|
Below are two
weddings
I wrote for couples requesting a non-denominational Christian
service. The ceremonies have definite religious content
without espousing a specific Christian theology.
A third example can be found on the
beach weddings page.
Christian Wedding One
Presentation of the Bride
Words of Welcome
Opening Prayer
Reading From Paul's Letter to the Romans 12:1-3, 9-13
Affirmation of the Couple
Exchange of Vows
Blessing of the Rings
Exchange of Rings
Unity Candle
Community Vow of Support
Blessing of the Marriage
Declaration of Marriage
Presentation of the Couple
Presentation of the Bride
Who presents this woman at her wedding this day? ~ Escort
Responds
Words of Welcome
Dearly beloved, it is with great pleasure we gather today to witness
the joining of two hands, and two hearts in holy matrimony. These
two people, (Bride) and (Groom), have fallen in love so deeply, so
completely, that today, they make a bond, a sacred covenant before
God, whereby their hearts, their bodies, and their souls shall be
united as one in marriage for the rest of their days.
(Groom’s) and (Bride’s) respective families, together with their
friends, each represent a circle of love where members care for, and
nurture each other, in times of joy and in times of sorrow. Today,
they join their lives together to make a new circle of love, one
that overlaps with, and is made stronger by those from which it has
emerged. You have been invited here because of their special
relationship with you, to witness the creation of this sacred bond.
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Dear Lord, love has been your richest and greatest gift to the
world. Love between a man and woman which matures into marriage is
one of your most beautiful types of loves. Today we celebrate that
love. May your blessing be on this wedding service. Protect, guide,
and bless (Groom) and (Bride) in their marriage. Surround them and
us with your love now and always. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
A Reading from Paul’s Letter to the Romans 12:1-3, 9-13
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer
your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is
your spiritual act of worship. do not conform any longer to the
pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will
is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. For by the grace given me I
say to every one of you. Do not think of yourself more highly than
you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in
accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Love must be
sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one
another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never
be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the
Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Affirmation of the Couple
(Groom) and (Bride), your marriage is a partnership, founded in love
and dependent upon mutual commitment, trust, and responsibility.
Each of you will share in both the struggles and joys found in life
and love. When one is saddened, both are sad, and when you share
happiness, it will be multiplied. For what was separate has now
become whole and complete. Remember the strength of your marriage
relies on mutual consideration, patience, kindness, and affection.
You are charged to dedicate your lives to one another in the sight
of God. Giving loyalty and reverence to the Father through Jesus
Christ, thus uniting with him, and living your lives by his
compassionate example, will bring you true happiness as your eternal
reward.
Love between man and woman, like any other love, is a love generous
in giving and generous in receiving. It is full of laughter,
compassion and rejoicing. Love nourishes but it does not possess; in
love we affirm one another and do not dominate. To love is not to
win or lose, but to help and be helped. Trust that this love will
stay, trust that you two will work to support, cherish and encourage
each other. Trust that you can be strong enough to let your paths be
different, to allow distances to come between you, knowing this
freedom of spirit will draw you back together again. Love with an
open hand and consequently in giving, you shall receive.
Exchange of Vows
(Groom) and (Bride), as you stand together
in God's presence, remember love and loyalty serve as the
foundations of a happy and enduring home. If your solemn vows are
kept permanently, and you steadfastly seek to do the will of your
Heavenly Father, your lives will be full of peace and joy, and the
home you are establishing will abide through every change.
(Bride) and (Groom), please join your hands, and in so doing, join
your hearts.
(Bride), please look into (Groom’s eyes) as you repeat after me;
(Groom), I pledge my heart, body and soul to our union.
I promise to support you in your endeavors
and counsel you when you need my guidance.
I will accept your counsel with an open heart and open mind.
I will share my thoughts, hopes and fears with you.
I will hold you close when you laugh and when you cry.
I vow to be a strong individual within a solid union
so we may both grow in love and wisdom all the days of our lives.
I am honored to be your wife.
(Groom), please look into (Bride’s eyes) as you repeat after me;
(Bride), I pledge my heart, body and soul to our union.
I promise to support you in your endeavors
and counsel you when you need my guidance.
I will accept your counsel with an open heart and open mind.
I will share my thoughts, hopes and fears with you.
I will hold you close when you laugh and when you cry.
I vow to be a strong individual within a solid union
so we may both grow in love and wisdom all the days of our lives.
I am honored to be your husband.
Blessing of Rings
May I have the rings please?
