(Ceremony Begins after Bridal Party Gathers at
the front)
WORDS TO THE GUESTS
Friends, we
are gathered here to witness the marriage of ________ and _________, who stand
before you in love, trust and hope. They ask God to bless their coming
together and to sustain them in the years to come, and they ask us to be
present with them, to share and celebrate in their love. (Everyone is seated)
PRESENTATION OF THE BRIDE IN MARRIAGE
(Brides
parent’s names) ___________and _________, (bride) ________ loves you both very
much and is honored by your respect of her decision to marry __________.
In return will you now express your love for your daughter and grant your
blessing of this marriage? I give you an opportunity to express your
favor and willfully grant the hand of your daughter in marriage to
(groom) __________ with this question? Who now gives this woman to be
married to this man?
ANSWER:
“Her mother and I”. or “I do”.
OR SIMPLY:
Who presents this woman to be married to this man? Answer: __________
CHARGE TO THE COUPLE
________ and
_________, I charge you before these people, and in the sight of God of whom
the secrets of your hearts are known, that having seriously considered the promises
you are about to make, you do now sincerely declare your trust to one
another. Be well aware that if you honor the vows you are about to make,
and if you are steadfast in them, God will grant you fulfillment in your
marriage and establish your home in peace.
PRAYER
Lord you are
good. Marriage is your idea. We thank you for bringing _______ and
________ together, and for bringing them to this point of commitment.
We call on You today because _________ and _________ are your children, created and molded for your purpose. We ask that you would bless their marriage with peace, love and understanding. We ask that you will protect and guide them in their decisions. Lure them to depend on you and to live in your favor at all times. Be present in their home and be glorified in their marriage. Amen.
We call on You today because _________ and _________ are your children, created and molded for your purpose. We ask that you would bless their marriage with peace, love and understanding. We ask that you will protect and guide them in their decisions. Lure them to depend on you and to live in your favor at all times. Be present in their home and be glorified in their marriage. Amen.
READING
1 Corinthians
13:4-8 Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love
isn’t selfish, or quick-tempered. It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that
others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always
supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!
THE QUESTION (Pastor
asks)
(Groom)
Do you ______________ take ______________ to be your own beloved wife, your
dearest friend, and your most treasured companion. “I DO”
(Bride)
Do you ______________ take ______________ to be your own beloved husband, your
dearest friend, and your most treasured companion. “I DO”
COMMITMENT VOWS (Repeat after Pastor)
I _______, take
you ________, to be my wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness in health, to love and
to cherish, as long as we both shall live. I pledge to you my
love.
I _______,
take you ________, to be my husband. To have and to hold, from this day
forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness in health, to
love and to cherish, as long as we both shall live. I pledge to you my
love.
EXCHANGING OF THE RINGS
Pastor’s
Words: “The unbroken circle of the wedding ring represents the promise of
an unbroken commitment by both the bride and groom as they give this gift to
each other.
GROOM TO BRIDE (Repeat
after Pastor)
“In token of
my love and devotion, I pledge to you, all that I am, and all that I ever will
be. With this
ring, I gladly join my life to yours.”
BRIDE TO GROOM (Repeat
after Pastor)
“In token of
my love and devotion, I pledge to you, all that I am, and all that I ever will
be. With this
ring, I gladly join my life to yours.”
SPECIAL ACTIVITY:
Some ideas include:
Some ideas include:
Unity
Candle
Breaking the
Glass
Sand Ceremony
Jumping the Broom
Flowers to
Parents
Blessing of Hands
Open Letter
Wine Box
Letter Box
Releasing
Doves
Releasing Butterflies
THE PRONOUNCEMENT
For as much
as _________ and ___________ have consented together in holy matrimony, and
have witnessed the same before God and this company, and have pledged their
faith each to the other by sharing of vows and giving and receiving rings, I announce
that they are now husband and wife.
You may kiss
your bride.
I now present to you:
Mr. and Mrs. __________ and
__________ ____________________
