of New Couple