Lord, please bless these rings (Bride) and (Groom) are about to
exchange. May they forever remind them of their covenant with one
another, as well as the circle of love they have publicly created
here today. May their compassion and kindness for one another always
be like these rings, with no beginning and no end. May the precious
metal remind them of their precious commitment, and if either begins
to tarnish, may they joyfully undertake the sacred duty to make it
shine brightly again. May their relationship always be like these
rings, separate but close, simple but beautiful. May these rings
always belong to their hands, and their love always belong in each
other’s hearts. In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit. Amen
Exchange of Rings
(Groom), please look into the eyes of your beloved, and place the
ring, a symbol of your eternal love for (Bride) on her hand saying:
“with this ring I marry you.”
(Groom), please look into the eyes of your beloved, and place the
ring, a symbol of your eternal love for (Bride) on her hand saying:
“with this ring I marry you.”
Unity Candle
(Bride) and (Groom) you have just sealed your vows with the giving
and receiving a ring. Today your union is further symbolized by the
union of two flames.
(Bride) and (Groom) as you light your separate candles, you honor
your separate selves: your uniqueness and your autonomy. These
flames represents the light of your being: your special talents,
needs, visions and gifts--all that make you the person the other has
come to cherish most in this world.
As you blend your flames to light the third candle, you celebrate
the power of separate lights to ignite a common flame of passion and
commitment, and to come together as one. The mystery shall be
fulfilled and the two shall become one flesh. As this center light
cannot be divided, let not your lives be divided. May your first
thoughts be for each other; your plans be mutual, your joys and your
sorrows shared. May the light of God’s love shine forth from your
union and reflect the light of his love for us.
Community Vow of Support
Now that you have heard (Bride) and (Groom) exchange their vows of
holy matrimony, do you, their family and friends, promise from this
day forward, to encourage them and love them, and to help guide and
support them in being steadfast in the promises they have made?” If
you agree, please say, “We do.”
Blessing of the Marriage
Let us pray. Lord, help (Bride)
and (Groom) to always remember when
they first met and the strong
love that grew between
them. To work that love
into practical things so nothing can divide them.
May they always speak words both
kind and loving, and may their hearts be
always ready
to ask forgiveness as well as
to forgive. Dear Lord,
we place their marriage into your
hands. Amen.
Declaration of Marriage
Because (Groom) and (Bride) have desired each other in marriage,
witnessing this before God, sealing their vows in the giving and
receiving of rings, I do proclaim they are husband and wife in the
sight of God and man. Let all people here and everywhere recognize
and respect this holy union, now and forever. You may kiss your
bride.
Presentation of the Married Couple
Ladies and gentleman, it is my great honor and privilege to present
to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. (Groom and Bride
Surname)!
Christian Wedding Two
Presentation of the Couple
Words of
Welcome
Opening Prayer
Reading From Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:12-14
Affirmation of Marriage
Exchange of Vows
Blessing of the Rings
Exchange of Rings
The Rose and Vessel
Musical Interlude with Signing of the Marriage License
Blessing of the Marriage
Declaration of Marriage
Presentation of the Couple
Truly blessed is the couple who come to the marriage altar with the
approval and blessings of their families and friends. Who has the
honor of presenting this man and woman to be married this day? ~
Parents respond: “We do.”
Words of Welcome
Dear friends and family, with great affection for (Groom) and
(Bride), we have gathered together to witness and bless their union
in marriage. To this sacred moment they bring the fullness of their
hearts as a treasure and a gift from God to share with one another.
They bring the dreams which bind them together in an eternal
commitment. They offer to one another their gifts and talents, their
unique personalities and spirits, which God will unite together into
one being. We rejoice with them in thankfulness to the Lord for
creating this union of hearts, built on friendship, respect and
love.
(Bride) and (Groom) are mindful of the distance many of you have
traveled to be with them this day and wish to express their deepest
gratitude. Thank you for supporting their union, now and forever.
Opening Prayer
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, (Groom) and (Bride) are about to vow
their unending loyalty to each other. We ask you to accept the
shared treasure of their life together, which they now create in
your presence. Grant them everything they need, that they may
increase in their knowledge of you and live lives full of goodness
and love as taught by Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.
A Reading From Paul's Letter to the Colossians 3:12-14
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe
yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you
may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And
over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in
perfect unity.
Affirmation of Marriage
(Groom) and (Bride) your choice of scripture is very appropriate
given your appreciation for one another’s kindness and compassion as
both of you shared with me how much you cherish these qualities in
one another. I believe Paul chose his words with great care and
deliberation. He instructs us to clothe ourselves with these
important virtues because clothing is a deliberate choice we make.
You could have chosen to stand before us today in jeans and a
t-shirt, and we’re very glad you didn’t as you both look fantastic
by the way.
