Introductory remarks

Friends, we come together in this holy place to share with ________ and ________ a most important moment in their lives. Marriage was instituted by God in the Garden of Eden when He saw that it was not good for man to be alone. Christ beautified marriage with His presence in Cana of Galilee when He wrought His first miracle. It is commended by the Apostle Paul who likened it to the holy union which exists between Christ and His Church, in which our Lord Jesus is called the Bridegroom and His Church, the Bride.

Prayer

Opening Remarks

We have been invited to hear ________ and ________ promise to face the future together as hus-band and wife. ________ and ________, you must recognize that this covenant is more than a legal contract. This is a bond of union made in heaven. It is to be entered into with reverence. You are about to assume mutual relationships and responsibilities and to promise undying devotions. Nothing is easier than saying words, nothing harder than living them day by day.

Love between a Christian man and wife means caring as much about the welfare and happiness of your marriage partner as about yourself. You will be looking in the same direction together. Burdens will be lighter be-cause you divide them. Joys will be more intense because you share them. No other human tie is more tender, no other vows more sacred than these you are about to assume. Now as you stand in the presence of God, you must remember the responsibilities of a Christian man and wife.

Wedding Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ________, you are to love ________ as Christ loved the Church. You are to be the head of your wife. You are to respect and comfort her. Will you take ________ for your wife?

Groom -- I will.

Pastor to Bride -- ________, your duty as a Christian wife is to submit to ________. You are to be his helpmate. You are to obey, serve, and honor him. Will you this day take ________ as your husband?

Bride -- I will.

Prayer

Giving away of Bride

Pastor -- Who is bringing ________ to be united to ________?

Father of the Bride -- Her mother and I.

Pastor to Bride's Parents -- Mr. and Mrs. ________ are you willing now and always to support and strengthen this marriage by upholding ________ and ________ with your concern?

Bride's Parents: We are.

Pastor to Groom's Parents: Mr. and Mrs. ________ are you willing now and always to support and strengthen this marriage by upholding ________ and ________ with your concern?

Groom's Parents: We are.

Ring Vows

Pastor -- ________ and ________, do you have tokens of the sincerity of these vows?

Bride and Groom -- We do.

Pastor to Groom -- What token do you give of the vows you have made?

Groom -- This ring.

Pastor -- Bless this ring, O Lord, that he who gives it and she who wears it may abide in Thy peace, and continue in Thy favor, unto their life's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Groom to Bride -- ________ I give you this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of my vows. (Groom places ring on bride's finger.)

Pastor to Bride -- ________, what token do you give of the vows you have made?

Bride -- This ring.

Pastor -- Bless this ring, O Lord, that she who gives it and he who wears it may abide in your peace, and continue in your favor, until their life's end, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Bride to Groom -- ________ I give you this ring as a pledge of the sincerity of my vows. (Bride places ring on groom's finger.)

Pastor -- You, ________ and ________ have pledged your devotion to each other. It is not these words that have made your marriage real, but the God of love, who has welded your hearts together as one. He has said, "For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and shall be joined unto his wife and the two shall become one flesh."

Prayer

Solo

Pronouncement

Ministering in the name of the Lord Jesus, I now pronounce you husband and wife. May Christ be the Head of your home. May He be the unseen Guest at every meal, the Listener to every conversation. May Christ's love rule your hearts and lives.

Benediction

Embrace

Introduction

Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you: Mr. and Mrs. ________

Recessional