Introductory Remarks

We learn from the inspired record that the Lord Jesus honored the marriage ceremony with His presence working there the beginning of His miracles. These miracles indicate that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, the Sovereign and the Creator of the universe, and the wedding ceremony was the first used to demonstrate this glorious fact.

His purpose on earth was to "seek and to save that which was lost," As the scriptures declare, "God com-mended His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The one who sanctifies the marriage union is the Savior of the universe. And the scripture says, "neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." And therefore His invitation to all who witness the wedding ceremony is to "come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.", "And Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." The Bible, which is the Word of God declares marriage to be honorable. It was ordained of God in the time of man's innocency, before he had sinned against the Lord. Since marriage has always been a divine institu-tion, it is to be entered into soberly and discreetly, as in His sight.

God Himself united the first members of human family, which fact alone should abolish all light and frivolous views of marriage. The bridegroom and bride are partners in life, each forsaking mother and father to cleave unto the other. They share a common name, a united household, a common experience, and a love which blesses and transcends all the cares and trials of life. The mathematics of love--Add and multiply joys while sub-tracting and dividing the sorrows.

________ and ________ You now have common interests and occupations. You've become co-workers for common ends. You hold property and possessions in common, and you have essentially one history and one destiny. Inscribed in the Word of God is the counsel you will need for this mutual and blessed relation-ship. The vows are to be broken only by death.

In token of having chosen each other as partners for life, you may now join your right hands.

Wedding Vows

Pastor to Groom -- Do you, ________, take ________ whom you hold by the right hand to be your lawful and wedded wife?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to Groom -- Do you promise to love, to cherish, to honor to protect, forsaking all others, in sick-ness as well as in health. In adversity as well as in prosperity. For better or for worse, and to cleave only to her so long as you both shall live?

Groom -- I do.

Pastor to Bride -- Do you, ________, take ________ to be your lawful and wedded husband?

Bride -- I do.

Pastor to Bride -- Do you promise to love, to cherish, to honor, to obey, forsaking all others, in sickness as well as in health, in adversity as well as in prosperity, for better or for worse, and to cleave only to him so long as you both shall live?

Bride -- I do.

Giving away of Bride

Pastor -- Who giveth ________ to be married to ________ ?

Bride's Father -- Her mother and I.

Ring Vows

Pastor to Groom -- ________, What token do you give to show that you will faithfully perform these vows?

Groom -- A ring.

Pastor -- The circle which forms this ring is the emblem of eternity, and the beautiful metal out of which it is wrought is the type of that which is least tarnished and most enduring. It is to show how lasting and imperish-able, the faith now mutually pledged. You will place this ring on ________'s finger and repeat after me . . . "WITH THIS RING . . . I PLEDGE MYSELF TO THEE . . . WITH ALL THE AFFECTIONS OF MY HEART . . . SO LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE."

Pastor to Bride -- And, ________, what token do you give to show that you will faithfully perform these vows?

Bride -- A ring.

Pastor -- Please place your ring on your Groom's finger and repeat after me. "WITH THIS RING I PLEDGE MYSELF TO THEE . . . WITH ALL THE AFFECTIONS OF MY HEART..SO LONG AS WE BOTH SHALL LIVE."

Prayer

Let us unite in Prayer. We thank Thee, heavenly Father, for this home that is now called into existence, and we ask Thy blessings upon ________ and ________ all the days of their lives. That as unite into one family, they might glorify thee. That they might serve Thee acceptably, and that their lives together, might present the glorious truth of God's Word--the union of Christ and the Church. Bless them to this end, for we ask it in the name of the Kind of Kings and Lord of Lords, even Jesus Christ our Savior, Amen.

Pronouncement

The scripture declares love is forbearing and kind; love knows no jealously, love does not brag, is not con-ceited. She is not unmannerly, nor selfish, nor irritable, nor mindful of wrongs. She does not rejoice in injustice, but joyfully sides with the truth. She can overlook faults. She is full of trust; full of hope; full of endurance. Love never fails.

Having heard the pledges of your affection, and the vows of your fidelity, I do therefore by virtue of the authority invested in me by the laws of the State of (state), before God, whose grace to you is unmeasured, and before these witnesses, pronounce you husband and wife, and what God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.

Benediction

Embrace

Presentation of Bride and Groom

Ladies and Gentlemen; May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. ________.