Wedding Ceremony

Wedding Program

Welcome to the Wedding Celebration uniting

_______________ with ____________

Prelude: Parents, Grandparents ushered in

Bridesmaid Processional

Bride Processional: Sunrise Serenade by Pachelbei

Welcome and Prayer by ____________

Solo by: ________________

Wedding Message “______________”

Marriage Rite

Wedding vows, Exchange of rings, Declaration of marriage

Lighting the Unity Candle/Unity Sand

Song “________________”

Prayer _______________

Recessional “______________” by __________________

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Our Poem

(Choose one or create one yourselves)

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The Wedding Ceremony

Processional

Seating of Parents

Having the support and involvement of parents and grandparents in the ceremony brings a special blessing to the couple and also expresses honor to the previous generations of marriage unions.

The processional music begins with the seating of the honored guests:

Seating of the Groom’s grandmother

Seating of the Bride’s grandmother

Seating of the Groom’s parents

Seating of the Bride’s mother

Bridal Procession Begins

Minister and Groom usually enter from stage rights. If the Groomsmen are not escorting the Bridesmaid’s down the aisle to the alter, they also enter together with the Minister and Groom.

Bridesmaids enter, usually down the center aisle, one at a time. If the Groomsmen are escorting the Bridesmaids, they enter together.

Maid, or Matron of Honor enters. If she is being escorted by the Best Man, they enter together.

Flower Girl and Ring Bearer enter.

Wedding March Begins

The Bride and her father enter. Typically the Bride’s mother will stand as a signal for all of the guests to stand. Sometimes the Minister will announce, “All rise for the Bride.”

Call to Worship

MINISTER:

Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sign of God – and in the face of this company – to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace.

Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

Through marriage, GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME make a commitment together to face their disappointments – embrace their dreams – realize their hopes – and accept each other’s failures. GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together – through mutual understanding – openness – and sensitivity to each other.

We are here today – before God – because marriage is one of His most sacred wishes – to witness the joining in marriage of GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME. This occasion marks the celebration of love and commitment with which this man and this woman begin their life together. And now – through me – He joins you together in one of the holiest bonds.

Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?

BRIDE’S FATHER OR ESCORT:

Her family and friends gathered here today do.

MINISTER:

This is a beginning and a continuation of their growth as individuals. With mutual care, respect, responsibility and knowledge comes the affirmation of each one’s own life happiness, growth and freedom. With respect for individual boundaries comes the freedom to love unconditionally. Within the emotional safety of a loving relationship – the knowledge self-offered one another becomes the fertile soil for continued growth. With care and responsibility towards self and one another comes the potential for full and happy lives.

By gathering together all the wishes of happiness and our fondest hopes for GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME from all present here, we assure them that our hearts are in tune with theirs. These moments are so meaningful to all of us, for “what greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined together – to strengthen each other in all labor – to minister to each other in all sorrow – to share with each other in all gladness.

This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love – for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.

Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is amoral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last.

Exchange of Vows

My written vows-

Reserved

MINISTER TO GROOM:

Do you GROOM’S NAME take BRIDE’S NAME to be your wife – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?

GROOM:

I do.

MINISTER TO BRIDE:

Do you BRIDE’S NAME take GROOM’S NAME to be your husband – to live together after God’s ordinance – in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?

BRIDE:

I do.

Exchange of Wedding Rings

MINISTER:

What token of your love do you offer? Would you place the ring(s) in my hand?

May this/these ring(s) be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women year. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home which they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May this/these ring(s) on her/their finger(s) symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.

Handing ring to the Groom

MINISTER TO GROOM:

GROOM’S NAME, in placing this ring on BRIDE’S NAME finger, repeat after me: BRIDE’S NAME), you are now consecrated to me as my wife from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.

Handing ring to the Bride

MINISTER TO BRIDE:

BRIDE’S NAME, in placing this ring on GROOM’S NAME finger, repeat after me: GROOM’S NAME, you are now consecrate to me as my husband from this day forward and I give you this ring as the pledge of my love and as the symbol of our unity and with this ring, I thee wed.

Pronouncement

MINISTER:

May you always share with each other the gifts of love – be one in heart and in mind – may you always create a home together that puts in your hearts – love – generosity and kindness.

In as much as GROOM’S NAME and BRIDE’S NAME have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.

You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other’s best friend.

What – therefore – God has joined together – let no man put asunder.

And so, by the power vested in me by the State of ______ and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth.

You may now kiss the bride.

Presentation of the Couple

Minister: It is now my privilege to introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. ____.

Recessional

The wedding party exits the platform, typically in the following order:

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• • Bride and Groom
  • Maid or Matron of Honor and Best Man
  • Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
  • Flower Girl and Ring Bearer
  • The Ushers return for the honored guests who are escorted out in reverse order of their entrance.
  • Ushers may then dismiss the remaining guests, either all at once, or one row at a time.