Christian Wedding Ceremony Part 1

This is a lovely, Christian wedding ceremony. It has a very traditional tone. This ceremony puts an emphasis on Jesus Christ.

Here's part 1 of the ceremony...

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Greeting

The Wedding Minister/Officiant faces the guests. The Bride and her Attendants stand to the right of the Officiant. The Groom and his Attendants stand to the left of the Officiant. The Bride and Groom stand facing the Officiant/Minister.

Officiant:

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God. It is therefore not to be entered into unadvisedly but reverently and after much consideration. Into this holy estate these two persons come now to be joined.

Invocation
Officiant:

Let us pray,

Almighty and Ever blessed God, we beseech thee to be present and bless this couple as they may be truly joined in the honorable state of marriage as thou hast brought them together by thy providence, sanctify them by thy Spirit, giving them a new frame of heart for their new relationship, and grant unto them now in the hour of their union and throughout their wedded life, thy heavenly guidance; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Presentation of the Bride
or Presentation of the Bride and Groom

Officiant: Who presents this woman to be married to this man?

Or Officiant: Who presents these individuals to be married?

The parent(s) or designated person(s) responds: I do

Or, in unison: We do.

If the Bride has not already handed her bouquet to her Maid/Matron of honor, she will do so now, and her father gives her hand to the groom, he usually kisses his daughter and shakes the Grooms hand then he takes his seat.  This Presentation of the Bride is optional and can be adapted to the situation or can be left out completely.

Charge to Bride and Groom
Officiant:

I charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, to remember that love and loyalty alone will avail as the foundations of a happy and enduring home. If the solemn vows which you are about to make be kept permanently, and if steadfastly you seek to do the will of your Heavenly Father, your life will be full of peace and joy, and the home which you are establishing will abide through every change.

The Pledge or Betrothal
Officiant:

Having freely and prayerfully chosen each other as partners for life, and in an expression of your total commitment to one another, I invite you to please join hands as you prepare to take your vows.

Bride and Groom face each other holding hands.

Officiant:
To groom _______, will you have ______to be your wife, to live together in the covenant of faith, hope, and love according to the intention of God for your lives together in Jesus Christ? Will you stand by her faithfully and love, honor and cherish her as long as you both shall live?

Groom Responds: I will

Officiant:
To bride_______, will you have ______to be your husband, to live together in the covenant of faith, hope, and love according to the intention of God for your lives together in Jesus Christ? Will you stand by him faithfully and love, honor and cherish him as long as you both shall live?

Bride responds: I will.

To view the complete ceremony and see other printing and download options, click here.