Christian Wedding Ceremony Script 8

I do my best to be open to all couples and part of that is gender-neutrality and equality. For many Christian couples, marriage is between a man and a woman.  This particular ceremony reflects that. 

Christian Wedding Ceremony Script 8

Welcome

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of family and friends to join together this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony, which is commended of St. Paul to be an honorable estate, instituted of God and therefore is not to be entered into unadvisedly or carelessly, but reverently, joyfully and in the love of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come now to be joined.

Presentation of the Bride

"Who gives this bride to this Groom in marriage?"

Father says, "I do" (He then takes the Brides right hand and places it in the groom's left hand, and retires to his place. Father sits with Mother)

Bible Principles of Marriage

Jesus Christ Reminds us that at the beginning, the Creator made us male and female and said, For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh. God loved us and created us to love others. Our lives find completion only as we love and are loved in return. Together, we can become what we could never be separately. Marriage is of God.

Today's Reading is from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Bride and Groom come today desiring to be united in this sacred relationship.

Prayer

Let us Pray.  Almighty God you have created us all in the image of Love, the image of Yourself. Bless now these two who stand before you. Guide them in your wisdom, shine your light upon them, that as they journey through this life together, they will walk as bearers of your Truth. Amen.

(At this point, the bride may wish to give her bouquet of flowers to her attendant or place them on the table next to her.)

Joining of Hands

"Please join hands."

Marriage Vows

Groom, Please repeat after me:  I, Groom, take you, Bride, for my wedded wife, To love and cherish, For better or worse, for richer or poorer, In sickness and in health, from this day forward.

Bride, Please repeat after me:  I, Bride, take you, Groom, for my wedded husband, To love and cherish, For better or worse, for richer or poorer, In sickness and in health, from this day forward.

Blessing of the Rings

May we have the rings please.

Bless, O Lord, The Giving of these rings that they who wear them, may live in your peace and your favor all the days of their life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Exchange of Rings

Groom, As you place this ring on Bride's finger, please repeat after me:

Bride, This ring is my sacred gift to you, A symbol of my Love, A sign that from this day forward and always, My Love will surround you, With this ring, I thee wed.

Bride, As you place this ring on Groom's finger, please repeat after me:

Groom, This ring is my sacred gift to you, A symbol of my Love, A sign that from this day forward and always, My Love will surround you, With this ring, I thee wed.

Closing Prayers

Oh, eternal God, Creator, and preserver, Giver of all spiritual grace, the Author of everlasting life; Send thy blessing upon these thy servants, this man and this woman, whom we bless in thy Name; that they, living faithfully together, may surely perform and keep the vow and covenant between them as symbolized by these rings as a token and pledge, and may ever remain in perfect love and peace together and live according to thy laws. Amen.

Those Whom God Has joined together, let no one put asunder!

Benediction

"May the Peace and the Unconditional Love of God surround you and remain with you now and forevermore. Amen.

Pronouncement

For as much as Bride and Groom have consented together in holy matrimony and have witnessed the same before God and those present, and have pledged their faithfulness, each to the other, and have declared their love by giving and receiving Rings and by joining hands, I now, by the authority committed unto me as a minister and a priest, declare that Bride and Groom are husband and wife according to the ordinance of God, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.



You may seal your vows with a kiss.

Allow me to present Mr. and Mrs. ________!