Wedding Ceremony
Dr. Lewis Gregory
Prelude/Processional
*Music
*Minister & Groom walk in together
*Groomsmen make their entrance on side
*Grandparents Seated
*Parents seated
*Bridesmaids, then maid of honor
*Ring bearer & flower girl enter
Bride’s Entrance/Giving Away of the Bride
Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of Groom and Bride, welcome to this momentous occasion. Well Groom and Bride, the big moment is finally here. Your lives are about to be joined together as one, in Holy Matrimony. Are you ready for this? Who gives this woman to be married to this man? Father
Welcome/Opening Remarks
(Interesting, humorous or informative stories about the couple, how they met etc.)
Groom and Bride, Marriage is sometimes referred to as Holy Matrimony, and for good reason. God, who is holy, established marriage, thus making it Holy Matrimony. This occurred in the very beginning. At each stage of creation God said, “It is good.” And after He created man He said, “It is very good!” But then God said, “It is not good.” Something was missing. Man was incomplete. And so in Genesis 2:18 God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make a help meet for him.” (a help meet, in other words, a suitable helper, a counterpart, a companion) So Bride, that means you complete Groom, and He completes you. With this in mind ____________________________, the good Lord made it possible for the two of you to be joined in marriage. And that is very good!
But now, it’s time to leave the past behind, and move forward together in the Lord. (Let’s pause for prayer.) Today, Groom and Bride by God’s mercy and grace, you are about to embark on an exciting new adventure together, as husband and wife.
Groom, let’s start with you. In the Bible in Ecclesiastes 9:9, God has this to say to you about marriage. “Live happily with the woman you love through the fleeting days of this life, for the wife God gives you is your best reward down here for all your earthly toil.” Bride the same can be said to the woman. So Bride, God’s word to you is, “Live happily with the man you love through the fleeting days of this life, for the husband God gives you is your best reward down here for all your earthly toil.” There may be days when you both have your doubts, but I assure you it is the truth! And I pray that both of you will always remember this.
However, in order to live happily together, you must relate to one another in a loving manner. This is only possible, as you allow God, who is love, to express His love through you. Since the fruit of God’s Spirit is love, God alone can enable you to relate to each other in a loving manner. As you give yourselves, and your marriage to the Lord, He will enable you to do just that. In fact, I urge everyone present to make sure that you have given yourself completely to the Lord. Therefore, let’s bow our heads right now for a prayer of commitment as we begin this wedding ceremony.
Prayer of Commitment
Groom and Bride, as you remain in an attitude of prayer, it is vitally important, for the sake of your marriage, that you take a moment right now, to give yourselves afresh, and anew to the Lord. Make this your silent prayer, “Dear Lord Jesus, before I enter into this marriage/ I give myself to you afresh and anew. I ask you to take complete control of my life/ and fill me with your Holy Spirit. I give this marriage to you/ and I trust you to make it the best that it can be. I acknowledge you as the Head of our house, and the Lord over our lives and marriage. Thank you for giving us one home under God, where your love reigns supreme! Amen.”
Yes Groom and Bride, God’s Love is Supreme!
The most beautiful illustration of God’s love is described in 1 Corinthians 13. Consider these words:
“If I speak with the eloquence of men and of angels, but have not love, then I am no more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. I may give away everything I have, and even give up my body to be burned, but if I have not love, it does me no good. I have achieved nothing, and I am nothing. Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, and always remains hopeful. Love never fails!”
No wonder they call First Corinthians 13 the love chapter. It is quite an extensive description of love, but not just any love, God’s love! Love is the very nature of God and God alone, for God Himself is love. And, Love—God’s love—never fails! Therefore, Groom and Bride, you need to allow God, who is love, to express His love through you. And then, your love for one another, will never fail!
Scripture Reading: Groom and Bride have chosen a special Scripture verse that expresses their love and commitment to one another. _______________ will now read Ephesians chapter 4: 2-3. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
Challenge: Groom and Bride, you’re a beautiful couple. And I pray that our Lord will bless you with a beautiful marriage, just like my wife Lue and I have enjoyed for almost 45 years now! May God grant that your love never fades. Trust the Lord to cause you to never take each other for granted. And always remember to treat one another with kindness, tenderness, and respect. Remind yourselves often of what brought you together. So that, when you are old, you will be found, hand in hand, still thanking God for one other.
Exchange of Vows
Now, let’s turn our attention to the exchange of vows. Groom and Bride, in as much as you have determined, that it is God’s will, for you to be united in Holy Matrimony, it is now time to enter into the marriage covenant. This covenant is a sacred vow, not only with each other, but also with your God. The marriage covenant is of such a high and holy nature, that it is humanly impossible to fulfill. That is why Almighty God, before whom you are making this covenant, also makes a covenant with you.
God’s covenant is based upon grace through faith. God provides you with the grace, which is the necessary power and ability to keep your vows. You must respond in faith. That is, you must cooperate with God, through faithful obedience. With this in mind, you are now ready to exchange vows.
Groom you get to go first. *Many write their own vows to each other.
Bride now it’s your turn! * Many write their own vows to each other.
Exchanging of Rings
Groom and Bride, It is now time for you to exchange wedding rings. The wedding ring is an age-old tradition. But it holds great significance. It is a symbol of your love and commitment to one another. Your wedding ring is a silent witness that you are no longer your own. You have given up your independence, for a life of interdependence, in order that you might share your lives together. Groom and Bride, may your rings serve as a reminder of your undivided love and devotion to each other.
(Get the brides ring and give it to Groom.) Groom, repeat after me: “Bride I give you this ring as a symbol of my love/ (pause for him to repeat) and of my faith in our friendship. I promise to learn and grow with you. As I place the ring on your finger/ I commit my heart and soul to you. Wear it/ think of me/ and know that I will always love you.”
(Get the grooms ring and give it to Bride.) Bride, repeat after me: “Groom, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love/(pause for her to repeat) and of my faith in our friendship. I promise to learn and grow with you. As I place the ring on your finger/ I commit my heart and soul to you. Wear it/ think of me/ and know that I will always love you.”
Declaration of Marriage
Groom and Bride: You have consented together before God in holy matrimony, pledged your vows to each other, and exchanged rings as tokens of your love and commitment to one other. Therefore, in accordance with the laws of the state of South Carolina, and with the authority of God's Word, it is with great joy, that I pronounce you . . . husband and wife! Groom, you may now kiss your bride!
Sealed with a kiss!!!
Let us conclude with a Prayer of Blessing –Minister
Presentation
It is my pleasure to present to you Mr. and Mrs.
Recessional: mothers escorted out
Announcements: ____________________________________
Dr. Lewis Gregory ©2015 Source Ministries International
You are encouraged to reproduce and distribute this material in any format provided that you do not alter the wording in any way. You are welcome to modify this wedding ceremony to fit your particular wedding needs. Please give credit to the author in any printed publications.