How we treat one another is also a choice. We can choose to ignore
the other’s needs, speak rudely or demonstrate little patience for
faults, both real and perceived. For a marriage to succeed it is
extremely important you choose the path of kindness and patience,
for there will be times of disagreement, disillusionment and
disappointment. All couples have conflict and we all disagree about
the same things, children, finances, and whose turn it is to do the
dishes. How we resolve those conflicts makes all the difference in
the world. Heed Paul’s advice and clothe yourselves with compassion
remembering that like you, your partner is someone with joys and
sorrows, gifts and needs. Be gentle, kind, humble and patient even
when it is a struggle for it is moments such as these that will
bring you closer together, in harmony with one another, and with the
one who Created you and blessed your union. Forgive one another, and
forgive yourselves.
Exchange of Vows
(Bride) and (Groom), as you endeavor to keep true to the vows you
are about to exchange,
cherish the hopes you have this day. Let them be not dimmed by habit
and routine, but keep them fresh and foremost in your hearts and
minds. Believe in your ideals for your union, diligently pursue
them with compassion and trust, and they shall indeed become real.
(Bride) would you please share with us your vows to (Groom)? ~
Bride reads words she has prepared.
(Groom) would you please share with us your vows to (Bride)? ~
Groom reads words she has prepared.
(Bride), please look into (Groom’s) eyes as I ask. Do you (Bride)
take (Groom) to be your wedded husband pledging to give all
the love, faith, compassion, respect and effort a holy ordained
union demands, dedicating yourself in mind, body, heart and soul to
(Groom) until death you do part? ~ I do.
(Groom), please look into (Bride’s) eyes as I ask. Do you (Groom)
take (Bride) to be your wedded wife pledging to give all
the love, faith, compassion, respect and effort a holy ordained
union demands, dedicating yourself in mind, body, heart and soul to
(Groom) until death you do part? ~ I do.
Exchange of Rings
May I have the rings please?
Dear Lord, bless these rings (Groom) and (Bride) have set apart to
be visible signs of the inward and spiritual bond which unites their
hearts. This circle will now seal the vows of their marriage and
will symbolize the purity and endlessness of their love. As they
give and receive these rings, may they testify to the world of the
covenant made between them now and always.
(Groom), please look into (Bride’s) eyes, repeating after me as you
place the ring upon her hand.
(Bride), receive and wear this ring
as a symbol of my trust,
my respect and my love for you.
(Bride), please look into (Groom’s) eyes, repeating after me as you
place the ring upon her hand.
(Groom), receive and wear this ring
as a symbol of my trust,
my respect and my love for you.
The Rose and Vessel
(Bride) and (Groom) have chosen to share
two symbolic gifts, The Marriage Vessel and the Rose, to symbolize
their life-long commitment to one another.
We celebrate God’s gifts of Creation, one
gift (presenting the vessel) honoring creativity and crafted
lovingly by human hands, the other (holding up the rose) that
can be brought forth only by the glory of nature.
This vessel is a symbol of love's strength
and endurance. The miracle of the vessel is it not only protects,
but is enriched and ennobled by that which it holds. Likewise, the
rose born of the tiniest of seeds, symbolizes both the beauty and
the potential of love that blooms and grows through time. Both the
vessel and the rose are individually unique, yet when combined, they
create an object of even greater beauty.
(Bride) please present the vessel to
(Groom) as you repeat after me;
(Groom), this vessel represents
the strength I see in you.
I thank you for the person you are a
nd the person I am becoming
because of your love for me.
(Groom), please present the rose to (Bride)
as you repeat after me;
(Bride) this rose represents
the beauty I see in you.
I thank you for the love and care
you have given me
and for all we will share
together in this life.
(Bride), please place the rose in the
vessel and hold it together in your loving hands as you both repeat
after me;
As our gifts bring beauty
and purpose to each other
may our lives continue
to enrich and strengthen one another.
(Bride) and (Groom), as you share each passing day and as your days
become years remember this tradition you have created. On each
wedding anniversary, place an additional rose in your marriage
vessel to demonstrate your ever growing love for one another. May
this gift always be a visual symbol of the beauty and strength you
bring to your union.
Musical Interlude with Signing of the License
At this time I invite (Soloist) to come forward and honor (Bride)
and (Groom) with “Ave Maria.”
~ During the song, the Best Man and Maid of Honor sign the marriage
license and marriage certificate as witnesses.
Blessing of the Marriage
May the love of God be above you to overshadow you, beneath you to
uphold you, before you to guide you, behind you to protect you,
close beside you and within you to make you able for all things, and
to reward your faithfulness with the joy and peace which the world
cannot give -- neither can it take away. Through Jesus Christ, our
Lord, who reigns in glory now and forever. Amen
Declaration of Marriage
(Bride) and (Groom), you have pledged your lives to one another in
the presence of God, symbolized by the joining of hands and the
giving and receiving of rings. By the strength of your covenant, you
are now joined as one in the bonds of faith, hope and love from this
day forward. It is my honor to hereby pronounce you are husband and
wife. You may kiss your bride.
|
